Education

To express the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the need to increase budget authority for the reduction of violent crime, the rehabilitation of American youth, and the revitalization of American cities.

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1992

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that for FY 1993 through 1998 the budget authority for: (1) the defense of Europe and Japan should be decreased by $5,000,000,000; and (2) programs for the Nation's 100 largest cities should be increased by $5,000,000,000 to improve education, foster economic investment, and fight crime through prevention and suppression activities.

A bill to shift Impact Aid funding responsibility for military connected children from the Department of Education to the Department of Defense.

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1992

Directs the Secretary of Education (Secretary), for purposes of computing the amount which a local educational agency (LEA) is entitled to receive from the Government for military-connected children in each fiscal year, to determine: (1) for each LEA receiving assistance, the number of children who reside on military installations, have parents employed on such installations, and had a parent who was on active duty in the uniformed services; and (2) the total amount of payments all LEAs are entitled to receive. Requires the Secretary of Defense to transfer (from any amounts available to him) to the Secretary in each fiscal year the total amount of funds necessary for the Secretary to make all required payments to LEAs for such fiscal year, subject to specified limitations (including that funds distributed to such LEAs be consistent with shifting only the funding responsibility for such military-connected children from the Department of Education to the Department of Defense). Sets forth formulas for determining the amount of the entitlement of an LEA for a fiscal year with respect to: (1) children with disabilities (currently, and children with specific learning disabilities for whom a determination is made under provisions related to children who had a parent who was on active duty in the uniformed services); and (2) military-connected children with disabilities and for whom such LEA is providing a program designed to meet the special and related needs of such children.

Veterans' Readjustment Benefits Improvement Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1992

Amends the veterans' educational assistance program to allow an individual who was on active duty on August 2, 1990, and who completes the requirements of a secondary school diploma (or equivalency certificate) before 12 months after the enactment of this Act to be considered to have completed such requirements within his or her initial obligated period of active duty, thus qualifying for such educational assistance after release or discharge from active duty. (Current law requires completion of school diploma requirements during the initial active duty period.) Provides a similar extension of such diploma completion requirements in the case of members of the Selected Reserve, except for requiring completion of such requirements within 11 months after the enactment of this Act. Requires the Secretary of each military department to notify individuals who have not met the diploma requirements of the extension of such periods under this Act. Credits an individual who becomes eligible for educational assistance subsequent to his or her initial period of service with the amount of basic pay reduced for participation in such educational assistance program. Applies such credit to an individual whose initial period of active duty began after June 30, 1985, and ended less than one year later with release without a bar to reenlistment. Makes such provision applicable to former members of the Selected Reserve, reducing such educational entitlement by any amount used in the earlier period of service. Bars the provision of armed forces educational assistance to individuals enrolled in education or training under the Government Employees Training Act. (Currently, such assistance is barred only if such individual is receiving such education or training and being paid full salary.) Requires apprenticeship or on-job training establishments to certify the hours completed by an individual under the Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program for members of the Selected Reserve. Prohibits approval of a nonaccredited course of education pursued in whole or in part by independent study for participation in the veterans' educational assistance program. Disapproves for participation: (1) any bartending or personality development course; (2) sales or sales management courses which do not provide specialized training within a specific field; (3) any type of course found to be avocational or recreational in character unless justification is shown by the veteran; or (4) any independent study program other than an accredited program leading to a standard college degree. Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from approving the enrollment of any eligible veteran in any course: (1) of flight training other than one given by a higher education institution and leading toward a standard college degree; (2) to be pursued by radio or open circuit television, with an exception; and (3) for any period in which the Secretary finds that more than 85 percent of the students so enrolled are having all or part of their tuition and fees paid by the educational institution or the Department under the veterans' or armed forces' educational assistance programs, unless the Secretary determines such a course to be in the best interest of the eligible veteran and the Government. Provides other exceptions to such prohibitions. Applies a savings provision to persons currently enrolled in a nonaccredited course of independent study. Reduces, for purposes of eligibility in the veterans' or survivors' and dependents' educational assistance programs, the number of clock hours of attendance required for institutional trade or technical courses not leading to a standard college degree to be considered a full-time course, and therefore eligible for participation in the programs. Provides that a course not leading to a standard college degree from an educational institution on a quarter- or semester-hour basis and offered by an entity that is not an institution of higher learning shall not be considered to be full-time if it requires less than the weekly minimum hours of full-time attendance required for institutional trade or technical courses measured on a clock hour basis. Repeals provisions providing for the computation of the monthly educational assistance allowance to be paid on behalf of an eligible individual pursuing: (1) an independent study program which leads to a standard college degree; and (2) a course in part by open circuit television. Provides a death benefit to the survivor of an individual entitled to basic education assistance who dies within one year after discharge or release from active duty (currently, who dies while on active duty) in the amount of unused educational assistance. Provides basic veterans' educational assistance entitlement for regular and Selected Reserve members who were on active duty at any time during the period between October 19, 1984, and July 1, 1985 (currently, continuous service within such period is required) and who meet certain other requirements after June 30, 1985. Makes such entitlement revision applicable as of October 28, 1986.

To amend title 10, United States Code, with respect to the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program.

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1992

Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned to establish and maintain at secondary schools a Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) unit if the number of students (currently, physically fit students) who are in a grade above the eighth grade (currently, at least 14 years of age) and are citizens or nationals of the United States or aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence (currently, only citizens and nationals) is not less than 100 or ten percent of the total amount enrolled in the institution. Allows such Secretary to provide additional resources, including transportation and billeting, as available to support activities of the JROTC program at such institution. Revises the pay formula for retired military personnel instructing JROTC students at such institutions.

To amend the Act of September 30, 1950 to provide that amounts appropriated under such Act for purposes of making payments to local educational agencies on behalf of children who are dependents of a parent or parents on active duty in the armed forces shall be considered national defense functions for budget purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1992

Amends specified Federal law relating to impact aid to require that appropriations and expenditures under such law for payments to local educational agencies on behalf of children who are dependents of a parent or parents on active duty in the armed forces be considered national defense functions for budget purposes.

Veterans In Transition Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1992

Veterans In Transition Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to provide post-service training vouchers to eligible members of the armed forces who apply in order to finance employment retraining provided through programs established under the Job Training Partnership Act. Requires such vouchers to be provided to such members within 60 days of their separation from active duty. Defines as eligible those members serving on active duty or full-time National Guard duty on September 30, 1990, who were either involuntarily separated or separated under one of the military separation incentive programs, and who were not entitled to retired or retainer pay incident to such separation. Requires such a member to certify to the Secretary that the member is unemployed and does not have a firm commitment for employment upon separation. Directs the Secretary to provide such vouchers to certain unemployed members who did not receive such vouchers due to lack of the required certification. Authorizes the Secretary to provide such vouchers to other members discharged or released from active duty if they would benefit from the training provided. Directs the Secretary to provide appropriate notification to members eligible for such vouchers. Provides for the determination of voucher amounts, requiring such amounts to be generally equal to the cost of providing the training required to achieve the employment objective chosen by the member. Directs the Secretary of Labor to assist the Secretary in determining voucher amounts. Authorizes any member receiving such a voucher to exchange it for employment and training services provided under the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) to the same extent as other individuals eligible to receive such services. Requires such vouchers to be used within a two-year period after discharge, release, or separation. Directs the Secretary, after receiving a voucher, to reimburse the training provider for the actual cost of providing such training, not to exceed the face value of the voucher. Prohibits more than ten percent of the funds provided under this Act from being used for administrative costs. Prohibits the training providers, in accepting vouchers in exchange for employment and training services under the JTPA, from: (1) reducing the number of individuals who receive such services in the absence of the voucher program; or (2) denying such services to veterans who are eligible for such services but do not have a voucher. Directs the Secretary to notify the State agency administering the JTPA in which the member intends to reside and take up training. Amends the JTPA to include such separated members in the defense conversion adjustment program provided under such Act. Requires preseparation counseling of members about to be discharged or released from active duty to occur as soon as possible, but not later than 90 days before the date of discharge (currently, upon discharge). Includes as part of such counseling the creation of a transition plan for the member and spouse to achieve educational, training, and employment objectives. Directs the Secretary to consult with the Secretaries of Labor, Education, and Veterans Affairs and the Economic Adjustment Committee to improve the coordination of, and eliminate duplication between, specified job training and placement programs available to members who are discharged or released from active duty. Directs the Secretary to use ten percent of the amount authorized to be appropriated under this Act for the financing of specified coordination efforts. Directs the Secretary, as part of the preseparation counseling provided to discharged or released members, to insure that information is provided to interested members with respect to the establishment and operation of small businesses. Authorizes the Secretary to make a grant to a member eligible for a training voucher to assist such member in establishing a small business after such discharge or release. Authorizes the Secretary to make a grant to a business owned or operated by a veteran to assist the business to employ members eligible for training vouchers. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the head of a Federal agency under which the agency makes grants to States and local governments and nonprofit organizations to establish internships or other training programs for members eligible for training vouchers. Provides that all such grants will be made in lieu of providing the member with a training voucher. Authorizes the Secretary, in order to assist discharged or released members and their spouses in locating civilian employment, to conduct marketing and employer outreach activities to promote the creation of employment opportunities for such members and spouses. Authorizes appropriations.

Infrastructure Growth and Employment Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1992

Infrastructure Growth and Employment Act of 1992 - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce (the Secretary), acting through the Economic Development Administration, to make grants to any State or local government for construction, renovation, repair, or other improvement of local public works projects (including those State and local projects for which Federal funding is authorized under other laws). Sets the Federal share at 80 percent of project cost. Terminates the making of such grants after the earlier of: (1) any three-consecutive-month period during which the national unemployment rate remained below six percent; or (2) September 30, 1993. Allocates funds among the States on the basis of a formula involving relative numbers of unemployed persons, average unemployment rates, and severity of unemployment. Reserves specified portions of such funds for projects of Indian tribes and Alaskan Native villages, minimum State allotments, and development and administration of each project. Requires that at least ten percent of total grant funds be set aside and expended only for project grants to local governments with populations under 10,000. Requires that priority and preference be given to: (1) local government projects; (2) local-government-endorsed projects by States and special purpose units; (3) school district projects; (4) projects for industrial research or development parks which allocate space for new businesses; and (5) projects for applied research facilities which develop new products and processes (at higher education institutions). Requires expediting and giving priority to applications from States or local governments with unemployment rates for the past 12 months in excess of the national rates (and, after that, to those with average unemployment rates for that period in excess of six percent). Requires State and local prioritization of projects in their applications. Requires localization of unemployment rate determinations. Requires rules, regulations, and procedures which assure that adequate consideration is given to the relative needs of various sections of the country, based on various factors including amount of unemployment or underemployment in construction and construction-related industries. Prohibits use of funds for acquisition of land or for maintenance costs. Requires applicants to assure that, if funds are available, on-site labor work can begin within 90 days after project approval. Requires: (1) contracting out; (2) competitive bidding; (3) awards to the lowest responsive bid; (4) advertising specifications; (5) environmental law and regulation compliance; and (6) applicability of specified requirements involving Buy American provisions, minority participation, individuals with disabilities, and Davis-Bacon Act prevailing wage rates. Authorizes appropriations.

Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1992

Title I: Authorization of Appropriations - 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. Earmarks funds for specified purposes relating to Group Cape Hatteras, North Carolina; Traverse City, Michigan; Houston, Texas; Galveston, Texas; and Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts. Declares specified bridges in Louisiana and Massachusetts to be unreasonable obstructions to navigation. Title II: Boating Safety - Amends Federal law to create an increased civil penalty for subsequent offenses of operating a vessel while intoxicated. Mandates reports to specified congressional committees regarding: (1) a plan to increase the availability of voluntary safe boating education to individuals under 17 years old; and (2) ways to enlarge the mission of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and to increase Auxiliary participation in Coast Guard activities. Mandates a demonstration project in the Ninth Coast Guard District in conjunction with other appropriate Government agencies to increase coordination of enforcement of boating laws and regulations. Title III: Miscellaneous - Amends Federal law relating to Coast Guard user fees to prohibit a fee or charge for the inspection of training ships operated by State maritime academies. Subjects foreign vessels certified by countries with inspection laws similar to those of the United States to an inspection to ensure that the condition of the vessel is (currently, only 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. Mandates submission to specified congressional committees of a report on the application of the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor technology to Coast Guard missions.

To facilitate the development of an integrated, nationwide telecommunications system dedicated to instruction by guaranteeing the acquisition of a communications satellite system used solely for communications among State and local instructional institutions and agencies and instructional resource providers.

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1992

Authorizes the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) to carry out an educational satellite loan guarantee program. Guarantees any lender against loss of principal or interest on a loan which is to be used solely to acquire and operate a communications satellite system dedicated to transmitting instructional programming. Restricts such a loan to a non-Federal, nonprofit, public corporation: (1) whose sole purpose is to acquire and operate such a system; (2) whose governing board includes members representing elementary and secondary education, vocational and technical education, community and State colleges, and universities; (3) whose charter is designed for affiliation with State and local instructional institutions and agencies, and other distance learning and instructional resource providers; and (4) which is in existence as of January 1, 1992. Requires such corporation, before such loan is guaranteed, to have: (1) investigated all practical means to acquire a communications satellite system; (2) reported to the Secretary its findings; and (3) recommended the most cost-effective, high-quality communications satellite system for the purposes of this Act. Sets forth limitations on the amount of guaranteed loans to: (1) acquire such system; and (2) operate and manage such system for up to three years. Requires the lender to assign rights and interests in such system to the United States upon payment of such loan guarantee. Authorizes the United States to exercise, retain, or dispose of any such right or interest in any manner it deems fit, upon recommendation of the Secretary. Authorizes appropriations.

Aviation Noise Improvement and Capacity Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1992

Aviation Noise Improvement and Capacity Act of 1992 - Title I: Airport and Airway Improvement Act Amendments - Amends the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982 to declare that: (1) it is in the public interest to recognize the effects of airport capacity expansion projects on airport noise; and (2) noncompatible land uses around airports must be reduced, and efforts to mitigate noise must be given a high priority. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 through 1995 for: (1) airport development and planning projects; (2) air navigation facilities; (3) weather reporting services for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); (4) aviation research, engineering and development, and demonstration projects; and (5) enhancing airport capacity. Requires the Administrator of the FAA to assure that sufficient resources are available to develop improved technology for reduction in engine and airframe noise and aircraft emissions. Amends Federal law to authorize appropriations for FY 1993 through 1995 for FAA operations. Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to revise the minimum Federal appropriation levels which permit imposition of local airport passenger facility fees on airline passengers. Amends the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982 to increase the apportionment of airport development and planning funds for: (1) airports which are served by aircraft providing only air cargo (including mail) transportation; and (2) primary airports. Repeals the limitation on the amount of such funds. Decreases the State apportionment of such funds. Limits to no more than 44 percent (currently, 49.5 percent) the apportionment of such funds for primary and cargo service airports in cases where such apportionment has been limited or reduced by an Act of the Congress. Extends the funding for the military airport set-aside program. Increases the noise set-aside apportionment for airport noise compatibility planning programs. Prohibits the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) from obligating funds for airport development projects for the construction or extension of a runway for large aircraft operations at an airport unless it has a noise compatibility program which takes into account such runway extension or construction. Authorizes the increase by a specified percentage of the maximum obligation of the United States for airport development and planning projects for FY 1993 and thereafter for an airport other than a primary airport. Includes as an "aircraft development" activity the: (1) relocation of an air traffic control tower if relocation is necessary to carry out an approved project; and (2) if funded by a grant under this title, construction, reconstruction, repair, or improvement of an airport (or any purchase of capital equipment for an airport) which is necessary for compliance with specified Federal laws, other than construction or purchase of capital equipment which would benefit a revenue-producing area of the airport used by a nonaeronautical business. Requires as a condition precedent to the approval of an airport development project grant application that the Secretary receive assurances that a report of the airport budget will be available to the public at reasonable times and places. Requires the Administrator of the FAA to increase the employment of aviation safety inspectors by a specified ratio percentage. Title II: Federal Aviation Act Amendments - Amends Federal law to limit the term of the Administrator of the FAA appointed after March 1, 1993, to one five-year term. Requires the Administrator of the FAA to require, by regulation, procedures to improve safety of aircraft operations during winter conditions. Requires the Administrator of the FAA to initiate a rulemaking to consider whether it is advisable to require enhanced training or education, especially on the use of autopilot and high altitude flight, for pilots operating high performance, single engine, propeller-driven aircraft. Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to authorize the Administrator of the FAA to enter into a contract with a State or political subdivision to permit it to operate a level I visual flight rules airport traffic control tower, provided certain safety and contract requirements are met. Requires all persons to give adequate public notice of the establishment or expansion, or the proposed establishment or expansion, of any structure or sanitary landfill where such notice will promote safety in air commerce and preserve the navigable airspace and airport traffic capacity at public-use airports. Title III: Airline Consumer Protection and Competition Emergency Commission - Airline Consumer Protection and Competition Emergency Commission Act of 1992 - Establishes the Emergency Commission on Airline Consumer Protection and Competition to: (1) assess and report to the President and the Congress on the state of the airline industry and the aircraft manufacturing industry, particularly the full implications of foreign ownership of U.S. carriers; and (2) recommend Government policies to improve the competitive environment for the U.S. airline industry and aircraft manufacturing industry, retard the flow of carrier bankruptcies and accompanying loss of jobs, assure continued ownership and control of U.S. carriers by U.S. citizens, promote adequate levels of competition and service with reasonable fares in all geographic areas of the Nation, and stabilize the work environment of airline industry employees.

Veterans' Readjustment Benefits Improvement Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1992

Veterans' Readjustment Benefits Improvement Act of 1992 - Title I: Educational Assistance Programs - Amends the Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program to increase the monthly educational benefit paid to active-duty members of the armed forces pursuing a full-time educational program from $300 to $450, and to increase from $170 to $200 the benefit for members of the Selected Reserve pursuing full-time studies. Makes proportionate increases in the part-time educational benefit provided to both active duty and reserve members. Allows Selected Reserve members to use such educational benefit to pursue graduate programs (currently prohibited from pursuing courses beyond the baccalaureate level). Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to approve individualized tutorial assistance (tutoring) to any person entitled to regular educational assistance who: (1) is enrolled in and pursuing postsecondary education on a half-time or more basis; and (2) has a deficiency in a subject required for, prerequisite to, or indispensable to the program of education being pursued. Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned to pay a tutorial assistance allowance to persons receiving such tutoring at a rate not to exceed $100 per month or a maximum of $1,200. Provides that a person's entitlement to basic educational assistance shall be charged for such tutorial assistance only for that amount which exceeds $600. Provides that individuals who are discharged after less than 12 months of active duty and later reenlist or reenter active duty shall have such prior period of service count toward eligibility for the basic educational assistance program. Provides that any reduction in basic pay taken during such prior period shall count toward the total pay reduction required for participation in the program. Provides that active-duty personnel pursuing programs of education on a half-time or more basis shall receive educational assistance benefits at the same rate as provided to veterans. Provides that an individual who initially serves a continuous period of active duty of at least three years, even though his or her initial obligation was for less than three years, is eligible for the same amount of educational assistance provided to an individual whose initial period of obligated active duty was for three years or more. Repeals a provision requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs to pay work-study participants their work-study allowance in advance of their performance of required services under such program. Excludes elementary and secondary schools from a Federal provision requiring an educational institution to furnish a copy of its catalog when applying for approval of an accredited course by a State approving agency (SAA). Requires schools that have and enforce standards of attendance to submit such standards to the SAA for approval. Bars the payment of veterans' educational assistance for a course paid for under the Government Employees Training Act. (Currently, such payment is barred only if the person's full salary is being paid to him or her during such training education.) Waives the right of recovery of an advance payment made to a veteran for the receipt of educational assistance if the failure to enroll in or pursue a course of education under the program is due to the death of the veteran. Allows as a change of program for purposes of the veterans' educational assistance program: (1) a change of program after the veteran has successfully completed the first program; and (2) a second program which leads to a vocational, educational, or professional objective in the same general field as the first program. Prohibits the approval of a course of education which has not been approved by a SAA if such course is to be pursued in whole or in part by independent study. Prohibits approval of enrollment of a veteran in an independent study program except an accredited program leading to a standard college degree. Prohibits such approval also for survivors and dependents enrolling in a nonaccredited independent study program. Provides a savings provision for persons currently enrolled in such programs. Revises the measurement of courses, for purposes of payment of educational assistance benefits, for institutional trade or technical courses not leading to a standard college degree. Excludes programs of education beyond the baccalaureate level from the measurement of courses for an institutional undergraduate course offered by a college or university on a standard quarter- or semester-hour basis. Removes the in-residence requirement for the measurement of such courses. Prohibits an institutional course not leading to a standard college degree offered by an institution on such basis from being measured as full-time if such course requires less than the minimum weekly hours of attendance required for institutional trade or technical courses offered on a clock-hour basis. Allows a veteran's survivor or dependent up to six months of educational assistance for the pursuit of refresher training to permit the updating of knowledge or skills. Requires any allowance so paid to be charged against the person's basic educational assistance entitlement. Permits participation in the Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program for an individual who, after September 30, 1992, receives a commission as an officer in the armed forces or reserves upon graduation from a military academy or upon completion of a senior ROTC program. Title II: Vocational Rehabilitation and Pension Programs - Makes permanent after January 31, 1985 (currently only for the period beginning February 1, 1985, and ending on January 31, 1992), a program of 12-month trial work periods and vocational rehabilitation outreach for veterans who have total disability ratings based on unemployability. Allows all veterans who have been awarded pension by the Department (currently, only pension-awarded veterans under the age of 45) to submit to the Secretary an application for vocational education and training. Revises provisions with respect to the manner in which the Secretary shall determine whether the veteran has potential for achieving employment after pursuing such vocational training. Makes permanent (currently ends three years after the end of the original program period) the three-year protection from reduction in Department health-care eligibility for veterans who lose their pension due to employment income after successful completion of vocational training. Provides eligibility for vocational rehabilitation for veterans with a service-connected disability rated at ten percent or more and who have a serious employment handicap (as determined by the Secretary). Provides that where a new application for veterans' pension or parents' dependency and indemnity compensation is filed within one year after the renouncement of the right to such benefit, the application shall not be considered an original application, and payment of such benefits shall be made as if the renouncement had not occurred. Title III: Job Counseling, Training, and Placement Services for Veterans - Requires funds to be made available to a State to support the appointment of a disabled veterans' outreach program specialist for veterans who first entered on active duty after May 7, 1975. (Currently, such specialists represent only Vietnam-era veterans and disabled veterans.) Repeals the December 31, 1994, delimiting date after which a veteran may not be considered a veteran of the Vietnam era for purposes of eligibility for Vietnam veterans' employment and training programs.

Veterans' Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 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.

A joint resolution designating September 10, 1992, as "National D.A.R.E. Day".

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1992

Designates September 10, 1992, as National DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Day.

Job Training 2000 Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1992

Job Training 2000 Act - Establishes, as part of the Federal system of funding for vocational training programs: (1) a network of local skill centers to provide a common point of entry; (2) a certification system; and (3) a voucher system. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Education for allocations to States and private industry councils to assist in carrying out title III of this Act, relating to certification of vocational training programs. Title I: General Provisions - Part A: Federal Responsibilities - Establishes the Federal Vocational Training Council (Federal Council), composed of the Secretaries of Labor, Education, Health and Human Services, Agriculture, and Veterans Affairs (or their designees) and such other agency heads as the President may designate. Includes among Federal Council functions: (1) advice and guidance on implementation of this Act to affected Federal, State, and local agencies and organizations; (2) ensuring application of consistent policies, practices, and procedures in Federal vocational training programs (including, through waiver authority, requiring common terms and performance standards, collection of common data, coordination and consolidation of timing and sequence, of State and local plans and reports); (3) serving as an information clearinghouse among Federal, State, and local officials; (4) evaluation of this Act's effect on individuals, institutions, agencies, and labor markets; and (5) oversight of implementation and administration of this Act. Grants each member of the Federal Council limited waiver authority over regulations or provisions of law in their jurisdiction that would prevent application of consistent practices and procedures to the specified items. Terminates such authority three years after the effective date of this Act. Requires certain reports to the President by the Federal Council. Establishes a National Private Sector Advisory Board on Vocational Training (Advisory Board), composed of 15 members appointed by the President. Allows the President to consider including: (1) representatives of the private sector, who shall be private sector owners or executives with substantial management or policy responsibility, to constitute a majority of the membership; (2) representatives of educational agencies, welfare and social service agencies, labor organizations, or community-based organizations; and (3) participants in vocational training programs and other individuals who have special knowledge and qualifications with respect to vocational training. Directs the Advisory Board to advise the Federal Council on carrying out its responsibilities, increasing private sector involvement in vocational training programs, and ways of ensuring that the Federal vocational training system meets labor market needs. Part B: State Human Resource Investment Council - Requires establishment of a single State human resource investment council (State Council) by each State that receives assistance under an applicable program (i.e. one under the Adult Education Act, Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act, Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA), Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Wagner-Peyser Act, the JOBS program under AFDC provisions of the Social Security Act, specified employment and training provisions under the Food Stamp Act of 1977, specified student aid provisions for Pell Grants, Supplemental Grants, Stafford Guaranteed Loans, Work-Study Programs, and Perkins Direct Loans under the Higher Education Act of 1965, Veterans Vocational Training programs, and other programs designated by the Federal Council). Requires the State Council to advise the Governor on: (1) coordination methods, after reviewing provision of services and use of funds under applicable programs; and (2) developing, implementing, and coordinating State and local standards and measures relating to applicable programs. Requires each State Council to consist of members appointed by the Governor who are representatives of: (1) business and industry (including agriculture, where appropriate), who shall constitute a majority of the membership; (2) organized labor and community-based organizations; (3) the chief administrative offices from each State agency primarily responsible for administering an applicable program; (4) the State legislature and appropriate State agencies and organizations; (5) local governments; (6) local educational agencies and postsecondary institutions; (7) local welfare and public housing agencies; and (8) individuals with special knowledge and qualifications with respect to education and career development needs of members of special populations, women, and minorities, including one individual representative of special education. Requires each State to certify to the Federal Council the establishment and membership of the State Council at least 90 days before the beginning of each period of two program years for which a Job Training 2000 plan is submitted. Part C: Additional State Responsibilities - Requires each Governor to biennially issue a statement of goals and objectives for the Job Training 2000 system established in the State pursuant to this Act, in order to assist the private industry councils prepare the Job Training 2000 Plan. Requires dissemination of such statement to private industry councils and other interested agencies, organizations, and individuals. Requires each Governor to report annually to the Federal Council on activities undertaken in the State pursuant to this Act, including specified information and additional imports as requested. Includes among each Governor's oversight responsibilities with respect to private industry councils: (1) monitoring compliance; (2) providing technical assistance; and (3) applying sanctions, including revocation of plan approval or imposition of a reorganization plan (which may be appealed to the Secretary of Labor). Part D: Local Plan and Report - Requires each private industry council (PIC) to submit to the Governor a Job Training 2000 plan for two-year periods. Requires PICs to prepare such plans in a specified manner, and in consultation with representatives of: (1) Federal vocational training programs and local public and private providers of service to such programs, including programs authorized under specified Federal laws and provisions; and (2) local business, labor, educational, and community-based organizations and other interested individuals and organizations. Sets forth required contents of such plans, including provisions relating to the certification system and the voucher system under this Act. Sets forth provisions for review and approval of such plans by the Governor (with State Council advice), with opportunities for PIC plan modifications and appeals to the Secretary of Labor, and final review by such Secretary. Requires annual PIC reports to the Governor and State Council. Title II: Skill Centers - Requires each PIC, in accordance with specified consultation procedures, to designate a network of skill centers in each service delivery area (SDA) to: (1) improve individuals' access to vocational training by designating common entry points to programs; (2) better inform individuals of employment opportunities, local labor market conditions, and local vocational training programs' performance; (3) facilitate matching local employers with potential employees who meet hiring qualifications and workforce skill needs; and (4) encourage greater coordination and minimize duplication of services between federally funded vocational training programs. Allows any entity or consortium located in the SDA to apply to be designated as a skill center (including Employment Service offices, community colleges, community-based organizations, administrative entities under JTPA, and other interested organizations and entities). Sets forth skill center functions, including providing specified services in the following categories: (1) core services which each center is required to make available; (2) enhanced services which each center may make available; and (3) specialized employer services which each center may provide to employers on a fee-for-service basis (income from which must be used to expand or enhance the services such center provides). Requires that programs authorized under specified Federal provisions (under certain of the Federal laws listed as applicable programs under title I part B), participate in the operation of the skill centers. Allows other programs providing basic skills, literacy, or vocational training to participate in such center operation as a party to an agreement if the PIC and other participating programs approve. Sets forth requirements for skill center: (1) designation procedures (including publication of notice, consultation, selection criteria, and charter issuance); (2) participating programs agreements with PIC (including exceptions where a participating program may be allowed to provide specified core services in addition to center provision of such services); (3) performance standards (prescribed by the Secretary of Labor in consultation with the Federal Council, with adjustments and additions by each Governor, and with sanctions for noncompliance); and (4) incentive grants, to be awarded to skill centers by Governors from funds available under specified provisions of the Wagner-Peyser Act (Employment Service) and the JTPA. Title III: Certification System for Federal Vocational Training - Directs the Secretary of Education to allocate funds (appropriated pursuant to the authorization under this Act) to the States and PICs to assist in carrying out a certification system to: (1) ensure that only high quality vocational training programs are eligible to receive Federal funds; (2) establish performance standards to increase effectiveness of vocational training programs; and (3) promote the availability of information on the local level regarding performance of vocational training programs. Provides that such allocations shall be based on factors deemed appropriate by such Secretary, in consultation with the Federal Council. Requires a vocational training program provided by an institution or other service provider (except an on-the-job training program) to be certified in order to be eligible to receive Federal funds under specified covered programs (including those under certain of Federal laws and provisions listed as applicable programs under title I part B and mandatory participating programs under title II). Directs the Secretary of Education, in consultation with the Federal Council, to prescribe performance standards for vocational training programs provided by an institution or other service provider. Prohibits such standards from being revised more frequently than once every two years. Requires such standards to address: (1) the institution's financial responsibility; (2) program costs; (3) student withdrawal rates; (4) student loan default rate at the institution; (5) graduate licensure rates; and (6) graduate employment placement, retention, and earnings. Authorizes additional standards based on other measures of program effectiveness in meeting special needs of disadvantaged students and in preparing students for employment, including meeting relevant industry skill standards. Allows PICs to modify levels of successful performance under each such standard, if local conditions so justify and if State and Federal approval is given. Sets forth certification procedures, including: (1) designation of a single State agency to certify programs, collect data, issue guidelines, and determine information to be included in applications; (2) role of the PIC (in the SDA in which the program is located) in certifying, upon notification of the application, whether the program meets performance standards (in which role a PIC may use staff of skill centers or other entities or may establish a consortium with other PICs in the State); (4) State agency approval of applications (with requirements for recertification under specified conditions, and authority to suspend program certification on an emergency basis); (5) appeal procedures at State and Federal levels; (6) conflict-of-interest prohibitions; and (7) PIC dissemination of information on program performance to the skill centers. Title IV: Vocational Training Voucher System - Establishes a vocational training voucher system. Requires that vocational training and related services provided to individuals from funds under the following covered programs shall only be provided through such voucher system: (1) title II (Training Services for the Disadvantaged) and title III (Employment and Training Assistance for Dislocated Workers) of JTPA; (2) specified employment and training provisions under the Food Stamp Act of 1977; and (3) the new Postsecondary Vocational Training program which this Act adds as part D of title II of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act. Defines related services as those provided by a single service provider as part of a package of services which includes vocational training. Allows the covered program to provide, in addition to vocational training and related services, other services (which must be identified in the agreement) through such voucher system. Allows other Federal programs, in addition to the listed covered programs, to participate in the voucher system if such participation is consistent with the laws governing such programs and the PIC approves. Makes the PIC responsible for overseeing the establishment and operation of the voucher system. Directs the PIC, after consultation with local providers of vocational training, to enter into an agreement with the skill centers and the local agencies responsible for administering the covered programs and the additional programs. Requires such written agreement to specify: (1) common procedures for voucher issuance; (2) financial and management information systems to be used to administer the voucher system; (3) payment schedules relating to vouchers, including those for courses not completed by participants; and (4) conditions to ensure compliance with covered program requirements. Requires such vouchers to contain specified information and conditions, including an expiration date and the limitation that the voucher is only redeemable for certified programs. Requires at least 20 percent of the total payment to be withheld from the service provider until the participant has: (1) successfully completed the training; and (2) been employed and retained employment for a period of at least 90 days. Directs the Secretary of Labor, in consultation with the Federal Council, to issue regulations implementing such withholding requirements. Limits the total dollar amount of outstanding vouchers issued in an SDA by a covered program to not more than the amount of funds available to such program in such SDA. Sets forth special rules for vouchers issued for on-the-job training, including: (1) specification of a particular occupational area; (2) redemption only by employers with available positions approved by the covered program in that occupational area; and (3) inapplicability of the withholding requirement. Allows a contract for direct services, in lieu of a voucher, to be used for provision of vocational training and related services under a covered program if the PIC approves the program's request based on a finding of: (1) an insufficient number of providers in an SDA for a voucher system; or (2) programs in the SDA are unable to provide effective services to special participant populations, such as individuals with severe disabilities and substance abusers. Authorizes the Governor to direct a PIC to rescind such a contract upon determining that there was an insufficient basis for such findings. Title V: Conforming Amendments to Other Acts - Amends the Adult Education Act, Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Act, Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA), Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Wagner-Peyser Act, Social Security Act, and Food Stamp Act of 1977 to add requirements relating to duties of State human resource councils (as required by this Act) with respect to applicable programs under such Acts. Amends JTPA to add various program requirements (conforming to this Act) for certification of vocational training programs, participation in operation of skill centers, and vouchered services under certain JTPA titles. Revises JTPA provisions for the Job Corps to include specified arrangements with the skill centers, transfer of specified resources to skill centers, certification requirements for vocational training providers to be eligible for contracts with Job Corps Centers. Amends the Wagner-Peyser Act to include the skill centers under provisions for incentive grants. Requires the employment service to: (1) participate in operation of the skill centers; (2) ensure that core services and agreed-upon enhanced services are provided only through skill centers; and (3) transfer sufficient resources to the skill centers to provide such services to individuals who are authorized to receive services under the Wagner-Peyser Act and who are not participants in other participating programs under the agreement. Allows local employment service offices to apply to be designated as skill centers. Amends Federal law relating to Veterans Vocational Training programs to include references to skill centers. Requires participation in the operation of skill centers and transfer of sufficient resources to such centers to provide the core services and agreed-upon enhanced services to individuals participating under provisions for Veterans Vocational Training. Amends the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act to establish a new Postsecondary Vocational Training program (as part D of title II). Reserves a specified portion of funds for such programs. Provides for State allotments and local allocations under such program in accordance with specified funding formulas under JTPA. Bases individual eligibility on: (1) either completion of high school or nonenrollment in high school while being beyond compulsory attendance age; and (2) being economically disadvantaged as defined under JTPA. Requires use of program funds to provide eligible individuals with postsecondary vocational training and related services through the voucher system established under this Act. Requires a vocational training program to be certified under this Act before it may provide postsecondary level training to students under the Tech-Prep Education program (part E of title III of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act). Amends the JOBS program under Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) provisions of the Social Security Act to require State agency participation in the operation of skill centers and transfers of sufficient resources to such centers to provide core services and agreed-upon enhanced services. Requires a vocational training program to be certified under this Act before it may receive funds under the JOBS program. Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to require a vocational training program to be certified under this Act before it may receive funds under certain employment and training project provisions of such Act. Requires vocational training under such Act to be provided only through the voucher system established under this Act. Allows other additional services to be provided through such system. Requires State agencies to enter into agreements relating to administration of the voucher system. Requires State agencies to: (1) participate in operation of skill centers and transfer sufficient resources to such centers to enable them to be the sole providers of core services and agreed-upon enhanced services to food stamp program participants determined to need vocational training. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require certification for certain institutions that offer vocational education, for purposes of eligibility for certain student aid programs (including specified grant, loan, and work-study programs). Requires such institutions to provide for skill center referrals, prior to enrollment, for students receiving such aid. Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Refugee Assistance Act program under specified Federal law, and the Trade Adjustment Assistance program under the Trade Act of 1974 to require certification of vocational training programs under this Act as a condition of eligibility for funding under such Acts. Title VI: Effective Date and Transition - Allows each member of the Federal Council, in consultation with such Council, to establish transition rules and procedures for programs under their jurisdiction, for purposes of this Act.

Prescription Accountability and Patient Care Improvement Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1992

Prescription Accountability and Patient Care Improvement Act of 1992 - Title I: Assisting in Implementation of Controlled Substance Accountability Prescription Systems - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make funds available to at least ten States: (1) for electronic prescription accountability and patient care improvement programs under this Act; (2) to supplement State electronic claims management systems under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act; (3) for the operations of existing triplicate systems under this Act; and (4) to supplement the implementation of guidelines developed by the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research and accepted drug utilization review principles to improve patient care and physician prescribing practices. Authorizes appropriations, to be derived solely from fees imposed under the Controlled Substances Act, as amended by this Act. Amends the Controlled Substances Act to authorize fees for registration to manufacture controlled substances in certain schedules and relating to the administration of programs to prevent and detect illegal and inappropriate drug distribution by allowing information on prescriptions of drugs that are controlled in Schedules II, III, and IV to be electronically transmitted to State health agencies. Describes a controlled substances electronic accountable prescription system, including requirements that it electronically report the dispensing of certain drugs. Requires the State health agency to: (1) pay transmittal costs; and (2) make all necessary transmittal equipment available to dispensers without charge. Requires each State system to provide for the maintenance of information in a central repository meeting certain requirements. Requires each State to designate a State agency to administer the collection of system information, control information access, and produce reports of aggregated data that indicate that a substance has been dispensed for a period outside the expected standards. Provides for confidentiality and disclosure of information. Requires the Director of a State agency to appoint a Prescription Accountability and Patient Care Improvement Board. Mandates disclosure to: (1) the State narcotics control agency and medical boards or licensing agencies only when there is reasonable cause for further inquiry into the illegal diversion or illegal prescribing of controlled substances; and (2) State medical boards and licensing agencies, and State medical societies only when there is reasonable cause for further inquiry of a medically inappropriate prescribing of controlled substances, for developing rules and procedures to improve physician prescribing practices and patient care. Requires the State health agency to: (1) appoint a Practice Parameter Advisory Panel; and (2) develop procedures to address the needs of individuals in need of substance abuse treatment counseling for controlled substances. Title II: Reports and Studies - Establishes a nationwide patient care improvement telephone hotline to respond to questions from patients, physicians, pharmacists, and any other health care practitioner involved in the dispensing or regulation of drugs. Requires that the hotline collect fees through "1-900" technologies to cover all hotline costs. Establishes the National Commission on Special Medical Needs to: (1) develop new initiatives regarding the appropriate prescribing of medically necessary drugs, including addressing both underprescribing and overprescribing; and (2) establish a system for identifying physicians needing further education on the needs of severely ill patients. Mandates regular consultation between certain officials of the Department of Health and Human Services and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) regarding the annual quota for legal manufacture of schedule II controlled substances. Directs the Secretary to regularly advise the DEA of: (1) continuing medical developments in the therapeutically-effective prescribing of schedule II controlled substances; and (2) any developing shortages of schedule II controlled substances for pain or narcolepsy patients. Requires ongoing studies and reports to the Congress of the costs and benefits of existing electronic data transfer and multiple-copy prescription programs relating to controlled substances, including programs implemented under title I of this Act. Mandates ongoing efforts to identify prescription drugs which are not schedule II-IV controlled substances but which are subject to illegal diversion or needless addiction. Requires development and distribution of a brief information brochure regarding proper prescribing of controlled substances for specialty treatment. Mandates development of printed patient inserts regarding controlled substance use, including listing the hotline number. Requires the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services to develop computer software to administer this Act, taking all steps to ensure compatibility with the Medicaid Audit Data Accounting Systems (MADAS).

Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1993

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1992

Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1993 - Title I: Procurement - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, and Air Force for aircraft, missiles, weapons, tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and other procurement. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 for the defense agencies and the Defense Inspector General for procurement and for the destruction of lethal chemical weapons under the chemical demilitarization program. Repeals a provision requiring a separate budget request for the procurement of equipment for the reserves. Title II: Research, Development, Test and Evaluation - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 for the armed forces and the defense agencies for research, development, test, and evaluation (R&D). Earmarks funds authorized to the defense agencies for: (1) the Deputy Director, Defense Research and Engineering; (2) the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation; and (3) chemical agents and munitions destruction, defense. Title III: Operation and Maintenance - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 for operation and maintenance for: (1) the armed forces; (2) the defense agencies; (3) the reserves; (4) medical programs, defense; (5) the National Guard; (6) the National Board for the Promotion of Rifle Practice; (7) the Defense Inspector General; (8) drug interdiction and counter-drug activities, defense; (9) the Court of Military Appeals; (10) environmental restoration, defense; (11) humanitarian assistance; and (12) chemical agents and munitions destruction, defense. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 for working capital funds for the armed forces and the defense agencies. Empowers the Defense Inspector General with the authority to provide for any emergency or extraordinary expenses which cannot be anticipated or classified. Repeals the Federal ceiling on the number of employees in headquarters and nonmanagement headquarters activities and support activities. Repeals a Federal provision requiring the Secretary of Defense to reduce the number of civilian Department of Defense (DOD) employees employed by industrial- or commercial-type activities. Repeals specified provisions of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1992 and 1993 which: (1) limit the authority of the National Defense Stockpile (NDS) Manager to dispose of materials in the NDS; and (2) require the Manager to obligate specified sums for the acquisition of materials in the NDS during FY 1992 and 1993. Provides that during FY 1992 and thereafter, sales of stockpiled material in the NDS Transaction Fund may not exceed $1,000,000,000. Authorizes the Secretary to impose a moratorium on the acquisition of new material for the NDS in order to reduce existing excess material in the stockpile. Prohibits, except to the extent authorized in appropriation Acts, the use of funds available in the NDS Transaction Fund from being obligated or expended to finance the conduct of R&D activities for the development or production of advanced materials. National Defense Sealift Improvement Act - Establishes in the Treasury the National Defense Sealift Fund. Requires the Secretary to administer the Fund, obligating and expending Fund sums for: (1) R&D relating to national defense sealift; (2) construction, purchase, lease, alteration, conversion, or operation and maintenance of sealift vessels for national defense purposes; and (3) such other purposes authorized by law relating to national defense sealift. Authorizes appropriations. States that proceeds from the sale or lease of certain vessels shall be deposited into the Fund. Transfers certain prior unobligated balances into the Fund from Navy shipbuilding and conversion funds. Title IV: Personnel Authorizations for Fiscal Year 1993 - Part A: Active Forces - Authorizes end strengths for active-duty forces for FY 1993. Part B: Reserve Forces - Authorizes end strengths for reserve components of the armed forces for FY 1993. Permits such end strengths to vary no more than two percent. Requires end strength reductions for the Selected Reserve for such fiscal year. Requires such end strength to be increased whenever members of the Selected Reserve are released from active duty. Authorizes end strengths for FY 1993 for members of the reserves on active duty in support of the reserves. Increases the number of certain enlisted and officer personnel authorized to be on active duty in support of the reserves. Part C: Military Training Student Loads - Authorizes and specifies the average military training student loads for FY 1993. Provides for the adjustment of such student loads consistent with manpower strengths authorized under this Act. Title V: General Provisions - Increases from four to every five years the physical examination requirement for members of the Ready Reserve. National Guard Amendments of 1992 - Adds warrant officers and enlisted members of the National Guard to those females authorized to be in the U.S. militia. Repeals Federal provisions requiring each member of the Army or Air National Guard called into Federal service to undergo a physical examination. Requires all parts of a National Guard unit to be included in a drill and instruction within 90 consecutive days (currently, 30) in order to be credited as an assembly for drill and instruction for purposes of National Guard duty requirements. Waives a required 30-day prior notification of termination for a National Guard technician when such technician: (1) is serving under a temporary appointment; (2) is serving in a trial or probationary period; or (3) has voluntarily ceased to be a member of the National Guard when such membership is a condition of employment. Repeals a current ceiling on the number of such technicians who may be employed at any one time. Includes commissioned officers of the Army or Air National Guard with those officers empowered to declare National Guard property as unserviceable through fair wear and tear. Waives a required increase in the pay and allowances of member of the armed forces in conformity with annual GS-level increases. Provides, in lieu thereof, effective on January 1, 1993, an increase of 3.7 percent in the rates of basic pay, basic allowance for subsistence, and basis allowance for quarters. Repeals a provision of the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1985 requiring the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on U.S. expenditures in support of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Revises the annual date for the report of the Secretary to the Senate and House Armed Services Committees (defense committees) with respect to special access programs. Provides lease terms and conditions to be followed by the Secretary when leasing defense property for display or demonstration at international shows or trade expositions or to foreign governments, when the lessee is the manufacturer of the defense equipment. Allows the Secretary to acquire from NATO and its subsidiary bodies logistic support, supplies, and services for elements of the armed forces (currently, only for elements of the armed forces deployed in Europe or adjacent waters). Provides that limitations on the amounts that may be obligated or accrued by the United States for the acquisition of defense supplies shall not apply to a period of active hostilities involving U.S. armed forces (currently, involving NATO). Amends the Arms Export Control Act and similar armed forces provisions to require participants in cooperative R&D projects with friendly foreign countries to share equitably the overhead and administrative costs as well as the costs of claims (currently, only the first two costs are shared). Extends through: (1) FY 1995 the aviation officer retention bonus; (2) FY 1994 the provision of special pay to enlisted members of the Selected Reserve assigned to certain high priority units; (3) FY 1995 provisions determining the computation of creditable service as commissioned officers before mandatory transfer to the Retired Reserve; (4) FY 1995 the grade determination authority for certain reserve medical officers; (5) FY 1995 the promotion authority for certain reserve officers serving on active duty; (6) FY 1995 the provision of education loans for certain health professionals who serve in the Selected Reserve; (7) FY 1994 the accession bonus for registered nurses serving in military medical facilities; (8) FY 1994 the special pay for nurse anesthetists; (9) FY 1997 the special pay for military enlistment and reenlistment bonuses for active duty forces; (10) FY 1995 the special pay for enlistment and reenlistment bonuses for reserve forces; (11) FY 1993 the provision of special pay for enlisted members of the Selected Reserve assigned to high priority units; (12) FY 1995 the authority for special pay for critically short wartime health specialists in the Selected Reserve; and (13) FY 2001 the major defense acquisition pilot program authorized under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991. Repeals the authority for the temporary promotion of certain critically-skilled Navy lieutenants. Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Revision Act of 1992 - Amends the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act to state as a purpose of such Act the identification of stocks of certain strategic and critical materials. States that the quantity of materials to be stockpiled under the Act should be sufficient to meet the needs of the United States during a national emergency requiring significant (currently, total) mobilization of the economy. Removes a provision prohibiting the National Defense Stockpile (NDS) from being used for budgetary purposes. Requires the handling, storage, security, maintenance, and disposal of materials in the NDS to be done in an environmentally sound manner. Allows materials in the NDS to be replaced by better materials when necessary to prevent deterioration. Allows materials to be timely disposed when becoming obsolete. Removes a current requirement limiting the President's acquisition of interests in real or personal property for storage, security, and maintenance of materials in the NDS to a 20-year period. Authorizes the President to loan NDS materials to Federal agencies when in the interest of national defense. Removes a prohibition against the obligation or appropriation of funds for the acquisition of materials in the NDS unless such funds have been authorized by law. Allows a disposal from the NDS (other than certain excepted disposals) to be made only if it has been included in the materials plan report currently required under Federal law, or the Congress has been properly notified. Removes a requirement prohibiting any disposal the effect of which would be an unobligated balance in the National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund (NDS Fund) in excess of $100,000,000. Prohibits disposals from the NDS in any one fiscal year in excess of $1,000,000,000. Allows any proposed or new expenditures or disposals detailed in a materials plan for a fiscal year to be carried over to the materials plans for subsequent fiscal years. Allows money received from the sale and rotation of materials in the NDS to be used for general purposes of the NDS Fund. (Currently, moneys received from the sale of rotated materials may only be used for the acquisition of replacement material.) Adds to the authorized uses of the NDS Fund: (1) the contracting for materials development and research; (2) the purchase or purchase commitment of strategic and critical materials of domestic origin when needed for the NDS; and (3) the contracting or commitment to contract with domestic facilities for the upgrading, refining, or processing of materials in the NDS when necessary to convert such materials into a form more suitable for storage and subsequent disposition or use in a national emergency. Authorizes the President (currently, the NDS Manager) to barter materials in the stockpile in order to acquire, upgrade, refine, or process other materials. Repeals a Federal provision prohibiting the President from delegating his authority to dispose of stockpiled materials and to import strategic and critical materials from non-Communist countries. Adds the definition of "significant change" for purposes of a significant change proposed by the President to the Congress in the required annual materials plans. Repeals provisions of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1987 and the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1987 which require the President, during FY 1987 through 1933, to award contracts for the conversion of chromium and manganese ores held in the NDS into high carbon ferrochromium and high carbon ferromanganese. Authorizes the NDS Manager to: (1) revise quantities of materials to be stockpiled; and (2) dispose of such materials as authorized by law or as determined by the Manager to be in excess of current stockpile requirements.

Job Training 2000 Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1992

Job Training 2000 Act - Establishes, as part of the Federal system of funding for vocational training programs: (1) a network of local skill centers to provide a common point of entry; (2) a certification system; and (3) a voucher system. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Education for allocations to States and private industry councils to assist in carrying out title III of this Act, relating to certification of vocational training programs. Title I: General Provisions - Part A: Federal Responsibilities - Establishes the Federal Vocational Training Council (Federal Council), composed of the Secretaries of Labor, Education, Health and Human Services, Agriculture, and Veterans Affairs (or their designees) and such other agency heads as the President may designate. Includes among Federal Council functions: (1) advice and guidance on implementation of this Act to affected Federal, State, and local agencies and organizations; (2) ensuring application of consistent policies, practices, and procedures in Federal vocational training programs (including, through waiver authority, requiring common terms and performance standards, collection of common data, coordination and consolidation of timing and sequence, of State and local plans and reports); (3) serving as an information clearinghouse among Federal, State, and local officials; (4) evaluation of the this Act's effect on individuals, institutions, agencies, and labor markets; and (5) oversight of implementation and administration of this Act. Grants each member of the Federal Council limited waiver authority over regulations or provisions of law in their jurisdiction that would prevent application of consistent practices and procedures to the specified items. Terminates such authority three years after the effective date of this Act. Requires certain reports to the President by the Federal Council. Establishes a National Private Sector Advisory Board on Vocational Training (Advisory Board), composed of 15 members appointed by the President. Allows the President to consider including: (1) representatives of the private sector, who shall be private sector owners or executives with substantial management or policy responsibility, to constitute a majority of the membership; (2) representatives of educational agencies, welfare and social service agencies, labor organizations, or community-based organizations; and (3) participants in vocational training programs and other individuals who have special knowledge and qualifications with respect to vocational training. Directs the Advisory Board to advise the Federal Council on carrying out its responsibilities, increasing private sector involvement in vocational training programs, and ways of ensuring that the Federal vocational training system meets labor market needs. Part B: State Human Resource Investment Council - Requires establishment of a single State human resource investment council (State Council) by each State that receives assistance under an applicable program (i.e., one under the Adult Education Act, Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act, Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA), Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Wagner-Peyser Act, the JOBS program under AFDC provisions of the Social Security Act, specified employment and training provisions under the Food Stamp Act of 1977, specified student aid provisions for Pell Grants, Supplemental Grants, Stafford Guaranteed Loans, Work-Study Programs, and Perkins Direct Loans under the Higher Education Act of 1965, Veterans Vocational Training programs, and other programs designated by the Federal Council). Requires the State Council to advise the Governor on: (1) coordination methods, after reviewing provision of services and use of funds under applicable programs; and (2) developing, implementing, and coordinating State and local standards and measures relating to applicable programs. Requires each State Council to consist of members appointed by the Governor who are representatives of: (1) business and industry (including agriculture, where appropriate), who shall constitute a majority of the membership; (2) organized labor and community-based organizations; (3) the chief administrative office from each State agency primarily responsible for administering an applicable program; (4) the State legislature and appropriate State agencies and organizations; (5) local governments; (6) local educational agencies and postsecondary institutions; (7) local welfare and public housing agencies; and (8) individuals with special knowledge and qualifications with respect to education and career development needs of members of special populations, women, and minorities, including one individual representative of special education. Requires each State to certify to the Federal Council the establishment and membership of the State Council at least 90 days before the beginning of each period of two program years for which a Job Training 2000 plan is submitted. Part C: Additional State Responsibilities - Requires each Governor to biennially issue a statement of goals and objectives for the Job Training 2000 system established in the State pursuant to this Act, in order to assist the private industry councils in preparing the Job Training 2000 Plan. Requires dissemination of such statement to private industry councils and other interested agencies, organizations, and individuals. Requires each Governor to report annually to the Federal Council on activities undertaken in the State pursuant to this Act, including specified information and additional imports as requested. Includes among each Governor's oversight responsibilities with respect to private industry councils: (1) monitoring compliance; (2) providing technical assistance; and (3) applying sanctions, including revocation of plan approval or imposition of a reorganization plan (which may be appealed to the Secretary of Labor). Part D: Local Plan and Report - Requires each private industry council (PIC) to submit to the Governor a Job Training 2000 plan for two-year periods. Requires PICs to prepare such plans in a specified manner, and in consultation with representatives of: (1) Federal vocational training programs and local public and private providers of service to such programs, including programs authorized under specified Federal laws and provisions; and (2) local business, labor, educational, and community-based organizations and other interested individuals and organizations. Sets forth required contents of such plans, including provisions relating to the certification system and the voucher system under this Act. Sets forth provisions for review and approval of such plans by the Governor (with State Council advice), with opportunities for PIC plan modifications and appeals to the Secretary of Labor, and final review by such Secretary. Requires annual PIC reports to the Governor and State Council. Title II: Skill Centers - Requires each PIC, in accordance with specified consultation procedures, to designate a network of skill centers in each service delivery area (SDA) to: (1) improve individuals' access to vocational training by designating common entry points to programs; (2) better inform individuals to employment opportunities, local labor market conditions, and local vocational training programs' performance; (3) facilitate matching local employers with potential employees who meet hiring qualifications and workforce skill needs; and (4) encourage greater coordination and minimize duplication of services between federally funded vocational training programs. Allows any entity or consortium located in the SDA to apply to be designated as a skill center (including Employment Service offices, community colleges, community-based organizations, administrative entities under JTPA, and other interested organizations and entities). Sets forth skill center functions, including providing specified services in the following categories: (1) core services which each center is required to make available; (2) enhanced services which each center may make available; and (3) specialized employer services which each center may provide to employers on a fee-for-service basis (income from which must be used to expand or enhance the services such center provides). Requires that programs authorized under specified Federal provisions (under certain of the Federal laws listed as applicable programs under title I part B) participate in the operation of the skill centers. Allows other programs providing basic skills, literacy, or vocational training to participate in such center operation as a party to an agreement if the PIC and other participating programs approve. Sets forth requirements for skill center: (1) designation procedures (including publication of notice, consultation, selection criteria, and charter issuance); (2) participating programs agreements with PIC (including exceptions where a participating program may be allowed to provide specified core services in addition to center provision of such services); (3) performance standards (prescribed by the Secretary of Labor in consultation with the Federal Council, with adjustments and additions by each Governor, and with sanctions for noncompliance); and (4) incentive grants, to be awarded to skill centers by Governors from funds available under specified provisions of the Wagner-Peyser Act (Employment Service) and the JTPA. Title III: Certification System for Federal Vocational Training - Directs the Secretary of Education to allocate funds (appropriated pursuant to the authorization under this Act) to the States and PICs to assist in carrying out a certification system to: (1) ensure that only high quality vocational training programs are eligible to receive Federal funds; (2) establish performance standards to increase effectiveness of vocational training programs; and (3) promote the availability of information on the local level regarding performance of vocational training programs. Provides that such allocations shall be based on factors deemed appropriate by such Secretary, in consultation with the Federal Council. Requires a vocational training program provided by an institution or other service provider (except an on-the-job training program) to be certified in order to be eligible to receive Federal funds under specified covered programs (including those under certain of Federal laws and provisions listed as applicable programs under title I part B and mandatory participating programs under title II). Directs the Secretary of Education, in consultation with the Federal Council, to prescribe performance standards for vocational training programs provided by an institution or other service provider. Prohibits such standards from being revised more frequently than once every two years. Requires such standards to address: (1) the institution's financial responsibility; (2) program costs; (3) student withdrawal rates; (4) student loan default rates at the institution; (5) graduate licensure rates; and (6) graduate employment placement, retention, and earnings. Authorizes additional standards based on other measures of program effectiveness in meeting special needs of disadvantaged students and in preparing students for employment, including meeting relevant industry skill standards. Allows PICs to modify levels of successful performance under each such standard, if local conditions so justify and if State and Federal approval is given. Sets forth certification procedures, including: (1) designation of a single State agency to certify programs, collect data, issue guidelines, and determine information to be included in applications; (2) role of the PIC (in the SDA in which the program is located) in certifying, upon notification of the application, whether the program meets performance standards (in which role a PIC may use staff of skill centers or other entities or may establish a consortium with other PICs in the State); (4) State agency approval of applications (with requirements for recertification under specified conditions, and authority to suspend program certification on an emergency basis); (5) appeal procedures at State and Federal levels; (6) conflict-of-interest prohibitions; and (7) PIC dissemination of information on program performance to the skill centers. Title IV: Vocational Training Voucher System - Establishes a vocational training voucher system. Requires that vocational training and related services provided to individuals from funds under the following covered programs shall only be provided through such voucher system: (1) title II (Training Services for the the Disadvantaged) and title III (Employment and Training Assistance for Dislocated Workers) of JTPA; (2) specified employment and training provisions under the Food Stamp Act of 1977; and (3) the new Postsecondary Vocational Training program which this Act adds as part D of title II of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act. Defines related services as those provided by a single service provider as part of a package of services which includes vocational training. Allows the covered program to provide, in addition to vocational training and related services, other services (which must be identified in the agreement) through such voucher system. Allows other Federal programs, in addition to the listed covered programs, to participate in the voucher system if such participation is consistent with the laws governing such programs and the PIC approves. Makes the PIC responsible for overseeing the establishment and operation of the voucher system. Directs the PIC, after consultation with local providers of vocational training, to enter into an agreement with the skill centers and the local agencies responsible for administering the covered programs and the additional programs. Requires such written agreement to specify: (1) common procedures for voucher issuance; (2) financial and management information systems to be used to administer the voucher system; (3) payment schedules relating to vouchers, including those for courses not completed by participants; and (4) conditions to ensure compliance with covered program requirements. Requires such vouchers to contain specified information and conditions, including an expiration date and the limitation that the voucher is only redeemable for certified programs. Requires at least 20 percent of the total payment to be withheld from the service provider until the participant has: (1) successfully completed the training; and (2) been employed and retained employment for a period of at least 90 days. Directs the Secretary of Labor, in consultation with the Federal Council, to issue regulations implementing such withholding requirements. Limits the total dollar amount of outstanding vouchers issued in an SDA by a covered program to not more than the amount of funds available to such program in such SDA. Sets forth special rules for vouchers issued for on-the-job training, including: (1) specification of a particular occupational area; (2) redemption only by employers with available positions approved by the covered program in that occupational area; and (3) inapplicability of the withholding requirement. Allows a contract for direct services, in lieu of a voucher, to be used for provision of vocational training and related services under a covered program if the PIC approves the program's request based on a finding of: (1) an insufficient number of providers in an SDA for a voucher system; or (2) programs in the SDA are unable to provide effective services to special participant populations, such as individuals with severe disabilities and substance abusers. Authorizes the Governor to direct a PIC to rescind such a contract upon determining that there was an insufficient basis for such findings. Title V: Conforming Amendments to Other Acts - Amends the Adult Education Act, Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Act, Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA), Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Wagner-Peyser Act, Social Security Act, and Food Stamp Act of 1977 to add requirements relating to duties of State human resource councils (as required by this Act) with respect to applicable programs under such Acts. Amends JTPA to add various program requirements (conforming to this Act) for certification of vocational training programs, participation in operation of skill centers, and vouchered services under JTPA title II (disadvantaged adults and youth programs) and title III (dislocated worker program). Revises JTPA provisions for the Job Corps to include specified arrangements with the skill centers, transfer of specified resources to skill centers, and certification requirements for vocational training providers to be eligible for contracts with Job Corps Centers. Amends the Wagner-Peyser Act to include the skill centers under provisions for incentive grants. Requires the employment service to: (1) participate in operation of the skill centers; (2) ensure that core services and agreed-upon enhanced services are provided only through skill centers; and (3) transfer sufficient resources to the skill centers to provide such services to individuals who are authorized to receive services under the Wagner-Peyser Act and who are not participants in other participating programs under the agreement. Allows local employment service offices to apply to be designated as skill centers. Amends Federal law relating to Veterans Vocational Training programs to include references to skill centers. Requires participation in the operation of skill centers and transfer of sufficient resources to such centers to provide the core services and agreed-upon enhanced services to individuals participating under provisions for Veterans Vocational Training. Amends the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act to establish a new Postsecondary Vocational Training program (as Part D of title II). Reserves a specified portion of funds for such programs. Provides for State allotments and local allocations under such program in accordance with specified funding formulas under JTPA. Bases individual eligibility on: (1) either completion of high school or nonenrollment in high school while being beyond compulsory attendance age; and (2) being economically disadvantaged as defined under JTPA. Requires use of program funds to provide eligible individuals with postsecondary vocational training and related services through the voucher system established under this Act. Requires a vocational training program to be certified under this Act before it may provide postsecondary level training to students under the Tech-Prep Education program (part E of title III of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act). Amends the JOBS program under Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) provisions of the Social Security Act to require State agency participation in the operation of skill centers and transfers of sufficient resources to such centers to provide core services and agreed-upon enhanced services. Requires a vocational training program to be certified under this Act before it may receive funds under the JOBS program. Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to require a vocational training program to be certified under this Act before it may receive funds under certain employment and training project provisions of such Act. Requires vocational training under such Act to be provided only through the voucher system established under this Act. Allows other additional services to be provided through such system. Requires State agencies to enter into agreements relating to administration of the voucher system. Requires State agencies to participate in operation of skill centers and transfer sufficient resources to such centers to enable them to be the sole providers of core services and agreed-upon enhanced services to food stamp program participants determined to need vocational training. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require certification for certain institutions that offer vocational education, for purposes of eligibility for certain student aid programs (including specified grant, loan, and work-study programs). Requires such institutions to provide for skill center referrals, prior to enrollment, for students receiving such aid. Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Refugee Assistance Act program under specified Federal law, and the Trade Adjustment Assistance program under the Trade Act of 1974 to require certification of vocational training programs under this Act as a condition of eligibility for funding under such Acts. Title VI: Effective Date and Transition - Allows each member of the Federal Council, in consultation with such Council, to establish transition rules and procedures for programs under their jurisdiction, for purposes of this Act.

National Environmental Technologies Agency Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1992

National Environmental Technologies Agency Act - Establishes the National Environmental Technologies Agency to: (1) coordinate Federal environmental restoration and protection planning; (2) identify areas that need technical solutions to maintain environmental security, are not receiving product-oriented research necessary to meet those needs, and exhibit the greatest promise for the development of solutions; (3) support the development of technology having future application in environmental restoration and protection; (4) coordinate the exchange of technological information relating to environmental restoration and protection between Federal agencies and the private sector; (5) support continuing research and development of advanced technologies; (6) monitor research and development being conducted on advanced technologies by private industry; and (7) promote continuing development of a technological industrial base in the United States. Establishes an interagency advisory committee to provide information to the Agency with respect to the needs and concerns of specified agencies in the field of environmental technologies. Establishes the Industry and Academia Advisory Council to make recommendations regarding general policy for the Agency. Permits the Agency Administrator to transfer to the domestic private sector technology developed with the support of the Agency if the technology may have potential application in private activities relating to environmental restoration and protection. Authorizes the Administrator to enter into cooperative agreements with public or private entities to carry out Agency functions, subject to certain conditions. Provides for dissemination of the results of Agency research. Prohibits the making of a contract or award until the research project in question has passed a merit review. Directs the Administrator, in determining whether to make an award to a joint venture, to consider whether the joint venture has provided for appropriate participation of U.S. small businesses. Exempts from Federal disclosure requirements information obtained on a confidential basis in connection with business operations or trade secrets of a joint venture. Prohibits the disclosure by a Federal employee of intellectual property owned by a joint venture that receives funding under this Act, except in accordance with an agreement between the owner and the Administrator. Entitles the United States to a share of licensing fees and royalty payments made to a joint venture in an amount proportionate to the Federal share of costs incurred. Provides for the return of unspent Federal funds to the Agency if it appears that the recipient is not making satisfactory progress toward successful completion of the project. Entitles the United States, upon dissolution of a joint venture that receives funding under this Act, to a share of the residual assets proportionate to the Federal share of costs. Establishes the Environmental Advanced Research Projects Revolving Fund. Authorizes the Administrator to use the Fund to provide financial assistance to industrial and nonprofit research centers, universities, and other entities that serve long-term environmental security needs. Requires the Administrator to report annually to the Congress on: (1) activities of the Agency; (2) the extent to which technologies developed with Agency assistance have been used; and (3) the extent to which those technologies have been transferred overseas. Authorizes appropriations.

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1992

Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1993 - Title I: Procurement - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, and Air Force for aircraft, missiles, weapons, tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and other procurement. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 for the defense agencies and the Defense Inspector General for procurement and for the destruction of lethal chemical weapons under the chemical demilitarization program. Repeals a provision requiring a separate budget request for the procurement of equipment for the reserves. Title II: Research, Development, Test and Evaluation - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 for the armed forces and the defense agencies for research, development, test, and evaluation (R&D). Earmarks funds authorized to the defense agencies for: (1) the Deputy Director, Defense Research and Engineering; (2) the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation; and (3) chemical agents and munitions destruction, defense. Title III: Operation and Maintenance - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 for operation and maintenance for: the armed forces; the defense agencies; the reserves; medical programs, defense; the National Guard; the National Board for the Promotion of Rifle Practice; the Defense Inspector General; drug interdiction and counter-drug activities, defense; the Court of Military Appeals; environmental restoration, defense; humanitarian assistance; and chemical agents and munitions destruction, defense. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 for working capital funds for the armed forces and the defense agencies. Empowers the Defense Inspector General with the authority to provide for any emergency or extraordinary expenses which cannot be anticipated or classified. Repeals the Federal ceiling on the number of employees in headquarters and nonmanagement headquarters activities and support activities. Repeals a Federal provision requiring the Secretary of Defense to reduce the number of civilian Department of Defense (DOD) employees employed by industrial- or commercial-type activities. Repeals specified provisions of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1992 and 1993 which: (1) limit the authority of the National Defense Stockpile (NDS) Manager to dispose of materials in the NDS; and (2) require the Manager to obligate specified sums for the acquisition of materials in the NDS during FY 1992 and 1993. Provides that during FY 1992 and thereafter, sales of stockpiled material in the NDS Transaction Fund may not exceed $1,000,000,000. Authorizes the Secretary to impose a moratorium on the acquisition of new material for the NDS in order to reduce existing excess material in the stockpile. Prohibits, except to the extent authorized in appropriation Acts, the use of funds available in the NDS Transaction Fund from being obligated or expended to finance the conduct of R&D activities for the development or production of advanced materials. National Defense Sealift Improvement Act - Establishes in the Treasury the National Defense Sealift Fund. Requires the Secretary to administer the Fund, obligating and expending Fund sums for: (1) R&D relating to national defense sealift; (2) construction, purchase, lease, alteration, conversion, or operation and maintenance of sealift vessels for national defense purposes; and (3) such other purposes authorized by law relating to national defense sealift. Authorizes appropriations. States that proceeds from the sale or lease of certain vessels shall be deposited into the Fund. Transfers certain prior unobligated balances into the Fund from Navy shipbuilding and conversion funds. Title IV: Personnel Authorizations for Fiscal Year 1993 - Part A: Active Forces - Authorizes end strengths for active-duty forces for FY 1993. Part B: Reserve Forces - Authorizes end strengths for reserve components of the armed forces for FY 1993. Permits such end strengths to vary no more than two percent. Requires end strength reductions for the Selected Reserve for such fiscal year. Requires such end strength to be increased whenever members of the Selected Reserve are released from active duty. Authorizes end strengths for FY 1993 for members of the reserves on active duty in support of the reserves. Increases the number of certain enlisted and officer personnel authorized to be on active duty in support of the reserves. Part C: Military Training Student Loads - Authorizes and specifies the average military training student loads for FY 1993. Provides for the adjustment of such student loads consistent with manpower strengths authorized under this Act. Title V: General Provisions - Increases from four to every five years the physical examination requirement for members of the Ready Reserve. National Guard Amendments of 1992 - Adds warrant officers and enlisted members of the National Guard to those females authorized to be in the U.S. militia. Repeals Federal provisions requiring each member of the Army or Air National Guard called into Federal service to undergo a physical examination. Requires all parts of a National Guard unit to be included in a drill and instruction within 90 consecutive days (currently, 30) in order to be credited as an assembly for drill and instruction for purposes of National Guard duty requirements. Waives a required 30-day prior notification of termination for a National Guard technician when such technician: (1) is serving under a temporary appointment; (2) is serving in a trial or probationary period; or (3) has voluntarily ceased to be a member of the National Guard when such membership is a condition of employment. Repeals a current ceiling on the number of such technicians who may be employed at any one time. Includes commissioned officers of the Army or Air National Guard with those officers empowered to declare National Guard property as unserviceable through fair wear and tear. Waives a required increase in the pay and allowances of member of the armed forces in conformity with annual GS-level increases. Provides, in lieu thereof, effective on January 1, 1993, an increase of 3.7 percent in the rates of basic pay, basic allowance for subsistence, and basic allowance for quarters. Repeals a provision of the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1985 requiring the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on U.S. expenditures in support of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Revises the annual date for the report of the Secretary to the Senate and House Armed Services Committees (defense committees) with respect to special access programs. Provides lease terms and conditions to be followed by the Secretary when leasing defense property for display or demonstration at international shows or trade expositions or to foreign governments, when the lessee is the manufacturer of the defense equipment. Allows the Secretary to acquire from NATO and its subsidiary bodies logistic support, supplies, and services for elements of the armed forces (currently, only for elements of the armed forces deployed in Europe or adjacent waters). Provides that limitations on the amounts that may be obligated or accrued by the United States for the acquisition of defense supplies shall not apply to a period of active hostilities involving U.S. armed forces (currently, involving NATO). Amends the Arms Export Control Act and similar armed forces provisions to require participants in cooperative R&D projects with friendly foreign countries to share equitably the overhead and administrative costs as well as the costs of claims (currently, only the first two costs are shared). Extends through: (1) FY 1995 the aviation officer retention bonus; (2) FY 1994 the provision of special pay to enlisted members of the Selected Reserve assigned to certain high priority units; (3) FY 1995 provisions determining the computation of creditable service as commissioned officers before mandatory transfer to the Retired Reserve; (4) FY 1995 the grade determination authority for certain reserve medical officers; (5) FY 1995 the promotion authority for certain reserve officers serving on active duty; (6) FY 1995 the provision of education loans for certain health professionals who serve in the Selected Reserve; (7) FY 1994 the accession bonus for registered nurses serving in military medical facilities; (8) FY 1994 the special pay for nurse anesthetists; (9) FY 1997 the special pay for military enlistment and reenlistment bonuses for active duty forces; (10) FY 1995 the special pay for enlistment and reenlistment bonuses for reserve forces; (11) FY 1993 the provision of special pay for enlisted members of the Selected Reserve assigned to high priority units; (12) FY 1995 the authority for special pay for critically short wartime health specialists in the Selected Reserve; and (13) FY 2001 the major defense acquisition pilot program authorized under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991. Repeals the authority for the temporary promotion of certain critically-skilled Navy lieutenants. Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Revision Act of 1992 - Amends the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act to state as a purpose of such Act the identification of stocks of certain strategic and critical materials. States that the quantity of materials to be stockpiled under the Act should be sufficient to meet the needs of the United States during a national emergency requiring significant (currently, total) mobilization of the economy. Removes a provision prohibiting the National Defense Stockpile (NDS) from being used for budgetary purposes. Requires the handling, storage, security, maintenance, and disposal of materials in the NDS to be done in an environmentally sound manner. Allows materials in the NDS to be replaced by better materials when necessary to prevent deterioration. Allows materials to be timely disposed when becoming obsolete. Removes a current requirement limiting the President's acquisition of interests in real or personal property for storage, security, and maintenance of materials in the NDS to a 20-year period. Authorizes the President to loan NDS materials to Federal agencies when in the interest of national defense. Removes a prohibition against the obligation or appropriation of funds for the acquisition of materials in the NDS unless such funds have been authorized by law. Allows a disposal from the NDS (other than certain excepted disposals) to be made only if it has been included in the materials plan report currently required under Federal law, or the Congress has been properly notified. Removes a requirement prohibiting any disposal the effect of which would be an unobligated balance in the National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund (NDS Fund) in excess of $100,000,000. Prohibits disposals from the NDS in any one fiscal year in excess of $1,000,000,000. Allows any proposed or new expenditures or disposals detailed in a materials plan for a fiscal year to be carried over to the materials plans for subsequent fiscal years. Allows money received from the sale and rotation of materials in the NDS to be used for general purposes of the NDS Fund. (Currently, moneys received from the sale of rotated materials may only be used for the acquisition of replacement material.) Adds to the authorized uses of the NDS Fund: (1) contracting for materials development and research; (2) purchase or purchase commitment of strategic and critical materials of domestic origin when needed for the NDS; and (3) contracting or commitment to contract with domestic facilities for the upgrading, refining, or processing of materials in the NDS when necessary to convert such materials into a form more suitable for storage and subsequent disposition or use in a national emergency. Authorizes the President (currently, the NDS Manager) to barter materials in the stockpile in order to acquire, upgrade, refine, or process other materials. Repeals a Federal provision prohibiting the President from delegating his authority to dispose of stockpiled materials and to import strategic and critical materials from non-Communist countries. Adds the definition of "significant change" for purposes of a significant change proposed by the President to the Congress in the required annual materials plans. Repeals provisions of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1987, and the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1987 which require the President, during FY 1987 through 1933, to award contracts for the conversion of chromium and manganese ores held in the NDS into high carbon ferrochromium and high carbon ferromanganese. Authorizes the NDS Manager to: (1) revise quantities of materials to be stockpiled; and (2) dispose of such materials as authorized by law or as determined by the Manager to be in excess of current stockpile requirements.

Rescinding certain budget authority, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1992

Title I: Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies - Rescinds specified appropriations made available to the Department of Agriculture for: (1) the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; (2) the Cooperative State Research Service; (3) the National Agricultural Library; and (4) the Farmers Home Administration. Title II: Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary and Related Agencies - Rescinds certain appropriations made available to: (1) the Department of Commerce for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration; and (2) the Board for International Broadcasting for the Israel Relay Station. Title III: Department of Defense - Military - Rescinds specified appropriations made available to the Department of Defense for: (1) military personnel, Army; (2) operation and maintenance; (3) procurement; (4) research, development, test and evaluation; (5) the Pentagon Reservation Maintenance Revolving Fund; and (6) the Intelligence Community Staff. Title IV: Energy and Water Development - Rescinds certain appropriations made available to: (1) the Department of the Army for the Civil Corps of Engineers; and (2) the Department of Energy for general science and research activities and departmental administration. Title V: Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs - Rescinds specified appropriations made available to the President for multilateral economic assistance, bilateral economic assistance, and military assistance. Title VI: Department of the Interior and Related Agencies - Rescinds certain funds made available to the Department of the Interior for the National Park Service and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Title VII: Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies - Rescinds one percent of the funds delayed for obligation until September 30, 1992, under the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1992. Excepts payments to States for child care assistance from such rescission. Rescinds certain funds made available to the Department of Health and Human Services for the Public Health Service. Title VIII: Legislative Branch - Rescinds certain funds made available to the House of Representatives for salaries and expenses, and reduces funds for official mail costs. Title IX: Department of Defense - Military - Rescinds specified funds provided in Military Construction Appropriations Acts. Title X: Department of Transportation and Related Agencies - Rescinds funds made available to the Federal Highway Administration for bridges on dams and the Federal Railroad Administration for local rail freight assistance. Title XI: Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies - Rescinds specified funds made available to the Department of Housing and Urban Development for: (1) Homeownership and Opportunity for People Everywhere Grants (HOPE Grants); (2) the Home Investment Partnerships Program; (3) annual contributions for assisted housing; and (4) the Flexible Subsidy Fund. Rescinds specified funds made available to: (1) the Environmental Protection Agency for construction grants; and (2) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for research and development.

A bill to amend title VII of the Public Health Service Act to correct a technical oversight in the Disadvantaged Minority Health Improvement Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-527) by making schools of osteopathic medicine eligible to participate in the Centers of Excellence program, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1992

Amends the Public Health Service Act to include schools of osteopathic medicine in the definition of "health provisions school" for provisions mandating grants for programs of excellence in health professions education for minority individuals.

Utah Schools and Lands Improvement Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1992

Utah Federal Lands Exchange Act of 1992 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to: (1) acquire certain lands from the State of Utah for the Navajo Nation and Goshute Indian Tribe in exchange for Federal lands; and (2) send a list of lands and interests to be offered for exchange to the State of Utah. Conveys specified lands of San Juan County, Utah. Prohibits such lands from being offset against State lands exchanged pursuant to this Act. Transfers lands under this Act without cost to the Navajo Nation, State of Utah, and Goshute Indian Tribe. Requires the Secretary to acquire all school 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 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 titles by the Secretary, 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 within Utah for a period of 25 years. Directs the Secretary to exchange Federal mineral interests in Utah for certain lands owned by the State of Utah within units of the National Forest System. Incorporates such lands into national forests. Requires such exchanges to be completed by December 31, 1994. Directs the Secretary to determine the value of Federal mineral interests to be offered and to deduct the State's share in royalties, sales, bonuses, interest charges, penalties, and rentals collected pursuant to the Mineral Leasing Act. Recognizes revenues received by Utah from Federal mineral leasing as a matter of equity and not as a legal property right. Authorizes appropriations.

Department of Energy Laboratory Technology Partnership Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1992

Department of Energy Laboratory Technology Partnership Act of 1992 - Establishes the Department of Energy (DOE) partnership program under which the Secretary of Energy must ensure that departmental laboratories enter into research partnerships with industry, educational institutions, and other Federal agencies. Authorizes the Secretary to establish Secretary of Energy Partnerships to develop research and demonstration activities listed in the biennial National Critical Technologies Report or in other specified areas. Grants such partnerships the same preference they would receive under the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 if they agree that products embodying inventions made under a cooperative research and development agreement will be manufactured substantially in the United States. Directs the Secretary to encourage research partnerships with minority educational institutions and private sector entities owned or controlled by disadvantaged individuals. Cites the technology research and demonstration areas which such partnerships may target. Directs the Secretary to: (1) encourage the exchange of scientists and engineers among departmental laboratories, educational institutions, industry, and other Federal agencies; (2) provide fellowships to facilitate personnel exchanges from such areas; (3) provide education and training and further partnerships; (4) develop evaluation mechanisms; (5) develop a management plan for implementation of this Act; and (6) report biennially to the Congress on its implementation. Directs the Secretary to establish the Laboratory Partnership Advisory Board to provide guidance on the implementation of this Act. Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to: (1) increase the number of DOE Under Secretaries from one to three and the number of Assistant Secretaries from eight to 11; and (2) establish the position of General Counsel. Requires the Secretary to make recommendations to the Congress regarding establishment of an Office of Technology Research within DOE. Directs the Secretary to establish a Laboratory Career Path Program to recruit employees of departmental laboratories to serve in positions in DOE. (Currently such transfers are unlawful.) Sets forth mechanisms to ensure the integrity of service that the proscription against such transfer was meant to achieve.

High Value Economic Growth Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1992

High Value Economic Growth Act of 1992 - Title I: Economic Growth Incentives - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a first-time homebuyer who purchases a principal residence a tax credit of ten percent of the purposes price of such residence. Limits the credit to $5,000. Requires married individuals filing jointly to both be first-time homebuyers. Makes this credit applicable to residences acquired after February 1, 1992, and before January 1, 1993, or for which a binding contract is entered into during such period. Allows an additional depreciation deduction of 15 percent of the adjusted basis of equipment: (1) for which the original use commences with the taxpayer on or after February 1, 1992; (2) which is acquired by the taxpayer on or after February 1, 1992, and before January 1, 1993; and (3) which is placed in service before July 1, 1993. Requires such deduction to be taken in the taxable year after the year property was placed in service. Allows the special deduction in computing the alternative minimum tax. Allows penalty free-withdrawals from qualified retirement plans during 1992 for: (1) the acquisition costs of a principal residence of a first-time homebuyer who is the taxpayer or the child or grandchild of the taxpayer; or (2) the purchase of a new passenger automobile. Excludes certain rental real estate activities from treatment as a passive activity for purposes of determining passive activity losses and credits. Modifies exceptions to the exclusion of real property acquired by a qualified organization from the meaning of acquisition indebtedness. Makes certain exceptions inapplicable to sales out of foreclosure by a financial institution. Applies the meaning of acquisition indebtedness to investments in certain large partnerships where the principal purpose of partnership allocations is not tax avoidance. Repeals the special rule for publicly traded partnerships with respect to the treatment of unrelated business taxable income. Title II: Revenue Offsets - Subtitle A: General Provisions - Amends the Higher Education Technical Amendments of 1991 to eliminate the statute of limitations on the collection of guaranteed student loans. Increases the base tax rate on ozone-depleting chemicals. Eliminates the different rates for initially listed chemicals and newly listed chemicals. Requires dealers in stock or securities to use the mark to market inventory accounting methods. Disallows interest on overpayments when certain refunds have been made. Subtitle B: Electromagnetic Spectrum Function - Emerging Telecommunications Technologies Act of 1992 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce and the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), at least semiannually, to conduct joint spectrum planning meetings with respect to: (1) future spectrum needs; (2) the spectrum allocations necessary to accommodate those needs; and (3) actions necessary to promote the efficient use of the spectrum. Directs the Secretary and the Chairman to report annually to the President on the joint spectrum planning meetings and any resulting recommendations. Directs the Secretary to submit to the President a report identifying bands of frequencies that: (1) are allocated on a primary basis for Federal Government use and eligible for licensing pursuant to the Communications Act of 1934 (the Act); (2) are not required for the present or identifiable future needs of the Government; (3) can feasibly be made available during the next fifteen years for use under the Act for non-Government users; (4) will not result in excessive losses to the Government in relations to benefits that may be obtained through non-Government users; and (5) are likely to have significant value for non-Government users under the Act. Sets forth criteria for identifying, and recommending for reassignment, such frequencies. Requires the Secretary to submit to the President a report which makes a preliminary identification of reallocable bands of frequencies. Directs the Secretary to convene a private sector advisory committee to: (1) revise the bands of frequencies identified in the preliminary report; (2) advise the Secretary with respect to the bands of frequencies which should be included in the final report; (3) receive public comment on the reports; and (4) prepare and submit such report. Directs the advisory committee to submit to the Secretary, the FCC, and specified congressional committees recommendations for the reform of the process of allocating the electromagnetic spectrum between Federal and non-Federal use. Directs the Secretary, as part of the final report, to include a time-table for the effective dates by which the President shall, within 15 years, withdraw or limit assignments on frequencies specified in the report. Directs the President, after receiving the final report from the Secretary, to: (1) withdraw or limit the assignment to a Government station of any frequency which such report recommends for reallocation; (2) withdraw or limit the assignment to a Government station of any frequency which such report recommends to be reallocated or made available for mixed use; (3) assign or reassign other frequencies to Government stations as necessary to adjust to such withdrawal or limitation of assignments; and (4) publish in the Federal Register a notice and description of all such actions taken. Authorizes the President to substitute alternative frequencies in the interest of national security, important Governmental needs, public health or safety, or Federal financial considerations. Provides for the reimbursement to non-Government licensees, or non-Government entities operating on behalf of a Government licensee, for the incremental costs directly attributable to the loss of the use of the frequency reassigned or otherwise limited under this Act. Authorizes appropriations to provide such reimbursements. Directs the FCC, at specified intervals, to: (1) complete a public notice and comment proceeding regarding the allocation of the initial spectrum to be reassigned, and to formulate a plan to assign such spectrum pursuant to competitive bidding procedures; and (2) complete a public notice and comment proceeding, and prepare and report to the President a plan for the distribution under the Act, of the frequency bands reallocated pursuant to this Act. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to officially authorize the FCC to assign the frequencies reallocated from Government to non-Government use under this Act. Makes certain frequency reassignments available only to the extent provided in appropriations Acts. Authorizes the President to reclaim reassigned frequencies for reassignment to Government stations. Sets forth procedures for reclaiming frequencies. Directs the FCC to use competitive bidding procedures during spectrum reallocation pursuant to this Act. Outlines other procedures to be followed by the FCC with regard to permits and licenses relating to such frequency reallocation awards. Outlines specified instances when competitive bidding procedures shall not be required. Subtitle C: Other Provisions - Amends Federal law to extend provisions regarding lump sum withdrawal of retirement contributions for civil service retirees from October 1995 to October 1996. Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 to extend the collection of Patent and Trademark Office user fees from 1995 to 1996. Establishes the amount to be collected in 1996. Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to provide an extension of customs user fees from 1995 to 1996. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the requirement for information returns on veterans benefits from September 30, 1992, until September 30, 1998. Revises military law with respect to housing loan default procedure to take into account losses sustained on the resale of property. Amends the Social Security Act and Federal law to apply certain Medicare limits to the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program for enrollees aged 65 or older.

To require the Secretary of Defense to establish a Defense Adjustment Institute.

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1992

Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish a Defense Adjustment Institute in Rhode Island, for policy development and information and resource-sharing with regard to the adjustment and transition of defense-related industries toward operations for the nondefense economy and the retraining of defense workers. Requires the Institute to be national in scope, to serve as a model for future institutes, and to operate to improve cooperation of the Department of Defense with other entities involved in defense economic adjustment and transition, including institutions of higher education, private defense contractors, and other Federal agencies. Directs the Institute to collect and make available information regarding: (1) job retraining resources; (2) worker absorption programs in the community; (3) transition of defense contractors from military to civilian output; and (4) funding resources and Federal programs for economic adjustment and conversion into civilian industries.

School to Work Transition and Youth Apprenticeship Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1992

School to Work Transition and Youth Apprenticeship Act - Title I: Establishment of National Interagency Compact and National Industry Recognized Skill Standards - Directs the Secretaries of Labor and of Education (the Secretaries) to establish an interagency compact between the Office of Employment and Training Administration of the Department of Labor and the Office of Adult and Vocational Education of the Department of Education, to: (1) design a national youth apprenticeship system; and (2) develop a system of skills standards within each major industry and within occupations that involve more than one industry. Sets forth various functions of the compact. Requires the compact to provide for national demonstrations to test skills standards and certification and assessment methods in work-based and training settings through: (1) local educational agencies (LEAs) two-year colleges, or postsecondary vocational institutions; and (2) businesses, business associations, or private industry councils. Requires the compact to provide for distribution of funds to facilitate creation of partnerships of business and industry, organized labor or other employee representatives, educators, and the training community for each industry or occupation (to the extent resources permit) to develop skills standards. Sets forth various functions of such partnerships. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: State Youth Transition Opportunity Challenge Grants - Authorizes the compact to make challenge grants to States for the cooperative use by the State agencies for education and for labor, job training, and employment (State agencies) to plan and develop policies and build an infrastructure to support programs for elementary and secondary students that will result in quality education programs and work-related experiences enabling students to graduate from high school prepared to: (1) enter the world of work directly; and/or (2) continue in some form of postsecondary education or training. Sets forth requirements for State applications and assurances. Requires State agencies to use such grants to: (1) prepare a State plan for policies and programs that will result in a comprehensive school-to-work transition system and development of a statewide youth apprenticeship system; (2) conduct assessments; and (3) make grants to at least one LEA to carry out such planning, development, and assessment activities. Allows a State, based on the State plan, to use such a grant to establish a youth apprenticeship system through specified activities, services, or programs. Limits the Federal share under this title to not more than 80 percent in the first year, 70 in the second, and 60 in the third and any subsequent year. Requires annual State reports to the compact and biennial compact reports to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Local Youth Apprenticeship Program Grants - Requires the compact to make grants to States for cooperative use by the aforementioned State agencies to award grants to eligible local entities, based on a competition or on a formula determined by such State agencies for youth apprenticeship programs at the local level. Defines eligible entity as a consortium of at least one entity from each of the following two groups: (1) LEAs, LEAs in consortia with community-based organizations, individual schools within an LEA, public vocational or technical schools, two-year public technical or community colleges; and (2) local employers or business associations (including private industry councils under the Job Training Partnership Act). Requires equitable distribution of such assistance among the States and their urban and rural areas. Limits the Federal share under this title to not more than 90 percent in the first year, 80 in the second, 70 in the third, and 60 in the fourth and any subsequent year. Allows other Federal funds under other Federal laws to be used for up to 50 percent of the matching funds for remaining costs. Sets forth requirements for State and local applications, including State plans and local assurances. Allows such grant funds to be used to: (1) train teachers and counselors; (2) (as part of the program's planning activities) acquire technical assistance from Federal, State, or local entities that have successfully designed, established, and operated school-to-work transition programs; (3) provide outreach to potential students; and (4) develop curricula. Sets forth required components of youth apprenticeship programs under this title. Limits portions of funds under this title which may be used by the Secretary for annual independent evaluations and by States for administrative costs. Authorizes appropriations.

Servicemembers Education Conversion Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1992

Servicemembers Education Conversion Act of 1992 - Title I: Enhanced Voluntary Separation Programs - Directs the Secretary of Defense, in administering the special separation benefits program and the voluntary separation program and in order to provide an incentive for members of the armed forces to become elementary and secondary school teachers, to modify those programs in accordance with this Act. Entitles such modifications as the teacher training enhancement program. Authorizes a member of the armed forces who is offered participation in either of the separation programs to apply to the Secretary for the training program. Allows the Secretary to accept applications only in the case of a member who could become certified as a teacher after pursuit of a program of one year or less. Prohibits the acceptance of any applications after September 30, 1997. Modifies the separation programs to: (1) continue to provide for 12 months after separation from service the full amount of the member's basic pay paid before such separation; and (2) pay such benefit or incentive as computed by using half the member's years of service (currently, all) payable at the end of the 12-month period in which the member received full basic pay. Directs the Secretary to provide information about the training program to all members of the armed forces on active duty before they enter preseparation counseling as required under Federal law. Title II: Elements of Teacher Training Enhancement Program - Requires a former member of the armed forces who is accepted into the training program to enter into a written agreement with the Secretary to: (1) accept modification of the separation programs; (2) obtain teacher certification within one year after separation; and (3) teach, within seven years from receiving certification, for at least five years in a public or private nonprofit elementary or secondary school in the United States. Requires an individual who fails to comply fully with the agreement requirements to reimburse the United States on a pro rata basis for the benefits provided under the training program. Allows an individual to make any required reimbursement through a reduction in the amount of voluntary separation incentive payments due to such individual for his or her period of service. Provides instances in which such repayment or teaching obligations shall be waived. Title III: Role of Department of Education in Teacher Training Enhancement Program - Directs the Secretary of Education to: (1) collect information regarding States and local educational agencies that have a shortage of elementary and secondary school teachers and the applicable teacher certification requirements; and (2) provide such information to the Secretary of Defense for dissemination to members of the armed forces as part of their information package. Directs the Secretary of Education to: (1) assist individuals selected for the program in selecting an appropriate teacher certification to pursue and in obtaining appropriate employment after certification; (2) provide information to States, local educational agencies, and accredited private nonprofit elementary and secondary schools regarding the existence of the program and the availability of program participants as teachers; (3) assist States and local educational agencies in developing alternative certification procedures for former members of the armed forces; and (4) submit an annual report on program effectiveness to the Congress.

Ozone Protection and Clean Technology Competitive Enhancement Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1992

Ozone Protection and Clean Technology Competitive Enhancement Act of 1992 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit: (1) the production of class I or II ozone depleting substances (defined under the Clean Air Act) after 1992; (2) the production and use, within 30 and 90 days of this Act's enactment, respectively, of methyl bromide; and (3) the production of methyl chloroform after 1992. Makes exemptions to such prohibition for pharmaceutical applications and, in the case of class I or II substances, for critical fire protection. Prohibits: (1) the use of chlorine or other chlorinated oxidizing agents in the pulp and paper industry within five years of this Act's enactment; (2) the use of mercury as a biocide and in batteries after 1994; and (3) the sale or promotion of any packaging or product in packaging which includes additives containing lead, cadmium, mercury, or hexavalent chromium after 1994. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to report to the Congress on: (1) sunset candidates (toxic substances with a capacity for bioaccumulation or persistence in the environment), along with a list of alternatives to such substances and recommendations for their phaseout; (2) organochlorines and organobromines produced in quantities of more than 25,000 pounds per year, uses of such substances, and recommendations for eliminating their use; and (3) uses of elemental chlorine and chlorinated oxidizing agents of more than 1,000 tons per year, alternatives for such substances, and recommendations for eliminating their use. Prohibits any facility from replacing the manufacture, import, processing, use, or sale of any sunset candidate with any substitute toxic substance with a known or probable carcinogen, teratogen, or mutagen or with any alternative product or process that creates new public health or environmental risks. Directs the Administrator to establish a fee on the manufacture, import, or sale of sunset candidates. Requires fee proceeds to be used solely for worker retraining, adjustment, and education, and for jobs development programs for workers displaced by the phaseout of sunset candidates.

To amend title II of the Social Security Act to exclude from amounts treated as wages in applying the earnings test remuneration for teaching in public elementary or secondary schools.

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1992

Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to exclude from amounts treated as wages in applying the earnings test remuneration for teaching in public elementary or secondary schools.

To amend the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States provisions implementing Annex D of the Nairobi Protocol to the Florence Agreement on the Importation of Education, Scientific, and Cultural Materials, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1992

Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States provisions implementing Annex D of the Nairobi Protocol to the Florence Agreement to grant duty-free treatment of scientific instruments and apparatus that are entered for use by any nonprofit educational or scientific institution or any governmental entity. Requires such an institution desiring to enter such an article for duty-free treatment to apply to the Secretary of Commerce (currently, the Secretary of the Treasury). Provides that an instrument or apparatus eligible for such treatment shall not be disqualified on the basis of its commercial use if specified conditions are met. Declares that the applicant institution shall have the burden of proving such eligibility.

Congressional Accountability Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1992

Congressional Accountability Act of 1992 - Makes the following laws applicable to and enforceable against the Congress to the same extent as they apply to and are enforceable against the executive branch: (1) Social Security Act; (2) National Labor Relations Act; (3) Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938; (4) Equal Pay Act of 1963; (5) Civil Rights Act of 1964; (6) Freedom of Information Act; (7) Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; (8) Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970; (9) Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972; (10) Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; (11) Rehabilitation Act of 1973; (12) Privacy Act of 1974; (13) Age Discrimination Act of 1975; (14) Ethics in Government Act of 1978; (15) Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987; and (16) Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Defense Economic Reinvestment Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1992

Defense Economic Reinvestment Act of 1992 - Title I: Worker and Member Assistance Programs - Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish a program to assist displaced defense workers (workers displaced as the result of the closure of defense facilities or reductions in defense spending) and members involuntarily separated from active duty in the armed forces to obtain reemployment in defense distressed areas (areas in which a minimum workforce reduction has occurred as the result of defense spending reductions or the closure of a defense facility). Directs the Secretary to enter into agreements with public or private employers that agree to extend employment positions to separated members and displaced defense workers. Requires: (1) the Secretary to pay 25 percent of the first-year's wages paid to each displaced defense worker or separated member; (2) the employer to hire a specified number of such individuals during the agreement period for at least 180 days and to place such individuals in positions located in, or relocate them outside of, a defense dependent area. Requires repayment to the Secretary by an employer breaching such agreement. Authorizes the Secretary to implement an incentive program to assist a facility in rehiring employees terminated or laid off as the result of the curtailment, completion, elimination, or realignment of a defense contract or program. Requires the Secretary to pay 12.5 percent of the first-year's wages of employees rehired under such program. Requires the facility involved to continue to pay the health insurance premium for health care elected by such employees. Authorizes appropriations to carry out both programs. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an additional credit against Federal unemployment tax (not to exceed 12 percent) for employers who contribute to a reemployment assistance fund maintained under a State law certified by the Secretary of Labor. Changes the rate of Federal unemployment tax on employers to the sum of 5.4 percent of total wages paid and .25 percent of the total Federal taxable wages paid. (The current rate of tax is 6.2 percent for 1988 through 1995 and 6.0 percent for 1996 and thereafter.) Replaces the $7,000 threshold in the definition of wages, for purposes of Federal taxable wage, with the average annual wage in employment covered under State unemployment compensation laws for the most recent calendar year. Revises the method of computing installment payments of Federal unemployment tax to take into account the additional credit allowed against such tax. Directs the Secretary to establish a program under which the Secretary makes grants to eligible entities to provide: (1) retraining services to enable displaced defense workers and involuntarily separated members of the armed forces who have experience in the field of engineering to obtain employment in the field of environmental engineering; and (2) fellowship assistance to such individuals while they are receiving such retraining. Makes eligible for such grants certain public research universities having a facility located within 50 miles of a defense distressed community. Outlines selection criteria. Limits such grants to $2,000,000 per entity. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Defense Economic Development Grants - Directs the Secretary to make grants to communities, including defense distressed communities located in defense dependent areas, to assist such communities in the economic transition necessary due to reductions in defense expenditures or the closure of defense facilities. Provides a grant preference to certain communities. Outlines authorized fund uses. Authorizes the Secretary to perform administrative services on a reimbursable basis on behalf of a grant recipient. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Defense Industrial and Technology Base Initiatives - Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) upon completion of the recommendations by a government-industry committee concerning the rights of the United States in technical data produced in its Federal laboratories, the Secretary should report to the Congress concerning such recommendations and related regulations; (2) upon completion of a final report of an advisory panel concerning the streamlining and codification of defense acquisition laws, the Secretary should transmit such report to the Senate and House Armed Services Committees (defense committees), together with comments; and (3) the Secretary should make every effort to facilitate technology dissemination to U.S. private industry to the extent practical with fiscal prudence and national security. Directs the Secretary to establish a program to make grants to support the enhancement of existing programs of alternative technology development, and the establishment of new alternative technology development programs, regarding biotechnology, photonics, and agro-environmental and marine science. Makes eligible as grant recipients certain public research universities with facilities located within a defense dependent area or an independent nonprofit research institution with an advanced degree program. Requires the Secretary to give a preference in the award of such grants to universities that conduct research as part of a State comprehensive economic development and conversion plan. Requires applicants to be chosen on a merit basis pursuant to competitive procedures. Outlines selection criteria. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Administration of Economic Adjustment Programs in the Department of Defense - Establishes the position of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Economic Adjustment to be responsible for the overall supervision of economic adjustment programs in the Department of Defense (DOD). Establishes in DOD an Office for Economic Adjustment, directed by the Assistant Secretary. Outlines Office duties relating to the economic adjustment and industrial diversification of industries, communities, and workers adversely affected by the termination or reduction of defense spending or defense-related contracts. Requires the Office to provide economic adjustment assistance to such industries, communities, and workers on a Federal, State, and local community level. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Notification of Defense Facilities Closings and Employee Layoffs - Requires a defense facility, as soon as practicable after receiving actual or constructive notice of the cancellation or delay of a defense contract, to notify the following persons or entities about the contract and any plant closing or layoff of 50 or more employees likely to occur as a result of the cancellation or delay: (1) the Office of Economic Adjustment of DOD; (2) each labor representative of any employee affected, or if none, the employee; and (3) the chief elected official of the State in which the facility is located. Prohibits an employer (generally, one employing 100 or more full-time employees) from ordering a plant closing or employee layoff until 60 days after the employer serves notice to such individuals and entities. Allows the employer to shut down a single site of employment before such 60-day period in limited circumstances. Requires no notification when such closing or layoff is due to a natural disaster. Provides that a layoff of more than six months which, at its outset, was announced as a layoff of six months or less, shall be treated as an employment loss unless: (1) the extension beyond six months is caused by unforeseen business circumstances; and (2) notice is given at the time it becomes foreseeable that the extension will be required. States that such notification requirements shall not apply to a plant closing or layoff if it: (1) involves a temporary facility; or (2) constitutes a strike or lockout not intended to evade the requirements of this title. Provides for civil actions against employers found to be in violation of the requirements of this title. Requires employees who suffer an employment loss without proper notification to receive back pay and certain benefits under employee benefit plans for the period of violation up to 60 days. Outlines administrative procedures in connection with such civil action. States that the remedies provided under this title for lack of due notification shall be the exclusive remedies for such violation, allowing no Federal court to enjoin a plant closing or layoff. Provides that rights and remedies provided to employees by this title are in addition to any other statutory rights and remedies of such employees.

Patriots of Peace Service Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1992

Patriots of Peace Service Act of 1992 - Title I: Reduction in the Costs of Operating the Military Service Academies - Requires the Secretary of Defense to reduce the costs of providing an education at U.S. military academies so that, by January 1, 1995, the average cost per student of operating each service academy is: (1) approximately equal; and (2) not more than ten percent greater than the average cost per nonacademy student at the ten top-ranked institutions of higher education in the United States. Requires the Secretary to further reduce such operating costs for each fiscal year after enactment of this Act to achieve a reduction in expenditures equal to 50 percent of the cost for that year of providing scholarships under title II of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary, in order to achieve such cost reductions, to reduce the number of appointments made to the service academies for classes entering after the enactment of this Act, notwithstanding the current authorized strengths of military students at such academies. Expresses the sense of the Congress that savings achieved as the result of such cost reductions should be used to provide funds for the operation of the title II scholarship program. Title II: Patriots of Peace Scholarships - Directs the Secretary to establish a program of national security scholarships to assure an adequate supply of college graduates for civilian employee positions with: (1) the Department of Defense (DOD); and (2) other Federal agencies involved in education or other activities related to national security. Designates each scholarship recipient as a National Security Scholar (Scholar). Outlines eligibility requirements for selection as a Scholar, including acceptance or enrollment as a full-time student in an institution of higher education and nomination for selection by a Member of Congress. Places a $50,000 annual family income limitation on eligible individuals. Directs the Secretary to select Scholars from individuals nominated by Members of Congress. Provides the total number of scholarships to be awarded for FY 1993 through 1995. Allows a Scholar to use such scholarship at any institution of higher education offering a course of instruction in: (1) the complete workings of the three branches of Government; (2) DOD operations; (3) the relationship of DOD with other Federal agencies, the Congress, and the judicial branch; and (4) the relationship of DOD with State and local governments. Requires each individual selected to sign a written contract with the Secretary: (1) to accept such financial assistance and graduate from the institution; and (2) immediately upon completion of the program, to serve for six years as a civilian employee of DOD or another Federal agency involved with education or national security activities. Requires parental consent if the individual selected is a minor. Requires the Secretary under such written agreement to: (1) provide such scholarship; and (2) provide for summer employment, and post-graduation placement, for the Scholar. Makes all financial assistance provided under this title contingent upon the appropriation of funds for such scholarships. Directs the Secretary, in disseminating contract forms for scholarships, to include a fair summary of rights and liabilities of a recipient, including a clear explanation of U.S. entitlement to damages for breach of contract. Requires pro rata reimbursement from a Scholar to the United States for failure to complete the educational requirements or the required period of post-graduate employment. Waives any repayment requirement if the Scholar terminates the agreement and withdraws from the scholarship program before the start of the third school year covered by the scholarship. Title III: Montgomery GI Bill Benefits for Enlisted Men and Women - Amends the Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program to: (1) eliminate a required $100 monthly reduction in basic pay for enlisted military personnel entering into active duty after June 30, 1985, for participation in the program; (2) eliminate provisions which allow such members an election of whether to participate in the program; and (3) increase annually the authorized amount of monthly educational assistance provided under the program on a pro rata basis to reflect the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index. Increases from 36 to 48 the number of authorized monthly payments of educational assistance under the program.

William Dean Hansen, of Idaho, to be Chief Financial Officer, Department of Education, vice John Theodore Sanders, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 8 April 1992

Emerson J. Elliott, of Virginia, to be Commissioner of Education Statistics, for a term expiring June 20, 1995. (New Position)

United States · United States Senate · 8 April 1992

Thomas Cole National Historic Site Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1992

Hudson River Artists National Historical Park Act of 1992 - Establishes, as a unit of the National Park System, the Thomas Cole National Historic Site, New York. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Hudson River Artists National Historical Park, subject to specified requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) acquire specified lands and improvements, as well as historic objects, artifacts, and other personal property associated with and appropriate for the interpretation of the Park; (2) enter into cooperative agreements with the State of New York (the State), specified entities, and individuals; and (3) accept donated funds, property, and services. Specifies that lands and improvements owned by the State may be acquired by the State only by transfer at no cost to the Federal Government. Directs the Secretary to: (1) administer the Park in accordance with this Act and all laws generally applicable to national historic sites; (2) preserve and interpret the Site; (3) preserve and perpetuate knowledge and understanding, and provide for public understanding and enjoyment, of the lives and works of the Hudson River artists (the artists); and (4) assist public and private entities in the interpretation of the artists, their houses and studios, and the vistas depicted by the artists throughout the Hudson River Valley region (region). Specifies that: (1) the Secretary shall take no action with respect to the lands and structures owned by the State within Park boundaries except through cooperative agreements in accordance with this Act; and (2) with regard to lands within the State Forest Preserve, the provisions of such cooperative agreements shall be in strict conformance with the pertinent provisions of the New York State Constitution. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) provide technical assistance to cooperating entities for the marking, interpretation, restoration, preservation, or interpretation of Site property; and (2) enter into cooperative agreements to plan and coordinate the interpretation of the cultural and natural history of the region, and with the Greene County Historical Society to provide for the establishment of a library and research center at the Site. Directs the Secretary to submit to specified congressional committees a general management plan for the Site and Park, including: (1) recommendations and cost estimates for the identification, marking, interpretation, and preservation of properties and landscapes associated with the artists and located throughout the region; and (2) recommendations on ways to broaden public understanding of the region and its role in American prehistory, history, and culture, and to foster relevant public education, resource preservation, and appropriate levels of regional tourism. Authorizes appropriations.

Civil Liberties Act Amendments of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1992

Civil Liberties Act Amendments of 1992 - Amends the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 to increase the authorization of appropriations to the Civil Liberties Public Education Fund. Modifies requirements regarding payments made in the case of deceased persons. Terminates the duties of the Attorney General a specified period after the Fund terminates (currently, when the Fund terminates). Excludes any payments made under such Act from consideration as income for purposes of eligibility for benefits under all laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, effective as of August 10, 1988. Includes non-Japanese spouses and parents of an individual of Japanese ancestry within the definition of the term "of Japanese ancestry."

Hudson River Artists National Historical Park Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1992

Hudson River Artists National Historical Park Act of 1992 - Establishes, as a unit of the National Park System, the Thomas Cole National Historic Site, New York. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Hudson River Artists National Historical Park, subject to specified requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) acquire specified lands and improvements, as well as historic objects, artifacts, and other personal property associated with and appropriate for the interpretation of the Park; (2) enter into cooperative agreements with the State of New York (the State), specified entities, and individuals; and (3) accept donated funds, property, and services. Specifies that lands and improvements owned by the State may be acquired by the State only by transfer at no cost to the Federal Government. Directs the Secretary to: (1) administer the Park in accordance with this Act and all laws generally applicable to national historic sites; (2) preserve and interpret the Site; (3) preserve and perpetuate knowledge and understanding, and provide for public understanding and enjoyment, of the lives and works of the Hudson River artists (the artists); and (4) assist public and private entities in the interpretation of the artists, their houses and studios, and the vistas depicted by the artists throughout the Hudson River Valley region (region). Specifies that: (1) the Secretary shall take no action with respect to the lands and structures owned by the State within Park boundaries except through cooperative agreements in accordance with this Act; and (2) with regard to lands within the State Forest Preserve, the provisions of such cooperative agreements shall be in strict conformance with the pertinent provisions of the New York State Constitution. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) provide technical assistance to cooperating entities for the marking, interpretation, restoration, preservation, or interpretation of Site property; and (2) enter into cooperative agreements to plan and coordinate the interpretation of the cultural and natural history of the region, and with the Greene County Historical Society to provide for the establishment of a library and research center at the Site. Directs the Secretary to submit to specified congressional committees a general management plan for the Site and Park, including: (1) recommendations and cost estimates for the identification, marking, interpretation, and preservation of properties and landscapes associated with the artists and located throughout the region; and (2) recommendations on ways to broaden public understanding of the region and its role in American prehistory, history, and culture, and to foster relevant public education, resource preservation, and appropriate levels of regional tourism. Authorizes appropriations.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that secondary schools throughout the Nation should implement a financial planning program using the proven techniques of the College for Financial Planning in partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture Extension Service and participating Land-Grant University Cooperative Extension Services.

United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1992

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that secondary schools should implement a financial planning program using proven techniques of the College for Financial Planning in partnership with the Department of Agriculture Extension Service and participating Land-Grant University Cooperative Extension Services.

FREEDOM Support Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1992

Freedom for Russia and Emerging Eurasian Democracies and Open Markets Support Act of 1992 - Declares that the President, in providing assistance for the independent states of the former Soviet Union (independent states), should take into account the extent to which such states are taking steps toward: (1) establishment of democratic systems; (2) respect for human rights; (3) economic reform based on market principles, the development of a private sector, and integration into the world economy; (4) respect for international law and adherence to the principles of the Helsinki Final Act and the Charter of Paris; and (5) adherence to responsible security policies. Permits funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act to be available for such states (except for Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania) for purposes of promoting democracy, encouraging free market systems, meeting humanitarian needs, fostering demilitarization of the economy and society and defense conversion, promoting development in agricultural and energy sectors, promoting bilateral trade and investment, and for other purposes as the President deems appropriate. Authorizes the President to promote the active involvement of the U.S. private sector in activities in the former Soviet Union. Authorizes appropriations. Permits the President to use funds made available to carry out the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 for the independent states. Authorizes authorities under the Support for East European Democracy (SEED) Act of 1989 to be utilized to take actions with respect to such states. Authorizes the use of funds made available under specified Acts to carry out demilitarization and conversion of industries in such states, to prevent diversion of scientific expertise to terrorist groups or third countries, and to implement specified safeguards regarding nuclear weapons. Amends the Bretton Woods Agreements Act to endorse consent to: (1) an increase in the U.S. quota of the International Monetary Fund and to the amendments to the Articles of Agreement of the Fund approved in resolution number 45-3; and (2) a pledge to sell gold to restore the resources of the Reserve Account of the Enhanced Structural Adjustment Facility Trust. Supports U.S. participation in a currency stabilization fund for the independent states. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should ensure that the International Finance Corporation provides an ambitious lending program for such states. Endorses any increase of capital stock in the Corporation needed to accommodate the requirements of such states. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) efforts to reduce the number of items the export of which is restricted under Coordinating Committee on Multilateral Export Controls (COCOM) procedures should be continued to facilitate trade and investment between the United States and such states; and (2) the President should initiate negotiations for the establishment of a center in Ukraine for purposes of promoting science and technology projects for nonmilitary purposes. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to remove Czechoslovakia, Estonia, East Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Albania, Bulgaria, Poland, Yugoslavia, Romania, and the Soviet Union from the list of Communist countries to which assistance is prohibited. Makes a conforming amendment to the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to remove prohibitions on export credit with respect to such countries. Amends the Federal criminal code to remove the Soviet Union, East Germany, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Poland, Bulgaria, and Romania from a list of countries for which special restrictions apply with respect to legal commercial transactions. Authorizes the President to waive the application of any provision of law to the independent states that would have restricted the Soviet Union's eligibility for certain programs or benefits. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the Overseas Private Investment Corporation to carry out its pilot equity financing program in the independent states. Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to authorize agricultural commodities to be furnished to such states. Amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to permit export credit guaranties for improving services and agricultural goods and materials in emerging democracies to improve the management of imported agricultural commodities. Makes certain ceilings of the Food Security Act of 1985 and the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 inapplicable to the independent states. Authorizes the President to exempt any of such states from statutory or regulatory restrictions on the importation of goods and services into the United States to the extent that such restrictions are more stringent than restrictions applicable to like goods and services of other friendly countries. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should utilize international military education and training funds to provide education and training designed to foster greater respect for and understanding of the principle of civilian control of the military in the independent states.

A bill to amend the National School Lunch Act to modify the minimum nutritional requirements for school lunches, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1992

Amends the National School Lunch Act to require the Secretary of Agriculture (the Secretary), in prescribing minimum nutritional requirements for lunches served by schools participating in the school lunch program, to: (1) consider as having met such requirements any lunches that are consistent with current Dietary Guidelines for Americans published by the Secretary and the Secretary of Health and Human Services; (2) use the nutritive value of foods, rather than food components, in defining school lunch patterns; and (3) encourage use of locally produced foods.

Consumer Seafood Safety Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1992

Consumer Seafood Safety Act of 1992 - Deems unsafe for human consumption fish products: (1) containing a contaminant exceeding a tolerance; (2) derived from fish harvested from a closed area; (3) processed, handled, stored, or transported in violation of standards; or (4) which are shellfish and are grown or harvested in a State without an approved program or in an uncertified foreign nation, harvested from an unclassified and unmonitored area, or transported or held for transport by a person not on a specified list. Title I: National Seafood Safety Program - Mandates: (1) a national program for seafood safety; and (2) a handbook of Federal regulations and guidelines on seafood safety. Mandates a national shellfish safety program to protect against hazards to human health from the consumption of shellfish, including certain standards, procedures, and requirements regarding growing, harvesting, handling, processing, and shipping shellfish, actual and potential growing and harvesting area water quality, closure of such areas, and tracing of shellfish in commerce. Provides for State shellfish safety programs, approved by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in shellfish-producing States. Authorizes grants to States with approved programs for a portion of operating costs. Mandates publication of a list of shellfish shippers certified by a State or a foreign nation. Requires establishment of tolerances for contaminants that may render fish products injurious to health. Allows the tolerances to include indicators and requires taking into account other sources of exposure to a contaminant. Prohibits considering a product adulterated, under specified provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA), if the product meets the tolerance established under this Act. Amends the FDCA to define "added substance." Mandates, for waters under Federal jurisdiction seaward of the inner boundary of the Exclusive Economic Zone, identification, classification, and monitoring of fish and shellfish growing and harvesting areas regarding hazards likely to render fish products unsafe. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) prohibit or impose restrictions on the harvesting of fish from an area likely to exceed tolerances under this Act or to be adulterated under the FDCA; and (2) develop guidelines to assist States in establishing procedures for closing waters under State jurisdiction. Provides for closure of a State area by the Secretary of Commerce. Mandates standards for facilities which process fish products other than shellfish, including regarding transportation. Prohibits requiring freezing or cooking of products intended for raw consumption unless that is the only practical procedure to adequately prevent the products from being unsafe under this Act or adulterated under the FDCA. Requires, if necessary, standards for fishing vessels or fish tender vessels. Requires a comprehensive inspection system for fish products sold in interstate commerce, including unannounced inspections. Provides for product detention and condemnation. Applies rights and duties, under existing inspection provisions of the FDCA, to enforcement of this Act. Provides for the collection of samples of fish products under the inspection systems of this Act. Mandates registration of processors and importers. Authorizes aid to States, including technical and laboratory assistance, training, and financial aid, for planning and implementing a seafood safety program. Allows a State to have its own inspection program, mandating Federal approval if at least equal to the Federal program, with portions of the State program enforced in lieu of portions of the Federal program. Authorizes grants to States with approved programs for a portion of operating costs. Mandates a comprehensive imported seafood safety system, including routine inspections at processing facilities in exporting nations and at U.S. ports of entry. Requires that imports meeting specified requirements be deemed to be and treated as domestic fish products, except that labeling must identify the country of origin. Subjects fish products from a nation that is: (1) certified under this Act to random inspections and sampling; and (2) not certified under this Act to intensified inspections and sampling. Prohibits imports of shellfish from an uncertified nation. Provides for product detention and condemnation. Authorizes an agreement with a nation exporting to the United States with a seafood safety program at least equal in effectiveness to the program under this Act. Includes in the agreement reciprocity regarding seafood imports and exports between the nations. Requires certification of the types of fish products for which such a nation maintains such a program. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act, earmarking funds for assistance to States and for the research program authorized under title II of this Act. Title II: Research and Education - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to work, through the Centers for Disease Control, to include seafood in an active surveillance system and to assess more accurately the human disease in the United States associated with the consumption of seafood. Requires guidelines for a system to analyze for contaminants samples of fish products from sources other than facilities inspected under this Act. Mandates a national public education program on seafood including regarding: (1) both consumers and health professionals; and (2) recreational and subsistence fisheries. Provides for national, regional, State, and local advisories concerning seafood safety. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Commerce to conduct research to assist the implementation of this Act, including regarding sanitation, monitoring techniques, contaminant detection and source determination, and consumption data. Establishes a five-year research program to improve systems for monitoring and classifying fish growing areas and fishing grounds. Authorizes contracts for the program. Title III: Seafood Safety Enforcement - Provides for: (1) the protection of employee whistleblowers; (2) the recall of any fish product if there is a reasonable probability that the product is unsafe under this Act or adulterated or misbranded under the FDCA; and (3) voluntary recalls. Prohibits certain acts regarding fish products, including: (1) selling, transporting, or disposing of any unsafe product; (2) committing any act during transport or while holding for sale which makes a product unsafe; (3) processing or importing products without being registered; (4) refusing inspection; (5) maintaining false records or destroying records; (6) failure to comply with a recall; and (7) other acts in violation of this Act. Prescribes civil and criminal penalties.

Earthquake and Volcanic Eruption Hazard Reduction Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1992

Earthquake and Volcanic Eruption Hazard Reduction Act - Amends the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 to mandate identification of earthquake-prone and volcanic eruption-prone States. Establishes the Earthquake and Volcanic Eruption Loss Mitigation Advisory Committee. Requires development of comprehensive earthquake and volcanic eruption loss-reduction criteria for State and local land use and management ordinances, building codes, and other measures. Requires that a percentage of the annual earthquake and volcanic eruption insurance and excess reinsurance premiums collected under the Primary Insurance program enacted by this Act be deposited in the Self-Sustaining Mitigation Fund to support specified hazard reduction activities. Requires the Director to support public education programs. Provides for assistance, to the extent provided for in appropriations Acts, to States which are in compliance with the loss-reduction criteria of this Act to support development and implementation of mitigation plans. Prohibits making, increasing, extending, or renewing any federally-related mortgage loan secured by: (1) residential property in an earthquake-prone or volcanic eruption-prone State unless the property is covered by earthquake and volcanic eruption insurance coverage under this Act or equivalent private insurance; or (2) improved real estate or a mobile home located in an earthquake-prone or volcanic eruption-prone State if the State is not in compliance with the loss-reduction criteria of this Act and the property does not meet minimum mitigation criteria. Establishes the Primary Insurance Program against loss from any earthquake or volcanic eruption. Requires the Director to arrange for participation, on other than a risk-sharing basis, by private insurers, insurance agents and brokers, insurance adjustment organizations, and others. Mandates development of a plan of operation for the Insurance Fund and the Reinsurance Fund. Limits Program coverage to residential property in earthquake-prone or volcanic eruption-prone States. Establishes an independent advisory committee in the executive branch to be known as the Earthquake and Volcanic Eruption Insurance and Reinsurance Advisory Committee. Establishes in the Treasury the Residential Property Insurance Fund to carry out the Primary Insurance Program. Credits to the Insurance Fund premiums received by the Program. Requires, if gross reimbursements to private insurers exceed amounts in the Insurance Fund, loans from the industry for ten percent of the additional losses, with the remaining amounts borrowed from the Treasury and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Requires the Director to make reinsurance and excess reinsurance available to private insurers participating in the Program and their reinsurers. Provides for the excess reinsurance liability of the insurance industry and the Federal Government. Specifies the lines of insurance for which reinsurance coverage must be provided. Establishes in the Treasury the Reinsurance Fund to carry out the excess loss reinsurance program. Credits to the Fund any reinsurance premiums received under the excess loss reinsurance program and amounts borrowed from the Treasury under this Act. Requires the Director, to the extent that the Reinsurance Fund is insufficient to pay claims and expenses, to issue to the Secretary of the Treasury obligations to cover the insufficiency.

Earthquake and Volcanic Eruption Hazard Reduction Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1992

Earthquake and Volcanic Eruption Hazard Reduction Act - Amends the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 to mandate identification of earthquake-prone and volcanic eruption-prone States. Establishes the Earthquake and Volcanic Eruption Loss Mitigation Advisory Committee. Requires development of comprehensive earthquake and volcanic eruption loss-reduction criteria for State and local land use and management ordinances, building codes, and other measures. Requires that a percentage of the annual earthquake and volcanic eruption insurance and excess reinsurance premiums collected under the Primary Insurance program enacted by this Act be deposited in the Self-Sustaining Mitigation Fund to support specified hazard reduction activities. Requires the Director to support public education programs. Provides for assistance, to the extent provided for in appropriations Acts, to States which are in compliance with the loss-reduction criteria of this Act to support development and implementation of mitigation plans. Prohibits making, increasing, extending, or renewing any federally-related mortgage loan secured by: (1) residential property in an earthquake-prone or volcanic eruption-prone State unless the property is covered by earthquake and volcanic eruption insurance coverage under this Act or equivalent private insurance; or (2) improved real estate or a mobile home located in an earthquake-prone or volcanic eruption-prone State if the State is not in compliance with the loss-reduction criteria of this Act and the property does not meet minimum mitigation criteria. Establishes the Primary Insurance Program against loss from any earthquake or volcanic eruption. Requires the Director to arrange for participation, on other than a risk-sharing basis, by private insurers, insurance agents and brokers, insurance adjustment organizations, and others. Mandates development of a plan of operation for the Insurance Fund and the Reinsurance Fund. Limits Program coverage to residential property in earthquake-prone and volcanic eruption-prone States. Establishes an independent advisory committee in the executive branch to be known as the Earthquake and Volcanic Eruption Insurance and Reinsurance Advisory Committee. Establishes in the Treasury the Residential Property Insurance Fund to carry out the Primary Insurance Program. Credits to the Insurance Fund premiums received by the Program. Requires, if gross reimbursements to private insurers exceed amounts in the Insurance Fund, loans from the industry for ten percent of the additional losses, with the remaining amounts borrowed from the Treasury and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Requires the Director to make reinsurance and excess reinsurance available to private insurers participating in the Program and their reinsurers. Provides for the excess reinsurance liability of the insurance industry and the Federal Government. Specifies the lines of insurance for which reinsurance coverage must be provided. Establishes in the Treasury the Reinsurance Fund to carry out the excess loss reinsurance program. Credits to the Fund any reinsurance premiums received under the excess loss reinsurance program and amounts borrowed from the Treasury under this Act. Requires the Director, to the extent that the Reinsurance Fund is insufficient to pay claims and expenses, to issue to the Secretary of the Treasury obligations to cover the insufficiency.

An original concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal years 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, and 1997.

United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1992

Establishes the congressional budget for FY 1993 and sets forth appropriate budgetary levels for FY 1994 through 1997. Sets forth recommended budgetary levels of Federal revenues, new budget authority, budget outlays, deficits, public debt, and credit activity. Sets forth the amounts of increase in the public debt subject to limitation, the balances of the Federal retirement trust funds, and revenues and outlays of the Social Security trust funds for FY 1993 through 1997. Specifies the funding of major functional categories. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Government should sell assets to nongovernment buyers; and (2) amounts realized from such sales will not recur on an annual basis and do not reduce the demand for credit. Allows budget authority and outlay allocations for legislation that increases funding for certain purposes when legislation has been reported that will, if enacted, reduce other funding by an equal or excess amount. Describes such purposes as funding: (1) to improve the health and nutrition of children and to provide for services to protect children and strengthen families; (2) for economic growth initiatives for unemployment compensation and related programs; (3) to make continuing improvements in ongoing health care programs or to begin phasing-in health insurance coverage for all Americans; and (4) to improve educational opportunities for individuals at the early childhood, elementary, secondary, or higher education levels, or to invest in America's children. Requires in the Senate an affirmative vote of three-fifths of the Members to: (1) waive or suspend the maximum deficit amount point of order of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974; or (2) sustain an appeal of the ruling of the Chair on a point of order raised under such maximum deficit amount point of order. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Committees on the Budget be required to use the Congressional Budget Office or Office of Management and Budget set of economic forecasts with the lower real gross domestic product growth forecast for FY 1993 and future budget years.

Veterans' Employment and Training Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1992

Veterans' Employment and Training Act of 1992 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) and the Secretary of Labor to assist eligible veterans in obtaining employment with eligible employers in permanent and stable positions that require significant training by providing: (1) training assistance payments to employers who employ and train eligible veterans; and (2) training benefits and appropriate counseling to eligible veterans. Requires the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment and Training to assist the Secretary of Labor in carrying out this Act. Makes eligible for such training programs veterans who: (1) are unemployed at the time they apply; and (2) have either been unemployed for ten of the previous 15 weeks prior to applying, or were separated from active duty not more than ten weeks before starting the program. Requires such eligible veterans to submit to the Secretary of Labor an application for a certificate of eligibility for participation in the training program. Outlines provisions concerning the granting or denial of such certificates, including the right to appeal a denial to the Secretary of Labor. Requires a veteran to commence participation in an appropriate training program within 90 days after the certificate is issued. Provides for certificate renewal. Defines as eligible employers employers who intend to provide training in a field of employment providing reasonable probability of stable, long-term employment. Provides job training program requirements, including the provision of compensation to a veteran during such training and the employment of such veteran in the position for which trained, if practicable. Provides certain positions of employment for which an employer is prohibited from training eligible veterans (those involving seasonal or temporary employment, training outside of the United States, or those which will displace current workers or delay the return of previously laid-off workers). Authorizes an eligible employer to provide job training through educational instruction, if appropriate. Limits the duration of such training periods to no less than six months and no more than two years, with an exception. Directs the Secretary of Labor to approve each job training program established by an employer for purposes of this Act. Requires each employer who intends to carry out a job training program to submit an application to the Secretary of Labor. Provides: (1) application requirements; (2) program approval requirements; (3) that apprenticeship or other on-job training shall be considered a job training program for this Act's purposes; and (4) conditions under which the approval of a job training program may be discontinued by the Secretary of Labor. Requires notification to an employer and any affected veterans of the disapproval of a job training program. Provides for reapproval of such program in appropriate circumstances. Directs the Secretary to pay training assistance to employers who provide job training to veterans in programs under this Act. Provides for payment amounts and requires such payments to be made on a quarterly basis, with an exception. Requires the Secretary of Labor to transmit to the Secretary notice of program approval before such payments may be made. Directs the Secretary to pay accommodation assistance to permit employers to modify their facilities or equipment in order to facilitate the training and employment of disabled veterans. Requires an employer desiring such assistance to submit to the Secretary of Labor a detailed proposal relating to such modifications as well as documentation of the completion of such modifications and their costs. Requires the Secretary of Labor to approve each proposal for modifications, approve modification costs, and transmit to the Secretary notice of such approval. Directs the Secretary, after receiving such notice, to pay the appropriate accommodation assistance. Limits such payments to $3,000 per employer. Requires each employer so paid to permit facility access to ensure compliance with modification requirements. Outlines provisions concerning the determination of overpayment of job training program assistance under this Act and the recovery by the Secretary of such overpayments. Directs the Secretary to pay training benefits to veterans who participate in programs under this Act in order to defray work-related expenses. Limits such payments to $1,500 per veteran. Requires a veteran desiring such payment to apply to the Secretary of Labor, stating the amount of expenses incurred. Requires the Secretary of Labor to approve such application before any payment may be made. Outlines provisions concerning payment administration, determinations of overpayments, and recovery of overpayments. Authorizes the Secretary to waive recovery of overpayments when recovery would be against equity and good conscience. States that an employer: (1) may not provide a veteran with job training under a program if the Secretary determines that there are insufficient funds; (2) must notify the Secretary 14 days before furnishing job training to a veteran and to commence such program unless advised otherwise by the Secretary within such period; and (3) who provides training under this Act shall provide the veteran with a copy of the application for approval of the program as submitted to the Secretary of Labor. Directs the Secretary of Labor to ensure that the job training programs are carried out in compliance with this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to investigate matters related to a program, to enter onto an employer's premises, and to have access to records maintained by an employer with respect to a job training program. Prohibits an employer from being paid training assistance on behalf of a veteran under this Act if, during the training period, the employer is allowed a tax credit or is paid an allowance for such veteran under various Federal provisions. Provides an identical prohibition for the payment to a veteran of training benefits under this Act for work-related expenses. Prohibits either such payment if the veteran has completed a program of job training under this Act or under the Veterans' Job Training Act. Authorizes the Secretary and the Secretary of Labor to provide certain employment counseling and guidance services to veterans who are issued certificates of eligibility for participation in a job training program under this Act. Requires such services to be coordinated with similar services under Federal veterans' benefits provisions. Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish a program of case management services under which each veteran participating in a job training program approved under this Act is provided a case manager who is a veterans' outreach program specialist. Outlines the case management services to be provided. Provides that the Secretary of Labor is not required to provide a veteran with case management services if: (1) the outreach specialist recommends that the veteran does not need such services; or (2) the Secretary of Labor determines that the employer has an appropriate assistance program or that the rate of successful completion of the program is more than 60 percent. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Labor to provide eligible veterans with notice and information with respect to the counseling and guidance services, the case management services, and certain supportive services available to service-connected disabled veterans who are recently separated from military service as provided under the Job Training Partnership Act. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts with and pay (up to a specified limit) entities for the provision of all such services. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Labor to carry out a public information and outreach program under which the Secretaries: (1) inform veterans of job training and employment programs; (2) inform private businesses, institutions of higher education, trade associations, and labor organizations of such training programs and employment opportunities; and (3) promote the development of job training and employment opportunities for veterans by various means. Requires coordination of such program with other Federal, State, and local programs. Directs each Secretary to make available in his or her respective local and regional offices such personnel and services as determined necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Directs the Secretary of Labor to obtain from the Administrator of the Small Business Administration a list of small businesses that are suitable to carry out job training programs under this Act. Requires the Administrator to update such list on a regular basis. Directs the Secretary of Labor to use resources made available under this Act to assist service-connected disabled veterans and veterans recently separated from military service under provisions of the Job Training Partnership Act. Directs the Secretary of Labor to inform veterans who are denied certificates of eligibility for programs provided under this Act of the opportunities available to such veterans under the Job Training Partnership Act or other similar programs. Directs the Secretary of Labor, in each of FY 1993 through 1997, to award grants to nonpublic entities having appropriate expertise in such matters for providing employment assistance (including counseling) to homeless veterans. Provides a fiscal year funding limitation for such grants. Directs the Secretary of Labor, in consultation with the Secretary, to evaluate on an annual basis the status of the programs authorized and carried out under this Act in order to ensure that programs satisfy their purposes. Directs the Secretary of Labor to submit to the Senate and House veterans' and labor committees preliminary and annual reports on actions taken and costs to implement this Act and their assessments with respect to the programs provided. Terminates the provision of training assistance to employers and training benefits to a veteran under this Act for any training provided after September 30, 1997. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 through 1997. Prohibits the obligation of any more than five percent of such authorized amounts for administrative activities by either Secretary.

American Health Security Plan

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1992

American Health Security Plan - Title I: Eligibility and Enrollment - Entitles every U.S. resident citizen, national, and lawful resident alien to health care services and long-term care services under this Act. Requires each State program to provide for a mechanism for enrollment and issuance of an identification and processing card. Provides for portability. Title II: Benefits - Subtitle A: Health Care Services - Includes as covered services: (1) inpatient and outpatient hospital care; (2) diagnostic and screening tests; (3) services furnished by health care professionals; (4) preventive care; (5) prescription drugs, biologicals, and devices; (6) substance abuse services; (7) outpatient mental health services; (8) hospice care; (9) habilitation and rehabilitation; (10) home medical equipment and prosthetic devices; and (11) approved experimental treatment. Prohibits States from limiting the amount, duration, or scope of services except as provided in this Act. Excludes cosmetic surgery and certain inpatient amenities. Requires: (1) the Federal Health Board established by this Act to provide for copayments and out-of-pocket limits; and (2) the Federal Health Priorities Council established by this Act to study whether out-of-pocket limits should take into account family size and whether cost sharing should be different for individuals who engage in practices deemed to increase the likelihood of service use. Subtitle B: Long-Term Care Services - Requires that the Board set standards for eligibility, long-term care services coverage, income protection, and case management. Requires that long-term care include at least home- and community-based services, nursing home care, hospice care, home medical equipment, and services for individuals with developmental disabilities and mental illness. Requires the Board to establish an income-related cost sharing schedule. Requires reduction of cost sharing to ensure that the income and assets of the individual using long-term care services under this Act are sufficient to: (1) cover all items needed in addition to those provided by the long-term care facility; (2) maintain the individual's primary residence; and (3) maintain the individual's independence once the individual no longer needs long-term care services. Requires, for the protection of spouses and dependents, reduction of cost sharing. Provides for the appointment of a Long-Term Care Services Assessment Commission to make recommendations annually regarding specified aspects of long-term care under this Act. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Modification of Services - Requires annual recommendations by the Priorities Council regarding changes in services under this Act. Authorizes the Board to promulgate regulations for implementing the Council's recommendations. Gives the regulations the force of law unless Congress disapproves. Title III: Federal and State Administration - Subtitle A: Federal Administration - Establishes the Federal Health Board to administer this Act and take other actions, including establishing national minimum quality standards, establishing uniform reporting requirements, and reviewing and approving interstate consortia. Requires the Board to appoint the Federal Health Advisory Council. Establishes the Federal Health Priorities Council to conduct hearings and studies and make recommendations on how health care dollars should be allocated in the context of a publicly funded national health insurance plan. Authorizes appropriations for the Board, the Advisory Council, and the Priorities Council. Subtitle B: State Administration - Provides for Board review and approval of State programs. Includes in requirements for State programs: (1) financing of services through a designated fund; (2) designation of a single nonprofit State agency to administer the program; (3) establishment of boards to negotiate with hospitals and practitioners; and (4) freedom of individuals to choose providers. Allows States to contract with fiscal intermediaries, in a process of competitive bidding, to administer the State program. Provides for waivers for States to: (1) implement alternative and innovative provider reimbursement, cost sharing, and administration; and (2) provide services through a capitation method. Allows any group of States to establish a regional consortium in lieu of State programs. Provides for congressional disapproval of the consortium agreement. Mandates grants to States or regional consortia for the establishment and initial operation of the State or regional plan. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Financing - Subtitle A: Health Budgets - Requires the Board to establish an annual or biennial budget for Federal and State expenditures under this Act. Requires computation of national average per capita costs, adjustments for risk groups, and adjustments for specified factors in each State. Provides for determination by the Board of the Federal and State shares of expenditures, subject to congressional disapproval. Entitles each State with an approved State program to a Federal contribution of the Federal share plus that State's total projected expenditures for services under this Act. Prohibits a State, either by intention or as an unstated consequence of budget allocations, from restricting timely access to medically necessary and appropriate services under this Act or permitting queues to form that have the potential to be life threatening. Subtitle B: Payments to Providers - Provides for State payments to hospitals and other health care and long-term care institutions for the areas of operating, capital, and health training expenses. Sets forth principles for guiding State reimbursement negotiation boards in each such area. Requires the State practitioner reimbursement negotiation board to negotiate with the State organizations representing each of the practitioner disciplines to derive a relative value scale fee schedule fulfilling specified principles. Sets forth principles for negotiating reimbursement rates for nonphysician providers. Declares payment by a State program to be payment in full. Subtitle C: Revenues - Requires the Board to develop a mechanism for determining and collecting a premium from individuals and employers. Requires the Board, subject to congressional disapproval, to collect premiums from individuals and employers according to certain requirements, including that the premiums from: (1) individuals be income-based and progressive; and (2) employers be based on each employer's ability to pay. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to define "accident or health insurance," for purposes of provisions relating to exclusions from gross income, to mean an approved State program under this Act. Removes provisions relating to amounts paid to highly compensated individuals under a discriminatory self-insured medical expense reimbursement plan. Prohibits trade or business expense deductions for employer group health plan expenses unless the plan is an approved State plan under this Act. Removes provisions: (1) limiting deductions for health insurance costs of self-employed individuals to 25 percent of those costs; and (2) terminating, on a specified date, the allowance of any deductions for such costs for self-employed individuals. Modifies definitions under provisions allowing individual medical expense deductions, including defining "medical care" to mean premiums and cost-sharing under this Act. Terminates, after 1998, the child health insurance credit. Establishes in the Treasury the Federal Health Care Trust Fund. Appropriates to the Fund premiums under this Act and additional revenues received as a result of amendments made by this subtitle. Transfers to the Fund all remaining amounts in the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund. Authorizes and appropriates: (1) amounts equal to appropriations under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act and under provisions of Federal law relating to the Civilian Health and Medical Plan of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) and relating to health insurance for Federal officials and employees; (2) additional sums as required to cover administrative expenses; (3) payments to each State for the Federal share of expenditures under this Act; and (4) sums as determined by the Board to be necessary to cover contingencies. Declares that the receipts and disbursements of the Fund shall not be included in the totals of the U.S. budget and exempts them from any general budget limitation. Makes each State responsible for establishing a financing program for the implementation of the State program. Title V: Congressional Consideration - Sets forth rules, changeable as any other rule of the House of Representatives or the Senate, regarding congressional disapproval resolutions under this Act. Title VI: Private Options - Declares that this Act does not prohibit private insurance coverage supplementing the services covered under this Act. Allows private insurance coverage for services covered under this Act, subject to limitations, including: (1) prohibiting private coverage for the cost-sharing requirements for health care services and other non-long-term care services covered under this Act; (2) requiring issuers of private insurance to inform purchasers of any duplication in coverage; and (3) requiring the Comptroller General to review private insurance industry practices and make recommendations to the Congress regarding prevention of fraud and abuse in the sale of duplicative or supplemental private insurance. Declares that the purchase of any private insurance does not relieve the purchaser of the payment of premiums under this Act. Title VII: Expansion of Outcomes Research and Delivery of Services in Underserved Areas - Amends provisions of the Social Security Act relating to health care outcomes research to authorize appropriations. Authorizes appropriations to carry out provisions of the Public Health Service Act relating to the National Health Service Corps. Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize grants to local communities for programs to finance the health-related education of residents of such communities, provided such residents agree to practice in a health-related field in that community for at least four years after graduation. Authorizes appropriations. Mandates grants to expand the availability of comprehensive primary health services in medically underserved areas. Allows community and migrant health centers in existence at enactment of this Act to use any increase in revenue resulting from the increase in the number of insured patients treated for the expansion of the amounts and types of services furnished, to serve additional patients or areas, or to promote the recruitment, training, or retention of personnel. Authorizes appropriations. Title VIII: Malpractice Reform - Requires the Board to make grants to States for the development and implementation of medical malpractice reforms meeting specified criteria. Authorizes appropriations. Title IX: Effective Dates; Terminations; Transition; Relation to ERISA - Repeals: (1) titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act; (2) provisions of the Internal Revenue Code relating to hospital insurance; (3) certain provisions of Federal law relating to the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS); and (4) specified provisions of Federal law relating to health benefits for Federal officials and employees. Requires the Board to recommend to the Congress amendment or repeal of any other Federal program inconsistent with or duplicative of the principles of this Act. Supersedes, to the extent they are inconsistent with this Act, the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act.

Reinvest in American Education Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1992

Reinvest in American Education Act - Title I: Care and Development of Children - Amends the Head Start Act to extend and increase the authorization of appropriations for the Head Start program. Amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to extend and increase the authorization of appropriations for the child care and early childhood development improvement program. Title II: Elementary and Secondary Education Improvements - Authorizes the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) to make school competitiveness challenge grants to State educational agencies (SEAs) for use by local educational agencies (LEAs) to implement public school programs to: (1) reduce class size; and (2) purchase and integrate computers and software programs. Requires State applications to cover a five-year period. Requires States to allocate all such funds to LEAs eligible to receive funds under provisions for disadvantaged students under chapter 1 of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA chapter 1). Requires State appointment of a review panel to recommend LEAs that appear to meet the Secretary's requirements for such grant awards. Limits the Federal share to 90 percent of project costs. Limits certain uses of funds. Requires annual State reports. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to make foreign language program grants to SEAs to develop and implement innovative programs to teach foreign languages to public school students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Requires States selected to receive such grants to distribute grants to LEAs, higher education institutions, and community-based organizations with expertise in foreign language training or foreign language integration with area studies, geography, and cultural awareness. Gives special consideration to entities with expertise in European and Pacific Rim languages. Requires State applications to cover a five-year period. Requires State appointment of a review panel to recommend LEAs based on ability to meet the the Secretary's requirements for such grant awards. Limits the Federal share to 90 percent of project costs. Requires annual State reports. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to make demonstration grants for comprehensive services for children and youth to eligible entity partnerships to provide multiyear educational and social services to specified target populations of disadvantaged at-risk children and youth and their families. Requires such programs to coordinate activities under Federal, State, and local partnership grants into an integrated service delivery system colocated at a school or other community-based site accessible to and used by at-risk youth. Gives priority to entities that provide comprehensive services extending beyond traditional school or service hours (including year-round programs providing evening and weekend services). Allows award of such grants for up to five years, if progress is satisfactory. Requires equitable geographic distribution to both urban and rural areas with a high proportion of at-risk youth. Provides for bonus awards. Requires an entity to serve a target population of: (1) students enrolled in schools participating in school-wide projects assisted under ESEA chapter 1, and their families; (2) students enrolled in the most economically disadvantaged schools within the LEA; (3) out-of-school youth at-risk of having limited future options due to teenage pregnancy and parenting, substance abuse, recent immigration, disability, limited English proficiency, family migration, illiteracy, being the child of a teen parent, living in a single parent household, or being a high school dropout; or (4) any combination of in-school and out-of-school youth. Provides for: (1) authorized program activities; (2) one-year planning grants; (3) applications; (4) comprehensive service plans; (5) planning councils; (6) joint review of applications by the Secretaries of Education and of Health and Human Services; (6) annual interim reports; (7) a program evaluation study and report to specified congressional committees by the Secretary of Education; (8) minimum and maximum grant limits; (9) an 80 percent Federal share; and (10) technical assistance and information dissemination on successful models. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Augustus F. Hawkins Human Services Reauthorization Act of 1990 to direct the Federal Council on Children, Youth, and Families to: (1) identify and, if possible, eliminate program regulations or practices that impede coordination and collaboration; (2) develop and implement plans for creating jointly funded programs, unified assessments, eligibility, and application procedures, and confidentiality regulations that facilitate information-sharing; and (3) recommend legislative action needed to facilitate coordination of educational and social services for children, youth, and families. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to LEAs, in areas where the dropout rate for high school students is 20 percent or more, for daily after-school activities for at-risk students in the fourth through eighth grades of public schools in such an LEA's jurisdiction. Sets the Federal share at 90 percent of the costs of such activities. Sets forth required guidelines for such activities, including: (1) organization by peer group leaders from high schools, each to be paid for their services $1 per hour more than the Federal minimum wage; and (2) supervision by teachers, each to be paid for their services $20,000 per year in addition to their regular salary. Sets forth requirements for LEA applications and assurances. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to SEAs for use by LEAs to repair, renovate, and modernize existing public school buildings to address health, safety, and environmental concerns. Requires State applications to cover a five-year period. Requires appointment of a review panel. Gives priority to: (1) schools that have buildings that are more than 25 years old; and (2) schools in which the buildings' physical condition warrants repair or renovation. Sets the Federal share at 90 percent of project costs. Requires annual State progress reports to the Secretary. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to SEAs for use by LEAs to develop programs in public elementary schools regarding the Bill of Rights. Sets forth requirements for: (1) applications; (2) review panels; (3) 90 percent maximum Federal share; and (4) annual State reports. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to SEAs for use by LEAs to develop or continue physical education programs and interscholastic sports programs in public schools for kindergarten through 12th grade. Sets forth requirements for: (1) applications; (2) review panels; (3) 90 percent maximum Federal share; and (4) annual State reports. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to SEAs for use by LEAs to develop or continue arts education in public schools for kindergarten through 12th grade. Sets forth requirements for: (1) applications; (2) review panels; (3) 90 percent maximum Federal share; and (4) annual State reports. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Dwight D. Eisenhower Mathematics and Science Education Act to extend and increase the authorization of appropriations for State grants and national programs to strengthen the skills of teachers and improve instruction in mathematics and science. Amends the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act to extend and increase the authorization of appropriations for programs of assistance to vocational education. Title III: Higher Education Loan Program - Self-Reliance Scholarship Act of 1991 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to provide for Self-Reliance Scholarships to assist students in financing their undergraduate and graduate education. Establishes the self-reliance scholarship program as a student loan program, with repayments to be made over chosen periods under the income tax system on the basis of the individual's adjusted gross income. Requires the Director of the Office of Self-Reliance Scholarships established by this Act (the Director) to make such loans to each eligible student who qualifies, in an amount determined according to a specified formula. Authorizes the Director to enter into a contract for the conduct of the program or any portion of it. Requires each eligible institution to submit a list of loan applicants and the amounts for which they are qualified and promptly notify the Director of any change in their enrollment status. Requires the Director to establish an account for each such loan recipient by name and taxpayer identification number and provide for the increase of the total amount stated for such account by any amounts subsequently loaned to such recipient. Sets forth the terms of institutional agreements under such program, enforcement provisions, and reporting requirements. Requires each eligible institution entering such a program agreement, if it experiences a percentage increase in its cost of attendance exceeding a certain amount, to report to the Director on such increase and its justification. Requires the Director to report to the Congress on the reasons for such excessive increases and whether such information should be used as a basis on which to suspend or revoke, in whole or in part, the agreement with the eligible institution. Sets forth annual and aggregate limits on the amounts of such loans to individuals, with adjustments for inflation and for less than full-time students. Sets forth terms of such loans and provisions for disbursement of proceeds. Prohibits the amount of any such loan from being taken into consideration in determining student eligibility for assistance under any other program assisted under HEA. Establishes in the Treasury the Education Trust Fund (the Fund), consisting of transfers from education loan repayment taxes and surtaxes on individuals with incomes over $1,000,000 and from loan refunds after student withdrawals, amounts received pursuant to the issuance of obligations, and any interest earned on Fund investments. Bases the transfer of tax and surtax amounts on estimates. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to invest the portion of the Fund which the Director judges is not required to meet current withdrawals. Authorizes the Fund to issue certain obligations. Authorizes the Director to obligate certain sums available to the Fund for specified purposes. Requires the Director to hold the Fund and report annually to the Congress on its financial condition, the results of its operations, and its expected condition and operations. Provides for repayment of such loans. Requires the Director to develop and implement a procedure for computing repayment percentage options for each borrower, taking specified factors into consideration. Sets various limits on such repayments based on the individual's gross income. Limits the maximum repayment period to 25 years, with individuals given the option of selecting a 15-, 20-, or 25-year repayment period. Requires development of a buyout procedure, including interest and a prepayment penalty. Requires the Director to: (1) provide each borrower with the option to select a repayment status with a repayment percentage determined in accordance with specified procedures and factors; and (2) transmit such information along with the borrower's taxpayer identification number to the borrower and to the Secretary of the Treasury by January 1 of each calendar year. Requires repayment status to commence at the start of the first taxable year following either the date of the loan or the date of graduation, but in no event later than the sixth taxable year after the date of the loan. Authorizes the Director, however, to establish special repayment rules for individuals in categories of special consideration. Makes proprietary trade schools ineligible for the Self-Reliance Scholarship program. Makes eligible for such scholarships any student who is a U.S. citizen of age 17 through 50. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish the education loan repayment tax, to be imposed upon individuals certified by the Director in an amount equal to the repayment percentage of the taxpayer's adjusted gross income for the taxable year. Sets forth minimum and maximum adjusted gross income amounts. Sets forth requirements for joint returns. Establishes a surtax on individuals with taxable incomes over $1,000,000. Imposes such surtax on income tax at a specified rate in certain cases, and on the tentative minimum tax at a specified rate in certain cases. Makes special rules for a surtax on estate and trusts and for treatment of married individuals filing separate returns. Amends the Department of Education Organization Act to establish the Office of Self-Reliance Scholarships, to be administered by the Director who is responsible for overseeing this Act. Directs the President of the National Academy of Sciences to study and report to specified congressional committees on the impact of higher education tuition rate increases on students and families, along with recommendations for cost containment measures. Authorizes appropriations.

A bill to ensure fair treatment of Department of Energy employees during the restructuring of the Department of Energy defense nuclear facilities workforce, to provide medical examinations to certain current and former such employees, to provide medical reinsurance for certain former such employees, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1992

Directs the Secretary of Energy to develop, issue, and commence implementation of a plan for the restructuring of the employee work force of Department of Energy (DOE) nuclear facilities. Outlines plan requirements, including: (1) that any changes in functions or missions at such facilities be carried out so as to minimize the economic impact of such changes on such DOE employees, with prior notice of such changes at least 120 days before they take place, retraining, early retirement and attrition, and other similar means of minimization; (2) first preference for terminated DOE defense facility employees in any DOE hiring; (3) retraining of such employees for work in environmental restoration and waste management activities of DOE; (4) relocation assistance for appropriate employees; (5) retraining, education, and reemployment assistance for employment outside of DOE; and (6) local impact assistance to communities that are affected by any DOE defense facility restructuring plan. Directs the Secretary to issue yearly plan updates containing specified information. Requires appropriate consultation by the Secretary when developing such plans. Requires all plans and updates to be submitted to specified congressional committees. Directs the Secretary, when entering into a contract for the procurement of environmental restoration and waste management activities (contract) at a DOE nuclear defense facility, to require the contractor and any subcontractor to: (1) recognize any collective bargaining agreements in force at the facility and any labor organizations authorized to act on behalf of such employees; (2) employ employees of the collective bargaining units at such facility; (3) assume the liability and obligations of the pension programs of the preceding employer at such facility for employees retained under the contract; and (4) credit periods of employment with previous employers toward contract requirements relating to sick leave, vacations, health insurance, and other employment-related benefits, with limitations. Directs the Secretary to establish and carry out a program for the identification and ongoing medical evaluation of current and former DOE employees who are subject to significant health risks as a result of exposure to hazardous or radioactive substances during such employment. Outlines program implementation provisions, requiring the Secretary to: (1) carry out certain activities under the program in concurrence with the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS); (2) permit the participation of specified organizations; (3) notify each employee identified and examined or tested of test results; (4) collect and assemble information relating to such examinations and tests; (5) carry out such program within one year after enactment of this Act; and (6) enter into an agreement with the Secretary of HHS under which each Secretary of Energy carries out required activities under the program. Directs the Secretary to carry out a program to provide for insurance to cover the reasonable health care costs for DOE employees who: (1) were defense nuclear facility employees; (2) through such employment, received a level of exposure to hazardous or radioactive substances that poses a significant risk to such employee's health; (3) as a result of such exposure, have developed a significant illness, disease, or clinical sensitivity; and (4) are not entitled to benefits under the Medicare or any other health insurance program. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe, with participation by specified organizations, standards for determining the eligibility of former employees for such insurance coverage. Requires establishment of the insurance program within six months after the enactment of this Act.

Defense Industrial Diversification and Community Assistance Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1992

Defense Industrial Diversification and Community Assistance Act of 1992 - Title I: Industrial Diversification Study - Directs the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA), the Secretary of Defense, and the Director of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), to study the extent to which diversification of defense industries to non-defense production can be effectuated. Requires a report from the Secretary of Commerce on the study's results. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Presidential Council on Economic Diversification and Adjustment - Establishes in the Executive Office of the President the Council on Economic Diversification and Adjustment, co-chaired by the Secretaries of Commerce and Labor, and the Office of Economic Diversification and Adjustment. Outlines Council duties, including the identification of defense-related impact problems of States, metropolitan areas, or communities requiring assistance, the dissemination of aid and assistance information, and the development of strategies and plans for Federal, State, and local economic adjustment efforts necessitated as the result of the termination or reduction of a defense contract or the closure or realignment of a defense facility which substantially adversely affects the local community involved. Requires the Council to prepare and distribute an economic diversification and adjustment handbook containing explanations, outlines, information, and directories concerning the economic diversification required for workers in a community as the result of curtailment of defense production. Requires the Secretary of Defense to notify the Council at least one year in advance of a pending or proposed change in defense spending that would affect local employment in the defense industry. Requires the Council to submit an annual report to the Congress on the required economic diversification and adjustment for the previous year. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Industrial Diversification Accounts; Alternative Defense Investment Tax Credit - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow 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 predominately 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. Allows deposits to such accounts during the five-year period after its establishment. 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 on 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. Allows an eligible corporation which does not have an industrial diversification account an industrial diversification credit as an alternative investment tax credit. Declares the industrial diversification credit to be equal to 20 percent of the amount paid or incurred for a purpose for which a qualified withdrawal would be permitted from an industrial diversification account if the corporation had such an account. Title IV: Small Business Diversification - Establishes in the SBA a Committee on Defense and Economic Diversification and an Office of Economic Diversification. Directs the Committee to: (1) carry out programs under title V of this Act; (2) identify defense-related problems of small businesses that require assistance; (3) disseminate information useful to small business concerns; (4) prepare a plan for coordinating the efforts of the SBA and the Administration's programs for assisting firms adversely affected by defense cutbacks; and (5) work with and coordinate efforts with the President's Office of Economic Diversification and Adjustment to assist small businesses in finding alternative procurement opportunities with Federal agencies. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Small Business Assistance - Empowers the Administrator of the SBA to make either loans or grants to a qualified small manufacturing firm to assist such firm to diversify from defense-related to nondefense-related business. Outlines loan and grant limits, conditions, and specific purposes. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations to carry out this title. Authorizes appropriations. Title VI: Economic Adjustment Assistance for Employees - Requires all displacements of workers employed by a defense agency, or of civilian workers employed by the armed services, to be reported by the management of the defense facility to the Office of Economic Diversification and Adjustment and to the State employment security agency acting as the agent of the Secretary of Labor for the administration of the program under this title. Requires the Office to certify eligibility of displaced workers under this title for benefits. Amends the Job Training Partnership Act to decrease from 80 to 75 percent the portion of funds available under such Act for job training and retraining that are to be divided among the States. Increases from 20 to 25 percent of such amount the funds that are to be set aside for special grants to substates for special employment problems (intending displaced worker assistance under this Act to qualify as one such special problem). Directs the Secretary of Labor, in coordination with the Council, to develop statistical data on the permanent dislocation of defense workers due to reductions in defense expenditures, termination or reduction of defense contracts, or the closure or realignment of defense facilities. Requires the Secretary to publish a report after compilation of such data. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from individual retirement accounts early withdrawal penalties any withdrawals made by dislocated workers and used for either mortgage payments on a primary residence or rent payments for one year following the worker's layoff. Title VII: Community Economic Adjustment Planning - Requires the Secretary of Defense, upon release of the President's budget or any announcement of the realignment or closure of a qualified defense facility, to promptly notify any State or local government affected by the realignment, closure, or contract slowdown or termination which is being proposed or will likely result. Makes eligible for economic adjustment planning assistance any community which: (1) is likely to be substantially and seriously affected by the realignment or closure of a defense facility, or the slowdown, termination, or cancellation of any defense contract; and (2) prepares an analysis and forecast of the effect of any such action on the local economy and workforce as well as a proposal for an economic adjustment plan to reduce the adverse effect of any such action. Requires the Council to review the analyses, forecasts, and proposals submitted. Requires the Council to: (1) publish a list annually of the communities eligible for economic adjustment planning assistance after review of such documentation; and (2) allow a community which failed in such termination to petition the Council for review of such determination for inclusion on such list. Provides that any community found eligible for such assistance by the Council shall be eligible for community planning assistance offered by the Secretary of Defense under specified Federal armed forces provisions. Provides that any substantially and seriously affected community shall also be eligible for economic adjustment assistance authorized under title IX of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965. Title VIII: Commercial and Defense Production Integration - Establishes within DOD the Office of Commercial and Defense Production Integration to develop and implement policies, practices, and procedures designed to achieve an effective integration of commercial production processes and defense procurement practices. Attempts to accomplish such integration by increasing the use of commercial products in defense procurement, lowering unit costs in defense production through streamlining acquisition procedures, encouraging integrated processes for manufacturing civilian and defense products, and encouraging research and development of products having both civilian and military applications. Calls for the elimination of unique military specifications in the procurement of defense products and the identification of commercial suppliers that have exhibited high standards of product quality and reliability in commercial or defense production. Requires the Office to assist the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition in the acquisition and increased usage of nondevelopmental items in defense procurement (items that are generally available in the commercial marketplace). Directs the Secretary of Defense, acting through the Office, to conduct not less than three projects to demonstrate the feasibility of achieving effective integration of commercial production processes and military procurement practices. Requires the Secretary to notify the Congress at least 30 days in advance of the commencement of each such project, and requires project reports. Title IX: Commission on Military Budget Reform - Establishes the Commission on Military Budget Reform to conduct a study of the desirability and feasibility of the Congress instituting a three-year budget cycle program for DOD. Requires the Commission, in carrying out such study, to consider: (1) the advantages and disadvantages of the three-year budget program; (2) the likely savings from the program; (3) the effects of the program on other activities and programs of DOD, on short- and long-range national security planning, and on foreign military sales; (4) the favorable and adverse effects that multiyear defense budgets have had on the defense budget processes of foreign nations that have adopted such programs; and (5) alternative means of carrying out such a program. Requires a findings report from the Commission to the Secretary and the Congress. Provides powers of the Commission as well as other administrative provisions. Terminates the Commission 30 days after its report. Authorizes appropriations.