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Bill· SS. 2268 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1992
RU-486 Regulatory Fairness Act - Declares that a specified import alert issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with respect to the drug RU-486 shall not have any legal effect and shall be withdrawn by the FDA. (RU-486 has been used outside the United States to abort pregnancies.) Prohibits the FDA from taking any action to bar the import of that drug unless the FDA finds that it is being imported for an illegal use. Requires the FDA to give consideration in accordance with provisions relating to new drug approval when an application is submitted under such provisions for RU-486.
Bill· HRH.R. 4322 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1992
Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 1992 - Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a breastfeeding promotion program.
Law· HJRESH.J.Res. 425 (102nd)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1992
Designates May 10, 1992, as Infant Mortality Awareness Day.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 283 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1992
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the position of the United States at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development should: (1) place the highest priority on the success of the Conference by participating actively, particularly through the personal participation of the President; (2) negotiate international agreements that effectively reduce the threat of climate change and biological diversity loss; (3) propose or support an initiative on financing global environmental cooperation efforts that takes into account the additional costs of international environmental protection and the basic development goals of developing countries and increases accountability for the use of funds provided for environmental purposes; (4) seek to advance the development of a stronger international legal framework and the creation of appropriate institutional mechanisms for protecting the global environment; (5) promote public participation in environmental and development decisions at all levels; and (6) support new programs and institutions to help developing countries become more energy efficient to make their economies more environmentally sustainable, global goals of slowing deforestation of primary forests, the creation of a global action plan to raise the status of women, the development of new agreements to eliminate land-based sources of marine pollution, a process of international consultations aimed at identifying ways that poverty can be alleviated and natural resources better conserved through reduction of developing country debt burdens, the development of a reformed system of national accounting that would reflect full environmental and social costs, and programs that provide maternal and reproductive health care and voluntary family planning.
Bill· HRH.R. 4300 (102nd)reported
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1992
Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Amendments Act of 1992 - Title I: General Provisions - States that the provisions of this Act shall not be construed to provide new budget authority. Title II: Interagency Council on the Homeless - Amends the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act (McKinney Act) to extend: (1) authorization of appropriations for the Interagency Council on the Homeless; and (2) the Council's sunset date. Title III: Federal Emergency Management Food and Shelter Program - Amends the McKinney Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for the Federal emergency management food and shelter program. Title IV: Housing Assistance - Subtitle A: Existing FEMA and HUD Programs - Amends the McKinney Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for: (1) the emergency shelter grants program; (2) the supportive housing demonstration program; (3) supplemental assistance for facilities to assist the homeless; and (4) the shelter plus care program (rental housing and rental housing for the elderly or handicapped). Increases budget authority for single room occupancy assistance. Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to extend the transition period for homeless housing programs under title IV of the McKinney Act. Subtitle B: New FmHA Programs - Amends the McKinney Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out programs: (1) for disposing of single family Farmers Home Administration properties to house homeless individuals and families; and (2) of rural homelessness grants. Authorizes appropriations for such grants. Title V: Health Care for the Homeless - Subtitle A: Categorical Grants for Primary Health Services and Substance Abuse Services - Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for health care grants for the homeless. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for programs of substance abuse prevention and treatment among the homeless. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Formula Grants to States for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness - Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for State formula grants for homelessness transition. Subtitle C: Authorization of Appropriations for Community Demonstration Projects - Amends the McKinney Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for mental health services for homeless persons with chronic mental illness. Title VI: Education, Training, and Community Services Program - Amends the McKinney Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for: (1) adult education for the homeless; (2) education for homeless children and youth; (3) the emergency community services homeless grant program; (4) family support centers; and (5) job training for the homeless, including homeless veterans' reintegration projects. Title VII: Veterans Programs - Amends the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Amendments Act of 1988 to extend the authorization of appropriations for veterans' medical care. Provides for disposition of single family Department of Veterans Affairs properties to house homeless individuals and families. Title VIII: National Homeless Advocate Demonstration Grant Program - Amends the McKinney Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a homeless advocate demonstration grant program. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 4308 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1992
Family Emergencies and Medical Leave Act of 1992 - Title I: General Requirements for Leave - Establishes certain requirements for family and medical leave for permanent employees. Makes employees eligible for such leave if they have been employed, by the employer from whom leave is sought, for at least: (1) a total of 12 months; and (2) 1,250 hours of service during the previous 12-month period. (Excludes from such coverage: (1) employees at worksites at which the employer employs less than 50 persons (100 persons during the first two years after enactment), if the total number of employees of that employer within 50 miles of that worksite is less than 50 (100 during the first two years); and (2) Federal officers and employees covered under title II of this Act.) Entitles employees to the following number of workweeks of leave during any 12-month period because of: (1) the birth of their child, 12 weeks; (2) the placement of a child for their adoption or foster care, 12 weeks; (3) their care of a child, spouse, or parent who has a serious health condition, six weeks; or (4) their own serious health condition which makes them unable to perform the functions of their position, six weeks. Conditions such leave for the birth or placement of a child as follows: (1) the entitlement ends 12 months after the birth or placement; and (2) such leave may not be taken intermittently unless employee and employer agree otherwise. Allows intermittent leave for necessary medical treatment of an employee or family member. Allows the employer to require a temporary transfer to an equivalent alternative position that better accommodates such intermittent leave. Allows all leave to which an employee is entitled under this title: (1) to be taken on a reduced leave schedule, upon agreement with the employer; and (2) to consist of unpaid leave, except under specified conditions when substitution of certain types of paid leave may be elected or required. Declares that nothing in this Act shall require an employer to provide paid sick or medical leave in any situation in which the employer would not normally provide any such paid leave. Requires employees to: (1) give at least 30 days' notice of the need for leave to which they are entitled under this Act, when foreseeable; and (2) make a reasonable effort to schedule medical treatment so as not to disrupt unduly the employer's operations, subject to approval of the health care provider. Allows limitation of the dual aggregate leave entitlement to 12 weeks in any 12-month period, in the case of spouses employed by the same employer, if such leave is for the birth or placement of a child or for the care of a sick parent. Sets forth conditions of certification for leave entitlements under this Act, including provisions relating to: (1) sufficient certification; (2) explanation of inability to perform job functions; (3) dates and duration of planned medical treatment in the case of intermittent leave; (4) second opinion; (5) resolution of conflicting opinions; and (6) subsequent recertification. Sets forth employment and benefits protections relating to leave entitlements under this Act. Requires restoration of the employee to his or her position or an equivalent position upon return from such leave. Allows an employer to deny such restoration to certain highly compensated employees (i.e. those among the highest paid ten percent of the employer's employees within 50 miles of the facility at which the employee works), under specified conditions, if necessary to prevent substantial and grievous economic injury to the employer's operations. Requires maintenance of employee health benefits during such leave. Allows the employer to recover premiums paid for such coverage if the employee fails to return to work after the leave period has expired for reasons other than a certified serious health condition or other circumstances beyond the employee's control. Prohibits employers or other persons from: (1) interfering with employee rights under this title; or (2) from discriminating against any individual because of participation in proceedings or inquiries under this title, or because the individual opposes any practice made unlawful by this title. Sets forth the investigative authority of the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary) under this title. Provides for enforcement of this Act. Provides for administrative action by the Secretary to resolve complaints of violations under this title in the same manner as under specified provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. Provides for civil actions by employees, and by the Secretary on their behalf. Makes an employer who violates this title's prohibitions against interfering with employee exercise of rights or discriminating against employees liable for damages in the amount of: (1) any wages, salary, employment benefits, or other compensation denied or lost to the employee by reason of the violation; (2) (in any case where such compensation has not been denied or lost) any actual monetary losses sustained by the employee as a direct result of the violation, such as the cost of providing care, up to the amount of 12 weeks' wages or salary; (3) interest on such losses; and (4) an additional amount of liquidated damages equal to the sum of such losses and the interest (except that the court may reduce or eliminate such additional liquidated damages in cases where the employer can show good faith and reasonable grounds for believing that the act or omission was not a violation). Makes such employers also liable for appropriate equitable relief, including, without limitation, employment, reinstatement, and promotion. Requires the court to allow attorney's fees and other costs of the action to be paid by the defendant in addition to any judgment awarded to the plaintiff. Sets forth provisions for limitations of such civil actions. Sets forth provisions for action for injunction by the Secretary. Sets forth special rules concerning employees of local educational agencies and of private elementary and secondary schools, including provisions relating to intermittent leave for instructional employees, periods near the completion of an academic term, and reduction of liability. Requires employers to post notice of the pertinent provisions of this title. Requires fines for willful violations of such requirement. Directs the Secretary of Labor to prescribe regulations to carry out this title. Title II: Leave for Civil Service Employees - Amends specified Federal law to entitle civil service employees to family and temporary medical leave for specified periods. Makes such employees eligible for such leave if they have been employed by an employing agency for at least 12 months on other than a temporary or intermittent basis. Allows such employees up to 12 administrative workweeks in any 12-month period for: (1) family leave (i.e., leave because of the birth or placement of a child or care of a sick spouse, child, or parent), but such leave may not be used at a time more than 12 months after such birth or placement; or (2) temporary medical leave for a serious health condition that makes the employee unable to perform the functions of their position. Provides that such leave may be without pay. Allows employees to substitute other types of paid leave for part of such leave. Authorizes the employing agency to require: (1) such substitution of leave; and (2) transfer to an equivalent alternative position, in cases of medically necessary intermittment leave. Sets forth requirements for employees to give prior notice of the need for such leave, when foreseeable, and to schedule medical treatments, if possible, so as to not unduly disrupt the employing agency's operations. Provides for protection for job position and health insurance benefits of employees using such leave. Sets forth certification provisions and prohibitions against coercion. Requires the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to prescribe regulations for administration of this title which are consistent with the regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Labor under title I of this Act. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth the effect of this Act on other laws and existing employment benefits. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to discourage employers from adopting more generous leave policies. Directs the Secretary of Labor to prescribe regulations to carry out this title within 60 days. Title IV: Coverage of Congressional Employees - Applies the rights and protections under title I of this Act to employees of the House of Representatives, except for the exemption concerning highly compensated employees. Requires that the remedies and procedures under the Fair Employment Practices Resolution be applied in administering such coverage. Applies the rights and protections established under specified provisions of title I of this Act to Senate employees and any employing authority of the Senate. Sets forth provisions relating to investigation and adjudication of claims, notification of employee rights, and applicable remedies.
Bill· HRH.R. 4306 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1992
Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to remove the payment limitation with respect to mental health services furnished to skilled nursing facility residents.
Bill· HRH.R. 4311 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1992
Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide for mandatory coverage under State Medicaid plans of those services furnished by a certified nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist which are legally authorized to be performed by such practitioner or specialist, regardless of whether or not such services are performed under a physician's or other health care provider's supervision. Defines "clinical nurse specialist" as an individual who has earned a master's degree in a clinical area of nursing from an accredited institution and who is a registered nurse licensed to practice nursing in the State in which the individual furnishes services.
Law· HJRESH.J.Res. 422 (102nd)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1992
Designates May 1992 as Neurofibromatosis Awareness Month.
Bill· SS. 2248 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1992
American Veterans' Health Care Reform Act of 1992 - Defines as a "core-entitled veteran" any veteran currently eligible for hospital, nursing home, and domiciliary care through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Makes the provisions by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs of nursing home and domiciliary care for core-entitled veterans mandatory (currently discretionary). Requires (currently authorizes) the Secretary: (1) when Department facilities are not available, to contract with non-Department facilities for hospital care and medical services for core-entitled veterans; and (2) to transfer to a non-Department nursing home for adult day care core-entitled veterans who cannot be kept at a Department nursing facility. Makes the provision of dental services in non-Department facilities mandatory for core-entitled veterans (currently discretionary) when such veterans cannot be furnished such treatment in a Department facility because of incapacity or geographical inaccessibility. Requires (currently allows) the provision of domiciliary care to certain low-income veterans. Authorizes the provision of domiciliary care to ineligible (non-core-entitled) veterans who agree to participate in a managed health care plan established under this Act. Directs (currently authorizes) the Secretary to correct or treat any non-service-connected disability of a core-entitled veteran when such veteran is already receiving hospital or nursing home care in a Department facility. Makes an identical change with respect to the provision of dental services and treatment for a non-service-connected dental condition. Authorizes the Secretary to perform outpatient services for certain veterans if the Secretary determines they are needed (currently, only for medical services necessary in preparation for hospital admission or to obviate the need for such admission). Makes mandatory (currently discretionary) the provision by the Secretary on an ambulatory or outpatient basis of needed medical services for: (1) former POWs; (2) any veteran of the Mexican border period or World War I; and (3) any veteran in receipt of an increased pension or allowance based on the need for regular aid or attendance or by reason of being permanently housebound. Requires the provision of outpatient dental services, treatment, and related appliances to any core-entitled veteran. Allows any other veteran to be furnished such services if they participate in the Department-managed health care plan. Directs the Secretary to furnish readjustment counseling to any veteran who served on active duty (currently, only to any active-duty Vietnam era veteran). Directs the Secretary to provide seeing eye or guide dogs and related expenses and mechanical or electronic equipment used for overcomining blindness to any core-entitled veteran. Allows the Secretary to provide such dogs, expenses, or equipment to any other veteran who agrees to participate in the Department-managed health care plan. Directs the Secretary, in the case of core-entitled veterans, to: (1) furnish home health services (including lifts) found necessary to treat a veteran's disability or if medically necessary; (2) furnish devices for assistance in overcoming deafness; (3) repair or replace any artificial limb, truss, brace, hearing aid, spectacles, or similar appliance reasonably necessary and belonging to a veteran; (4) transfer such veteran from a Department to a non-Department nursing home at his or her request; (5) contract for care, treatment and rehabilitative services in halfway houses, therapeutic communities, psychiatric residential treatment centers, and other community-based treatment facilities for those suffering from alcohol or drug dependence or abuse; and (6) furnish respite care services. Makes permanent the provision of such respite care services (currently terminates on September 30, 1992). Directs the Secretary to provide certain of such services to non-core-entitled veterans who agree to participate in the Department-managed health care plan. Exempts core-entitled veterans from any required medication copayments. Makes permanent (currently terminates September 30, 1991) such required copayments for non-core-entitled veterans. Directs the Secretary to furnish preventive health care services to any core-entitled veteran requesting such services. Authorizes the Secretary to provide such services to any other veteran who either agrees to pay the United States a reasonable amount for such services or participates in the Department-managed health care plan. Outlines the various preventive services offered. Requires the Secretary, in carrying out such services, to emphasize the use of inter-disciplinary health care teams composed of various professional and para-professional personnel. Directs the Secretary to design, implement, and maintain a managed health care services plan to make a variety of health care services packages available to non-core entitled veterans and their survivors and dependents. Directs the Secretary to determine a range of premiums for such packages which are affordable to potential participants in the plan. Requires such plan to be established within two years after enactment of this Act. Authorizes payments by non-core entitled veterans for discretionary services provided to such veterans and their survivors and dependents through the Department to be paid directly to the Government, from a plan fund derived from the payment of premiums, or through reimbursement under Medicare, Medicaid, the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS), private health insurance, or by any combination of such payment alternatives. Authorizes appropriations, for fiscal years beginning after 1992 and to the extent provided in advance in appropriation Acts, of necessary sums to provide benefits to which entitlement is established under this Act, including the cost necessary to allow the Department to practice quality management and assurance functions. Authorizes appropriations for the same period to cover administrative expenses in carrying out this Act. Includes Medicaid and Medicare reimbursements under the definition of a "health plan contract," thereby allowing such reimbursements to be included in the health plan established under this Act. Authorizes: (1) the United States to collect for care and services provided to non-core-entitled veterans and their survivors and dependents under CHAMPUS, Medicare, Medicaid, or any other health insurance plan; and (2) the Secretary to use funds collected in the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical-Care Cost Recovery Fund for providing benefits and paying administrative and operational expenses for the delivery of health care services. Exempts all health benefits which core-entitled veterans are provided under appropriate Federal provisions from sequestration under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committees on the implementation and operation of health care plans and reforms created by this Act. Directs the Secretary, as part of each such report, to request and take into account comments provided by congressionally-chartered veterans' organizations.
Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 257 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1992
Designates June 1992 as National Scleroderma Awareness Month.
Bill· HRH.R. 4280 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1992
Health Care Choice and Access Improvement Act of 1992 - Title I: Family Health and Wellness Savings Plan - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals a tax deduction for contributions made to a medical care savings account established for the benefit of an eligible individual. Defines an eligible individual as one who: (1) is not covered by an employer-provided group health plan; or (2) is covered by a qualified employer-provided catastrophic coverage health plan but not by any other health plan. Allows such deduction in arriving at adjusted gross income. Includes any non-medical distributions from such an account in gross income and assesses an additional tax. Establishes an excise tax for excess contributions to medical care savings accounts. Allows the transfer of unused amounts in flexible spending accounts of cafeteria plans to medical savings accounts. Allows the full deduction for medical, dental, etc., expenses for amounts paid for qualified catastrophic coverage health plans. Title II: Tax Treatment of Long-Term Care Insurance and Plans - Subtitle A: Treatment of Long-Term Care Insurance - Provides for the treatment of qualified long-term care insurance as accident and health insurance for purposes of taxation of life insurance companies. Allows employers to offer employees qualified long-term care insurance as a tax-free fringe benefit. Excludes from gross income amounts withdrawn from individual retirement accounts or qualified pension plans with cash or deferred arrangements for purposes of purchasing long-term care insurance. Permits the non-taxable exchange of life insurance policies for long-term care insurance in the case of an individual who has attained age 59 1/2. Subtitle B: Employer Funding of Medical Benefits - Revises provisions governing medical benefits for retired employees and their spouses and dependents. Provides a tax deduction for employer contributions to health benefits accounts. Defines funded reserve accounts and vesting requirements to qualify for such tax deduction. Establishes a 50-percent tax penalty on early distributions of medical benefits and a 100-percent excise tax on allocated assets that are not used to provide retiree health benefits. Subtitle C: Reverse Mortgage Insurance for Older Americans - Amends the National Housing Act to limit the total number of mortgages to be insured and the amount of such insurance (up to 95 percent of the value of median housing values) under the demonstration program of insurance of home equity conversion mortgages for elderly homeowners. Subtitle D: Income Tax Credits - Allows a $2,000 per qualified person tax credit for taxpayers who maintain a household which includes a parent, grandparent, dependent, or spouse who requires specified custodial care. Allows a tax credit for 25 percent of the long-term care expenses of certain independent persons (not in excess of $2,000 per qualified person per taxable year). Subtitle E: Treatment of Accelerated Death Benefits - Allows: (1) gross income-excludable payment of accelerated death benefits from a life insurance policy to an individual who is terminally ill or confined to a nursing home; and (2) insurance companies to treat qualified accelerated death benefits as life insurance. Subtitle F: Federal National Long-Term Care Reinsurance Corporation - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for the incorporation of the Federal National Long-Term Care Reinsurance Corporation (Corporation), which shall not be an agency or establishment of the U.S. Government. Requires the Corporation to confine its activities to reinsuring insurance companies for extraordinary loss in the issuance or payment of qualified long-term care insurance benefits. Title III: Malpractice Liability Reform - Declares that a State meets the requirements of these provisions if it has enacted laws or regulations: (1) regarding health care liability actions, allowing several but not joint liability for noneconomic damages, limiting the dollar amount of noneconomic damages, mandating offsets for collateral source payments, regulating the treatment of payments for future economic losses, limiting attorney's fees, and providing special rules for certain obstetric services; (2) implementing at least one mediation or pretrial screening panel; and (3) taking specified steps regarding quality assurance reform. Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to reduce by a specified percentage certain payments to hospitals (with regard to Medicare) and States (with regard to Medicaid) in States not in compliance and makes additional payments to hospitals in States in compliance. Amends Federal law relating to tort claims against the United States to set forth special rules applicable to health care liability actions, including allowing several but not joint liability for noneconomic damages, limiting the dollar amount of noneconomic damages, mandating offsets for collateral source payments, and regulating the treatment of payments for future economic losses. Amends the Public Health Service Act to include entities receiving Federal funds under provisions relating to migrant health centers, community health centers, or health services for the homeless, and officers, employees, or contractors of such entities who are licensed health care practitioners, in the coverage of provisions regulating civil actions for injury resulting from medical or related functions against commissioned officers or employees of the Public Health Service. Subrogates to the United States any insurance claim such an entity or person has. Prohibits grants under provisions relating to migrant or community health centers or health services for the homeless unless the applicant has: (1) implemented policies and procedures to assure against malpractice; (2) reviewed the professional credentials, claims history, and other information regarding its licensed health care practitioners; and (3) no history of claims against it under such provisions relating to officers and employees of the Public Health Service, or has cooperated with the Attorney General in defending against such claims and has taken corrective action. Empowers the Attorney General, if certain conditions are met, to determine that an individual practitioner shall not be deemed a Public Health Service employee for purposes of these provisions. Prohibits hospitals from denying admitting privileges to an otherwise qualified health care provider who is an officer, employee, or contractor of such an entity. Title IV: Working Americans Access to Health Care - Subtitle A: Increase in Small Employer Access to Affordable Health Insurance - Provides for the development by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) of model standards regarding certain requirements of this title. Allows more stringent State standards. Preempts State law concerning a small employer health benefit plan that meets portions of those standards relating to initial writing, premium increases, and market reentry. Requires each small employer carrier to offer a MedEquity plan, defined as: (1) providing only basic benefits; (2) being guaranteed issue; (3) meeting initial writing, premium increase, and market reentry standards; and (4) providing for cost containment. Sets forth special rules for health maintenance organizations (HMOs). Requires each MedEquity plan to: (1) accept every small employer that applies; and (2) enroll every full time employee that applies and their spouse and dependents. Sets forth special rules for HMOs. Provides for development by NAIC of models for cost containment features in MedEquity plans, including a managed care plan. Requires each State to specify the model that will be applied to MedEquity plans in the State. Sets forth requirements regarding: (1) initial writing of policies (including regarding pre-existing conditions, premiums, disclosures of rating practices, actuarial certification, requirements to register with the State, and minimum participation); and (2) renewal (including renewability, premium increases, and market reentry). Provides for development by NAIC of models for reinsurance mechanisms for individuals and small employers. Requires establishment in each State of one or more mechanisms. Allows each State insurance commissioner to require each employer health benefit plan to be registered with that official. Defines "small employer" as having three to 49 employees. Considers an association to be a qualified small employer purchasing group if certain requirements are met, including that: (1) its membership consist solely of employers with not more than 100 employees; and (2) the association have not fewer than 100 employers. Preempts, with regard to such groups and their employer members: (1) State mandates regarding health plan offerings; (2) State or local taxes on premiums received from the employers; and (3) certain provisions of State law relating to managed care. Subtitle B: Equalization of Tax Benefits for Self-employed Persons Under Certain Plans - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from 25 percent to 100 percent the business expense deduction of health insurance costs for self-employed individuals participating in small employer purchasing groups. Makes such deduction permanent law. Subtitle C: Managed Care Rights - Preempts State law relating to reimbursement rates, selective contracting, differential financial incentives, and utilization review methods. Requires the Comptroller General to report to the Congress on the benefits and cost effectiveness of managed care. Subtitle D: Study and Report - Mandates a report to the Congress on the impact of this title on access to health care, the number of employees of small employers without health coverage, small employer health plan costs, and MedEquity plan effectiveness.
Bill· HRH.R. 4285 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1992
Trauma Care Center Alien Compensation Act of 1992 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make an allotment each year for each eligible trauma center to compensate, partially or fully, for unreimbursed costs of care to undocumented aliens. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 4278 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1992
American Veterans' Health Care Reform Act of 1992 - Defines as a "core-entitled veteran" any veteran currently eligible for hospital, nursing home, and domiciliary care through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Makes the provision by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs of nursing home and domiciliary care for core-entitled veterans mandatory (currently discretionary). Requires (currently authorizes) the Secretary: (1) when Department facilities are not available, to contract with non-Department facilities for hospital care and medical services for core-entitled veterans; and (2) to transfer to a non-Department nursing home for adult day care core-entitled veterans who cannot be kept at a Department nursing facility. Makes the provision of dental services in non-Department facilities mandatory for core-entitled veterans (currently discretionary) when such veterans cannot be furnished such treatment in a Department facility because of incapacity or geographical inaccessability. Requires (currently allows) the provision of domiciliary care to certain low-income veterans. Authorizes the provision of domiciliary care to ineligible (non-core-entitled) veterans who agree to participate in a managed health care plan established under this Act. Directs (currently authorizes) the Secretary to correct or treat any non-service-connected disability of a core-entitled veteran when such veteran is already receiving hospital or nursing home care in a Department facility. Makes an identical change with respect to the provision of dental services and treatment for a non-service-connected dental condition. Authorizes the Secretary to perform outpatient services for certain veterans if the Secretary determines they are needed (currently, only for medical services necessary in preparation for hospital admission or to obviate the need for such admission). Makes mandatory (currently discretionary) the provision by the Secretary on an ambulatory or outpatient basis of needed medical services for: (1) former POWs; (2) any veteran of the Mexican border period or World War I; and (3) any veteran in receipt of an increased pension or allowance based on the need for regular aid or attendance or by reason of being permanently housebound. Requires the provision of outpatient dental services, treatment, and related appliances to any core-entitled veteran. Allows any other veteran to be furnished such services if they participate in the Department-managed health care plan. Directs the Secretary to furnish readjustment counseling to any veteran who served on active duty (currently, only to any active-duty Vietnam era veteran). Directs the Secretary to provide seeing eye or guide dogs and related expenses and mechanical or electronic equipment used for overcomining blindness to any core-entitled veteran. Allows the Secretary to provide such dogs, expenses, or equipment to any other veteran who agrees to participate in the Department-managed health care plan. Directs the Secretary, in the case of core-entitled veterans, to: (1) furnish home health services (including lifts) found necessary to treat a veteran's disability or if medically necessary; (2) furnish devices for assistance in overcoming deafness; (3) repair or replace any artificial limb, truss, brace, hearing aid, spectacles, or similar appliance reasonably necessary and belonging to a veteran; (4) transfer such veteran from a Department to a non-Department nursing home at his or her request; (5) contract for care, treatment and rehabilitative services in halfway houses, therapeutic communities, psychiatric residential treatment centers, and other community-based treatment facilities for those suffering from alcohol or drug dependence or abuse; and (6) furnish respite care services. Makes permanent the provision of such respite care services (currently terminates on September 30, 1992). Directs the Secretary to provide certain of such services to non-core-entitled veterans who agree to participate in the Department-managed health care plan. Exempts core-entitled veterans from any required medication copayments. Makes permanent (currently terminates September 30, 1991) such required copayments for non-core-entitled veterans. Directs the Secretary to furnish preventive health care services to any core-entitled veteran requesting such services. Authorizes the Secretary to provide such services to any other veteran who either agrees to pay the United States a reasonable amount for such services or participates in the Department-managed health care plan. Outlines the various preventive services offered. Requires the Secretary, in carrying out such services, to emphasize the use of interdisciplinary health care teams composed of various professional and paraprofessional personnel. Directs the Secretary to design, implement, and maintain a managed health care services plan to make a variety of health care services packages available to non-core-entitled veterans and their survivors and dependents. Directs the Secretary to determine a range of premiums for such packages which are affordable to potential participants in the plan. Requires such plan to be established within two years after enactment of this Act. Authorizes payments by non-core-entitled veterans for discretionary services provided to such veterans and their survivors and dependents through the Department to be paid directly to the Government, from a plan fund derived from the payment of premiums, or through reimbursement under Medicare, Medicaid, the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS), private health insurance, or by any combination of such payment alternatives. Authorizes appropriations, for fiscal years beginning after 1992 and to the extent provided in advance in appropriation Acts, of necessary sums to provide benefits to which entitlement is established under this Act, including the cost necessary to allow the Department to practice quality management and assurance functions. Authorizes appropriations for the same period to cover administrative expenses in carrying out this Act. Includes Medicaid and Medicare reimbursements under the definition of a "health plan contract," thereby allowing such reimbursements to be included in the health plan established under this Act. Authorizes: (1) the United States to collect for care and services provided to non-core-entitled veterans and their survivors and dependents under CHAMPUS, Medicare, Medicaid, or any other health insurance plan; and (2) the Secretary to use funds collected in the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical-Care Cost Recovery Fund for providing benefits and paying administrative and operational expenses for the delivery of health care services. Exempts all health benefits which core-entitled veterans are provided under appropriate Federal provisions from sequestration under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm- Rudman-Hollings Act). Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committees on the implementation and operation of health care plans and reforms made effective by this Act. Directs the Secretary, as part of each such report, to request and take into account comments provided by congressionally-chartered veterans' organizations.
Bill· SS. 2235 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1992
Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 to extend through April 1, 1993, the demonstration project under which influenza vaccinations are provided to Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act) beneficiaries. Places a limitation on amounts authorized for the project for FY 1993 and prohibits the use of project funds, during FY 1993, for evaluating its cost effectiveness.
Bill· HRH.R. 4252 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1992
Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to extend (retroactive to October 1, 1991) the waiver of the requirement under the Social Security Act that Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries constitute less than 75 percent of the membership of a participating health maintenance organization, granted to the District of Columbia Chartered Health Plan, Inc., if the Secretary determines that such entity continues to make progress towards achieving compliance with such requirement.
Bill· HRH.R. 4256 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1992
Emergency Medical Services Amendments of 1992 - Amends title XII (Trauma Care) of the Public Health Service Act to apply the title to emergency medical services (including trauma care) and to modify the duties of the Secretary of Health and Human Services under the title. Establishes the Office of Emergency Medical Services. Authorizes grants to States to improve the availability and quality of emergency medical services through the operation of State offices of emergency medical services. Requires projects under existing provisions to include demonstration projects to establish telecommunications between rural medical facilities and medical facilities that have expertise or equipment useful to the rural facilities through telecommunications. Authorizes appropriations for carrying out specified provisions of the title.
Bill· HRH.R. 4243 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1992
Brain Injury Rehabilitation Quality Act of 1992 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide for optional Medicaid coverage of services provided through a case management program that meets specified requirements to Medicaid-eligible individuals who suffer traumatic brain injuries. Describes the services provided under such a program, which include: (1) rehabilitation services; (2) transitional and independent living services; (3) home care; (4) behavior disorder treatment services; and (5) respite or recreation services to aid the individual and members of the individual's family in adapting to residual deficits resulting from brain injury. Authorizes such program to: (1) obtain for participating individuals other benefits and services for which such individuals are eligible under other Federal, State, or local programs, including employment services, education benefits, old age services, and disability insurance; and (2) waive restrictions on the amount, duration, and scope of services otherwise applicable under State plans. Declares that an individual must reside in a State that has designated a State coordinator for traumatic brain injuries in order to receive services under this Act. Requires such coordinator to establish policies and standards for providing services, make necessary reports to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, supervise and coordinate services for persons with traumatic brain injuries, and perform the duties set out below. Makes such coordinator responsible for a program of activities related to preventing and reducing the rate of traumatic brain injuries in the State. Requires such coordinator to: (1) establish and maintain a central registry of persons who sustain traumatic brain injury in order to collect information necessary to facilitate such programs and ensure the provision to such persons of information on rehabilitative service providers; (2) notify the State employment agency of individuals reported to have suffered a traumatic brain or spinal cord injury; (3) establish standards for marketing of services to traumatic brain injury patients or family members, in consultation with the advisory committee established below; (4) collect and analyze injury incidence information for coordinator studies concerning traumatic brain injury; (5) provide summary registry data to entities to conduct studies; (6) establish an advisory committee to provide recommendations regarding the needs of persons with traumatic brain injuries; (7) adopt such rules as are necessary to carry out this Act; and (8) establish a reporting system that notifies the coordinator of the identity of any person treated for a traumatic brain injury in the State. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish standards for the reporting of data on traumatic brain injuries and the operation of registries on traumatic brain injuries for coordinator use. Requires the Administrator for Health Care Policy and Research to conduct a study on the effectiveness of traumatic brain injury interventions.
Bill· HRH.R. 4253 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1992
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to waive the Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) late enrollment penalty for certain current and former uniformed service members aged 65 or older and dependents residing within 100 miles of a treatment facility on a military base slated for closure who enroll under part B during a special 90-day enrollment period established by this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 4272 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1992
Creates the Congressional Office of Inspector General (Office), independent of the executive departments and under the control and direction of the Speaker and minority leader of the House of Representatives. Sets forth the functions of the Office. Makes an Inspector General (Inspector), to be appointed by the Speaker and minority leader, head of the Office for a seven-year term, unless removed by the Speaker and minority leader for cause. Makes the Inspector ineligible for reappointment. Requires the Inspector to appoint: (1) an Assistant Inspector General for Auditing to supervise the auditing of the office procedures and operations of each Member or committee of the House and any other House office whose employees are paid by the Clerk; and (2) an Assistant Inspector General for Investigations to supervise investigations of such office procedures and operations. Sets forth the duties and responsibilities of the Inspector. Requires each Inspector General to report annually to the Speaker and minority leader of the House. Authorizes the Inspector to receive and investigate complaints or information from a House employee concerning the possible existence of a violation of law or the Rules of the House, mismanagement, gross waste of funds, abuse or authority, or a substantial and specific danger to the public health and safety. Prohibits the Inspector, upon receiving the complaint or information, from disclosing the complainant's identity without the employee's consent, unless such disclosure is unavoidable during the course of the investigation. Prohibits any employee who has authority to take, directs others to take, or recommends or approves any personnel action, from taking action against an employee as reprisal for making a complaint or disclosing information to an Inspector, unless the complaint was false and the complainant knew this or willfully disregarded truth or falsity.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 417 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1992
Designates the eight-day period beginning on February 14, 1992, as National Condom Awareness Week.
Bill· SS. 2230 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1992
Medicare Outpatient Diabetes Education Coverage Act of 1992 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide coverage of outpatient education services under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) for individuals with diabetes.
Bill· HRH.R. 4235 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1992
National Children's Health Care Act of 1992 - Title I: Findings - Sets forth congressional findings. Title II: Children's Health Care Program - Establishes: (1) a National Children's Health Care Administration; (2) a health care program; and (3) an advisory commission. Regulates payment rates. Entitles pregnant women and children under seven to benefits under the program if they are U.S. citizens or nationals, lawful permanent residents, or aliens otherwise residing permanently in the United States under color of law. Includes coverage for preventive, major medical, child extended medical services, and outreach services. Allows freedom of choice of providers of services from among those qualified to receive payment for the services. Prohibits providers from imposing a charge exceeding the payment rate. Excludes items and services as provided in specified provisions of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Provides for contracts with health maintenance organizations modeled after risk-sharing contracts under Medicare. Title III: Financing through Increase in Individual and Corporate Income Tax Rates - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an income tax on individuals, estates, and trusts. Increases the corporate income tax rate.
Law· HJRESH.J.Res. 411 (102nd)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1992
Designates September 13 through 19, 1992, as National Rehabilitation Week.
Bill· HRH.R. 4218 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1992
State Care: State-Based Comprehensive Health Care Act of 1992 - Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) to add a new title XXI under which the Secretary of Health and Human Services is required to select States to participate in health coverage demonstration projects. Establishes the Universal Health Care Advisory Board to make recommendations to the Secretary regarding approval of applications of States to participate in a demonstration project. Requires a State, in order to participate in a demonstration project, to submit to the Secretary and the Advisory Board an application containing information and assurances that the State has enacted a comprehensive health care plan and established a State Health Care Authority. Requires the State Health Care Authority to develop such plan. Provides that in order for a State to have its application approved, it must develop and enact a plan that: (1) is in effect in all political subdivisions of the State; (2) provides benefits and services that are at least equal to those provided under Medicare (SSA title XVIII), and for individuals entitled to Medicaid (SSA title XIX) benefits as of the date of the enactment of this Act, equal to the benefits and services provided under Medicaid; (3) ensures that all individuals in the State who are citizens or lawful residents have access to health coverage through a single State administered plan, a plan that requires employers to cover employees through either a public or private insurance plan, or any other plan approved by the State and determined appropriate by the Advisory Board; (4) provides for appropriate cost-control mechanisms; (5) requires providers of services and insurance policies to meet licensure, certification, and other appropriate standards; (6) provides for budgetary procedures to ensure that a statewide health care budget is established with respect to plan benefits and services; and (7) includes quality control procedures. Prohibits payments under Medicare or Medicaid for services provided under a demonstration project if payment for such services may be made under the State's comprehensive health care plan. Directs the Secretary to pay to each State participating in a demonstration project an amount equal to the amount of any payments that, as a result of such prohibition, were not made under Medicare or Medicaid because payment was made under such comprehensive plan.
Bill· HRH.R. 4214 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1992
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to limit aggregate payment reductions to urban hospitals in FY 1993 that are attributable to geographical reclassifications in an effort to maintain budget neutrality. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in a report to the Congress, to make recommendations for: (1) modifications to the methodology used to determine the initial geographic areas in which hospitals are located for purposes of adjusting payments to hospitals under part A (Hospital Insurance) of Medicare for differences in area wage levels; (2) appropriate bases for determining the geographic classification of hospitals under Medicare that recognize the unique labor market conditions affecting hospitals; and (3) modifications to the payment adjustments required under Medicare to offset increases in aggregate payments resulting from changes in geographic classification. Requires the Prospective Payment Commission to submit comments to the Congress on such report. Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to provide that, to the extent that budget neutrality is not achieved under such limitation above, payment of any increase in aggregate hospital payments attributable to such reclassifications will be made through reductions in discretionary defense spending. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide that disproportionate share payment adjustments to hospitals that are geographically reclassified shall be computed as if such hospitals had not been so reclassified.
Bill· SS. 2217 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1992
Economic Growth Act of 1992 - Title I: Enhanced Economic Recovery Act of 1992 - Enhanced Economic Recovery Act of 1992 - Subtitle A: Provisions Relating to Capital Gains - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a capital gains deduction for noncorporate taxpayers for assets held from one to three years. Provides special rules for the gain or loss from the sale or exchange of collectibles and sales of interest in partnerships. Disallows such deduction in computing the alternative minimum tax, except with respect to gains realized on the sale, exchange, or other disposition of a direct or indirect interest in real estate or in a closely held business. Revises the formula for determining gain from the dispositions of certain depreciable realty to take into account depreciation adjustments (adjustments allowed or allowable for exhaustion, wear and tear, obsolescence, or certain amortization). Subtitle B: Provisions Relating to Passive Losses and Depreciation - Treats the real estate development activity of a taxpayer as a single trade or business activity that is not a rental activity. Allows an additional depreciation allowance for the purchase of new equipment as investment property after February 1, 1992, and placed in service before July 1, 1993. Reduces the basis adjustment of such property by the amount of the additional allowance. Requires application of such allowance in determining the alternative minimum tax. Restricts the determination of adjusted current earnings for purposes of computing alternative minimum taxable income to property placed in service after 1989 and prior to February 1, 1992. Subtitle C: Provisions Relating to Real Estate Investments by Pension Funds - 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 investments to certain large partnerships where the principal purpose of partnership allocation is not tax avoidance. Repeals the special rule for publicly traded partnerships with respect to the treatment of unrelated business taxable income. Subtitle D: Provisions Affecting Homebuyers - Allows a first-time homebuyer who purchases a principal residence a tax credit of ten percent of the purchase price, not to exceed $5,000. Limits such credit to one residence and requires acquisition on or after February 1, 1992, and January 1, 1993. Allows such credit to be carried forward for up to five years. Allows penalty-free withdrawals from individual retirement plans for a first-home purchase. Limits such distribution to $10,000, or other applicable amount if previous distributions have been made. Title II: Tax Relief for Families - Tax Relief for Families Act of 1992 - Subtitle A: Provisions Relating to Education and Savings - Allows a deduction for interest on education loans for the taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, or child. Requires such loans to be for tuition and related expenses at certain higher education institutions. Reduces such deduction by any amount excludable from gross income by reason of the redemption of U.S. bonds for higher education expenses. Coordinates such deduction with the home equity indebtedness provision. Provides that investment interest does not include qualified educational interest. Requires persons who receive interest payments to report such information on an information return, and to furnish written statements to the payors on receipt of such payments. Allows the establishment of flexible individual retirement accounts (FIRA) for the exclusive benefit of an individual and the individual's beneficiaries. Limits annual contributions to the lesser of $2,500, or the compensation includable in the individual's gross income. Prohibits contributions to FIRAs maintained for a taxpayer if the taxpayer's adjusted gross income exceeds: (1) $120,000, in the case of a joint return; (2) $100,000, in the case of a surviving spouse or head of household; and (3) $60,000, in any other case. Prohibits the establishment of FIRAs for dependents. Makes FIRAs exempt from taxation, except the tax on unrelated business income of charitable, etc. organizations. Allows pooling arrangements for such accounts. Excludes from gross income distributions out of a FIRA held for at least seven years. Imposes the ten-percent additional penalty tax on distributions made during the first three years. Provides for transfer from individual retirement plans to FIRAs. Allows penalty-free withdrawals from qualified retirement plans for qualified higher education expenses and financially devastating medical expenses. Subtitle B: Other Provisions - Allows a deduction for loss incurred from the sale of a principal residence. Provides for an increase in the basis of a new principal residence purchased by a taxpayer who realized a loss on the sale of the old residence. Increases the personal exemption for a child who has not attained age 19. Extends the deduction for health insurance costs for self-employed individuals from June 30, 1992, to December 31, 1993. Allows a deduction for qualified adoption expenses of up to $3,000. Denies the use of such deduction for any expense for which a deduction or credit is already allowable and for which reimbursements have been made. Defines qualified adoption expenses as those: (1) directly related to the legal adoption of a child with special needs; (2) that are not incurred in violation of State or Federal law; and (3) that are of a type eligible for reimbursement under the adoption assistance program under title IV of the Social Security Act (Grants to States for Aid and Services to Needy Families with Children and for Child-Welfare Services). Allows such deduction whether or not the taxpayer itemizes deductions. Includes as a working condition fringe benefit excluded from gross income any passes, tokens, fare cards, tickets or similar instruments for commuting by public transit provided to an employee at a discount by the employer, or reimbursements by the employer to cover all or part of the costs of such instruments, to the extent that such amounts do not exceed $60 per month. Title III: Long Term Growth - Long Term Growth Act of 1992 - Subtitle A: Extension of Expiring Provisions - Makes permanent the tax credit for increasing research activities and for clinical testing expenses for certain drugs for rare diseases or conditions (orphan drugs). Postpones the termination dates of the following provisions: (1) the rules for allocating research and experimental expenditures; (2) the low-income housing credit; (3) the targeted jobs credit; and (4) the solar and geothermal investment credit. Extends the authority to issue qualified small issue bonds to finance farm property. Extends the authority to issue qualified mortgage bonds and mortgage credit certificates. Subtitle B: Provisions Relating to Enterprise Zones - Enterprise Zone-Jobs Creation Act of 1992 - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (Secretary) to designate enterprise zones for purposes of providing tax and regulatory relief and improving local services. Limits choices to areas nominated by States and local governments. Limits the total number of areas that may be designated, and the time period of the designation. Authorizes the Secretary to designate a zone only if the area meets certain locational, demographic, unemployment, and poverty criteria. Requires nominating local governments, as a condition of the Secretary's designation, to agree in writing to follow a course of action that may include reducing tax rates, improving local services, simplifying or streamlining regulation of business, and providing job training to area residents. Describes areas to which the Secretary must give preference in selecting areas for designation. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress every four years on the effects of such enterprise zones' designation in accomplishing the purposes of this Act. Allows a nonrefundable income tax credit to enterprise zone employees for five percent of any wages earned up to a specified amount. Provides for phaseout of such credit. Provides for the nonrecognition of capital gain on the sale of enterprise zone property. Allows an individual a deduction on the aggregate amount paid for the purchase of enterprise stock on its original issue by a qualified issuer. Requires any gain from the disposition of the stock to be treated as ordinary income. Excludes enterprise zone capital gain from computation of the alternative minimum tax. Amends Federal law to revise the definition of small entity for purposes of the analysis of regulatory functions to include qualified business, government, and nonprofit enterprises operating within enterprise zones. Authorizes Federal agencies, upon request by a nominating government, to waive or modify rules and regulations pertaining to the implementation of projects or activities within an enterprise zone. Requires agencies to approve the request if the resulting benefits of job creation, community development, or economic revitalization outweigh the public interest in retaining the rule unchanged. Disallows waiver or modification of a rule that would directly violate a statutory requirement or present a danger to the public health and safety. Authorizes the Secretary to convene regional and local coordinating councils of any appropriate agencies to assist State and local governments to achieve the objectives agreed to in the course of action entered to reduce specified burdens borne by employers and employees in designated enterprise zones. Requires the Foreign-Trade Zone Board to consider on a priority basis and to expedite the processing of applications for the establishment of foreign-trade zones within enterprise zones. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to give priority to, and expedite the processing of applications for, the establishment of ports of entry necessary to establish such zones. Repeals title VII (Enterprise Zone Development) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987. Subtitle C: Excise Tax Provisions - Repeals the luxury excise tax on boats and aircraft. Repeals the exemption from the tax on diesel fuel and special motor fuels for the use of diesel fuel in pleasure boats, unless such boats are used in a boat business. States that excise taxes for diesel fuels used in pleasure boats shall be retained in the General Treasury. (Current law requires transfer of such amounts to the Highway Trust Fund and the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund.) Subjects certain digital data transmissions to the communications excise tax. Repeals the exemption of certain coin-operated telephone services from such tax. Subtitle D: Provisions Related to Retirement Savings and Pension Distributions - Allows any portion of a distribution from a qualified pension plan to be rolled over tax-free to an individual retirement account or another qualified plan or annuity, unless it is part of a stream of periodic payments payable over a period of ten years or the lives or life expectancies of the participant and/or his or her beneficiary. Repeals: (1) the $5,000 limitation on the exclusion from gross income of employees' death benefits; (2) the five-year forward income averaging for lump-sum distributions; and (3) the exclusion of net unrealized appreciation in employer securities. Eliminates alternative methods of determining the tax on annuity payments. Sets forth a single method (currently provided in a special Internal Revenue Service Notice) which excludes from gross income, as at present, the employee's investment in the contract, divided by the number of anticipated payments, but without the additional exclusion of $5,000 (repealed by this Act). Changes from discretionary to mandatory a qualified plan's authority to offer a participant the option of having a distribution transferred directly to another qualified plan. Establishes a simplified employee pension plan (a Small Business Model Retirement Plan) that allows salary reduction arrangements for employers of fewer than 100 employees (currently, fewer than 25 employees). Requires employers to contribute one percent of pay (up to $100,000) to an account for each eligible employee. Permits an employee to elect to contribute up to $3,000 per year. Requires the employer to match such contribution according to a specified formula. Prohibits State and local governments from participating in cash or deferred arrangements. Permits nongovernmental tax-exempt employers to maintain qualified cash or deferred arrangements for their employees. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury, as a condition of sponsorship, to prescribe rules defining the duties and responsibilities of certain master and prototype retirement plans. Replaces the two-part nondiscrimination test for elective contributions under cash or deferred arrangements with a single test of whether: (1) the actual deferral percentage of highly compensated employees exceeds 200 percent of the average deferral percentage of nonhighly compensated employees for a plan year; and (2) the actual deferral percentage of such employees exceeds the average deferral percentage of nonhighly compensated employees for the preceding plan year by more than three percentage points. Redefines the term "compensated employee" for pension, profit sharing, stock bonus plan, etc. purposes. Makes such an employee one who meets several criteria in addition to five-percent ownership or compensation from the employer in excess of $50,000. Eliminates special rules for officers and employees in the top 20 percent by compensation. Provides a special rule where no employees are treated as highly compensated. Eliminates the rule requiring ten years of service for employees subject to collective bargaining agreements under multiemployer plans. Subtitle E: Other Provisions - Repeals the appreciated property charitable deduction as a tax preference item under the alternative minimum tax. Requires a charitable contribution allowable as a deduction in computing taxable income (whether from domestic or foreign sources to be allocated and apportioned solely to gross income from sources within the United States. Requires the donee of any large charitable donation (over $500 in cash or property from any individual) to make an information return relating to such donation. Provides for the application of the Medicare hospital insurance tax to State and local employees. Amends the Social Security Act to provide for the entitlement of such employees to hospital insurance benefits. Requires dealers in stock or securities to use market inventory accounting method (thus including such securities in inventory at fair market value instead of cost value, or the lower of cost or market value). Disallows interest deductions on life insurance owned by a corporation and covering its officers or employees. Prohibits a deduction for certain losses on the disposition of property to the extent that the taxpayer has a right to be reimbursed for the loss with assistance from the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation (FSLIC). Limits the tax exemption for credit unions to small credit unions with assets of less than $50,000,000. Restricts the deduction for dividends paid on deposits and the deduction for additions to reserves for bad debts to credit unions that are not small credit unions. Provides that certain life insurance contracts will be treated as annuity contracts only if the purchaser irrevocably chooses as a settlement option a series of substantially equal periodic payments made for the life of the annuitant or the joint lives of the annuitants. Expands the 45-day interest-free period for refunding tax overpayments to all returns, as well as to amended returns and claims for refunds. Title IV: Financial Institutions Safety and Consumer Choice Act of 1992 - Financial Institutions Safety and Consumer Choice Act of 1992 - Subtitle A: Financial Services Modernization - Chapter 1: Financial Services Holding Companies - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act to define financial services holding companies and diversified holding companies. Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to specify additional financial entities prohibited from acquiring control or ownership of certain financial services organizations. Prohibits any insured depository institution (except foreign banks with insured branches in the United States) from becoming a financial services holding company or a diversified holding company. Sets forth expedited procedures for acquisition of additional banks by well capitalized financial services holding companies. Sets forth guidelines for acquisitions involving diversified holding companies. Provides that financial services holding companies (except certain foreign banks) cannot be banks. Modifies the guidelines for ownership interests in nonbanking organizations. Replaces the current "closely related" standard for permissible activities with a "financial nature" standard. Sets forth the permissible parameters for insurance and securities affiliates. Sets a deadline by which a financial services holding company must notify the appropriate Federal banking agency with respect to its ownership or control of the shares of a company engaged in qualified financial activities. Outlines permissible nonbanking activities and acquisitions for well capitalized financial services holding companies. Sets forth additional capital requirements for a financial services holding company that intends to engage in, or acquire, or retain the shares of a company engaged in, a new financial activity. Sets forth certain restrictions on the activities of financial services holding companies. Prescribes guidelines for acquisition activities by diversified holding companies and their affiliates. Sets forth Federal administrative procedures for financial services holding companies and diversified holding companies (including their subsidiaries and affiliates). Prohibits the States from preventing or impeding certain acquisition or affiliation activities undertaken by: (1) insured depository institutions; (2) diversified holding companies; and (3) financial services holding companies. Amends the Bank Holding Company Act Amendments of 1970 to prohibit a financial services holding company or a diversified holding company from: (1) engaging in certain tying arrangements; or (2) transacting insider loans. Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act to exempt from its coverage financial services holding companies and diversified holding companies. Chapter 2: Financial Activities of National Banks - Amends the Banking Act of 1933 to provide that its limitations and restrictions with respect to certain securities activities conducted by a national bank for its own account shall not apply to the distribution of securities issued by investment companies if the association is not an affiliate of a securities affiliate. Amends the Banking Act of 1933 to repeal the proscription against: (1) the affiliation of member banks with organizations engaged principally in securities; and (2) member bank personnel serving simultaneously as employees or officers of securities organizations. Authorizes national banking associations located in certain small-sized population areas to sell insurance to residents of the State in which the association is located. Amends the Federal Reserve Act to: (1) set forth conditions under which a loan or extension of credit by a member bank shall not be deemed to be made to an affiliate; (2) require prior notification to the appropriate Federal banking agency before a financial services holding company may permit an insured depository institution under its control to engage in a covered transaction which exceeds five percent of its capital stock and surplus; and (3) revise definitions related to affiliates of member banks. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to require customer disclosure by an insured depository institution with respect to the non-insured status of its non-banking products. Chapter 3: Non-Banking Activities of Foreign Banks in the United States - Amends the International Banking Act of 1978 to set forth circumstances under which a foreign bank that maintains a branch or agency in the United States (or owns or controls a commercial lending company organized under State law) shall be subject to the provisions of this Act. Chapter 4: Amendments to the Securities Acts - Amends the Securities Act of 1933 to: (1) subject to its provisions certain bank-issued securities and certain savings association-issued securities; (2) exempt from its provisions certain bank and savings association instruments functioning as securities in a secured transaction; (3) exempt from its provisions equity securities transactions with respect to bank acquisition by a financial services holding company, or acquisition of a financial services holding company by a diversified holding company. Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to: (1) revise definitions relating to bank broker activities and bank dealer activities; (2) prohibit any bank from acting as broker or dealer except in the course of an exclusively intrastate business; and (3) prohibit certain securities transactions, with specified exceptions, taking place on bank premises which are commonly accessible to the general public for deposit-making purposes. Repeals the Federal agency administration provisions with respect to disclosure requirements for securities issued by insured depository institutions. Amends the Investment Company Act of 1940 to mandate that the custody of investment company assets or unit investment trusts by affiliates of either the registered management company or the registered unit investment trust must be in accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rules prescribed for investor protection. Prohibits a registered investment company from having a majority of its board of directors consisting of personnel of any one bank and its subsidiaries, or any one financial services holding company and its affiliates and subsidiaries. Grants the SEC additional rulemaking authority regarding bank affiliated mutual funds. Prohibits registered investment company securities from being represented as: (1) guaranteed, sponsored, recommended or approved by any Federal agency; (2) insured by the FDIC; or (3) guaranteed or an obligation of any bank or insured institution. Provides that any person issuing or selling securities of an investment company whose name is similar to that of a bank may be required to disclose prominently that the investment company and its securities are neither FDIC-insured, nor guaranteed by an affiliated bank or insured institution, nor otherwise an obligation of such bank or insured institution. Authorizes the SEC to determine by order that use of a name similar to a bank is deceptive and misleading, and to take action accordingly. Amends the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 to include within the meaning of "investment adviser" any bank or financial services holding company which acts as investment adviser to a registered investment company (unless it performs such services through a separately identifiable division). Requires the SEC to give notice to the appropriate Federal banking agency prior to initiating any investigative or enforcement proceedings against a financial services holding company bank, or bank division acting as registered investment adviser. Amends the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the Investment Company Act of 1940 to exempt certain bank common trust funds from their coverage. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the transfer to a regulated investment company of all or substantially all of the assets of a common trust fund shall not result in a gain or loss to the common trust fund participants if the transfer is the result of a merger, conversion, reorganization, transfer or similar transaction. (Thus, if a bank were to transfer a common trust fund to a mutual fund, such transfer per se would not be considered a taxable event for the fund participants). Directs the SEC to examine and report to the Congress on the appropriate treatment of: (1) bank collective investment funds and separate accounts under the securities laws and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA); and (2) common trust funds under the securities laws. Chapter 5: Amendments to Prompt Corrective Action - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to set forth: (1) definitional guidelines; and (2) permissible activities for banks within various capital levels (including financial services holding companies). Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, the Bank Conservation Act, the Federal Reserve Act, and the Home Owners' Loan Act to set forth additional grounds for appointing conservators and receivers for specified undercapitalized depository institutions. Chapter 6: Nationwide Banking and Branching - Amends the Financial Services Holding Company Act to authorize nationwide banking, notwithstanding certain State laws, by: (1) a diversified holding company; (2) a financial services holding company; or (3) a foreign bank. Amends Federal banking law to permit a national banking association to establish and operate new branches at an initial location within any State in which a financial services holding company or State bank having the same home State (or chartered in the same home State as such association) could establish a branch. Provides for the interstate consolidation or merger of national banks, or State banks with national banks, and for the subsequent retention of pre-existing branches subject to regulatory approval. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to prohibit State proscription against interstate branching by State banks. Permits a host State to determine compliance by interstate branches with its regulations, and to coordinate regulatory supervision with other State bank authorities regarding branches of State-chartered banks. Amends the International Banking Act of 1978 to provide that during the three-year period starting on the date of enactment of this Act the Director may authorize foreign banks to establish and operate federally-chartered branches in the United States if such establishment is not prohibited by the law of the relevant State. Revises the limitations placed upon interstate branching by foreign banks to more closely conform with the limitations placed upon interstate branching by domestic banks. Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act to authorize approval by the appropriate Federal banking agency for a savings and loan holding company or a foreign bank to acquire interstate interests in savings associations. Permits the consummation of such approved acquisitions even though State law would otherwise prohibit or limit them. Subtitle B: Miscellaneous Provisions - Chapter I: Reduction in Regulatory Burden - Prohibits an appropriate Federal banking agency from requiring any institution under it jurisdiction to prepare or maintain data to comply with the Fair Housing Act, other than the data prescribed pursuant to the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act. Chapter 2: Expedited Funds Availability - Amends the Expedited Funds Availability Act with respect to the frequency of notices when funds will be held beyond statutory schedules to provide that no further notice is required after the required notice has been furnished until one year later or such other time as the exception for which the notice was provided ceases to apply, whichever is earlier. Subtitle C: Technical and Conforming Amendments - Chapter 1: Severability; Transition References - Sets forth severability and transition provisions. Chapter 2: Technical and Conforming Amendments - Makes technical and conforming amendments to specified Federal Acts. Chapter 3: Repeal of Obsolete Provisions of Law - Repeals specified provisions of Federal law. Chapter 4: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date of amendments made by this title. Title V: Pension Security Act - Pension Security Act of 1992 - Subtitle A: Amendments to Pension Plan Funding Requirements - Part 1: Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the additional funding requirements for pension plans that are not multiemployer plans to provide for an underfunding reduction requirement and a solvency maintenance requirement. Part 2: Amendments to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to revise the additional funding requirements for pension plans that are not multiemployer plans to provide for an underfunding reduction requirement and a solvency maintenance requirement. Subtitle B: Amendments to Title IV of ERISA - Amends title IV (Plan Termination Insurance) of ERISA to set forth limitations on the benefits guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC). Revises provisions relating to: (1) enforcement of minimum funding requirements; (2) definition of contributing sponsor; (3) recovery ratio payable under PBGC guaranty; (4) distress termination criteria for banking institutions; and (5) variable rate premium exemption. Eliminates a specified seventh revolving fund and transfers its assets and liabilities to the first revolving fund (i.e. the single-employer basic benefits guaranty fund). Subtitle C: Employer Liability, Lien and Priority - Part 1: Amendments to Title IV of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 - Amends title IV of ERISA to revise limitations on employer liability liens and priority amounts. Provides that, in the case of plan terminations initiated on or after January 1, 1992, the lien of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) for employer liability shall be determined according to a specified formula. Makes similar revisions relating to the amount of liability to the PBGC which is entitled to priority treatment in insolvency and bankruptcy cases. Amends the Pension Protection Act with respect to bankruptcy and insolvency claims. Provides that specified amendments under this Act shall be effective as if included under the Single-Employer Pension Plan Amendments of 1986 and the Pension Protection Act. Amends ERISA to provide for liability upon liquidation of a contributing sponsor of a single-employer plan. Makes such sponsor liable as though the plan had terminated in a distress termination, even if the sponsor's controlled group remains a contributing sponsor of the plan or is liable for payment of specified contributions or installments. Directs the PBGC to transfer such liability payments to the ongoing plans. Part 2: Amendments to Title 11, United States Code - Amends the Federal bankruptcy code to permit the PBGC to be a member of an unsecured creditors' committee. Revises priority payment provisions with respect to: (1) unpaid contributions to pension plans under ERISA; and (2) certain liability arising from pension plan terminations under ERISA. (Classifies these priorities as expenses arising before, or administrative expenses arising after, the commencement of the case, depending on whether such unpaid contributions are attributable, or such plan termination occurs, before or after the filing of the petition for bankruptcy.) Amends one of specified Bankruptcy Rules to require the bankruptcy court to give the PBGC notice of a bankruptcy petition filed (and all other notices required to be served on creditors and interested parties), in any case in which the debtor or an affiliate maintains a pension plan to which title IV of ERISA applies. Title VI: Federal Insurance Accounting Act of 1992 - Federal Insurance Accounting Act of 1992 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require accrual accounting to measure the cost of Federal insurance programs. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Director of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to coordinate the development of methods of estimating the costs of Federal insurance programs. Provides for the budgetary treatment of such programs. Prohibits the modification of an insurance program in a manner that increases its accrual cost unless budget authority for such additional cost is appropriated in advance, or is available out of existing appropriations or from other budgetary resources. Provides for the display of administrative expenses as distinct and separately identified subaccounts within the insurance program account. Authorizes appropriations as necessary to each Federal agency authorized to conduct insurance programs to pay associated accrued and accrual costs. Authorizes the President, in order to implement this title, to establish non-budgetary accounts as appropriate. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make transactions as necessary for non-budget insurance financing accounts. Declares that the changes made by this title are to be considered changes in budget concepts and definitions for purposes of the Balanced Budget And Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). Title VII: Medicare Premium Equity Amendments of 1992 - Medicare Premium Equity Amendments of 1992 - Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to increase the monthly part B premium in the case of: (1) an individual with an adjusted gross income in excess of $125,000 who is married and files a joint income tax return or is a surviving spouse or a head of household; (2) an individual with an adjusted gross income in excess of $62,500 who is married but does not file a joint income tax return; and (3) any other individual with an adjusted gross income in excess of $100,000. Title VIII: Medicare Budget Amendments of 1992 - Medicare Budget Amendments of 1992 - Amends Medicare part B to: (1) provide that payment under part B for anesthesia physicians' services, when a separate charge (on a fee schedule basis) is also made for the services of a certified registered nurse anesthetist, may not, when added to the payment made for the services of the nurse anesthetist, exceed the amount that would be paid for the anesthesia physicians' services if a separate payment were not made for the services of the nurse anesthetist; (2) revise payment rates for medically and non-medically directed certified registered nurse anesthetists to change the conversion factors used for services furnished starting in 1993; (3) redefine "covered item update" as used with respect to payments after 1992 for durable medical equipment and "applicable percentage increase" as used with respect to payments after 1992 for prosthetic devices, orthotics, and prosthetics (items) as a percentage change (or no change), which may be different for different kinds of equipment or items, as determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services after taking into consideration market factors and technological change; (4) set the payment limitation amount for a clinical diagnostic laboratory test performed after September 30, 1992, at 76 percent of the median of all the fee schedules established for that test for that laboratory setting; (5) provide similar Secretarial discretion with respect to determining annual updates in payments for clinical diagnostic laboratory tests; (6) move the prospective payment system hospital update to January 1 of each year; and (7) set the annual update for other hospitals in FY 1993 at 75 percent of the market basket percentage increase, and the updates for subsequent fiscal years at the market basket percentage increase. Title IX: Aid To Families With Dependent Children Savings Set-Aside Amendments of 1992 - AFDC Saving Set-Aside Amendments of 1992 - Amends part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) (AFDC) of title IV of the Social Security Act to modify State plan provisions to give States the option of disregarding, with respect to a family already receiving AFDC benefits, resources the value of which do not exceed $10,000, but only if the State plan provides that: (1) the State agency will determine that any such disregarded resources are being retained for later expenditure for a purpose directly related to improving the education, training, or employability of a family member or for the purchase of a home for the family; (2) the value of any resources so disregarded will not be taken into consideration for purposes of determining eligibility for food stamp benefits; and (3) the State agency will not disregard any resource (or interest therein) owned by a family member within the preceding 12 months, if such resource (or interest) was disposed of at less than fair market value for the purpose of establishing eligibility for AFDC benefits. Allows AFDC employability plans, at the option of the State, to provide for the retention and set-aside of such amounts of income and resources as the State agency determines necessary for carrying out an approved plan which includes self-employment as its employment goal. Requires that the State agency must find that the specific form of self-employment for which the set-aside is intended is practical and attainable in light of all surrounding circumstances. Title X: Food Stamp Amendments of 1992 - Food Stamp Amendments of 1992 - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to require the parent of a minor child with an absent parent to cooperate with State child support enforcement agencies in order to participate in the food stamp program (program). Makes permanent: (1) the 25 percent Federal cost-sharing of State administrative program costs. (Current law authorizes 25 percent through FY 1995 and 50 percent thereafter); and (2) the ten percent State fund retention. (Current law authorizes ten percent through FY 1995 and 25 percent thereafter). Title XI: Child Support Enforcement Amendments of 1992 - Child Support Enforcement Amendments of 1992 - Amends the Child Support Enforcement Act (the Act, which is part D of title IV of the Social Security Act) to provide that certain support collection and paternity determination application fees and collection services fees shall be set at $25 each (but gives the State an option to set such fees at $50 each, in which case no fee may be charged to individuals for such applications, or to families for such services, if their income is not more than 185 percent of the poverty line). Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish a schedule of performance-based incentive payments to encourage and reward States for activities to increase paternity establishment and lead to increased child support collections; and (2) determine the amount of such payments with respect to specified categories of performance. Limits the amount of any such payment to a State for a fiscal year to not more than ten percent of the State's total child support collections for such year with respect to children receiving aid to families with dependent children (AFDC) under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act. Revises the formula for certain other incentive payments (to States for cost-effective and efficient performance) to reduce their amount. Requires that incentive payments to States be used to improve or protect the welfare of children within the State. Requires States to provide paternity determination and child support collection services for recipients of certain need-based Federal or federally assisted programs. Title XII: Incentives for Families with Absent Parents to Cooperate with State Agencies under the Social Security Act in Securing Child Support for Dependents - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to provide, for purposes of public housing, that any family (with an absent parent) that has failed, without good cause, to cooperate in securing support for the dependent member of the family with the State agency administering the program for collection of child and spousal support may: (1) have certain spousal support imputed to its income; and (2) be ineligible for certain exclusions from its income. (Applies such provisions also to public housing under the Indian Housing Authority.) Title XIII: Purposes and Duration of Emergency Assistance Under The Aid to Families With Dependent Children Program - Amends the AFDC program to limit AFDC emergency assistance to one period of 30 consecutive days in any 12-month period. Provides that such emergency assistance may include amounts necessary to: (1) satisfy shelter and utility arrearages for no more than three months in order to prevent evictions and utility shut-offs; and (2) pay an initial month's shelter charges and security deposit necessary to secure permanent housing for homeless families. Requires any such amounts to be authorized by the State agency during the single 30-day period described above. Title XIV: Enhance Health Insurance Coverage For Children Under the Aid To Families With Dependent Children Program - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require State plans to provide satisfactory assurances that the State has in effect laws applicable to health insurers and insurance policies or programs subject to the laws of the State that: (1) require insurers to permit enrollment at any time under the health insurance of a non-custodial parent of any child for whom such parent is required to provide support; and (2) in any case where a child is covered under the non-custodial parent's health insurance, require insurers, at the option of the custodial parent, to permit such parent to submit claims for covered services without the non-custodial parent's approval and to make payment on such claims submitted directly to the custodial parent or service provider. Requires plan assurances that State laws authorize garnishment of the employment income of, and withholding of amounts from State tax refunds to, any person who is required by court or administrative order to cover a Medicaid-eligible individual's medical costs and has received, but not used for appropriate reimbursement, payment from a third party for the costs of medical services to such individual, to the extent necessary to reimburse the State for expenditures for such costs. Title XV: Child Nutrition Amendments of 1992 - Child Nutrition Amendments of 1992- Subtitle A: Budget-Related Provisions - Amends the National School Lunch Act to provide for increased cash subsidies for reduced price meals in the national school lunch program. Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (CNA) to provide for increased cash subsidies for reduced price meals in the school breakfast program. Amends CNA to provide for increased research funds under the special supplemental food program for women, infants, and children (WIC) to determine such program's effect on children. Subtitle B: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective dates of various provisions of this title. Title XVI: Social Security Cross Program Recovery Amendments of 1992 - Social Security Act Cross Program Recovery Amendments of 1992 - Amends title XI of the Social Security Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to recover overpayments made under the Supplemental Security Income Program (SSI) under title XVI of the Social Security Act from any amounts payable under the Federal Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance Program under title II of that Act if the Secretary is unable to recover such overpayments through the means currently provided under SSI. Provides that in any case in which the Secretary takes action to recover such an overpayment from any person, neither that person, nor any individual whose eligibility or benefit amount is based on that person's income, shall, as a result of such action, become eligible for SSI benefits or, if already so eligible, become eligible for increased SSI benefits. Title XVII: America 2000 Excellence in Education Act - AMERICA 2000 Excellence in Education Act - Part A: New American Schools - Authorizes financial assistance for creating New American Schools (NAS) in communities that have been designated AMERICA 2000 Communities (A2Cs). Provides that such NAS shall reflect the best thinking about teaching and learning, employ the highest-quality instructional materials and technologies, and be designed to meet the National Educational Goals as well as the particular needs of their students and communities. Directs the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) to reserve certain funds for a national program evaluation. Directs the Secretary to allocate the remaining funds among the States (and specified territories) in proportion to their respective numbers of Members of Congress. Directs the Governor to nominate A2Cs to create NAS, for at least as many communities as there are members in the State's congressional delegation and at least one community in each congressional district of the State. Requires the Governor's nominations to be based on criteria established by the Secretary on the basis of expert panel advice, including: (1) the community's level of commitment and activity in the A2C initiative; (2) the community's schools' need for new and innovative educational programs; and (3) the quality of their application to the Governor. Sets forth conditions for the Secretary's approval, and for alternative nominations. Directs the Secretary to make NAS grants to selected agencies, organizations, and institutions on behalf of the selected communities. Limits any award to $1,000,000. Encourages grantees to adapt and implement one or more NAS designs developed by research and development teams funded by the NAS Development Corporation. Restricts use of such grant funds to certain special start-up costs associated with the creation and establishment of a NAS. Prohibits the use of such funds for construction or for the grantee's general administrative expenses. Requires each NAS to have obtained necessary State recognition or accreditation and to be fully operating by the start of the 1996-97 school year. Directs the Secretary, within 90 days, to convene an expert panel of educators, representatives of private business, and public representatives to advise on NAS program administration, including criteria for nomination of communities. Directs the Secretary to use reserved funds to conduct a national evaluation of NAS program impact on schools and communities and on education generally. Requires reports to the President and the Congress. Authorizes appropriations. Part B: Merit Schools - Authorizes appropriations for Merit School awards to reward public and private elementary and secondary schools and faculties that make documented progress in attaining the National Education Goals, particularly the goal of increasing students' mastery of the core academic subjects. Directs the Secretary to allocate specified funds among the States on the same basis as allocations for education of disadvantaged children under title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (the ESEA chapter 1 program). Requires Governors to submit State grant applications for a three-year period, which may be followed by an application for a two-year period. Makes specified provisions of the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) inapplicable to this title. Specifies State use of funds for administrative costs (five percent) and Merit School awards (95 percent), with at least 20 percent of the latter earmarked for schools that demonstrate exceptional progress in improving students' performance in mathematics and science. Requires each Governor to: (1) establish a State review panel to assist in selection of Merit Schools; (2) submit annual program reports to the Secretary; and (3) apply specified national and State criteria in selecting schools. Requires each Merit School to use its award for activities to further its educational program, including special programs, equipment and materials acquisition, staff bonus payments, college scholarships for secondary school students, parental involvement, community outreach, and program replication. Prohibits State or local reduction of other assistance to the Merit School or its local educational agency. Part C: Teachers and School Leaders - Subpart 1: Governors' Academies for Teachers - Directs the Secretary to make a one-time, five-year grant to each State to establish and operate Governors' Academies for Teachers and to recognize outstanding teachers. Requires a Governor to use the State's grant to make competitive awards to the State educational agency (SEA), local education agencies (LEAs), institutions of higher education, and other public and private organizations or consortia, to establish and operate such Academies. Allows such Academies to be operated in cooperation or consortium with those of other States. Requires each Academy to conduct a program of intensive instruction for current elementary and secondary school teachers, during the summer or the school year, focusing on the core academic disciplines of English, mathematics, science, history, and geography. Directs the Governor to allocate to each Academy funds for a program of cash awards and recognition to outstanding teachers in the core academic subject or subjects covered by the Academy program. Requires Academies to select such teachers from nominations received from various groups. Limits any such award to $5,000, but allows the recipient to choose how to use it. Authorizes appropriations. Subpart 2: Governors' Academies for School Leaders - Directs the Secretary to make a one-time, five-year grant to each State to establish and operate a Governor's Academy for School Leaders. Requires the Governor to make competitive awards to the SEA, LEAs, institutions of higher education, and other public and private organizations or consortia, to establish and operate such an Academy. Allows such academies to be operated in cooperation or consortium with those of other States. Directs each Academy to carry out specified activities relating to school leadership training and development. Authorizes appropriations. Subpart 3: Alternative Certification of Teachers and Principals - Authorizes appropriations to assist States to develop and implement alternative certification requirements to improve the supply of well-qualified elementary and secondary school teachers and principals. Makes certain GEPA provisions inapplicable to this part. Requires States to use such funds to support programs, projects, or activities that develop and implement new, or expand and improve existing, alternative teacher and principal certification requirements. Authorizes States to do so directly, through contracts, or through subgrants to LEAs, intermediate educational agencies, institutions of higher education, or consortia of such agencies. Part D: Educational Reform and Flexibility - Subpart 1: Educational Reform Through Flexibility and Accountability - Amends the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) to establish a program for flexibility and accountability in education and related services. Directs the Secretary to assist projects for elementary and secondary schools and other service providers to improve achievement of all students and other participants, but particularly disadvantaged individuals, by authorizing waivers by which Governors, SEAs, LEAs, and other service providers can improve performance of schools and programs by increasing their flexibility in use of resources while holding them accountable for achieving educational gains. Authorizes the Secretary, in support of such projects, to waive, with specified exceptions, any statutory or regulatory requirement applicable to any program administered by the Department of Education that may impede a school or service provider from meeting the special needs of such students and other individuals. Authorizes other Federal agency heads, with the Secretary's agreement, to make similar waivers for their programs. Limits duration of projects and associated waivers to a maximum of three years, but authorizes the Secretary to extend a project and any associated waivers for an additional two years if it is making substantial progress in meeting its goals. Requires the Secretary to terminate a project and its associated waivers at any time if acceptable progress is not being made. Grants other Federal agency heads authority to determine extension or termination of their waivers. Grants the Secretary exclusive authority to extend or terminate a project. Requires each project that involves elementary or secondary schools to include participation of an SEA and at least one LEA and two schools. Requires, to the extent possible, project participation by each grade and academic program, including ESEA chapter 1 programs, in a participating school. Prohibits unreasonable concentration of available resources in participating schools, if fewer than all schools in an LEA participate. Requires each project that does not involve elementary or secondary schools to involve at least two programs, at least one of which is administered by the Secretary. Prohibits waiver of requirements: (1) in awarding new competitive grants to agencies participating in such projects; (2) relating to maintenance of effort, comparability, or equitable participation of private school students; and (3) under specified provisions of GEPA, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Sets forth requirements for reports and evaluations. Provides for the budget neutrality of such program. Subpart 2: Amendments to Chapter 2 - Amends chapter 2 (Federal, State, and Local Partnership for Educational Improvement) of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA chapter 2) to provide that part A funding for educational reform and improvement shall be divided equally between State and local programs (50 percent to each, while the current allocation formula requires at least 80 percent to go to local programs and not more than 20 percent to State programs). Reduces the portions of such State-level funds which: (1) may be used for State administration (from 25 to ten percent); and (2) must be used for the effective schools programs (from 20 to eight percent). Revises State application requirements to require approval by the Governor before submission to the Secretary. Includes educational choice programs among local targeted assistance programs of SEAs and LEAs. Includes, among authorized activities of such programs, any activities or expenses directly related to planning, implementing, operating, evaluating, and disseminating information about the LEA's educational choice program, including expenses of parents and children resulting from their program participation. Part E: Parental Choice of Schools - Subpart 1: Findings - Sets forth congressional findings relating to parental choice in education. Subpart 2: Parental Choice and Chapter 1 - Amends chapter 1 (Financial Assistance to Meet Special Educational Needs of Children) of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA chapter 1) to provide for chapter 1 services for children participating in educational choice programs. Requires the LEA to provide such services in the form of: (1) supplementary compensatory education services; or (2) if that is not feasible or efficient, payment to parents of a per-child share of the LEA's basic chapter 1 grant. Allows parents to use such funds only for: (1) purchase of supplementary compensatory education services that meet the child's special educational needs from any elementary or secondary school, or any other public or private agency, organization, or institution that the LEA designates; and/or (2) transportation costs related to the child's participation in the educational choice program. Excludes such payments from the gross income of parents for Federal income tax purposes. Allows an LEA to use chapter 1 funds for the additional transportation costs of children receiving chapter 1 services who are in an educational choice program. Requires LEAs with educational choice programs to explain to parents of chapter 1 participating children: (1) the availability of compensatory education services under various available options; and (2) options available under the educational choice program and the chapter 1 program. Subpart 3: Assistance for Parental Choice Programs - Directs the Secretary to make one-year grants to LEAs that carry out educational choice programs. Authorizes appropriations. Makes an LEA eligible for such a grant if it: (1) will carry out an educational choice program during the year for which assistance is sought; and (2) carried out such a program during the preceding year. Defines an educational choice program, as one adopted by a State or an LEA under which: (1) parents select the school, including private schools, in which their children will be enrolled; and (2) sufficient financial support is provided to enable a significant number or percentage of parents to enroll their children in a variety of schools and educational programs, including private schools. Requires LEAs to use grant funds only for student educational services and parental involvement activities in addition to those that would otherwise be provided from State or local funds. Prohibits use of grant funds for LEA general administrative expenses. Subpart 4: Parental Choice Programs of National Significance - Directs the Secretary to make five-year grants to SEAs, LEAs, and other agencies, institutions, and organizations to conduct and demonstrate nationally significant model programs of educational choice. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary, in any fiscal year for which funds are available to make new awards, to announce the approaches to educational choice that will be considered in the competition for such funding. Requires grant recipients to use such funds only for activities directly related to planning, implementing, operating and evaluating, and disseminating information about, the educational choice demonstration program. Allows such funds to be used to meet expenses of parents and children resulting from their participation in such program. Part F: National Assessment of Educational Progress - Amends the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) to extend through FY 1996 the authorization of appropriations for the National Center for Educational Statistics and its programs, including the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Requires the NAEP to collect representative data on a national and State basis for those States that choose to participate. Repeals a requirement for data collection on a regional basis. Requires the NAEP to collect and report data: (1) at least once every four years in the core academic areas of reading, writing, mathematics, science, history, and geography; and (2) annually on students at specified ages and in specified grade levels. (Current law varies such deadlines for the different academic subjects and sets a biennial deadline for the age and grade levels.) Removes a confidentiality restriction on NAEP information with respect to individual schools. Removes a prohibition against use of NAEP test items and data to rank, compare, or otherwise evaluate individual students, schools, or school districts. Requires States which choose to enter NAEP agreements to conduct such Assessment at the school level for all schools in the State sample and coordinate within the State, subject to a minimum State contribution of $100,000. Directs the Secretary to pay the State a certain amount for the costs of conducting such Assessment in excess of the minimum State contribution. Part G: National Commission on Time, Study, Learning, and Teaching - Establishes a National Education Commission on Time, Study, Learning, and Teaching (the Commission). Requires the Commission to examine the quality and adequacy of the study and learning time of U.S. elementary and secondary students in an era when World Class Standards of achievement need to be met, including issues regarding: (1) the length of the school day and year; (2) the extent and role of homework; (3) how time is currently being used for academic subjects (especially the five core subjects of English, mathematics, science, history, and geography); (4) year-round professional opportunities for teachers; and (5) the use of school facilities for extended learning programs. Directs the Commission, within one year after it concludes its first meeting, to submit a final report to the Congress and the President. Requires such report, in addition to the primary issues, to analyze and make recommendations about: (1) use of incentives for students to increase educational achievement in available instructional time; (2) how children spend time outside school; and (3) if appropriate, a model plan for adopting a longer academic day and year for U.S. elementary and secondary schools by the end of this decade, including mechanisms to assist in such transition. Terminates the Commission 90 days after it submits its final report. Authorizes appropriations. Part H: Regional Literacy Resource Centers - Amends the Adult Education Act to direct the Secretary to make grants or contracts for operation of regional literacy resource centers in appropriate regions. Makes eligible for such grants or contracts SEAs, LEAs, State literacy offices, volunteer organizations, community-based organizations, institutions of higher education, or other nonprofit entities. Provides that the Federal share of activity costs shall decline over a five-year period from a maximum of 80 percent to 60 percent. Authorizes appropriations. Part I: General Provisions - Sets forth definitions for this title. Makes specified provisions of Federal law permitting consolidation of grants to the Insular Areas inapplicable to funds received by such an area under this title. Title XVIII: Student Financial Assistance Improvements Act of 1992 - Student Financial Assistance Improvements Act of 1992 - Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to extend Pell Grant program authority through FY 1993. Revises requirements for the amount of Pell Grants. Sets the amount of an award to a student at the lesser of: (1) the specified maximum award less the expected family contribution; or (2) the percentage (based on family-income level) of the amount of the student's need for financial assistance (i.e., cost of attendance minus expected family contribution). Increases the maximum award amount to $3,700 for 1992-93 and the four succeeding award years. Sets forth a table of percentages of student need for award computation. Revises the period of eligibility for Pell Grants. Limits such period to the full-time equivalent of three academic years in the aggregate in the case of all undergraduate degree or certificate programs normally requiring two years or less. Specifies that longer eligibility periods for longer programs are cumulative and include periods for which the student received a Pell Grant under shorter programs. Repeals specified provisions for a separate need analysis formula for Pell grants. Extends the period for specified limitations on amounts of student loans covered by Federal insurance. Increases the annual and aggregate loan limits under the Stafford loan and the Supplemental Loans for Students (SLS) programs. Requires lenders to offer Stafford loan borrowers the option of repaying such loans on a graduated repayment schedule under specified conditions. Eliminates a provision which allowed an institution to refuse to certify a student's eligibility for a loan, or allowed it to certify a lesser amount, under specified conditions. Revises loan deferment provisions. Retains deferment while the borrower is in specified courses of study. Replaces the various current categorical deferments with a hardship deferment of up to three years in the aggregate. Requires the lender to grant specified forbearance if the borrower is a Peace Corps or VISTA volunteer and does not qualify for such hardship deferment. Revises provisions for Federal reinsurance coverage. Revises the period in which guaranty agencies must file reinsurance claims. Revises requirements for calculation and payment of such reinsurance. Requires a 60-day delayed disbursement of Stafford or SLS loans to first-year undergraduates at institutions with default rates of 30 percent or greater. (Retains the current 30-day delayed disbursement for first-year undergraduates at institutions with default rates less than 30 percent.) Revises provisions for eligibility limitations, suspensions, terminations, other hearing procedures, and fines for lenders or institutions that violate program requirements. Sets forth conflict-of-interest restrictions on guaranty agency officers and employers. Prohibits any guaranty agency from permitting any of its officers or employees, or any member of their immediate families, to have a direct financial interest in, or serve as an officer or employee of, any lender, secondary market, contractor, or servicer with which the guaranty agency does business. Includes financial information among the information the Secretary may reasonably require from a guaranty agency to carry out the student loan programs and protect the U.S. financial interest. Revises the administrative cost and collection retention allowances for guaranty agencies. Revises provisions for oversight of guaranty agencies. Authorizes the Secretary to require a guaranty agency to submit and implement a management plan if the ratio of its reserve funds to outstanding guarantees is less than a set level, or if its administrative or financial condition jeopardizes its continued ability to perform its responsibilities under its guaranty agreement. Authorizes the Secretary to terminate the guaranty agreement with any agency that fails to submit an acceptable management plan or fails to improve substantially its condition in accordance with such a plan. Authorizes the Secretary to assume guaranty agency functions of agencies whose agreements are terminated by the Secretary or themselves. Limits the Secretary's liability for any outstanding liabilities of a guaranty agency, the functions of which the Secretary has assumed, to the fair market value of assets assigned by the agency to the Secretary, minus any necessary liquidation or administrative costs. Requires State backing of designated guaranty agencies. Requires each State to guarantee, with its full faith and credit or the equivalent, all student loans guaranteed by the guaranty agency designated for that State for borrowers attending eligible institutions in that State. Provides that a State may elect to guarantee, in addition, student loans guaranteed by any other guarantee agency for borrowers who are attending eligible institutions in that State. Requires the State, if such a guaranty agency backed by the State is unable to discharge its insurance obligation, to be responsible for discharging them, as well as administrative costs associated with transferring the guaranty agency's operations to another entity. Directs the Secretary, if a State discharges such insurance obligations, to pay the State the amount the guaranty agency would otherwise have received as reimbursement. Directs the Secretary, unless a State demonstrates by January 1, 1994, that it is backing the designated guaranty agency, to assess institutions of higher education participating in the student loan program that are located in that State a fee based on the risk of financial loss to the Federal Government that the State would otherwise assume. Requires such fees to be deposited in the student loan insurance fund. Requires States to pay a share of default costs in specified circumstances. Allows a State to charge a fee to an institution of higher education in the State participating in the loan program, to an approved fee structure based on the institution's cohort default rate and the State's risk of loss under such requirement. Eliminates the student loan program eligibility of foreign institutions (but not of study abroad that is part of the curriculum of U.S. institutions). Revises the definition of cohort default rate. Reduces the special allowance rates for holders of loans for which the cohort default rate exceeds 20 percent. Revises provisions for need analysis to apply them to all need-based student assistance programs, including Pell Grants (which currently have a separate need analysis system). Revises the definitions of cost of attendance and family contribution, as well as provisions for data elements used in determining expected family contribution. Revises the formula for calculation of the expected family contribution for a dependent student to eliminate references to the students' spouse. Allows application of any parent's negative available income: (1) to reduce the parent's income supplement amount from assets; and (2) if there is any negative amount remaining after that is reduced to zero, to increase the allowances against the dependent student's income. Revises the minimum dependent student contribution to be the greater of: (1) specified amounts that vary according to family total income; or (2) 70 percent of the student's total income, minus the adjustment to student income. Eliminates certain exceptions to the general need analysis calculation for dislocated workers and displaced homemakers. Revises the tables for determination of standard maintenance allowance, employment expense allowance, adjusted net worth of business and of farm, asset protection allowance, and parents' assessment from available income. Revises the asset protection allowance to provide for consideration of the average age of both parents. Revises provisions for family contribution for married or single independent students without dependents (including various revisions similar to those described for dependent students). Includes married, as well as unmarried, students under this category of independent students without dependents. Revises provisions for minimum student contribution under this category. Revises tables for determining various allowances and other factors. Revises provisions relating to the family contribution for married or single independent students with dependents (including provisions similar to those in other categories). Revises tables for determining various allowances and other factors. Eliminates certain restrictions on the Secretary's authority to prescribe regulations to carry out need analysis requirements. Revises provisions relating to development of revised tables of assessment rates for purposes of such need analysis. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe regulations specifying situations in which the data elements considered in determining a student's expected family contribution may be modified to accommodate the special circumstances of the student. Provides a special rule for the determination of the net value of the principal place of residence. Makes ineligible for student assistance program participation for specified periods any institution whose cohort default rate equals or exceeds a specified threshold percentage. Revises provisions for proprietary institutions of higher education. Authorizes the Secretary, if a particular category of proprietary institution does not meet specified student assistance program requirements because there is no nationally recognized accrediting agency or association qualified to accredit such institutions, to: (1) appoint an advisory committee to recommend qualifying standards; and (2) determine whether the particular schools meet them. Provides for reduction of student assistance loan award maximums for short-term programs. Requires students, in order to remain eligible for assistance, to satisfy specified minimum academic achievement standards. Directs the Secretary to implement a system of verification of immigration status. Eliminates certain provisions for training in financial aid and student support services. Requires any institution participating in any student assistance program to have in effect a fair and equitable refund policy and to provide a written statement of it, with examples, to prospective students. Revises provisions for student assistance program participation agreements. Requires the institution to acknowledge the authority of the Secretary, guaranty agencies, accrediting agencies, and State licensing bodies to share with each other any information pertaining to the institution's eligibility to participate in such programs. Eliminates the requirement that hearings be on the record, with respect to program participation limitation, suspension, or termination procedures. Provides for data matching. Authorizes the Secretary to obtain from Federal or State agencies specified information relating to an individual for student loan collection purposes. Directs the Secretary of Labor to enter into an agreement to provide prompt access for the Secretary to wage and unemployment compensation claims information and data maintained by or for the Department of Labor or State employment security agencies. Amends the Higher Education Technical Amendments of 1991 (Public Law 102-26) to make permanent the elimination of limitations on actions to collect defaulted student loans or grant overpayments. Revises the HEA definition of institution of higher education. Requires such institutions, in order to be eligible to participate in HEA programs, to comply with such minimum State licensing standards as the Secretary may prescribe by regulation and which the relevant State licensing body is to impose upon institutions it licenses. Revises the alternative accreditation process. Authorizes the Secretary, if a particular category of institutions is not accredited because no nationally recognized accrediting agency or association is qualified to do so, to appoint an advisory committee to: (1) recommend standards to qualify institutions in such category to participate in HEA programs; and (2) review whether particular institutions meet such standards. Includes as an institution of higher education for HEA title IV student assistance programs any institution that provides programs of at least six months (or 600 clock hours) that prepare students for gainful employment in recognized occupations, and that has been in existence for at least two years. Requires an institution, if it is accredited by more than one accrediting body, to designate, for HEA eligibility purposes, one such body as its primary accreditor, on either an institutionwide or program basis. Deems such an institution no longer accredited for purposes of HEA eligibility for a 24-month period if its accreditation is terminated for cause by the primary accreditor, or if it withdraws from such accreditation voluntarily under a show cause or suspension order, unless such accreditation is restored by the same accreditor during such 24-month period. Provides for sharing of institutional eligibility information by the Secretary, guaranty agencies, accrediting agencies, and State licensing bodies. Makes ineligible for any HEA assistance any individual who is in default on any loan made, insured, or guaranteed by the Federal Government, unless satisfactory repayment arrangements are made. Title XIX: National Energy Strategy Act - Subtitle A: Residential, Commercial, and Federal Energy Use - Part 1: Consumer and Commercial Products - Amends the Energy Policy Conservation Act to expand the list of commercial products covered by the Act. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to prescribe labeling rules for such products. Prohibits the Secretary of Energy from prescribing energy conservation standards for certain electric lights or commercial products listed in the Act. Part 2: Federal Energy Management - Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to authorize Federal agency participation in private sector energy demand management or application of conservation measures to Federal buildings. Subtitle B: Natural Gas - Part I: Natural Gas Pipeline Regulatory Reform - Amends the Natural Gas Act to authorize the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to direct a natural-gas entity (pipeline) to interconnect physically with other facilities at the applicant's expense, in order to receive natural gas from the other facilities for transportation in the pipeline. Declares that for purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, a FERC certification of public convenience and necessity with respect to a natural gas facility is the only major Federal action requiring a detailed environmental impact statement. Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978: (1) to authorize an interstate pipeline to construct facilities incidental to transportation service upon 30 days notice to the affected State commission; and (2) require FERC to authorize any interstate pipeline to transport natural gas on behalf of any person. Amends the Natural Gas Act to declare that a mutually agreed-upon natural gas transportation rate between a natural-gas company and its customer is deemed just and reasonable, and in compliance with such Act. Sets forth expedited certification procedures for natural gas transportation and related facilities construction. Provides for the construction and operation of natural gas transportation facilities with an option not to obtain a certificate of public convenience and necessity (thus taking such facility out of the Act's jurisdiction). Authorizes FERC to issue an order finding that if a natural-gas company's market is competitive and its transportation or sales services charges are not unduly discriminatory such charges are not subject to its jurisdiction. Part 2: Natural Gas Import/Export Deregulation - States that neither FERC nor a State may prohibit or condition the importation or exportation of natural gas or treat exported or imported natural gas differently from any other natural gas while it is within the United States. Authorizes the President to: (1) waive any law relating to natural gas importation or exportation upon finding that the national interest requires it; or (2) specify when such natural gas importation or exportation law is considered satisfied if the appropriate Federal or State agency has not taken final action. Part 3: Structural Reform of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission - Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to abolish FERC and establish within the Department of Energy the Natural Gas and Electricity Administration to be headed by an Administrator appointed by the President. Transfers to the Secretary of Energy the functions of the Federal Power Commission and FERC. Sets forth rulemaking procedures for rates and charges with respect to natural gas and electricity. Subtitle C: Oil - Part I: Naval Petroleum Reserve Leasing - Naval Petroleum Reserve Leasing Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) to lease Naval Petroleum Reserve Numbered 1 (California) if it is not necessary for national defense purposes. Sets forth leasing and antitrust guidelines. Mandates the use of competitive leasing procedures, minimum royalty payments, and crude oil set-asides for sale to small refiners by Reserve lessees. Authorizes the Secretary to take certain steps to arrange and conduct a leasing action. Authorizes the Secretary to acquire privately owned lands or physical improvements within a Naval Petroleum Reserve if a lease of Naval Petroleum Reserve Numbered 1 cannot be arranged. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to authorize the Secretary to store within the Strategic Petroleum Reserve a Defense Petroleum Inventory of petroleum products (in addition to any other acquisition and storage for such Reserve required by law). Directs the Secretary to obligate the United States share of funds available in the Naval Petroleum Reserve Lease Proceeds Special Account (created by this Act) for the acquisition of 10,000,000 barrels of crude oil for the Defense Petroleum Inventory. Declares that upon request of the Secretary of Defense: (1) crude oil acquired for or dedicated to the Defense Petroleum Inventory shall be drawn down and distributed by the Secretary of Energy for the Department of Defense for use, sale, or exchange; and (2) the Secretary of Energy shall replace in the Defense Petroleum Inventory crude oil drawn down on behalf of the Department of Defense. Requires the Department of Defense to reimburse the Department of Energy for services rendered under this Act. Establishes the Naval Petroleum Reserve Lease Proceeds Special Account in the Treasury to implement this Act. Funds such Special Account with amounts realized from the lease of any United States interest in Naval Petroleum Reserve Numbered 1. Sets forth a payment scheme under which lease proceeds shall be used to make payments to the State of California. Declares that: (1) the authority to lease under this Act extends to specified sections within Naval Petroleum Reserve Numbered 1; and (2) this Act does not affect the withdrawal of lands provided for in certain school land grants. Part 2: Oil Pipeline Deregulation - Oil Pipeline Regulatory Reform Act - Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to terminate FERC jurisdiction over oil and other pipelines except the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Authorizes the Attorney General to petition the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) for an adjudication of whether FERC rate regulation of an existing pipeline in any market is in the public interest. Prescribes adjudication guidelines. Provides that pipeline rates for service to markets which are not identified in a mandatory published adjudications list will no longer be subject to FERC regulatory jurisdiction. Prescribes adjudication guidelines under which the Secretary shall find that regulation of a pipeline is in the public interest only if it is demonstrated that such regulation is necessary to constrain the exercise of substantial market power in the supply and demand of products transported by the pipeline in that market. States that new pipelines shall not be subject to existing Commission regulatory jurisdiction or rate regulation, but shall be subject to common carrier regulation under such Act. States that Commission rate regulation shall be prospective only. Prohibits terminated Commission regulatory jurisdiction from reverting to any other Federal agency. Confers exclusive, original jurisdiction over any petition for judicial review upon the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Precludes from such judicial review any action of the Attorney General under this Act, including adjudication petitions. Outlines the parameters within which pipelines are required to operate as common carriers. Requires pipelines to file terms of carriage schedules (except carriage rates) with the Commission. Sets forth guidelines for maximum FERC rates on a market by market basis, subject to price cap regulation based on base rates and cumulative changes in a Competitive Pipeline Price Index. Precludes a pipeline from conditioning its services upon entering into other transactions or on taking or refraining from any action. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress regarding the results of this Act five years after the conclusion of all adjudications. Retains the applicability of antitrust laws to pipeline transportation of crude oil or refined oil products. Subtitle D: Electricity Generation and Use - Part 1: Public Utility Holding Company Act Reform - Sets forth regulatory guidelines for exempt wholesale generators and qualifying facilities. Subtitle E: Nuclear Power - Part 1: Licensing Reform - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to provide procedural guidelines for issuance by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) of a combined construction and operating license. Mandates that such combined license applications include a State, local, or utility emergency plan. Requires the NRC to propose implementing regulations under this Act within one year of its enactment. Part 2: Nuclear Waste Management - Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to declare that, for purposes of site characterization activities, the appropriate Federal agency shall administer the pertinent rules and regulations without regard to whether such administration has been or could be, delegated to a State or superseded by comparable State law. Declares State, local or tribal laws inapplicable to site characterization activities under this Act. Directs the Secretary to implement site characterization activities in spite of any refusal by either State, local or tribal authorities to act upon requested authorizations to proceed with related site characterization activities. Sets forth a 60-day deadline within which actions to contest the constitutionality of this Act must be brought. Prohibits a court from enjoining site characterization activities in such actions except as part of a final judgment. Subtitle F: Renewable Energy - Part 1: PURPA Size Cap and Co-Firing Reform - Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA) to direct FERC to prescribe rules requiring electric utilities to offer to purchase electric capacity from alternative power production facilities only through competitive acquisition. Makes alternative power production facilities eligible for exemptions from PURPA, the Federal Power Act, and State law if they meet certain requirements. Part 2: Hydroelectric Power Regulatory Reform - Amends the Federal Power Act to include as part of the hydroelectric power licensing procedure an applicant's plan concerning studies to be undertaken in connection with the licensing process, and a summary of the applicant's consultation activities with Federal and State agencies and Indian tribes. Sets forth guidelines for additional licensing procedures. Directs FERC to coordinate a single, consolidated licensing review (including review under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969) of a hydropower project license application that is subject to Federal, State, or Indian tribal review. Removes from FERC jurisdiction hydropower projects with installed capacities of five megawatts or less that have not received a license by the date of enactment of this Act. Subtitle G: Alternative Fuel - Part 1: Alternative and Dual Fuel Vehicle Credits - Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to eliminate limits on the credit toward complying with the corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards available to manufacturers for the production of light duty alternative fuel vehicles and certain dual fuel vehicles. Part 2: Alternative Transportation Fuels - Sets forth acquisition and credit allocation guidelines for alternative fuel vehicles. Requires persons who own or otherwise control a fleet of motor vehicles of different types and sizes to make a specified percentage of annual vehicle acquisitions alternative fuel vehicles. Prescribes civil and administrative penalties for noncompliance with this Act. Subtitle H: Innovation and Technology Transfer - Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to allow each Federal agency to: (1) secure copyrights on behalf of the United States in any computer software prepared in whole or in part by U.S. employees under a cooperative research and development agreement or other authority, notwithstanding provisions of Federal copyright law; and (2) grant in advance to a collaborating party licenses or assignments for the copyrights, or options thereto, retaining specified rights. Adds references to software and its author to provisions governing the distribution of royalties received by Federal agencies. Subtitle I: Tax Incentives - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend the time period for the energy investment tax credit from June 30, 1992 to December 31, 1993; and (2) make permanent the research activities tax credit. Mandates that certain oil and gas revenues be deposited into: (1) the miscellaneous receipts of the Treasury; and (2) a special Treasury fund for immediate availability without fiscal year limitation to the State of Alaska. Title XX: Arctic Coastal Plain Competitive Oil and Gas Leasing Act - Subtitle A: Short Title and Statement of Purpose - Arctic Coastal Plain Competitive Oil and Gas Leasing Act - Declares the purpose of this Act is to authorize competitive oil and gas leasing and development on the Coastal Plain in a manner consistent with environmental concerns and the interests of the area's subsistence users. Subtitle B: Definitions - Sets forth definitions used in this Act. Subtitle C: Coastal Plain Competitive Leasing Program - Directs the Secretary of the Interior (the Secretary) to establish and implement a competitive oil and gas leasing program on the Coastal Plain. Declares that this Act is the Secretary's sole legislative authority for authorizing and conducting such a program (whether competitive or noncompetitive). Requires the Secretary to issue regulations encompassing environmental protection of the Coastal Plain. Declares that the Department of the Interior's Legislative Environmental Impact Statement is compatible and consistent with the major purposes and policies of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and therefore no further environmental analysis or documentation is required for the issuance of regulations. Prescribes procedural guidelines for land lease sales on the Coastal Plain, and for exploration, development and production plans. Sets forth bonding requirements, and lease suspension and cancellation guidelines. Directs the Secretary to require lessees to unite with each other in collectively adopting and operating under a unit plan of development, including the construction of a common carrier pipeline to transport oil and gas to the exterior boundary of the Coastal Plain. Requires lessees and permittees to provide the Secretary with certain geological and geophysical data obtained from exploration or development activities. Sets forth remedies and penalties for violations of this Act. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Congress about the leasing program. Repeals certain limitations applicable to subsurface interests owned by certain Alaskan corporations. Provides for expedited judicial consideration of any claims for relief by them. Subtitle D: Coastal Plain Environmental Protection - Directs the Secretary to promulgate environmental protection regulations which ensure that Coastal Plain activities will avoid significant adverse effects on fish and wildlife, their habitat, and the environment. Requires site-specific assessment and mitigation. Designates the Sadlerochit Spring Special Area as a special area for wildlife conservation and environmental protection. Authorizes the Secretary to exclude such area from leasing and to designate other Coastal Plain areas as special areas requiring protection. Directs the Secretary to prepare and periodically update a facilities construction and siting plan for oil and gas development and transportation. Authorizes the Secretary to grant rights-of-way and easements across the Coastal Plain in a manner that does not adversely affect fish, wildlife, and the environment. Requires the Secretary to conduct additional studies to monitor the human, marine, and coastal environments. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations providing for bi-annual facility inspections for compliance with environmental and safety regulations. Subtitle E: Land Reclamation and Reclamation Liability Fund - Makes leaseholders fully responsible and liable for land reclamation within the Coastal Plan and other Federal lands adversely affected by lease activities. Requires establishment of the Coastal Plan Liability and Reclamation Fund within six months of a commercial discovery within the Coastal Plain. Subtitle F: Disposition of Oil and Gas Revenues - Prescribes revenue collection and expenditure procedures. Mandates that oil and gas revenues be deposited into the Treasury. Title XXI: Coastal Communities Impact Assistance Act of 1992 - Coastal Communities Impact Assistance Act of 1992 - Establishes the "Coastal Communities Impact Assistance Fund" to provide impact assistance to eligible coastal States and counties for infrastructure, services, competing uses, and natural resources from revenues derived from proximate Outer Continental Shelf natural gas and oil production activities. Title XXII - Alaska Power Administration Sale Authorization Act - Alaska Power Administration Sale Authorization Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to sell: (1) the Snettisham Hydroelectric Project to the State of Alaska Power Authority; and (2) the Eklutna Hydroelectric Project to the Municipality of Anchorage. Directs the Secretary to deposit sale proceeds into the miscellaneous receipts of the Treasury. Declares that both Projects shall continue to be exempt from Federal Power Act requirements (subject to a certain Memorandum of Agreement). Grants the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska jurisdiction to review and enforce such Memorandum, (including the remedy of specific performance). Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) issue rights-of-way with respect to certain Eklutna lands to the Alaska Power Administration for subsequent reassignment to the Eklutna Purchasers; and (2) convey to the State of Alaska (with respect to certain Snettisham lands) improved lands under certain statutory selection entitlements. Title XXIII: Access to Justice Act of 1992 - Access to Justice Act of 1992 - Amends the Federal judicial code to provide that, in determining whether a matter in controversy exceeds the sum or value of $50,000 for purposes of Federal diversity of citizenship jurisdiction, the amount of damages for pain and suffering or mental anguish, punitive or exemplary damages, and attorneys' fees or costs shall not be included. Requires that on February 1 of each year the threshold amount for diversity jurisdiction (currently, $50,000) be adjusted to the nearest thousand dollars to reflect change in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, United States City Average, All Items, under its current official reference base as designated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor (CPI-U). Entitles the prevailing party in a diversity action to attorneys' fees only to the extent that such party prevails on any position or claim advanced during the litigation. Specifies that the sum of entitled attorneys' fees shall be paid by the nonprevailing party but shall not exceed the attorneys' fees of the nonprevailing party with regard to such position or claim; and that, if the nonprevailing party receives services under a contingent fee agreement, the sum of the entitled attorneys' fees shall not exceed the reasonable value of such services. Requires counsel of record in any such action to maintain accurate, complete records of hours worked on the matter regardless of the fee arrangement with his client. Authorizes the court to limit fees recovered if it finds special circumstances that make payment of such fees unjust. Makes provisions of this Act (with respect to attorneys' fees in diversity cases) inapplicable to actions removed from State court or to the United States or any State, agency of the United States or any State, or any official, officer, or employee of a Federal or State agency. Amends the Equal Access to Justice Act to bar the award of attorneys' fees in excess of $75 per hour unless the court determines that an increase in the cost of living, as reflected by the change in the CPI-U (currently, unless the court determines that such an increase, or a special factor, such as the limited availability of qualified attorneys for the proceedings involved) justifies a higher fee. Sets forth provisions with respect to the calculation of the cost of living adjustment in such cases. Amends the Federal judicial code to require a claimant, at least 30 days before filing suit, to transmit written notice to the intended defendant or defendants: (1) of the specific claims involved, including the amount of actual damages and expenses incurred and to be incurred; and (2) at an address reasonably calculated to provide actual notice to each such party. Requires that a certificate of service evidencing compliance with such provision be filed with the court at the commencement of the action. Provides for a 30-day extension of any applicable statute of limitations (SL), in the event that such SL would expire during the period of such notice. Makes the requirements of this provision inapplicable under specified circumstances, such as in bankruptcy proceedings and where the defendant (or the assets that are the subject of the action or would satisfy the judgement) is subject to flight. Specifies that in the event that the district court finds that such requirements have not been fulfilled by the claimant, and such defect is asserted by the defendant within 60 days of service of the summons or complaint upon such defendant, the claim shall be dismissed without prejudice and the costs of such action, including attorneys' fees, shall be imposed upon the claimant. Permits the claimant, under such circumstances, to refile such claim within 60 days after dismissal regardless of any statutory limitations period if, during the 60 days after dismissal, notice is effected as provided by this Act, and the original action was timely filed. Authorizes the United States, except as otherwise specifically provided by statute, to enter into an agreement which provides that attorneys' fees may be awarded against the United States or any other party to the litigation: (1) where the United States commenced the suit; (2) in civil litigation involving disputes pursuant to the Contract Disputes Act of 1978; or (3) where the United States and another party have agreed to use outcome-determinative mediation, subject to specified requirements. Sets forth further requirements with respect to the award of attorneys' fees, including the handling of such awards received by Federal agencies. Directs: (1) the chief judge of each Federal judicial circuit (other than the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit) to designate one district within the circuit to be a pilot Multi-Door Courthouse (MDC) district; and (2) the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit to designate the U.S. Claims Court to be a pilot MDC. Specifies that such designation, and the program established by this provision, shall terminate at the expiration of a three-year period following such designation, unless renewed by an Act of the Congress. Requires every court which has been designated as a MDC, within six months, to establish an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) plan, including: (1) procedures for limited discovery; (2) confidentiality of proceedings as to possible subsequent pretrial and trial actions; and (3) the selection, use, and payment of nonjudicial personnel who may be selected to conduct ADR procedures. Specifies that such plan shall also establish standards for determining which cases are appropriate for ADR, considering such factors as whether factual issues predominate over legal issues, whether the case involves complex or novel legal issues requiring judicial action, and any other factors the court considers relevant. Requires that each plan: (1) provide that each Federal judge or, in a case assigned to a magistrate judge, magistrate judge in a MDC conduct a conference with counsel within 120 days after a complaint is filed to review nonbinding, voluntary ADR procedures that may be used in lieu of litigation to resolve the claims in controversy; and (2) authorize the parties, if they agree, to utilize nonbinding ADR procedures that may be used in lieu of litigation to resolve the claims in controversy, such as early neutral evaluation, traditional mediation, outcome-determinative mediation, minitrials, summary jury trials, and arbitration. Sets forth additional plan requirements. Authorizes: (1) the district courts, in carrying out their plans, to use the volunteer services of nonjudicial personnel to conduct ADR procedures; and (2) the courts to establish and pay, subject to limits set by the Judicial Conference of the United States, the amount of compensation, if any, that each neutral shall receive for services rendered in each case. Authorizes the Chief Justice of the United States to designate and assign temporarily a district judge of one circuit for service in another circuit, either in a district court or court of appeals, whenever the business of that court so requires (under current law, upon presentation of a certificate of necessity by the chief judge or circuit justice of the circuit wherein the need arises). Includes among the duties of the Director of the Administrative Office of U.S. Courts to secure information regarding the courts' need for temporary judicial resources to ease overcrowded dockets (including information on delays being encountered in the maintenance of civil suits) and prepare and transmit annually to the Chief Justice, the chief judges of the circuits, the Congress, and the Attorney General, statistical data, reports, and recommendations summarizing the results of this inquiry. Provides that: (1) no State judicial officer shall be held liable for any costs, including attorneys' fees, in any proceeding in vindication of civil rights brought against such officer for an act or omission taken in an official capacity (act); and (2) in any civil action for deprivation of rights brought against a judicial officer for such an act committed in such officer's official capacity, injunctive relief shall not be granted unless a declaratory decree was violated or declaratory relief was unavailable. Amends the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act to provide that, in actions brought by any adult convicted of a crime confined in any jail, prison, or other correctional facility, the court shall (under current law, if the court believes that such a requirement would be appropriate and in the interests of justice) continue such case for a period not to exceed 180 (currently, 90) days in order to require exhaustion of remedies. Requires the Attorney General, upon request of a State or local corrections agency, to provide such agency with technical advice and assistance in establishing plain, speedy, and effective administrative remedies for inmate grievances. Amends the Federal judicial code to authorize the court, with regard to proceedings in forma pauperis, to dismiss the case if satisfied that the action fails to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. Directs the Board of the Federal Judicial Center to study and determine ways in which case and docket management (including ADR) techniques may be applied to improve the cost-effectiveness of litigation and to eliminate unjustified expense and delay, and include in the annual report of the activities of the Center details of the results of the studies and determinations made pursuant to this provision. Provides that a court en banc shall consist of all circuit judges in regular service (currently, or such number as may be prescribed in accordance with P.L. 95-486 (regarding appointments of district and circuit judges)), with exceptions. Repeals a provision of P.L. 95-486 which authorizes any court of appeals having more than 15 active judges to perform its en banc function by such number of members of its en banc courts as may be prescribed by rule of the court of appeals. Title XXIV: Health Care Liability Reform and Quality of Care Improvement Act - Health Care Liability Reform and Quality of Care Improvement Act of 1992 - Subtitle A: Findings and Purpose - Sets forth: (1) findings regarding this title; and (2) the purpose of this title. Subtitle B: Health Care Liability Reforms - Requires, in order to be eligible to participate in the incentive program provided for in this subtitle, that States have in effect the health care liability reforms set forth in this subtitle. Requires, in any health care liability action, the liability of each defendant for non-economic damages to be several and not joint, with each defendant liable only for the proportion of that defendant's fault and a separate judgment against that defendant in that amount. Prohibits awarding non-economic damages over a certain dollar amount in any health care liability action, subject to waiver. Reduces the total damages received by a plaintiff by the amount of any collateral source benefits. Allows: (1) future economic damage awards to be paid periodically based on when the damages are likely to occur or at the time the damages accrue; and (2) in certain circumstances, the court to require the health care provider to purchase an annuity or fund a reversionary trust to make such periodic payments. Prohibits reopening a judgment awarding periodic payments to contest, amend, or modify the schedule or amount in the absence of fraud or any ground permitting relief after entry of a final judgment. Declares it U.S. policy to encourage alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Requires each State to establish at least one ADR mechanism. Requires each State to: (1) cooperate with Federal research efforts regarding patient outcomes, clinical effectiveness, and clinical practice guidelines; (2) collect, analyze, and supply the Secretary of Health and Human Services with information regarding the performance of State medical boards; and (3) impose continuing education requirements on disciplined physicians. Allows alternatives to these requirements regarding medical boards and continuing education if the Secretary finds the alternatives at least as effective in reducing the incidence of negligence as compliance with the requirements. Allows States three years from the adoption of this title to enact, adopt, or otherwise comply with the requirements of this subtitle. Requires withholding two percent of payments to States computed under specified provisions of title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act and one percent of payments to hospitals computed under specified provisions of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act and redistribution of the withheld funds to those States and hospitals which have complied with the provisions of this subtitle. Allows waiver of the requirements of this title for any experimental, pilot, or demonstration project which is likely to assist in promoting the objectives of this title. Subtitle C: Federal Implementation of Health Care Liability Reforms - Amends Federal law to prohibit, in a health care liability action, finding the United States jointly and severally liable for non-economic damages. Allows liability only for those non-economic damages directly attributable to its pro rata share of fault. Reduces damages paid by the United States by the amount of any collateral source benefits. Prohibits awarding non-economic damages, in an action against the United States, over a certain dollar amount. Requires, at the request of the United States when future economic damages are awarded in excess of a specified amount, an order that such damages be paid by periodic payments based on when the damages are likely to occur. Allows the United States, in such cases, to pay the judgment periodically or purchase an annuity or fund a reversionary trust. Prohibits reopening the judgment to contest, amend, or modify the schedule or amount in the absence of fraud or any ground permitting relief after entry of a final judgment. Subtitle D: Construction of Provisions - Provides for construction of this title, severability, and the effective date of this title. Title XXV: Product Liability Fairness Act - Subtitle A - Product Liability Fairness Act - Declares that this title governs any product liability action brought against a manufacturer or product seller, on any theory, for harm caused by a product. States that a civil action brought against a manufacturer or product seller for loss or damage to a product itself or commercial loss shall be governed by applicable commercial or contract law. Supersedes any inconsistent State law regarding recovery in such actions. Lists specific laws not superseded, including: (1) defense of sovereign immunity asserted by any State or by the United States; (2) any Federal law (except the Federal Employees Compensation Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act); (3) the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act of 1976; (4) State choice-of-law rules; (5) the right of any court to transfer venue or to apply the law of a foreign nation or to dismiss a claim of a foreign nation or citizen on the ground of inconvenient forum; and (6) any statutory or common law cause of action, including an action to abate a nuisance, that authorizes a State or person to institute an action for civil damages or civil penalties, clean up costs, injunctions, restitution, cost recovery, punitive damages, or any other form of relief from contamination or pollution of the environment or the threat of it. Declares that U.S. district courts shall not have jurisdiction over any civil action under this title, based on specified provisions of Federal law relating to district court jurisdiction. Declares that, if any provision of this title would shorten the period during which a manufacturer or seller would otherwise be exposed to liability, the claimant may, notwithstanding that period, bring any civil action under this title within one year after the effective date of this title. Subtitle B - Allows any claimant to bring a civil action for damages against a person for harm caused by a product under applicable State law, except to the extent such law is superseded by this title. Sets forth expedited settlement measures, including: (1) an option to include an offer of settlement, for a specific dollar amount, by the plaintiff in the complaint and by the defendant in a responsive pleading; and (2) awarding attorney's fees and costs, in certain circumstances, to the prevailing party if the other party does not accept the settlement offer. Sets forth alternative dispute resolution procedures, including: (1) an option, in lieu of or in addition to a settlement offer, for a claimant or a defendant to offer to proceed under any voluntary alternative dispute resolution procedure established or recognized under the law of the State in which the action is brought or maintained; and (2) awarding of attorney's fees and costs to the offering party if the court determines that a refusal to so proceed was unreasonable or not in good faith. Creates a rebuttable presumption that a refusal to so proceed was unreasonable, or not in good faith, if a verdict is rendered in favor of the offeror. Subtitle C - Allows a person seeking to recover for harm caused by a product to bring a civil action against the manufacturer or seller under applicable State or Federal law, except to the extent such law is superseded by this title. Establishes a standard of product seller liability for proximate causes of harm, established by a preponderance of the evidence, which fall under the categories of negligence or express warranty. Allows the trier of facts, in a negligence action, to consider the conduct of the seller with respect to: (1) the construction, inspection, or condition of the product; and (2) failure to pass on warnings or instructions from the manufacturer. Deems the seller not liable for failure to provide warnings or instructions unless the claimant establishes that the seller failed to: (1) provide warnings or instructions received while the product was in the seller's possession and control; or (2) make reasonable efforts to provide users with warnings and instructions which it received after the product left its possession and control. Deems a seller not liable except for breach of warranty where there was no opportunity to inspect the product in a manner which would or should, in the exercise of reasonable care, have revealed the aspect which allegedly caused the harm. Declares that the seller shall be treated as the manufacturer and be liable for harm caused by a product as if it were the manufacturer if: (1) the manufacturer is not subject to service of process in any State in which the action might have been brought; or (2) the court determines that the claimant would be unable to enforce a judgment against the manufacturer. Allows punitive damages, if otherwise permitted by applicable law, to be awarded in any civil action under this subtitle to any claimant who establishes by clear and convincing evidence that the harm suffered was the result of conduct manifesting a manufacturer's or product seller's conscious, flagrant indifference to the safety of those persons who might be harmed by a product. Declares that a failure to exercise reasonable care in choosing among alternative product designs, formulations, instructions, or warnings is not of itself such conduct. Prohibits awarding punitive damages in the absence of a compensatory award, subject to exception. Prohibits punitive damages against a manufacturer or seller of a drug or medical device where: (1) the drug or device was subject to pre-market approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); or (2) the drug is generally recognized as safe and effective under conditions established by the FDA. Prohibits punitive damages against a manufacturer of an aircraft where: (1) the aircraft was subject to pre-market certification by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); and (2) the manufacturer complied, after delivery, with FAA requirements and obligations with respect to continuing airworthiness. Provides for separate proceedings, if requested by the manufacturer or seller, with regard to punitive damages. Lists factors the trier of fact is allowed to consider in determining the amount of punitive damages. Bars any civil action under this subtitle: (1) unless filed within two years after the claimant discovered or should have discovered the harm and its cause, subject to exception; and (2) if the product involved is a capital good that is alleged to have caused harm which is not a toxic harm unless filed within twenty-five years after delivery of the product, provided the claimant has received or would be eligible for State or Federal workers' compensation. Excludes a motor vehicle, vessel, aircraft, or railroad used primarily to transport passengers for hire from these time limitations. States that nothing in these provisions affects the right of any person who is subject to liability under this title to obtain contribution or indemnity from any other person who is responsible for the harm. Requires reduction in the damages awarded by the sum of all State or Federal workers' compensation benefits to which the employee is or would be entitled. Requires a claimant in a civil action under this subtitle who is or may be eligible to receive State or Federal workers' compensation to notify the claimant's employer of the civil action. Requires an action to be stayed, at the sole discretion of the claimant, until a final determination is made on the amount payable as workers' compensation benefits. Declares that, unless the manufacturer or seller has expressly agreed to indemnify or hold an employer harmless, neither the employer nor the workers' compensation insurance carrier shall have a right of subrogation, contribution, or implied indemnity against the manufacturer or seller or a lien against the claimant's recovery, except if the claimant's harm was not in any way caused by the fault of the claimant's employer or co-employees. Allows the employer or workers' compensation insurer to intervene in the action to prove that fact. Prohibits a third party tortfeasor, where workers' compensation is involved, from maintaining any action for implied indemnity or contribution against the employer, any coemployee, or the exclusive representative of the injured person. Prohibits, for a person who is or would have been entitled to receive workers' compensation, any other action, unless a State or Federal workers' compensation law permits recovery based on a claim of an intentional tort. Makes these provisions inapplicable and declares that applicable State law shall control if the employer or the workers' compensation insurer asserts a right of subrogation, contribution, or implied indemnity against the manufacturer or seller or a lien against the claimant's recovery. Declares that, in any product liability action, the liability of each defendant for noneconomic damages shall be several and not joint. Requires the trier of fact to determine the proportion of responsibility of each party for the claimant's harm. Establishes a complete defense, in any civil action under this title in which all defendants are manufacturers or sellers, that the claimant was under the influence of alcohol or any drug and that, as a result, the claimant was more than 50 percent responsible for the event which resulted in the harm. Defines "drug" to mean any non-over-the-counter drug which has not been prescribed by a physician. Title XXVI: Civil Liberties Act Amendments of 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. Includes non-Japanese spouses and parents who were interned with their spouses or children during World War II in the definition of the term "of Japanese ancestry." Modifies requirements regarding payments made in the case of deceased persons. Regulates judicial review of denial of compensation. Alters the maximum termination date for the Fund. Removes provisions requiring any refused payment to remain in the Fund. Removes provisions establishing and generally providing for the Fund's Board of Directors. Title XXVII: Federal Credit and Debt Management Act of 1992 - Federal Credit and Debt Management Act of 1992 - Amends Federal law to provide that for certain collections procedures "a person" includes an individual and a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, non-profit organization, or other form of business association. Requires the head of an executive or legislative agency to take all appropriate and cost-effective actions to collect aggressively all claims of the U.S. Government. Expands agency debt-collection authorities. Prohibits any person from obtaining any Federal financial assistance in the form of a loan (except for a Commodity Credit Corporation price support loan) or loan guarantee if such person has an outstanding debt with an executive agency which is in a delinquent status. Allows the agency head to waive such prohibition. Requires persons doing business with the Federal Government in any loan program, as grant recipients, insurance or license recipients, or contractors to furnish their taxpayer identifying number. Requires agency disclosure on the use of such number to include the intent to use it for purposes of collecting or reporting on delinquent amounts arising out of the persons' relationship with the Federal Government. Sets forth requirements for the head of each Federal agency guaranteeing or insuring loans with respect to program management. Requires the charge of a late fee, in addition to scheduled principal and interest, on claims that are in delinquent status. Requires the assessment, in addition to the late fee, of any amounts necessary to cover the charges levied by another agency or private collector for collecting delinquent claims through Federal salary offset, tax refund offset, private debt collection contractors, or other such explicit fees or charges. Authorizes agencies to retain one-half of collected fees to be used for specified purposes. Sets forth requirements for agency disclosures of information to credit reporting agencies. Removes restrictions on legal fees charged for contracts for collection services in cases of claims of indebtedness owed to the United States. Title XXVIII: Reduce Certain Commodity Credit Corporation Subsidies of Those with Off-Farm Income of $100,000 or More - Prohibits specified Commodity Credit Corporation payments to persons with off-farm adjusted gross income of $100,000 or more. Reduces payments to an entity in proportion to the ownership interest of any such person. Title XXIX: Farm Credit System Financial Assistance Corporation Repayment Act of 1992 - Farm Credit System Financial Assistance Corporation Repayment Act of 1992 - Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to require each Farm Credit System (FCS) bank to make annual payments to the Financial Assistance Corporation (Corporation) in order to maintain specified capital levels. Requires the Corporation (currently each FCS institution) to repay Treasury-paid interest. Title XXX: Recover Costs of Carrying Out Federal Marketing Agreements and Orders - Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1933 to provide for Federal marketing order cost recovery through handler fees. Title XXXI: Eliminate Provisions for Permanent Annual Appropriations to Support Land Grant Universities - Amends Federal law (the "Second Morrill Act") to replace permanent annual appropriation provisions with permanent annual authorization of appropriation provisions with regard to land grant university funding. Title XXXII: Power Marketing Administration Timely Payment Act - Power Marketing Administration Timely Payment Act - Mandates that each power marketing administration provide for timely repayment to the Treasury of principal and interest for power investments. Prescribes repayment guidelines. Title XXXIII: Emerging Telecommunications Technologies Act of 1992 - 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 relation 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 Act. 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. Title XXXIV: Enterprise for the Americas Act of 1992 - Enterprise for the Americas Initiative Act of 1991 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to contribute a grant to the Enterprise for the Americas Investment Fund to be administered by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Fund to: (1) provide grants to advance market-oriented policy initiatives and reforms to encourage investment in Latin America and the Caribbean; and (2) finance technical assistance for privatizing government-owned industries, enterprise development and business infrastructure, and worker training and education programs. Permits the Secretary to seek contributions to the Fund from other countries. Establishes in the Department of the Treasury the Enterprise for the Americas Facility to support improvement in the lives of the people of Latin America and the Caribbean through market-oriented reforms and economic growth with actions to promote debt reduction, investment reforms, trade liberalization, and community based conservation and sustainable use of the environment. Makes eligible for Facility benefits Latin American or Caribbean countries that: (1) have in effect, received approval for, or are making progress toward, specified International Monetary Fund arrangements and structural or sectoral adjustment loans from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development or the International Development Association; (2) have put in place major investment reforms in conjunction with an IDB loan or are implementing or making progress toward an open investment regime; and (3) have agreed with commercial bank lenders on a financing program for debt or debt service reduction. Authorizes the President to reduce the amount owed to the United States (as a result of concessional loans made pursuant to the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 or predecessor foreign economic assistance legislation) by any country eligible for Facility benefits. Declares that this title may be exercised notwithstanding provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the International Development and Food Assistance Act of 1975 concerning repayments of loans outstanding after September 19, 1966, and the settlement of debts owed to the United States. Sets forth requirements with respect to the exchange of obligations, repayment of principal, and interest on new obligations issued by beneficiary countries. Requires beneficiary countries that enter into Environmental Framework Agreements to establish Enterprise for the Americas Environmental Funds. Authorizes the President to enter into Environmental Framework Agreements concerning the operation and use of Environmental Funds with countries eligible for Facility benefits. Directs administering bodies in each beneficiary country to administer the Environmental Funds and to make grants for environmental activities. Requires grants from the Funds to be used for activities that link the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources with local community development. Subjects grants of more than $100,000 to veto by the U.S. Government or the government of the beneficiary country. Establishes an Environment for the Americas Board to: (1) advise the Secretary on the negotiations of Environmental Framework Agreements; (2) ensure that a suitable administering body is identified for each Environmental Fund; and (3) review the programs, operations, and fiscal audits of administering bodies. Declares that the President should: (1) encourage other official creditors of beneficiary countries whose debt is reduced under this Act to provide debt reduction to such countries; and (2) ensure that Environmental Funds are able to receive donations from private and public entities and private creditors of beneficiary countries. Authorizes the President to: (1) sell to any eligible purchaser any loan of an eligible country made pursuant to the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945; (2) sell to any eligible purchaser any asset acquired by the Commodity Credit Corporation in connection with export sales to an eligible country or specified export credit guarantee programs; and (3) reduce or cancel any loans or assets made or acquired before 1991 upon receipt of payment from an eligible purchaser. Permits loans or assets to be sold only to purchasers who present plans to the President for using such loans or assets to engage in debt-for-equity, debt-for-development, or debt-for-nature swaps. Authorizes loans or assets to be reduced or canceled only for purposes of facilitating such swaps. Directs the President to report annually to the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate on the Facility. Title XXXV: Repeal the Trade Adjustment Assistance Program - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to terminate worker trade adjustment assistance under the Act's trade adjustment assistance program after September 30, 1992. Title XXXVI: VA Medical Care Cost Recovery Amendment of 1992 - Medical Care Cost Recovery Amendment of 1992 - Amends Federal provisions which authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to recover from a third party insurer the cost of care and services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs to a veteran for a non-service-connected disability for which such third party would otherwise have been responsible to provide to eliminate the October 1, 1993, delimiting date by which such care and services must have been received in order to be recovered by the Department, in the case of a veteran who also has a service-connected disability and is entitled to care under a health-plan contract. Title XXXVII: Veterans' Home Loan Improvement Act of 1992 - Veterans' Home Loan Improvement Act of 1992 - Revises the loan fee required to be paid by a veteran to the Department of Veterans Affairs in the case of a loan made, guaranteed, or insured by the Department to set such fee at the following percentages of the total amount of the loan: (1) two percent, in the case of loans made for the purchase of manufactured homes and lots; and (2) two and one-half percent, in the case of a veteran who has previously obtained a guaranteed loan, without respect to the loan purpose or the amount of down payment. Waives the two and one-half percent fee in some instances. Waives a specified percentage increase in the amount of such loan fee for loans closed between November 1, 1990, and September 30, 1991. Reduces from 95 to 90 percent of the total purchase price of the property securing the loan the amount which will be guaranteed by the Department in the case of loans made for the purchase of manufactured homes and lots. Makes such guaranteed loan amount also 90 percent of the reasonable value of the dwelling or farm residence in the case of a veteran who has previously obtained a guaranteed loan without respect to the loan purpose or the amount of down payment. Waives the later 90-percent limitation in some instances. Title XXXVIII: Permanent Extension of Certain Veterans-Related Income Verification and Pension Provisions in the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize the Secretary of Veterans to permanently (currently ends September 30, 1992) utilize Internal Revenue Service and Social Security Administration data for income verification purposes. Makes permanent (also currently expires on such date) the authority to obtain such information from the Secretaries of the Treasury or Health and Human Services. Makes permanent (currently expires on September 30, 1992) the $90 maximum monthly pension authorized for a veteran having neither spouse nor child and being furnished domiciliary care by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Title XXXIX: Target Entitlement for Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits to Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities Rated 30 Percent or More; and Adjust Military Pay Reduction for Montgomery GI Bill Participants - Entitles a veteran to a veterans' rehabilitation program if such veteran has a service-connected disability rated at 30 (currently, 20) percent or more and which was incurred in service after September 16, 1940. Provides that certain reductions from basic pay taken to allow for coverage of basic educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill shall include only those individuals who first entered onto active duty before October 1, 1992 (currently, such reduction applies to all service members). Makes identical changes with regard to entitlement for reserve personnel and for certain active-duty personnel enrolling in the basic education assistance program before being involuntarily separated from service. Title XL: Retirement Modification Act of 1992 - Retirement Modification Act of 1992 - Increases Federal employee contributions to the Civil Service Retirement System by one percent on January 1, 1993, and by an additional one percent on January 1, 1994. Repeals provisions under the Civil Service Retirement System, Federal Employees' Retirement System, Foreign Service Act of 1980, and Central Intelligence Agency Retirement Act of 1964 for Certain Employees providing for alternative forms of annuities. Title XLI: Conform the Definition of Compensation Under the Railroad Retirement Tax Act to That Under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to conform the definition of employee compensation under the Railroad Retirement Tax Act and the Railroad Retirement Act to that under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act. Title XLII: Extend the Duration of the Patent and Trademark Office User Fee Surcharge Through 1997 - Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 to extend from 1995 to 1997 the authority of the Patent and Trademark Office to impose user fee surcharges. Sets forth permissible surcharge revisions for FY 1996 and 1997. Title XLIII: Expanding Existing Army Corps of Engineers User Fees for Use of Developed Recreation Sites - Amends the Flood Control Act of 1968 to authorize the Secretary of the Army to charge fees for use of developed recreation sites and facilities, including, but not limited to, campsites, swimming beaches, and boat launching ramps. (Current law prohibits fees for such sites and facilities.) Prohibits the Secretary from charging fees for use or provision of drinking water, wayside exhibits, general purpose roads, overlook sites, toilet facilities, or general visitor information. Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to repeal the requirement that at lakes or reservoirs under jurisdiction of the Corps of Engineers where camping is permitted, at least one primitive campground be provided free of charge (thus permitting user fees for all such campsites and facilities). Title XLIV: Extend Authority to Collect Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fees - Amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to extend from 1995 to 1997 the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to collect abandoned mine reclamation fees. Title XLV: FCC User Fees - Federal Communications Commission User Fee Act of 1992 - Directs the Federal Communications Commission, in FY 1993 and thereafter, to collect user fees from users of Commission services to recover the total nonapplication processing operational costs of the Commission. Title XLVI: Limitation on Mandatory Spending - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to set forth limitations on direct spending. Requires an offsetting sequestration whenever any increase in the annual amount of direct spending exceeds the amount resulting from the increase in beneficiary population, and changes in the consumer price index, plus 2.5 percent per year (1.6 percent after enactment of comprehensive health reform). Requires any amount required to be sequestered to be obtained from direct spending accounts. Requires the use of the special reconciliation process whenever an update report indicates that a sequester would be necessary. Title XLVII: Extension of Budget Enforcement Act and Application to Credit Programs - Amends the Congressional Budget Act to set forth the maximum deficit amounts for FY 1996 and 1997. Revises the discretionary spending limits for FY 1994 and 1995 and sets forth such amounts in the defense, international, and budget categories. Establishes such amounts for FY 1996 and 1997. Declares that such amounts reflect adjustments through the OMB FY 1993 sequestration preview report in the President's FY 1993 Budget. Sets forth aggregate credit limits for subsidy costs, direct loan obligations, and loan guarantee commitments for FY 1993 through FY 1997. Extends certain pay-as-you-go provisions through FY 1997. Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to extend enforcement authorities until 1997. Title XLVIII: Congressional Budget Reform Act of 1992 - Congressional Budget Reform Act of 1992 - Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to change concurrent budget resolutions into joint budget resolutions. Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Rules of the House of Representatives and the Deficit Control Act of 1985. Title XLIX: Legislative Line Item Veto Act of 1992 - Legislative Line Item Veto Act of 1992 - Amends the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to grant the President line item veto rescission authority. Establishes congressional procedure for consideration of such rescissions.
Bill· HRH.R. 4206 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1992
Cancer Registries Amendment Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize grants or contracts to operate population-based, statewide cancer registries in order to collect certain data for each form of in-situ and invasive cancer except basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. Authorizes grants for planning the registries. Mandates a study on factors contributing to elevated rates of breast cancer mortality in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, and the District of Columbia. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services, directly or through grants and contracts, or both, to provide technical assistance to the States in the establishment and operation of statewide registries. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 4196 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1992
Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from carrying out the Rural Health Care Initiative program.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 359 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1992
Declares that it is the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) breast cancer should be declared a public health emergency under specified provisions of the Public Health Service Act to accelerate investigation into the cause, treatment, and prevention of the cause; and (2) activities initiated under the emergency should not supplant major research projects on breast cancer.
Bill· SS. 2200 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1992
Jobs for Economic Growth Act of 1992 - Amends the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) to establish a Jobs for Economic Growth program of demonstration projects to assist eligible persons in obtaining employment. Directs the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary), in carrying out such projects, to award grants to eligible entities to establish job training programs that include: (1) participant assessment; (2) education and training in new vocational skills; (3) employment in projects that benefit the community in which the program is established; and (4) job placement services for those who have successfully completed the rest of the program. Requires the program to provide individually designed, part-time education and training, both during and after participants' working hours, including courses in basic literacy skills, college courses for those who need to prepare for a first job, and courses designed for those who need to learn a new career after years of productive employment. Prohibits displacement of public employees by use of program participants. Requires eligible entities to provide participants: (1) an average wage of $6 per hour for job training program employment; (2) payment for participation, for up to five hours per week, in education and training programs; and (3) health care coverage. Requires participants to work a full day to receive full wages, or else be subject to reduction in pay and possible dismissal. Limits the duration of participant eligibility to two years, or until the participant acquires the skills to be placed in a stable employment situation, if sooner. Sets forth participant eligibility requirements. Requires that participants be unemployed currently and for at least the past two months. Requires that they: (1) have participated in job training in public assistance or other private or public programs, and have not found employment through such programs; (2) lack previous job histories; or (3) have multiple and serious handicaps to employment. Requires that they be: (1) public assistance recipients; (2) without stable income; (3) unemployed young adults; (4) probationers; or (5) dislocated workers. Requires eligible entities to submit applications and meet such other requirements as the Secretary may prescribe. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· SS. 2205 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1992
Cancer Registries Amendment Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize grants or contracts to operate population-based, statewide cancer registries in order to collect certain data for each form of in-situ and invasive cancer except basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. Authorizes grants for planning the registries. Mandates a study on factors contributing to elevated rates of breast cancer mortality in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, and the District of Columbia. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services, directly or through grants and contracts, or both, to provide technical assistance to the States in the establishment and operation of statewide registries. Authorizes appropriations.
Law· SJRESS.J.Res. 251 (102nd)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1992
Designates May 1992 as National Huntington's Disease Awareness Month.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 255 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1992
Declares that it is the sense of the Senate that: (1) breast cancer should be declared a public health emergency under specified provisions of the Public Health Service Act to accelerate investigation into the cause, treatment, and prevention of the cause; and (2) activities initiated under the emergency should not supplant major research projects on breast cancer.
Bill· SS. 2191 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1992
Healthy Students-Healthy Schools Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to designate, within the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), a Healthy Students-Healthy Schools Office (HSHS Office). Requires the HSHS Office to assist State and local educational agencies (SEAs and LEAs) to: (1) develop and maintain comprehensive sequential school health education programs and curricula (based on a model framework) in all elementary and secondary schools in their jurisdiction; (2) train teachers in such health education; (3) integrate school, community-based, and public-private health promotion efforts; (4) provide nutritious school food services; and (5) encourage healthy, tobacco-free school environments. Requires the Office also to: (1) provide technical support to SEAs and LEAs concerning health education programs and curricula; (2) administer the Healthy American Schools grant program; (3) establish and maintain a national clearinghouse to disseminate school health education information; (4) assist States in coordinating school-based programs to progress toward relevant Healthy People 2000 (HP 2000) Objectives and Healthy Students-Healthy Schools Goals (Goals); (5) assist States in evaluating competency-based health education skills and physical fitness, and collecting and maintaining data on health behavior indicators (including absenteeism due to pregnancy and ill-health), to measure progress toward such Objectives and Goals; (6) assist the Secretary in preparing an annual report on the status of school health education in the United States; and (7) coordinate with other Federal school health education efforts. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to transfer the Office of Comprehensive School Health Education (CSHE Office) from the Office of the Secretary (of Education) to the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (also within the Department of Education). Directs the Secretary of Education to facilitate such transfer. Requires the CSHE Office to: (1) act as a liaison office for coordination of its own activities with related activities of the Department of HHS; and (2) expand its own school health education research grant programs. Establishes the Healthy Students-Healthy Schools Advisory Council. Requires the Advisory Council to: (1) establish the national Goals based on existing data and research (including the HP 2000 Objectives), identifying the activities required to meet them as well as the Federal agencies or individuals responsible for each goal; (2) review existing comprehensive school health education standards, programs, and curricula, evaluating federally-supported programs currently being implemented in schools; (3) develop a model framework for sequential comprehensive school health education program and curricula; (4) develop and incorporate model guidelines and evaluation mechanisms, including baseline data gathering, in the model framework; (5) provide scientific and technical advice developing and implementing all components of such programs; (6) recommend uniform methods to link Federal research findings with State and local implementation; and (7) advise the Secretary of HHS and other Federal agencies. Directs the Secretary of HHS to establish a Healthy Students-Healthy Schools Interagency Task Force, to be staffed by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion and composed of representatives of that Office and specified agencies. Requires the Assistant Secretary for Health, Public Health Service, and the Assistant Secretary of Education (Elementary and Secondary Education) to serve as co-chairpersons of the task force. Requires the task force to: (1) review and coordinate all Federal school health education efforts (including drug and alcohol abuse prevention education, HIV prevention education, physical fitness, school services, and nutrition); (2) provide scientific and technical advice on developing and implementing the model framework; (3) develop a consolidated grant application form and procedures for use with respect to all school health-related programs; and (4) advise and assist the HSHS Office and other Federal agencies. Directs the Secretary of HHS, with Advisory Council assistance, to: (1) foster the interaction and coordination needed among Federal, State, and local agencies, schools, the private sector, scientific communities, health professionals, parents, and students in order to create Healthy Americans Schools; (2) update progress toward the Objectives and the Goals by establishing in the schools a national monitoring system, to be SEA-and LEA- administered; (3) ensure timely implementation of activities and mechanisms to monitor and achieve such objectives and goals; and (4) report annually to appropriate congressional committees and the States. Provides for recognition of exemplary schools and evaluation of States that incorporate the Goals. Directs the Secretary of HHS, through the HSHS Office, to award grants to States and LEAs to assist schools in becoming Healthy American Schools that teach comprehensive sequential school health education programs using advanced technologies such as computer-based learning and innovative communication channels. Requires that every public elementary and secondary school be eligible to receive such assistance. Requires such grants to be used to establish and implement programs that meet the goals of the HSHS program, including programs of: (1) teacher training in sequential school health education and related in-service training; (2) healthy school environment standards; (3) personal health and fitness; (4) nutrition education and nutritious food services; (5) mental health wellness; (6) chronic disease prevention; (7) substance abuse prevention; (8) accident prevention and safety education; (9) community and environmental health; (10) family life education; (11) communicable disease prevention and control; (12) effective use of health service delivery systems; (13) development and aging; and (14) worksite health promotion. Sets forth grant application requirements including 25 percent matching funds by the State (or Indian tribe). Directs the Secretary of HHS to recognize annually with plaques and cash awards those schools that epitomize the HSHS Goals established under this Act. Sets forth requirements for data collection, program evaluation, and annual reports by the Secretary of HHS to the appropriate congressional committees and the States. Directs the Secretary of the Interior, through the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and in cooperation with the Secretary of HHS, to develop and implement a program providing sequential comprehensive health education and physical education to students enrolled in elementary and secondary schools operated by or on behalf of the BIA. Sets forth program requirements for: (1) courses of instruction; (2) student participation; and (3) consultation with representatives of the Indian tribes, local educational and health personnel, and the Advisory Council. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to submit a program progress report to the Congress within one year after enactment of this Act. Authorizes appropriations. Requires that fiscal year appropriations for the Healthy American Schools grant program attain a specified minimum level before the Secretary of HHS may carry out any of this Act. Amends the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1986 to allow appropriations under it to be used in conjunction with the HSHS program of any State, Indian tribe, LEA, or school, so long as substance abuse prevention is a major component.
Bill· SS. 2193 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1992
Long-Term Home Care Act - Amends part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide part A coverage of long-term home care furnished to chronically ill beneficiaries. Provides such coverage to otherwise uncovered chronically ill or disabled individuals who are age 65 or older and unable to perform at least two daily living activities. Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of such Act to cover, under part A of the Medicare program, long-term home care provided to children under age 19 who: (1) are chronically ill or disabled and unable to perform at least two daily living activities; or (2) require a medical device to compensate for the loss of a vital body function and substantial and ongoing nursing care to avert death or further disability. Holds monthly payments for the latter category of children to the amount which would be payable under the Medicaid program (title XIX of the Act) if such children were institutionalized. Limits monthly payments for other individuals to 65 percent of the average monthly Medicaid payment for full-time skilled nursing facility services if such individuals have a severe impairment and to 50 percent if they have a moderate impairment. Requires that long-term home care be provided pursuant to a written plan of care established, on the basis of an in-person assessment of the individual, and periodically reviewed by a case manager of a long-term care management agency in consultation with the individual's physician and the individual. Lists the services which comprise long-term home care. Defines a "chronically ill individual" as an individual who requires assistance with at least two daily living activities or has a similar level of dependency due to cognitive impairment. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a prospective payment methodology and uniform national payment rates for long-term home care services. Requires the amount payable for long-term care for a chronically ill individual to be reduced by a certain coinsurance amount. Provides that when expenditures for this Act's benefits exceed revenues raised pursuant to this Act, payment limits for such care shall be reduced and prior surpluses shall be used to eliminate the deficit. Directs the Secretary to promulgate a long-term home care consumers' bill of rights which includes rights: (1) facilitating consumer participation in the planning and delivery of services; (2) requiring consumer notification regarding services, charges for services, and the termination or reduction of services; (3) protecting consumer dignity, privacy, and property; and (4) ensuring service from properly trained and competent individuals. Requires qualified home care agencies to: (1) comply with the home care consumers' bill of rights and provide consumers with copies of such bill of rights; (2) implement prompt grievance review procedures and provide copies of such procedures to consumers; (3) ensure that each long-term home care provider whom they employ or have under contract receives training; and (4) evaluate annually and supervise each long-term home care provider whom they employ or have under contract. Conditions coverage of durable medical equipment services on providers: (1) issuing written instructions to and training the long-term home care consumer and staff in the operation of such equipment; and (2) formulating an emergency plan regarding access to and maintenance of equipment appropriate to the services provided to the consumer. Requires long-term care management agencies to: (1) comply with the home care consumers' bill of rights and provide consumers with copies of such bill of rights; (2) implement prompt grievance review procedures and provide copies of such procedures to consumers; (3) provide consumers with schedules of the services to be provided; (4) provide consumers with statements on how to appeal agency benefit decisions; (5) maintain procedures assuring prompt access to long-term home care services; (6) ensure that case management personnel receive adequate training; and (7) establish and implement care management processes which include methods for measuring the progress of care and a statement of the criteria and procedures for the transfer or discharge of a consumer to another agency, program, or service. Directs the Secretary to establish procedures for conducting unannounced surveys of long-term care management agencies' compliance with Medicare participation conditions, with more frequent surveys required for agencies with poor compliance records. Authorizes the Secretary to contract with States having survey and enforcement procedures equivalent to those the Secretary would otherwise apply to conduct such compliance surveys and transmit their results to the Secretary annually. Directs the Secretary to develop procedures for reviewing State surveys. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations pursuant to which peer review organizations (PROs) shall monitor the provision of home health services and long-term home care, devoting at least 75 percent of their efforts to quality assurance. Requires the inclusion of: (1) both documentary review and personal interviews of home care consumers and providers in the PRO review process; and (2) representatives of home care providers and consumers in PRO membership. Requires the Secretary to establish a Consumer Board to oversee the review activities of PROs. Directs the Board to report to the Secretary and the State's chief executive on October 1 of each year regarding such review activities. Requires the Secretary to develop methods for monitoring continuity in the provision of home care and outcome-oriented criteria for monitoring the quality of such care. Requires that PROs: (1) establish and operate statewide toll-free hotlines for receiving home care questions and complaints; and (2) assist consumers in resolving problems related to home care quality and case management services. Directs Consumer Boards and PROs to cooperate with State and local officials in educating consumers regarding quality assurance programs and the assistance available for consumers with quality assurance programs. Requires States to establish community advisory boards to monitor the activities of long-term care management agencies and annually report their findings to the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop a range of sanctions for, and procedures to implement such sanctions against, long-term care management agencies that fail to comply with this Act's requirements; and (2) report to the Congress on January 1 of each year regarding the availability, adequacy, and use of sanctions. Directs the Secretary to: (1) encourage States to develop home care provider licensing policies; and (2) issue a biennial report on State implementation of such policies. Requires the Director of the Office of Technology Assessment to appoint a Long-Term Care Advisory Council with which the Secretary must consult in implementing and administering this Act. Directs the Secretary to award grants for qualified home care agency, long-term care management agency, and long-term home care provider training programs and to furnish States and such agencies and providers with training materials. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct, and issue a report regarding, studies on long-term home care quality assurance measures; and (2) report to the Congress on January 1 of each year regarding the nature and performance during the preceding fiscal year of the home care quality assurance system. Authorizes appropriations from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund to carry out the long-term home care quality assurance program. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations, within six months of this Act's enactment, for implementing the long-term home care quality assurance program. Amends the Medicaid program to provide that the savings to States from the provision of long-term home care under Medicare will be used by States in lieu of applicable Federal matching assistance for items and services for the disabled and children. Directs the Secretary to conduct demonstration projects to: (1) determine the relative effectiveness, cost, and impact on the quality of long-term home care of using different models of providing and reimbursing Medicare case management services; and (2) determine the feasibility of providing Medicare long-term care benefits for certain individuals with severe functional limitations not otherwise covered. Permits disabled individuals to purchase part A Medicare coverage during the 24-month waiting period preceding their entitlement to such coverage. Gives such individuals the option of enrolling for long-term home care benefits, for part A benefits other than long-term home care benefits, or for both. Provides financing for the long-term home care provided under this Act by amending the Internal Revenue Code to subject all of an individual's wages and self-employment income to the Hospital Insurance tax and the Disability Insurance tax.
Bill· SS. 2192 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1992
Comprehensive Indian Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Prevention and Treatment Act - Amends the Indian Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Indian Health Service, to make grants to Indian tribes to establish Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE) programs. Authorizes appropriations. Requires that 30 percent of the funds appropriated be used for urban Indian organizations funded under the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Indian Health Service, to assist Indian tribes in: (1) the development, printing, and dissemination of education and prevention materials on FAS/FAE; and (2) the development and implementation of culturally sensitive assessment and diagnosis tools for use in tribal communities. Directs the Secretary to convene a FAS/FAE Task Force to: (1) examine the needs of Indian communities and current Federal resources; and (2) develop an annual plan for prevention, intervention, treatment, and aftercare for those affected by FAS and FAE in Indian communities. Requires the Secretary to: (1) make grants to tribes and urban Indian organizations for applied research projects proposed to elevate the understanding of methods to prevent, intervene, treat, or provide aftercare for persons affected by FAS or FAE; and (2) provide a national prevention and education clearinghouse for American Indian and Alaska Native women FAS activities. Authorizes appropriations. Provides that 50 percent of such appropriated funds shall be used for such projects. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on the status of FAS/FAE in the Indian population, along with recommendations on legislation needed to improve the prevention, intervention, treatment and aftercare of individuals affected by FAS/FAE in Indian communities. Authorizes the Secretary to contract the production of this report to a national organization specifically addressing the FAS/FAE issue. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs to develop and implement models for training school teachers and administrators in identifying FAS and FAE in students, and in the special educational needs of them. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Indian Health Service, to develop and implement models for the treatment of alcohol and drug abuse by American Indian and Alaska Native women. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Indian Health Service, in administering the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, to ensure that alcoholism and substance abuse treatment resources are provided to Indian women proportionate to the number of Indians requiring such treatment. Mandates that at least 40 percent of Indian Health Service treatment resources available under such Act be made available for Indian women. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Indian Health Service, to study the special educational, vocational, school-to-work transition and independent living needs of adolescents and adult Indians and Alaska Natives with FAS or FAE. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· SS. 2188 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1992
Prohibits any funds appropriated or otherwise made available to the Department of Veterans Affairs from being used by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish hospital care or medical services in Department facilities under the Rural Health Care Initiative to any person who is not eligible to be furnished hospital, nursing home, or domiciliary care under current Federal veterans' benefits provisions.
Law· HRH.R. 4178 (102nd)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1992
DES Education and Research Amendments of 1992 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish a program for the conduct and support of research and training, the dissemination of health information, and other measures with respect to the diagnosis and treatment of conditions associated with exposure to the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES). Mandates: (1) programs to educate health professionals and the public; and (2) longitudinal studies. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 4185 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1992
Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental and Native American Public Policy Act of 1992 - Repeals the Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Act (S. 1176, 102d Congress). Establishes the Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Foundation (the Foundation), as an independent entity of the executive branch, to be located in Tucson, Arizona. Sets forth provisions for a Board of Trustees and an Executive Director of the Foundation. Provides that the Foundation, among its other specified purposes, is to establish, and assist in developing and implementing, a Program for Environmental Policy Research and Environmental Conflict Resolution at the Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy (the Center) at the University of Arizona. Authorizes the Foundation, in consultation with the Center, to identify and conduct appropriate programs, activities, and services to carry out its specified purposes, including: (1) increasing awareness of the importance of natural resources, public lands, and environment; (2) identifying critical environmental issues; (3) developing resources to train professionals in environmental and related fields; (4) providing educational outreach regarding environmental policy; and (5) developing resources to properly train Native American and Alaska Native professionals in health care and public policy. Authorizes the Foundation to conduct a national competition and to award undergraduate scholarships, graduate and faculty fellowships, internships in governmental agencies or environmental organizations and grants for individuals (Morris K. Udall Scholars) to study: (1) fields related to the environment; and (2) if they are Native American or Alaska Native, health care and tribal public policy. Directs the Foundation to award grants to the Center for: (1) annual expert panel discussions; (2) research on environmental policy and on Native American and Alaska Native health care and tribal public policy issues; and (3) sharing practical experiences of visiting policymakers. Directs the Foundation to provide assistance from the Fund established under this Act to the Center to maintain a repository, and assure public availability, for Morris K. Udall's papers and other appropriate public papers. Directs the Foundation to determine program priorities, but requires that certain amounts be used for specified activities. Establishes the Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Trust Fund, in the Treasury, to be administered by the Foundation. Provides for investment of Fund assets, and for Fund expenditures and audits. Sets forth administrative provisions for the Foundation. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 406 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1992
Designates May 1992 as National Huntington's Disease Awareness Month.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 407 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1992
Designates June 11, 1992, as National Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors Day.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 404 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1992
Designates the week of June 1 through 7, 1992, as National Polio Awareness Week.
Law· SS. 2184 (102nd)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1992
Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental and Native American Public Policy Act of 1992 - Repeals the Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Act (S. 1176, 102d Congress). Establishes the Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Foundation (the Foundation), as an independent entity of the executive branch, to be located in Tucson, Arizona. Sets forth provisions for a Board of Trustees and an Executive Director of the Foundation. Provides that the Foundation, among its other specified purposes, is to establish, and assist in developing and implementing, a Program for Environmental Policy Research and Environmental Conflict Resolution at the Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy (the Center) at the University of Arizona. Authorizes the Foundation, in consultation with the Center, to identify and conduct appropriate programs, activities, and services to carry out its specified purposes, including: (1) increasing awareness of the importance of natural resources, public lands, and environment; (2) identifying critical environmental issues; (3) developing resources to train professionals in environmental and related fields; (4) providing educational outreach regarding environmental policy; and (5) developing resources to properly train Native American and Alaska Native professionals in health care and public policy. Authorizes the Foundation to conduct a national competition and to award undergraduate scholarships, graduate and faculty fellowships, internships in governmental agencies or environmental organizations and grants for individuals (Morris K. Udall Scholars) to study: (1) in fields related to the environment; and (2) if they are Native American or Alaska Native, in health care and tribal public policy. Directs the Foundation to award grants to the Center for: (1) annual expert panel discussions; (2) research on environmental policy and on Native American and Alaska Native health care and tribal public policy issues; and (3) sharing practical experiences of visiting policymakers. Directs the Foundation to provide assistance from the Fund established under this Act to the Center to maintain a repository, and assure public availability, for Morris K. Udall's papers and other appropriate public papers. Directs the Foundation to determine program priorities, but requires that certain amounts be used for specified activities. Establishes the Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Trust Fund, in the Treasury, to be administered by the Foundation. Provides for investment of Fund assets, and for Fund expenditures and audits. Sets forth administrative provisions for the Foundation. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· SS. 2183 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1992
Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from carrying out the Rural Health Care Initiative program.
Bill· HRH.R. 4150 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1992
Economic Growth Act of 1992 - Title I: Enhanced Economic Recovery Act of 1992 - Enhanced Economic Recovery Act of 1992 - Subtitle A: Provisions Relating to Capital Gains - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a capital gains deduction for noncorporate taxpayers for assets held from one to three years. Provides special rules for the gain or loss from the sale or exchange of collectibles and sales of interest in partnerships. Disallows such deduction in computing the alternative minimum tax, except with respect to gains realized on the sale, exchange, or other disposition of a direct or indirect interest in real estate or in closely held business. Revises the formula for determining gain from the dispositions of certain depreciable realty to take into account depreciation adjustments (adjustments allowed or allowable for exhaustion, wear and tear, obsolescence, or certain amortization). Subtitle B: Provisions Relating to Passive Losses and Depreciation - Treats the real estate development activity of a taxpayer as a single trade or business activity that is not a rental activity. Allows an additional depreciation allowance for the purchase of new equipment as investment property after February 1, 1992, and placed in service before July 1, 1993. Reduces the basis adjustment of such property by the amount of the additional allowance. Requires application of such allowance in determining the alternative minimum tax. Restricts the determination of adjusted current earnings for purposes of computing alternative minimum taxable income to property placed in service after 1989 and prior to February 1, 1992. Subtitle C: Provisions Relating to Real Estate Investments by Pension Funds - Modifies exceptions to the meaning of acquisition indebtedness. Makes certain exceptions inapplicable to sales out of foreclosure by a financial institution. Makes exceptions to acquisition indebtedness inapplicable to certain large partnerships where the principal purpose of partnership allocations is not tax avoidance. Repeals the special rule for publicly traded partnerships under provisions concerning unrelated business taxable income. Subtitle D: Provisions Affecting Homebuyers - Allows a tax credit to a first-time homebuyer who purchase a principal residence of ten percent of the purchase price, not to exceed $5,000. Limits such credit to one residence and requires acquisition on or after February 1, 1992, and January 1, 1993. Allow such credit to be carried forward for up to five years. Allows penalty-free withdrawals from individual retirement plans for a first-home purchase. Limits such distribution to $10,000, or other applicable amount if previous distributions have been made. Title II: Tax Relief for Families - Tax Relief for Families Act of 1992 - Subtitle A: Provisions Relating to Education and Savings - Allows a deduction for interest on education loans for the taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, or child. Requires such loans to be for tuition and related expenses at certain higher education institutions. Reduces such deduction by any amount excludable from gross income by reason of the redemption of U.S. bonds for higher education expenses. Coordinates such deduction with the home equity indebtedness provision. Provides that investment interest does not include qualified educational interest. Requires persons who receive interest payments to report such information on an information return, and to furnish written statements to the payors on receipt of such payments. Allows the establishment of flexible individual retirement accounts (FIRA) for the exclusive benefit of an individual and the individual's beneficiaries. Limits annual contributions to the lesser of $2,500, or the compensation includable in the individual's gross income. Prohibits contributions to FIRAs maintained for a taxpayer if the taxpayer's adjusted gross income exceeds: (1) $120,000, in the case of a joint return; (2) $100,000, in the case of a surviving spouse or head of household; and (3) $60,000, in any other case. Prohibits the establishment of FIRAs for dependents. Makes FIRAs exempt from taxation, except the tax on unrelated business income of charitable, etc. organizations. Allows pooling arrangements for such accounts. Excludes from gross income distributions out of a FIRA held for at least seven years. Imposes the ten-percent additional penalty tax on distributions made during the first three years. Allows the use of FIRA as security for a loan. Provides for the transfer from individual retirement plans to FIRAs. Allows penalty-free withdrawals from qualified retirement plans for qualified higher education expenses and financially devastating medical expenses. Subtitle B: Other Provisions - Allows a deduction for loss incurred from the sale of a principal residence. Provides for an increase in the basis of a new principal residence purchased by a taxpayer who realized a loss on the sale of the old residence. Increases the personal exemption for a child who has not attained aged 19. Extends the deduction for health insurance cost for self-employed individuals from June 30, 1992, to December 31, 1993. Allows a deduction for qualified adoption expenses of up to $3,000. Denies the use of such deduction for any expense for which a deduction or credit is already allowable and for which reimbursements have been made. Defines qualified adoption expenses as those: (1) directly related to the legal adoption of a child with special needs; (2) that are not incurred in violation of State or Federal law; and (3) that are of a type eligible for reimbursement under the adoption assistance program under title IV of the Social Security Act (Grants to States for Aid and Services to Needy Families with Children and for Child-Welfare Services. Allows such deduction whether or not the taxpayer itemizes deductions. Includes as a working condition fringe excluded from gross income any passes, tokens, fare cards, tickets or similar instruments for commuting by public transit provided to an employee at a discount by the employer, or reimbursements by the employer to cover all or part of the costs of such instruments, to the extent that such amounts do not exceed $60 per month. Title III: Long Term Growth - Long Term Growth Act of 1992 - Subtitle A: Extension of Expiring Provisions - Makes permanent the tax credit for increasing research activities and for clinical testing expenses for certain drugs for rare diseases or conditions. Extends the termination dates of the following provisions: (1) the rules of allocating research and experimental expenditures; (2) the low-income housing credit; (3) the targeted jobs credit; and (4) the solar and geothermal investment credit. Extends the authority to issue qualified small issue bonds to finance farm property. Extends the authority to issue qualified mortgage bonds and mortgage credit certificates. Subtitle B: Provisions Relating to Enterprise Zones - Enterprise Zone-Jobs Creation Act of 1992 - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (Secretary) to designate enterprise zones for purposes of providing tax and regulatory relief and improving local services. Limits choices to areas nominated by States and local governments. Limits the total number of areas that may be designated, and the time period of the designation. Authorizes the Secretary to designate a zone only if the area meets certain locational, demographic, unemployment, and poverty criteria. Requires nominating local governments, as a condition of the Secretary's designation, to agree in writing to follow a course of action that may include reducing tax rates, improving local services, simplifying or streamlining regulation of business, and providing job training to area residents. Describes areas to which the Secretary must give preference in selecting areas for designation. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress every four years on the effects of such enterprise zones' designation in accomplishing the purposes of this Act. Allows a nonrefundable income tax credit to enterprise zone employees for five percent of any wages earned do not exceed specified amount. Phase-out such credit. Provides for the nonrecognition of capital gain on the sale of enterprise zone property. Allows a taxpayer a deduction on the aggregate amount paid for the purchase of enterprise stock on its original issue by a qualified issuer. Requires any gain from the disposition of the stock to be treated as ordinary income. Amends Federal law to revise the definition of small entity for purposes of the analysis of regulatory functions to include qualified business, government, and nonprofit enterprises operating within enterprise zones. Authorizes Federal agencies, upon request by a nominating government to waive or modify rules and regulation pertaining to the implementation of projects or activities within an enterprise zone. Requires agencies to approve the request if the resulting benefits of job creation, community development, or economic revitalization outweigh the public interest in retaining the rule unchanged. Disallows waiver or modification of a rule that would directly violate a statutory requirement or present a danger to the public health and safety. Requires the Foreign-Trade Zone Board to consider on a priority basis and to expedite the processing of applications for the establishment of foreign-trade zones within enterprise zones. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to give priority to, and expedite the processing of applications for, the establishment of ports of entry necessary to establish such zones. Subtitle C: Excise Tax Provisions - Repeals the luxury excise tax on boats and aircraft. Repeals the exemption from the tax on diesel fuel and boats, unless such boats are used in a boat business. Retains excise taxes for diesel fuels used in pleasure boats shall be retained in the General Treasury. (Current law requires transfer of such amounts to the Highway Trust Fund and the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund.) Subjects certain digital data transmissions to the communications excise tax. Repeals the exemption of certain coin-operated telephone services from such tax. Subtitle D: Provisions Related to Retirement Savings and Pension Distributions - Allows distributions from qualified pension plan to be rolled over tax-free to an individual retirement account or another qualified plan or annuity. Repeals: (1) the $5,000 limitation on the exclusion from gross income of employees' death benefits; (2) the five-year forward income averaging for lump-sum distributions; and (3) the exclusion of net unrealized appreciation in employer securities. Establishes a method of taxing annuity payments by taking into account the investment in the contract and the number of anticipated payments. Requires qualified plans to allow participants to elect to have distributions transferred directly to another qualified plan. Establishes a simplified employee pension plan that allows salary reduction arrangements for employers of fewer than 100 employees. Prohibits State and local governments from participating in cash or deferred arrangements. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury, as a condition of sponsorship, to prescribe rules defining the duties and responsibilities of certain master and prototype retirement plans. Replaces the two-part nondiscrimination test for elective contributions under cash or deferred arrangements with a single test of whether: (1) the actual deferral percentage of highly compensated employees exceeds 200 percent of the average deferral percentage of nonhighly compensated employees for a plan year; and (2) the actual deferral percentage of such employees exceeds the average deferral percentage of nonhighly compensated employees for the preceding plan year by more than three percentage points. Redefines the term "compensated employee" for pension, profit sharing, stock bonus plan, etc. purposes. Makes such an employee one who is five-percent owner or compensation from the employer in excess of $50,000. Provides a special rule where no employees are treated as highly compensated. Eliminates the rule requiring ten years of service for employees subject to collective bargaining agreements under multiemployer plans. Subtitle E: Other Provisions - Repeals the appreciated property charitable deduction. Requires a charitable contribution allowable as a deduction in computing taxable income to be allocated and apportioned solely to gross income from sources within the United States. Requires the donee of any large charitable donation to make an information return relating to such donation. Provides for the application of the Medicare hospital insurance tax to State and local employees. Amends the Social Security Act to provide for the entitlement of such employees to hospital insurance benefits. Requires dealers in stock or securities to use the mark to market inventory accounting method. Disallows interest deduction on corporate owned life insurance. Prohibits a deduction for certain losses on the disposition of property to the extent that the taxpayer has a right to be reimbursed for the loss with assistance from the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation (FSLIC). Limits the tax exemption for credit unions to small credit unions with assets of less than $50,000,000. Restricts the deduction for dividends paid on deposits and the deduction for additions to reserves for bad debts to credit unions that are not small credit unions. Provides that certain life insurance contracts will be treated as annuity contracts only if the purchaser irrevocably chooses as a settlement option a series of substantially equal periodic payments made for the life of the annuitant or the joint lives of the annuitants. Expands the 45-day interest-free period for refunding tax overpayments in case the right to the refund arises other than pursuant to the original filing of a tax return. Title IV: Financial Institutions Safety and Consumer Choice Act of 1992 - Financial Institutions Safety and Consumer Choice Act of 1992 - Subtitle A: Financial Services Modernization - Chapter 1: Financial Services Holding Companies - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act to define financial services holding companies and diversified holding companies. Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to specify additional financial entities prohibited from acquiring control or ownership of certain financial services organizations. Prohibits any insured depository institution (except foreign banks with insured branches in the United States) from becoming a financial services holding company or a diversified holding company. Sets forth expedited procedures for acquisition of additional banks by well capitalized financial services holding companies. Sets forth guidelines for acquisitions involving diversified holding companies. Provides that financial services holding companies (except certain foreign banks) cannot be banks. Modifies the guidelines for ownership interests in nonbanking organizations. Replaces the current "closely related" standard for permissible activities with a "financial nature" standard. Sets forth the permissible parameters for insurance and securities affiliates. Sets a deadline by which a financial services holding company must notify the appropriate Federal banking agency with respect to its ownership or control of the shares of a company engaged in qualified financial activities. Outlines permissible nonbanking activities and acquisitions for well capitalized financial services holding companies. Sets forth additional capital requirements for a financial services holding company that intends to engage in, or acquire, or retain the shares of a company engaged in a new financial activity. Sets forth certain restrictions on the activities of financial services holding companies. Prescribes guidelines for acquisition activities by diversified holding companies and their affiliates. Sets forth Federal administrative procedures for financial services holding companies and diversified holding companies (including their subsidiaries and affiliates). Prohibits the States from preventing or impeding certain acquisition or affiliation activities undertaken by: (1) insured depository institutions; (2) diversified holding companies; and (3) financial services holding companies. Amends the Bank Holding Company Act Amendments of 1970 to prohibit a financial services holding company or a diversified holding company from: (1) engaging in certain tying arrangements; or (2) transacting insider loans. Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act to exempt from its coverage financial services holding companies and diversified holding companies. Chapter 2: Financial Activities of National Banks - Amends the Banking Act of 1933 to provide that its limitations and restrictions with respect to certain securities activities conducted by a national bank for its own account shall not apply to the distribution of securities issued by investment companies if the association is not an affiliate of a securities affiliate. Amends the Banking Act of 1933 to repeal the proscription against: (1) the affiliation of member banks with organizations engaged principally in securities; and (2) member bank personnel serving simultaneously as employees or officers of securities organizations. Authorizes national banking associations located in certain small-sized population areas to sell insurance to residents of the State in which the association is located. Amends the Federal Reserve Act to: (1) set forth conditions under which a loan or extension of credit by a member bank shall not be deemed to be made to an affiliate; (2) require prior notification to the appropriate Federal banking agency before a financial services holding company may permit an insured depository institution under its control to engage in a covered transaction which exceeds five percent of its capital stock and surplus; and (3) revise definitions related to affiliates of member banks. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to require customer disclosure by an insured depository institution with respect to the non-insured status of its non-banking products. Chapter 3: Non-Banking Activities of Foreign Banks in the United States - Amends the International Banking Act of 1978 to set forth circumstances under which a foreign bank that maintains a branch or agency in the United States (or owns or controls a commercial lending company organized under State law) shall be subject to the provisions of this Act. Chapter 4: Amendments to the Securities Acts - Amends the Securities Act of 1933 to: (1) subject to its provisions certain bank-issued securities and certain savings association-issued securities; (2) exempt from its provisions certain bank and savings association instruments functioning as securities in a secured transaction; (3) exempt from its provisions equity securities transactions with respect to bank acquisition by a financial services holding company, or acquisition of a financial services holding company by a diversified holding company. Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to: (1) revise definitions relating to bank broker activities and bank dealer activities; (2) prohibit any bank from acting as broker or dealer except in the course of an exclusively intrastate business; and (3) prohibit certain securities transactions, with specified exceptions, taking place on bank premises which are commonly accessible to the general public for deposit-making purposes. Repeals the Federal agency administration provisions with respect to disclosure requirements for securities issued by insured depository institutions. Amends the Investment Company Act of 1940 to mandate that the custody of investment company assets or unit investment trusts by affiliates of either the registered management company or the registered unit investment trust must be in accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rules prescribed for investor protection. Prohibits a registered investment company from having a majority of its board of directors consisting of personnel of any one bank and its subsidiaries, or any one financial services holding company and its affiliates and subsidiaries. Grants the SEC additional rulemaking authority regarding bank affiliated mutual funds. Prohibits registered investment company securities from being represented as: (1) guaranteed, sponsored, recommended or approved by any Federal agency; (2) insured by the FDIC; or (3) guaranteed or an obligation of any bank or insured institution. Provides that any person issuing or selling securities of an investment company whose name is similar to that of a bank may be required to disclose prominently that the investment company and its securities are neither FDIC-insured, nor guaranteed by an affiliated bank or insured institution, nor otherwise an obligation of such bank or insured institution. Authorizes the SEC to determine by order that use of a name similar to a bank is deceptive and misleading, and to take action accordingly. Amends the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 to include within the meaning of "investment adviser" any bank or financial services holding company which acts an investment adviser to a registered investment company (unless it performs such services through a separately identifiable division). Requires the SEC to give notice to the appropriate Federal banking agency prior to initiating any investigative or enforcement proceedings against a financial services holding company bank, or bank division acting as registered investment adviser. Amends the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the Investment Company Act of 1940 to exempt certain bank common trust funds from their coverage. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the transfer to a regulated investment company of all or substantially all of the assets of a common trust fund shall not result in a gain or loss to the common trust fund participants if the transfer is the result of a merger, conversion, reorganization, transfer or similar transaction. (Thus, if a bank were to transfer a common trust fund to a mutual fund, such transfer per se would not be considered a taxable event for the fund participants). Directs the SEC to examine and report to the Congress on the appropriate treatment of: (1) bank collective investment funds and separate accounts under the securities laws and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA); and (2) common trust funds under the securities laws. Chapter 5: Amendments to Prompt Corrective Action - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to set forth: (1) definitional guidelines; and (2) permissible activities for banks within various capital levels including financial services holding companies). Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, the Bank Conservation Act, the Federal Reserve Act, and the Home Owners' Loan Act to set forth additional grounds for appointing conservators and receivers for specified undercapitalized depository institutions. Chapter 6: Nationwide Banking and Branching - Amends the Financial Services Holding Company Act to authorize nationwide banking, notwithstanding certain State laws, by: (1) a diversified holding company; (2) a financial services holding company; or (3) a foreign bank. Amends Federal banking law to permit a national banking association to establish and operate new branches at an initial location within any State in which a financial services holding company or State bank having the same home State (or chartered in the same home State as such association) could establish a branch. Provides for the interstate consolidation or merger of national banks, or State banks with national banks, and for the subsequent retention of pre-existing branches subject to regulatory approval. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to prohibit State proscription against interstate branching by State banks. Permits a host State to determine compliance by interstate branches with its regulations, and to coordinate regulatory supervision with other State bank authorities regarding branches of State-chartered banks. Amends the International Banking Act of 1978 to provide that during the three-year period starting on the date of enactment of this Act the Director may authorize foreign banks to establish and operate federally-chartered branches in the United States if such establishment is not prohibited by the law of the relevant State. Revises the limitations placed upon interstate branching by foreign banks to more closely conform with the limitations placed upon interstate branching by domestic banks. Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act to authorize approval by the appropriate Federal banking agency for a savings and loan holding company or a foreign bank to acquire interstate interests in savings associations. Permits the consummation of such approved acquisitions even though State law would otherwise prohibit or limit them. Subtitle B: Miscellaneous Provisions - Chapter I: Reduction in Regulatory Burden - Prohibits an appropriate Federal banking agency from requiring any institution under it jurisdiction to prepare or maintain data to comply with the Fair Housing Act, other than the data prescribed pursuant to the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act. Chapter 2: Expedited Funds Availability - Amends the Expedited Funds Availability Act with respect to the frequency of notices when funds will be held beyond statutory schedules to provide that no further notice is required after the required notice has been furnished until one year later or such other time as the exception for which the notice was provided ceases to apply, whichever is earlier. Subtitle C: Technical and Conforming Amendments - Chapter I: Severability; Transition References - Sets forth severability and transition provisions. Chapter 2: Technical and Conforming Amendments - Makes technical and conforming amendments to specified Federal Acts. Chapter 3: Repeal of Obsolete Provisions of Law - Repeals specified provisions of Federal law. Chapter 4: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date of amendments made by this title. Title V: Pension Security Act - Pension Security Act of 1992 - Subtitle A: Amendments to Pension Plan Funding Requirements - Part 1: Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the additional funding requirements for pension plans that are not multiemployer plans to provide for an underfunding reduction requirement and a solvency maintenance requirement. Part 2: Amendments to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to revise the additional funding requirements pension plans that are not multiemployer plans to provide for an underfunding reduction requirement and a solvency maintenance requirement. Subtitle B: Amendments to Title IV of ERISA - Amends title IV (Plan Termination Insurance) of ERISA to set forth limitations on the benefits guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC). Revises provisions relating to: (1) enforcement of minimum funding requirements; (2) definition of contributing sponsor; (3) recovery ratio payable under PBGC guaranty; (4) distress termination criteria for banking institutions; and (5) variable rate premium exemption. Eliminates a specified seventh revolving fund and transfer its assets and liabilities to the first revolving fund (i.e. the single-employer basic benefits guaranty fund). Subtitle C: Employer Liability, Lien and Priority - Part 1: Amendments to Title IV of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 - Amends title IV of ERISA to revise limitations on employer liability liens and priority amounts. Provides that, in the case of plan terminations initiated on or after January 1, 1992, the lien of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) for employer liability shall be determined according to a specified formula. Makes similar revisions relating to the amount of liability to the PBGC which is entitled to priority treatment in insolvency and bankruptcy cases. Amends the Pension Protection Act with respect to bankruptcy and insolvency claims. Provides that specified amendments under this Act shall be effective as if included under the Single-Employer Pension Plan Amendments of 1986 and the Pension Protection Act. Amends ERISA to provide for liability upon liquidation of a contributing sponsor of a single-employer plan. Makes such sponsor liable as though the plan had terminated in a distress termination, even if the sponsor's controlled group remains a contributing sponsor of the plan or is liable for payment of specified contributions or installments. Directs the PBGC to transfer such liability payments to the ongoing plans. Part 2: Amendments to Title 11, United States Code - Amends the Federal bankruptcy code to permit the PBGC to be a member of an unsecured creditors' committee. Revises priority payment provisions with respect to: (1) unpaid contributions to pension plans under ERISA; and (2) certain liability arising from pension plan terminations under ERISA. (Classifies these priorities as expenses arising before, or administrative expenses arising after, the commencement of the case, depending on whether such unpaid contributions are attributable, or such plan termination occurs, before or after the filing of the petition for bankruptcy.) Amends one of specified Bankruptcy Rules to require the bankruptcy court to give the PBGC notice of a bankruptcy petition filed (and all other notices required to be served on creditors and interested parties), in any case in which the debtor or an affiliate maintains a pension plan to which title IV of ERISA applies. Title VI: Federal Insurance Accounting Act of 1992 - Federal Insurance Accounting Act of 1992 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require accrual accounting to measure the cost of Federal insurance programs. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Director of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to coordinate the development of methods of estimating the costs of Federal insurance programs. Provides for the budgetary treatment of such programs. Prohibits the modification of an insurance program in a manner that increases its accrual cost unless budget authority for such additional cost is appropriated in advance, or is available out of existing appropriations or from other budgetary resources. Provides for the display of administrative expenses as distinct and separately identified subaccounts within the insurance program account. Authorizes appropriations as necessary to each Federal agency authorized to conduct insurance programs to pay associated accrued and accrual costs. Authorizes the President, in order to implement this subtitle, to establish non-budgetary accounts as appropriate. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make transactions as necessary for non-budget insurance financing accounts. Declares that the changes made by this subtitle are to be considered changes in budget concepts and definitions for purposes of the Balanced Budget And Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). Title VII: Medicare Premium Equity Amendments of 1992 - Medicare Premium Equity Amendments of 1992 - Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to increase the monthly part B premium in the case of: (1) an individual with an adjusted gross income in excess of $125,000 who is married and files a joint income tax return or is a surviving spouse or a head of household; (2) an individual with an adjusted gross income in excess of $62,500 who is married but does not file a joint income tax return; and (3) any other individual with an adjusted gross income in excess of $100,000. Title VIII: Medicare Budget Amendments of 1992 - Medicare Budget Amendments of 1992 - Amends Medicare part B to: (1) provide that payment under part B for anesthesia physicians' services, when a separate charge (on a fee schedule basis) is also made for the services of a certified registered nurse anesthetist, may not, when added to the payment made for the services of the nurse anesthetist, exceed the amount that would be paid for the anesthesia physicians' services if a separate payment were not made for the services of the nurse anesthetist; (2) revise payment rates for medically and non-medically directed certified registered nurse anesthetists to change the conversion factors used for services furnished starting in 1993; (3) redefine "covered item update" as used with respect to payments after 1992 for durable medical equipment and "applicable percentage increase" as used with respect to payments after 1992 for prosthetic devices, orthotics, and prosthetics (items) as a percentage change (or no change), which may be different for different kinds of equipment or items, as determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services after taking into consideration market factors and technological change; (4) set the payment limitation amount for a clinical diagnostic laboratory test performed after September 30, 1992, at 76 percent of the median of all the fee schedules established for that test for that laboratory setting; (5) provide similar Secretarial discretion with respect to determining annual updates in payments for clinical diagnostic laboratory tests; (6) move the prospective payment system hospital update to January 1 of each year; and (7) set the annual update for other hospitals in FY 1993 at 75 percent of the market basket percentage increase, and the updates for subsequent fiscal years at the market basket percentage increase. Title IX: Aid To Families With Dependent Children Savings Set-Aside Amendments of 1992 - AFDC Saving Set-Aside Amendments of 1992 - Amends part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) (AFDC) of title IV of the Social Security Act to modify State plan provisions to give States the option of disregarding, with respect to a family already receiving AFDC benefits, resources the value of which do not exceed $10,000, but only if the State plan provides that: (1) the State agency will determine that any such disregarded resources are being retained for later expenditure for a purpose directly related to improving the education, training, or employability of a family member or for the purchase of a home for the family; (2) the value of any resources so disregarded will not be taken into consideration for purposes of determining eligibility for food stamp benefits; and (3) the State agency will not disregard any resource (or interest therein) owned by a family member within the preceding 12 months, if such resource (or interest) was disposed of at less than fair market value for the purpose of establishing eligibility for AFDC benefits. Allows AFDC employability plans, at the option of the State, to provide for the retention and set-aside of such amounts of income and resources as the State agency determines necessary for carrying out an approved plan which includes self-employment as its employment goal. Requires that the State agency must find that the specific form of self-employment for which the set-aside is intended is practical and attainable in light of all surrounding circumstances. Title X: Food Stamp Amendments of 1992 - Food Stamp Amendments of 1992 - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to require the parent of a minor child with an absent parent to cooperate with State child support enforcement agencies in order to participate in the food stamp program (program). Makes permanent: (1) the 25 percent Federal cost-sharing of State administrative program costs. (Current law authorizes 25 percent through FY 1995 and 50 percent thereafter); and (2) the ten percent State fund retention (Current law authorizes ten percent through FY 1995 and 25 percent thereafter). Title XI: Child Support Enforcement Amendments of 1992 - Child Support Enforcement Amendments of 1992 - Amends the Child Support Enforcement Act (the Act, which is part D of title IV of the Social Security Act) to provide that certain support collection and paternity determination application fees and collection services fees shall be set at $25 each (but gives the State an option to set such fees at $50 each, in which case no fee may be charged to individuals for such applications, for to families for such services, if their income is not more than 185 percent of the poverty line). Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish a schedule of performance-based incentive payments to encourage and reward States for activities to increase paternity establishment and lead to increased child support collections; and (2) determine the amount of such payments with respect to specified categories of performance. Limits the amount of any such payment to a State for a fiscal year to not more than ten percent of the State's total child support collections for such year with respect to children receiving aid to families with dependent children (AFDC) under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act. Revises the formula for certain other incentive payments (to States for cost-effective and efficient performance) to reduce their amount. Requires that incentive payments to States be used to improve or protect the welfare of children within the State. Requires States to provide paternity determination and child support collection services for recipients of certain need-based Federal or federally assisted programs. Title XII: Incentives for Families with Absent Parents to Cooperate with State Agencies under the Social Security Act in Securing Child Support for Dependents - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to provide, for purposes of public housing, that any family (with an absent parent) that has failed, without good cause, to cooperate in securing support for the dependent member of the family with the State agency administering the program for collection of child and spousal support may: (1) have certain spousal support imputed to its income; and (2) be ineligible for certain exclusions from its income. (Applies such provisions also to public housing under the Indian Housing Authority.) Title XIII: Purposes and Duration of Emergency Assistance Under The Aid to Families With Dependent Children Program - Amends the AFDC program to limit AFDC emergency assistance to one period of 30 consecutive days in any 12-month period. Provides that such emergency assistance may include amounts necessary to: (1) satisfy shelter and utility arrearages for no more than three months in order to prevent evictions and utility shut-offs; and (2) pay an initial month's shelter charges and security deposit necessary to secure permanent housing for homeless families. Requires any such amounts to be authorized by the State agency during the single 30-day period described above. Title XIV: Enhance Health Insurance Coverage For Children Under the Aid To Families With Dependent Children Program - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require State plans to provide satisfactory assurances that the State has in effect laws applicable to health insurers and insurance policies or programs subject to the laws of the State that: (1) require insurers to permit enrollment at any time under the health insurance of a non-custodial parent of any child for whom such parent is required to provide support; and (2) in any case where a child is covered under the non-custodial parent's health insurance, require insurers, at the option of the custodial parent, to permit such parent to submit claims for covered services without the non-custodial parent's approval and to make payment on such claims submitted directly to the custodial parent or service provider. Requires plan assurances that State laws authorize garnishment of the employment income of, and withholding of amounts from State tax refunds to, any person who is required by court or administrative order to cover a Medicaid-eligible individual's medical costs and has received, but not used for appropriate reimbursement, payment from a third party for the costs of medical services to such individual, to the extent necessary to reimburse the State for expenditures for such costs. Title XV: Child Nutrition Amendments of 1992 - Child Nutrition Amendments of 1992- Subtitle A: Budget-Related Provisions - Amends the National School Lunch Act to provide for increased cash subsidies for reduced price meals in the national school lunch program. Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (CNA) to provide for increased cash subsidies for reduced price meals in the school breakfast program. Amends CNA to provide for increased research funds under the special supplemental food program for women, infants, and children (WIC) to determine such program's effect on children. Subtitle B: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective dates of various provisions of this title. Title XVI: Social Security Cross Program Recovery Amendments of 1992 - Social Security Act Cross Program Recovery Amendments of 1992 - Amends title XI of the Social Security Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to recover overpayments made under the Supplemental Security Income Program (SSI) under title XVI of the Social Security Act from any amounts payable under the Federal Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance Program under title II of that Act if the Secretary is unable to recover such overpayments through the means currently provided under SSI. Provides that in any case in which the Secretary takes action to recover such an overpayment from any person, neither that person, nor any individual whose eligibility or benefit amount is based on that person's income, shall, as a result of such action, become eligible for SSI benefits or, if already so eligible, become eligible for increased SSI benefits. Title XVII: America 2000 Excellence in Education Act - AMERICA 2000 Excellence in Education Act - Part A: New American Schools - Authorizes financial assistance for creating New American Schools (NAS) in communities that have been designated AMERICA 2000 Communities (A2Cs). Provides that such NAS shall reflect the best thinking about teaching and learning, employ the highest-quality instructional materials and technologies, and be designed to meet the National Educational Goals as well as the particular needs of their students and communities. Directs the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) to reserve certain funds for a national program evaluation. Directs the Secretary to allocate the remaining funds among the States (and specified territories) in proportion to their respective numbers of members of Congress. Directs the Governor to nominate A2Cs to create NAS, for at least as many communities as there are members in the State's congressional delegation and at least one community in each congressional district of the State. Requires the Governor's nominations to be based on criteria established by the Secretary on the basis of expert panel advice, including: (1) the community's level of commitment and activity in the A2C initiative; (2) the community's schools' need for new and innovative educational programs; and (3) the quality of their application to the Governor. Sets forth conditions for the Secretary's approval, and for alternative nominations. Directs the Secretary to make NAS grants to selected agencies, organizations, and institutions on behalf of the selected communities. Limits any award to $1,000,000. Encourages grantees to adapt and implement one or more NAS designs developed by research and development teams funded by the NAS Development Corporation. Restricts use of such grant funds to certain special start-up costs associated with the creation and establishment of a NAS. Prohibits the use of such funds for construction or for the grantee's general administrative expenses. Requires each NAS to have obtained necessary State recognition or accreditation and to be fully operating by the start of the 1996-97 school year. Directs the Secretary, within 90 days, to convene an expert panel of educators, representatives of private business, and public representatives to advise on NAS program administration, including criteria for nomination of communities. Directs the Secretary to use reserved funds to conduct a national evaluation of NAS program impact on schools and communities and on education generally. Requires reports to the President and the Congress. Authorizes appropriations. Part B: Merit Schools - Authorizes appropriations for Merit School awards to reward public and private elementary and secondary schools and faculties that make documented progress in attaining the National Education Goals, particularly the goal of increasing students' mastery of the core academic subjects. Directs the Secretary to allocate specified funds among the States on the same basis as allocations for education of disadvantaged children under title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (the ESEA chapter 1 program). Requires Governors to submit State grant applications for a three-year period, which may be followed by an application for a two-year period. Makes specified provisions of the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) inapplicable to this title. Specifies State use of funds for administrative costs (five percent) and Merit School awards (95 percent), with at least 20 percent of the latter earmarked for schools that demonstrate exceptional progress in improving students' performance in mathematics and science. Requires each Governor to: (1) establish a State review panel to assist in selection of Merit Schools; (2) submit annual program reports to the Secretary; and (3) apply specified national and State criteria in selecting schools. Requires each Merit School to use its award for activities to further its educational program, including special programs, equipment and materials acquisition, staff bonus payments, college scholarships for secondary school students, special programs, equipment and materials, parental involvement, community outreach, and program replication. Prohibits State or local reduction of other assistance to the Merit School or its local educational agency. Part C: Teachers and School Leaders - Subpart 1: Governor's Academies for Teachers - Directs the Secretary, to make a one-time, five-year grant to each State to establish and operate Governor's Academies for Teachers and to recognize outstanding teachers. Requires a Governor to use the State's grant to make competitive awards to the State educational agency (SEA), local education agencies (LEAs), institutions of higher education, and other public and private organizations or consortia, to establish and operate such Academies. Allows such Academies to be operated in cooperation or consortium with those of other States. Requires each Academy to conduct a program of intensive instruction for current elementary and secondary school teachers, during the summer or the school year, focusing on the core academic disciplines of English, mathematics, science, history, and geography. Directs the Governor to allocate to each Academy funds for a program of cash awards and recognition to outstanding teachers in the core academic subject or subjects covered by the Academy program. Requires Academies to select such teachers from nominations received from various groups. Limits any such award to $5,000, but allows the recipient to choose how to use it. Authorizes appropriations. Subpart 2: Governors' Academies for School Leaders - Directs the Secretary to make a one-time, five-year grant to each State to establish and operate a Governor's Academy for School Leaders. Requires the Governor to make competitive awards to the SEA, LEAs, institutions of higher education, and other public and private organizations or consortia, to establish and operate such an Academy. Allows such academies to be operated in cooperation or consortium with those of other States. Directs each Academy to carry out specified activities relating to school leadership training and development. Authorizes appropriations. Subpart 3: Alternative Certification of Teachers and Principals - Authorizes appropriations to assist States to develop and implement alternative certification requirements to improve the supply of well-qualified elementary and secondary school teachers and principals. Makes certain GEPA provisions inapplicable to this part. Requires States to use such funds to support programs, projects, or activities that develop and implement new, or expand and improve existing, alternative teacher and principal certification requirements. Authorizes States to do so directly, through contracts, or through subgrants to LEAs, intermediate educational agencies, institutions of higher education, or consortia of such agencies. Part D: Educational Reform and Flexibility - Subpart 1: Educational Reform Through Flexibility and Accountability - Amends the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) to establish a program for flexibility and accountability in education and related services. Directs the Secretary to assist projects for elementary and secondary schools and other service providers to improve achievement of all students and other participants, but particularly disadvantaged individuals, by authorizing waivers by which Governors, SEAs, LEAs, and other service providers can improve performance of schools and programs by increasing their flexibility in use of resources while holding them accountable for achieving educational gains. Authorizes the Secretary, in support of such projects, to waive, with specified exceptions, any statutory or regulatory requirement applicable to any program administered by the Department of Education that may impede a school or service provider from meeting the special needs of such students and other individuals. Authorizes other Federal agency heads, with the Secretary's agreement, to make similar waivers for their programs. Limits duration of projects and associated waivers to a maximum of three years; but authorizes the Secretary to extend a project and any associated waivers for an additional two years if it is making substantial progress in meeting its goals. Requires the Secretary to terminate a project and its associated waivers at any time if acceptable progress is not being made. Grants other Federal agency heads authority to determine extension or termination of their waivers. Grants the Secretary exclusive authority to extend or terminate a project. Requires each project that involves elementary or secondary schools to include participation of an SEA and at least one LEA and two schools. Requires, to the extent possible, project participation by each grade and academic program, including ESEA chapter 1 programs, in a participating school. Prohibits unreasonable concentration of available resources in participating schools, if fewer than all schools in an LEA participate. Requires each project that does not involve elementary or secondary schools to involve at least two programs, at least one of which is administered by the Secretary. Prohibits waiver of requirements: (1) in awarding new competitive grants to agencies participating in such projects; (2) relating to maintenance of effort, comparability, or equitable participation of private school students; and (3) under specified provisions of GEPA, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Sets forth requirements for reports and evaluations. Provides for the budget neutrality of such program. Subpart 2: Amendments to Chapter 2 - Amends chapter 2 (Federal, State, and Local Partnership for Educational Improvement) of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA chapter 2) to provide that part A funding for educational reform and improvement shall be divided equally between State and local programs (50 percent to each, while the current allocation formula requires at least 80 percent to go to local programs and not more than 20 percent to State programs). Reduces the portions of such State-level funds which: (1) may be used for State administration (from 25 to ten percent); and (2) must be used for the effective schools programs (from 20 to eight percent). Revises State application requirements to require approval by the Governor before submission to the Secretary. Includes educational choice programs among local targeted assistance programs of SEAs and LEAs. Includes, among authorized activities of such programs, any activities or expenses directly related to planning, implementing, operating, evaluating, and disseminating information about the LEA's educational choice program, including expenses of parents and children resulting from their program participation. Part E: Parental Choice of Schools - Subpart 1: Findings - Sets forth congressional findings relating to parental choice in education. Subpart 2: Parental Choice and Chapter 1 - Amends chapter 1 (Financial Assistance to Meet Special Educational Needs of Children) of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA chapter 1) to provide for chapter 1 services for children participating in educational choice programs. Requires the LEA to provide such services in the form of: (1) supplementary compensatory education services; or (2) if that is not feasible or efficient, payment to parents of a per-child share of the LEA's basic chapter 1 grant. Allows parents to use such funds only for: (1) purchase of supplementary compensatory education services that meet the child's special educational needs from any elementary or secondary school, or any other public or private agency, organization, or institution that the LEA designates; and/or (2) transportation costs related to the child's participation in the educational choice program. Excludes such payments from the gross income of parents for Federal income tax purposes. Allows an LEA to use chapter 1 funds for the additional transportation costs of children receiving chapter 1 services who are in an educational choice program. Requires that LEAs with educational choice programs to explain to parents of chapter 1 participating children: (1) the availability of compensatory education services under various available options; and (2) options available under the educational choice program and the chapter 1 program. Subpart 3: Assistance for Parental Choice Programs - Directs the Secretary to make one-year grants to LEAs that carry out educational choice programs. Authorizes appropriations. Makes an LEA eligible for such a grant if it: (1) will carry out an educational choice program during the year for which assistance is sought; and (2) carried out such a program during the preceding year. Defines an educational choice program, as one adopted by a State or an LEA under which: (1) parents select the school, including private schools, in which their children will be enrolled; and (2) sufficient financial support is provided to enable a significant number or percentage of parents to enroll their children in a variety of schools and educational programs, including private schools. Requires LEAs to use grant funds only for student educational services and parental involvement activities in addition to those that would otherwise be provided from State or local funds. Prohibits use of grant funds for LEA general administrative expenses. Subpart 4: Parental Choice Programs of National Significance - Directs the Secretary to make five-year grants to SEAs, LEAs, and other agencies, institutions, and organizations to conduct and demonstrate nationally significant model programs of educational choice. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary, in any fiscal year for which funds are available to make new awards, to announce the approaches to educational choice that will be considered in the competition for such funding. Requires grant recipients to use such funds only for activities directly related to planning, implementing, operating and evaluating, and disseminating information about, the educational choice demonstration program. Allows such funds to be used to meet expenses of parents and children resulting from their participation in such program. Part F: National Assessment of Educational Progress - Amends the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) to extend through FY 1996 the authorization of appropriations for the National Center for Educational Statistics and its programs, including the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Requires the NAEP to collect representative data on a national and State basis for those States that choose to participate. Repeals a requirement for data collection on a regional basis. Requires the NAEP to collect and report data: (1) at least once every four years in the core academic areas of reading, writing, mathematics, science, history, and geography; and (2) annually on students at specified ages and in specified grade levels. (Current law varies such deadlines for the different academic subjects and sets a biennial deadline for the age and grade levels.) Removes a confidentiality restriction on NAEP information with respect to individual schools. Removes a prohibition against use of NAEP test items and data to rank, compare, or otherwise evaluate individual students, schools, or school districts. Requires States which choose to enter NAEP agreements to conduct such Assessment at the school level for all schools in the State sample and coordinate within the State, subject to a minimum State contribution of $100,000. Directs the Secretary to pay the State a certain amount for the costs of conducting such Assessment in excess of the minimum State contribution. Part G: National Commission on Time, Study, Learning, and Teaching - Establishes a National Education Commission on Time, Study, Learning, and Teaching (the Commission). Requires the Commission to examine the quality and adequacy of the study and learning time of U.S. elementary and secondary students in an era when World Class Standards of achievement need to be met, including issues regarding: (1) the length of the school day and year; (2) the extent and role of homework; (3) how time is currently being used for academic subjects (especially the five core subjects of English, mathematics, science, history, and geography); (4) year-round professional opportunities for teachers; and (5) the use of school facilities for extended learning programs. Directs the Commission, within one year after it concludes its first meeting, to subject a final report to the Congress and the President. Requires such report, in addition to the primary issues, to analyze and make recommendations about: (1) use of incentives for students to increase educational achievement in available instructional time; (2) how children spend time outside school; and (3) if appropriate, a model plan for adopting a longer academic day and year for U.S. elementary and secondary schools by the end of this decade, including mechanisms to assist in such transition. Terminates the Commission 90 days after it submits its final report. Authorizes appropriations. Part H: Regional Literacy Resource Centers - Amends the Adult Education Act to direct the Secretary to make grants or contracts for operation of regional literacy resource centers in appropriate regions. Makes eligible for such grants or contracts SEAs, LEAs, State literacy offices, volunteer-organizations, community-based, organizations, institutions of higher education, or other nonprofit entities. Provides that the Federal share of activity costs shall decline over a five-year period from a maximum of 80 percent to 60 percent. Authorizes appropriations. Part I: General Provisions - Sets forth definitions for this title. Makes specified provisions of Federal law permitting consolidation of grants to the Insular Areas inapplicable to funds received by such an area under this title. Title XVIII: Student Financial Assistance Improvements Act of 1992 - Student Financial Assistance Improvements Act of 1992 - Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to extend Pell Grant program authority through FY 1993. Revises requirements for the amount of Pell Grants. Sets the amount of an award to a student at the lesser of: (1) the specified maximum award less the expected family contribution; or (2) the percentage (based on family-income level) of the amount of the student's need for financial assistance (i.e. cost of attendance minus expected family contribution). Increases the maximum award amount to $3,700 for 1992-3 and the four succeeding award years. Sets forth a table of percentages of student need for award computation. Revises the period of eligibility for Pell Grants. Limits such period to the full-time equivalent of three academic years in the aggregate in the case of all undergraduate degree or certificate programs normally requiring two years or less. Specifies that longer eligibility periods for longer programs are cumulative and include periods for which the student received a Pell Grant under shorter programs. Repeals specified provisions for a separate need analysis formula for Pell grants. Extends the period for specified limitations on amounts of student loans covered by Federal insurance. Increases the annual and aggregate loan limits under the Stafford loan and the Supplemental Loans for Students (SLS) programs. Requires lenders to offer Stafford loan borrowers the option of repaying such loans on a graduated repayment schedule under specified conditions. Eliminates a provision which allowed an institution to refuse to certify a student's eligibility for a loan, or allowed it to certify a lesser amount, under specified conditions. Revises loan deferment provisions. Retains deferment while the borrower is in specified courses of study. Replaces the various current categorical deferments with a hardship deferment of up to three years in the aggregate. Requires the lender to grant specified forbearance if the borrower is a Peace Corps or VISTA volunteer does not qualify for such hardship deferment. Revises provisions for Federal reinsurance coverage. Revises the period in which guaranty agencies must file reinsurance claims. Revises requirements for calculation and payment of such reinsurance. Requires a 60-day delayed disbursement of Stafford or SLS loans to first-year undergraduates at institutions with default rates of 30 percent or greater. (Retains the current 30-day delayed disbursement for first-year undergraduates at institutions with default rates less than 30 percent.) Revises provisions for eligibility limitations, suspensions, terminations, other hearing procedures, and fines for lenders or institutions that violate program requirements. Sets forth conflict-of-interest restrictions on guaranty agency officers and employers. Prohibits any guaranty agency from permitting any of its officers or employees, or any member of their immediate families, to have a direct financial interest in, or serve as an officer or employee of, any lender, secondary market, contractor, or servicer with which the guaranty agency does business. Includes financial information among the information the Secretary may reasonably require from a guaranty agency to carry out the student loan programs and protect the U.S. financial interest. Revises the administrative cost and collection retention allowances for guaranty agencies. Revises provisions for oversight of guaranty agencies. Authorizes the Secretary to require a guaranty agency to submit and implement a management plan if the ratio of its reserve funds to outstanding guarantees is less than a set level, or if its administrative or financial condition jeopardizes its continued ability to perform its responsibilities under its guaranty agreement. Authorizes the Secretary to terminate the guaranty agreement with any agency that fails to submit an acceptable management plan or fails to improve substantially its condition in accordance with such a plan. Authorizes the Secretary to assume guaranty agency functions of agencies whose agreements are terminated by the Secretary or themselves. Limits the Secretary's liability for any outstanding liabilities of a guaranty agency, the functions of which the Secretary has assumed, to the fair market value of assets assigned by the agency to the Secretary, minus any necessary liquidation or administrative costs. Requires State backing of designated guaranty agencies. Requires each State to guarantee, with its full faith and credit or the equivalent, all student loans guaranteed by the guaranty agency designated for that State for borrowers attending eligible institutions in that State. Provides that a State may elect to guarantee, in addition, student loans guaranteed by any other guarantee agency for borrowers who are attending eligible institutions in that State. Requires the State, if such a guaranty agency backed by the State is unable to discharge its insurance obligation, to be responsible for discharging them, as well as administrative costs associated with transferring the guaranty agency's operations to another entity. Directs the Secretary, if a State discharges such insurance obligations, to pay the State the amount the guaranty agency would otherwise have received as reimbursement. Directs the Secretary, unless a State demonstrates by January 1, 1994, that it is backing the designated guaranty agency, to assess institutions of higher education participating in the student loan program that are located in that State a fee based on the risk of financial loss to the Federal Government that the State would otherwise assume. Requires such fees to be deposited in the student loan insurance fund. Requires State to pay a share of default costs in specified circumstances. Allows a State to charge a fee to an institution of higher education in the State participating in the loan program, to an approved fee structure based on the institution's cohort default rate and the State's risk of loss under such requirement Eliminates the student loan program eligibility of foreign institutions (but not of study abroad that is part of the curriculum of U.S. institutions). Revises the definition of cohort default rate. Reduces the special allowance rates for holders of loans for which the cohort default rate exceeds 20 percent. Revises provisions for need analysis to apply them to all need-based student assistance programs, including Pell Grants (which currently have a separate need analysis system). Revises the definitions of cost of attendance and family contribution, as well as provisions for data elements used in determining expected family contribution. Revises the formula for calculation of the expected family contribution for a dependent student to eliminate references to the students' spouse. Allows application of any parents' negative available income: (1) to reduce the parents' income supplement amount from assets; and (2) if there is any negative amount remaining after that is reduced to zero, to increase the allowances against the dependent student's income. Revises the minimum dependent student contribution to be the greater of: (1) specified amounts that vary according to family total income; or (2) 70 percent of the student's total income, minus the adjustment to student income. Eliminates certain exceptions to the general need analysis calculation for dislocated workers and displaced homemakers. Revises the tables for determination of standard maintenance allowance, employment expense allowance, adjusted net worth of business and of farm, asset protection allowance, and parents' assessment from available income. Revises the asset protection allowance to provide for consideration of the average age of both parents. Revises provisions for family contribution for married or single independent students without dependents (including various revisions similar to those described for dependent students). Includes married, as well as unmarried, students under this category of independent students without dependents. Revises provisions for minimum student contribution under this category. Revises tables for determining various allowances and other factors. Revises provisions relating to the family contribution for married or single independent students with dependents (including provisions similar to those in other categories). Revises tables for determining various allowances and other factors. Eliminates certain restrictions on the Secretary's authority to prescribe regulations to carry out need analysis requirements. Revises provisions relating to development of revised tables of assessment rates for purposes of such need analysis. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe regulations specifying situations in which the data elements considered in determining a student's expected family contribution may be modified to accommodate the special circumstances of the student. Provides a special rule for the determination of the net value of the principal place of residence. Makes ineligible for student assistance program participation for specified periods any institution whose cohort default rate equals or exceeds a specified threshold percentage. Revises provisions for proprietary institutions of higher education. Authorizes the Secretary, if a particular category of proprietary institution does not meet specified student assistance program requirements because there is no nationally recognized accrediting agency or association qualified to accredit such institutions, to: (1) appoint an advisory committee to recommend qualifying standards; and (2) determine whether the particular schools meet them. Provides for reduction of student assistance loan award maximums for short-term programs. Requires students, in order to remain eligible for assistance, to satisfy specified minimum academic achievement standards. Directs the Secretary to implement a system of verification of immigration status. Eliminates certain provisions for training in financial aid and student support services. Requires any institution participating in any student assistance program to have in effect a fair and equitable refund policy and to provide a written statement of it, with examples, to prospective students. Revises provisions for student assistance program participation agreements. Requires the institution to acknowledge the authority of the Secretary, guaranty agencies, accrediting agencies, and State licensing bodies to share with each other any information pertaining to the institution's eligibility to participate in such programs. Eliminates the requirement that hearings be on the record, with respect to program participation limitation, suspension, or termination procedures. Provides for data matching. Authorizes the Secretary to obtain from Federal or State agencies specified information relating to an individual for student loan collection purposes. Directs the Secretary of Labor to enter into an agreement to provide prompt access for the Secretary to wage and unemployment compensation claims information and data maintained by or for the Department of Labor or State employment security agencies. Amends the Higher Education Technical Amendments of 1991 (Public Law 102-26) to make permanent the elimination of limitations on actions to collect defaulted student loans or grant overpayments. Revises the HEA definition of institution of higher education. Requires such institutions, in order to be eligible to participate in HEA programs, to comply with such minimum State licensing standards as the Secretary may prescribe by regulation and which the relevant State licensing body is to impose upon institutions it licenses. Revises the alternative accreditation process. Authorizes the Secretary, if a particular category of institutions is not accredited because no nationally recognized accrediting agency or association is qualified to do so, to appoint an advisory committee to: (1) recommend standards to qualify institutions in such category to participate in HEA programs; and (2) review whether particular institutions meet such standards. Includes as an institution of higher education for HEA title IV student assistance programs any institution that provides programs of at least six months (or 600 clock hours) that prepare students for gainful employment in recognized occupations, and that has been in existence for at least two years. Requires an institution, if it is accredited by more than one accrediting body, to designate, for HEA eligibility purposes, one such body as it primary accreditor, on either an institution-wide or program basis. Deems such an institution no longer accredited for purposes of HEA eligibility for a 24-month period if its accreditation is terminated for cause by the primary accreditor, or if it withdraws from such accreditation voluntarily under a show cause or suspension order, unless such accreditation is restored by the same accreditor during such 24-month period. Provides for sharing of institutional eligibility information by the Secretary, guaranty agencies, accrediting agencies, and State licensing bodies. Makes ineligible for any HEA assistance any individual who is in default on any loan made, insured, or guaranteed by the Federal Government, unless satisfactory repayment arrangements are made. Title XIX: National Energy Strategy Act - Subtitle A: Residential, Commercial, and Federal Energy Use - Part 1: Consumer and Commercial Products - Amends the Energy Policy Conservation Act to expand the list of commercial products covered by the Act. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to prescribe labeling rules for such products. Prohibits the Secretary of Energy from prescribing energy conservation standards for certain electric lights or commercial products listed in the Act. Part 2: Federal Energy Management - Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to authorize Federal agency participation in private sector energy demand management or application of conservation measures to Federal buildings. Subtitle B: Natural Gas - Part I: Natural Gas Pipeline Regulatory Reform - Amends the Natural Gas Act to authorize the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to direct a natural-gas entity (pipeline) to interconnect physically with other facilities at the applicants expense, in order to receive natural gas from the other facilities for transportation in the pipeline. Declares that for purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, a FERC certification of public convenience and necessity with respect to a natural gas facility is the only major Federal action requiring a detailed environmental impact statement. Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978: (1) to authorize an interstate pipeline to construct facilities incidental to transportation service upon 30 days notice to the affected State commission; and (2) require FERC to authorize any interstate pipeline to transport natural gas on behalf of any person. Amends the Natural Gas Act to declare that a mutually agreed-upon natural gas transportation rate between a natural-gas company and its customer is deemed just and reasonable, and in compliance with such Act. Sets forth expedited certification procedures for natural gas transportation and related facilities construction. Provides for the construction and operation of natural gas transportation facilities with an option not to obtain a certificate of public convenience and necessity (thus taking such facility out of the Act's jurisdiction). Authorizes FERC to issue an order finding that if a natural-gas company's market is competitive and its transportation or sales services charges are not unduly discriminatory such charges are not subject to its jurisdiction. Part 2: Natural Gas Import/Export Deregulation - States that neither FERC nor a State may prohibit or condition the importation or exportation of natural gas or treat exported or imported natural gas differently from any other natural gas while it is within the United States. Authorizes the President to: (1) waive any law relating to natural gas importation or exportation upon finding that the national interest requires it; or (2) specify when such natural gas importation or exportation law is considered satisfied if the appropriate Federal or State agency has not taken final action. Part 3: Structural Reform of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission - Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to abolish FERC and establish within the Department of Energy the Natural Gas and Electricity Administration to be headed by an Administrator appointed by the President. Transfers of the Secretary of Energy the functions of the Federal Power Commission and FERC. Sets forth rulemaking procedures for rates and charges with respect to natural gas and electricity. Subtitle C: Oil - Part I: Naval Petroleum Reserve Leasing - Naval Petroleum Reserve Leasing Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) to lease Naval Petroleum Reserve Numbered 1 (California) if it is not necessary for national defense purposes. Sets forth leasing and antitrust guidelines. Mandates the use of competitive leasing procedures, minimum royalty payments, and crude oil set asides for sale to small refiners by Reserve lessees. Authorizes the Secretary to take certain steps to arrange and conduct a leasing action. Authorizes the Secretary to acquire privately owned lands or physical improvements within a Naval Petroleum Reserve if a lease of Naval Petroleum Reserve Numbered 1 cannot be arranged. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to authorize the Secretary to store within the Strategic Petroleum Reserve a Defense Petroleum Inventory of petroleum products (in addition to any other acquisition and storage for such Reserve required by law). Directs the Secretary to obligate the United States share of funds available in the Naval Petroleum Reserve Lease Proceeds Special Account (created by this Act) for the acquisition of 10,000,000 barrels of crude oil for the Defense Petroleum Inventory. Declares that upon request of the Secretary of Defense: (1) crude oil acquired for or dedicated to the Defense Petroleum Inventory shall be drawn down and distributed by the Secretary of Energy for the Department of Defense for use, sale, or exchange; and (2) the Secretary of Energy shall replace in the Defense Petroleum Inventory crude oil drawn down on behalf of the Department of Defense. Requires the Department of Defense to reimburse the Department of Energy for services rendered under this Act. Establishes the Naval Petroleum Reserve Lease Proceeds Special Account in the Treasury to implement this Act. Funds such Special Account with amounts realized from the lease of any United States interest in Naval Petroleum Reserve Numbered 1. Sets forth a payment scheme under which lease proceeds shall be used to make payments to the State of California. Declares that: (1) the authority to lease under this Act extends to specified sections within Naval Petroleum Reserve Numbered 1; and (2) this Act does not affect the withdrawal of lands provided for in certain school land grants. Part 2: Oil Pipeline Deregulation - Oil Pipeline Regulatory Reform Act - Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to terminate FERC jurisdiction over oil and other pipelines except the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Authorizes the Attorney General to petition the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) for an adjudication of whether FERC rate regulation of an existing pipeline in any market is in the public interest. Prescribes adjudication guidelines. Provides that pipeline rates for service to markets which are not identified in a mandatory published adjudications list will no longer be subject to FERC regulatory jurisdiction. Prescribes adjudication guidelines under which the Secretary shall find that regulation of a pipeline is in the public interest only if it is demonstrated that such regulation is necessary to constrain the exercise of substantial market power in the supply and demand of products transported by the pipeline in that market. States that new pipelines shall not be subject to existing Commission regulatory jurisdiction or rate regulation, but shall be subject to common carrier regulation under such Act. States that Commission rate regulation shall be prospective only. Prohibits terminated Commission regulatory jurisdiction from reverting to any other Federal agency. Confers exclusive, original jurisdiction over any petition for judicial review upon the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Precludes from such judicial review any action of the Attorney General under this Act, including adjudication petitions. Outlines the parameters within which pipelines are required to operate as common carriers. Requires pipelines to file terms of carriage schedules (except carriage rates) with the Commission. Sets forth guidelines for maximum FERC rates on a market by market basis, subject to price cap regulation based on base rates and cumulative changes in a Competitive Pipeline Price Index. Precludes a pipeline from conditioning its services upon entering into other transactions or on taking or refraining from any action. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress regarding the results of this Act five years after the conclusion of all adjudications. Retains the applicability of antitrust laws to pipeline transportation of crude oil or refined oil products. Subtitle D: Electricity Generation and Use - Sets forth regulatory guidelines for exempt wholesale generators and qualifying facilities. Subtitle E: Nuclear Power - Part I: Licensing Reform - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to provide procedural guidelines for issuance by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) of a combined construction and operating license. Mandates that such combined license applications include a State, local, or utility emergency plan. Requires the NRC to propose implementing regulations under this Act within one year of its enactment. Part 2: Nuclear Waste Management - Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to declare that, for purposes of site characterization activities, the appropriate Federal agency shall administer the pertinent rules and regulations without regard to whether such administration has been or could be, delegated to a State or superseded by comparable State law. Declares State, local or tribal laws inapplicable to site characterization activities under this Act. Directs the Secretary to implement site characterization activities in spite of any refusal by either State, local or tribal authorities to act upon requested authorizations to proceed with related site characterization activities. Sets forth a 60-day deadline within which actions to contest the constitutionality of this Act must be brought. Prohibits a court from enjoining site characterization activities in such actions except as part of a final judgment. Subtitle F: Renewable Energy - Part I: PURPA Size Cap and Co-Firing Reform - Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA) to direct FERC to prescribe rules requiring electric utilities to offer to purchase electric capacity from alternative power production facilities only through competitive acquisition. Makes alternative power production facilities eligible for exemptions from PURPA, the Federal Power Act, and State law if they meet certain requirements. Part 2: Hydroelectric Power Regulatory Reform - Amends the Federal Power Act to include as part of the hydroelectric power licensing procedure an applicant's plan concerning studies to be undertaken in connection with the licensing process, and a summary of the applicant's consultation activities with Federal and State agencies and Indian tribes. Sets forth guidelines for additional licensing procedures. Directs FERC to coordinate a single, consolidated licensing review (including review under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969) of a hydropower project license application that is subject to Federal, State, or Indian tribal review. Removes from FERC jurisdiction hydropower projects with installed capacities of five megawatts or less that have not received a license by the date of enactment of this Act. Subtitle G: Alternative Fuel - Part I: Alternative and Dual Fuel Vehicle Credits - Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to eliminate limits on the credit toward complying with the corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards available to manufacturers for the production of light duty alternative fuel vehicles and certain dual fuel vehicles. Part 2: Alternative Transportation Fuels - Sets forth acquisition and credit allocation guidelines for alternative fuel vehicles. Requires persons who own or otherwise control a fleet of motor vehicles of different types and sizes to make a specified percentage of annual vehicle acquisitions alternative fuel vehicles. Prescribes civil and administrative penalties for noncompliance with this Act. Subtitle H: Innovation and Technology Transfer - Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to allow each Federal agency to: (1) secure copyright on behalf of the United States in any computer software prepared in whole or in part by U.S. employees under a cooperative research and development agreement or other authority, notwithstanding provisions of Federal copyright law; and (2) grant in advance to a collaborating party licenses or assignments for the copyrights, or options thereto, retaining specified rights. Adds references to software and its author to provisions governing the distribution of royalties received by Federal agencies. Subtitle I: Tax Incentives - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: extend the time period for the energy investment tax credit is from June 30, 1992 to December 31, 1993; and (2) make permanent the research activities tax credit. Mandates that certain oil and gas revenues be deposited into: (1) the miscellaneous receipts of the Treasury; and (2) a special Treasury fund for immediate availability without fiscal year limitation to the State of Alaska. Title XX: Arctic Coastal Plain Competitive Oil and Gas Leasing Act - Subtitle A: Short Title and Statement of Purpose - Arctic Coastal Plain Competitive Oil and Gas Leasing Act - Declares the purpose of this Act is to authorize competitive oil and gas leasing and development on the Coastal Plain in manner consistent with environmental concerns and the interests of the area's subsistence users. Subtitle B: Definitions - Sets forth definitions used in this Act. Subtitle C: Coastal Plain Competitive Leasing Program - Directs the Secretary of the Interior (the Secretary) to establish and implement a competitive oil and gas leasing program on the Coastal Plain. Declares that this Act is the Secretary's sole legislative authority for authorizing and conducting such a program (whether competitive or noncompetitive). Requires the Secretary to issue regulations encompassing environmental protection of the Coastal Plain. Declares that the Department of the Interior's Legislative Environmental Impact statement is compatible and consistent with the major purposes and policies of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and therefore no further environmental analysis or documentation is required for the issuance of regulations. Prescribes procedural guidelines for land lease sales on the Coastal Plain, and for exploration, development and production plans. Sets forth bonding requirements, and lease suspension and cancellation guidelines. Directs the Secretary to require lessees to unite with each other in collectively adopting and operating under a unit plan of development, including the construction of a common carrier pipeline to transport oil and gas to the exterior boundary of the Coastal Plan. Requires lessees and permittees to provide the Secretary with certain geological and geophysical data obtained from exploration or development activities. Sets forth remedies and penalties for violations of this Act. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Congress about the leasing program. Repeals certain limitations applicable to subsurface interests owned by certain Alaskan corporations. Provides for expedited judicial consideration of any claims for relief by them. Subtitle D: Coastal Plain Environmental Protection - Directs the Secretary to promulgate environmental protection regulations which ensure that Coastal Plain activities will avoid significant adverse effects on fish and wildlife, their habitat, and the environment. Requires site-specific assessment and mitigation. Designates the Sadlerochit Spring Special Area as a special area for wildlife conservation and environmental protection. Authorizes the Secretary to exclude such area from leasing and to designate other Coastal Plain areas as special areas requiring protection. Directs the Secretary to prepare and periodically update a facilities construction and siting plan for oil and gas development and transportation. Authorizes the Secretary to grant rights-of-way and easements across the Coastal Plain in a manner that does not adversely affect fish, wildlife, and the environment. Requires the Secretary to conduct additional studies to monitor the human, marine, and coastal environments. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations providing for bi-annual facility inspections for compliance with environmental and safety regulations. Subtitle E: Land Reclamation and Reclamation Liability Fund - Makes leaseholders fully responsible and liable for land reclamation within the Coastal Plan and other Federal lands adversely affected by lease activities. Requires establishment of the Coastal Plan Liability and Reclamation Fund within six months of a commercial discovery within the Coastal Plain. Subtitle F: Disposition of Oil and Gas Revenues - Prescribes revenue collection and expenditure procedures. Mandates that oil and gas revenues be deposited into the Treasury. Title XXI: Coastal Communities Impact Assistance Act of 1992 - Coastal Communities Impact Assistance Act of 1992 - Establishes the Coastal Communities Impact Assistance Fund to provide impact assistance to eligible coastal States and counties for infrastructure, services, competing uses, and natural resources from revenues derived from proximate Outer Continental Shelf natural gas and oil production activities. Title XXII: Alaska Power Administration Sale Authorization Act - Alaska Power Administration Sale Authorization Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to sell: (1) the Snettisham Hydroelectric Project to the State of Alaska Power Authority; and (2) the Eklutna Hydroelectric Project to the Municipality of Anchorage. Directs the Secretary to deposit sale proceeds into the miscellaneous receipts of the Treasury. Declares that both Projects shall continue to be exempt from Federal Power Act requirements (subject to a certain Memorandum of Agreement). Grants the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska jurisdiction to review and enforce such Memorandum, (including the remedy of specific performance). Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) issue rights-of-way with respect to certain Eklutna lands to the Alaska Power Administration for subsequent reassignment to the Eklutna Purchasers (SIC); and (2) convey to the State of Alaska (with respect to certain Snettisham lands) improved lands under certain statutory selection entitlements. Title XXIII: Access to Justice Act of 1992 - Access to Justice Act of 1992 - Amends the Federal judicial code to provide that, in determining whether a matter in controversy exceeds the sum or value of $50,000 for purposes of Federal diversity of citizenship jurisdiction, the amount of damages for pain and suffering or mental anguish, punitive or exemplary damages, and attorneys' fees or costs shall not be included. Requires that on February 1 of each year the threshold amount for diversity jurisdiction (currently, $50,000) be adjusted to the nearest thousand dollars to reflect change in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, United States City Average, All Items, under its current official reference based as designated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor (CPI-U). Entitles the prevailing party in a diversity action to attorneys fees only to the extent that such party prevails on any position or claim advanced during the litigation. Specifies that the sum of entitled attorneys' fees shall be paid by the nonprevailing party but shall not exceed the attorneys' fees of the nonprevailing party with regard to such position or claim; and that, if the nonprevailing party with receives services under a contingent fee agreement, the sum of the entitled attorneys' fees shall not exceed the reasonable value of such services. Requires counsel of record in any such action to maintain accurate, complete records of hours worked on the matter regardless of the fee arrangement with his client. Authorizes the court to limit fees recovered if it finds special circumstances that make payment of such fees unjust. Makes provisions of this Act (with respect to attorneys' fees in diversity cases) inapplicable to actions removed from State court or to the United States or any State, agency of the United States or any State, or any official, officer, or employee of a Federal or State agency. Amends the Equal Access to Justice Act to bar the award of attorney fees in excess of $75 per hour unless the court determines that an increase in the cost of living, as reflected by the change in the CPI-U (currently, unless the court determines that such an increase, or a special factor, such as the limited availability of qualified attorneys for the proceedings involved) justifies a higher fee. Sets forth provisions with respect to the calculation of the cost of living adjustment in such cases. Amends the Federal judicial code to require a claimant, at least 30 days before filing suit, to transmit written notice to the intended defendant or defendants: (1) of the specific claims involved, including the amount of actual damages and expenses incurred and to be incurred; and (2) at an address reasonably calculated to provide actual notice to each such party. Requires that a certificate of service evidencing compliance with such provision be filed with the court at the commencement of the action. Provides for a 30-day extension of any applicable statute of limitations (SL), in the event that such SL would expire during the period of such notice. Makes the requirements of this provision inapplicable under specified circumstances, such as in bankruptcy proceedings and where the defendant (or the assets that are the subject of the action or would satisfy the judgement) is subject to flight. Specifies that in the event that the district court finds that such requirements have not been fulfilled by the claimant, and such defect is asserted by the defendant within 60 days of service of the summons or complaint upon such defendant, the claim shall be dismissed without prejudice and the costs of such action, including attorneys fees, shall be imposed upon the claimant. Permits the claimant, under such circumstances, to refile such claim within 60 days after dismissal regardless of any statutory limitations period if, during the 60 days after dismissal, notice is effected as provided by this Act, and the original action was timely filed. Authorizes the United States, except as otherwise specifically provided by statute, to enter into an agreement which provides that attorneys fees may be awarded against the United States or any other party to the litigation: (1) where the United States commenced the suit; (2) in civil litigation involving disputes pursuant to the Contract Disputes Act of 1978; or (3) where the United States and another party have agreed to use outcome-determinative mediation, subject to specified requirements. Sets forth further requirements with respect to the award of attorneys' fees, including the handling of such awards received by Federal agencies. Directs: (1) the chief judge of each Federal judicial circuit (other than the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit) to designate one district within the circuit to be a pilot Multi-Door Courthouse (MDC) district; and (2) the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit to designate the U.S. Claims Court to be a pilot MDC. Specifies that such designation, and the program established by this provision, shall terminate at the expiration of a three-year period following such designation, unless renewed by an Act of the Congress. Requires every court which has been designated as a MDC, within six months, to establish an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) plan, including: (1) procedures for limited discovery; (2) confidentiality of proceedings as to possible subsequent pretrial and trial actions; and (3) the selection, use, and payment of nonjudicial personnel who may be selected to conduct ADR procedures. Specifies that such plan shall also establish standards for determining which cases are appropriate for ADR, considering such factors as whether factual issues predominate over legal issues, whether the case involves complex or novel legal issues requiring judicial action, and any other factors the court considers relevant. Requires that each plan: (1) provide that each Federal judge or, in a case assigned to a magistrate judge, magistrate judge in a MDC conduct a conference with counsel within 120 days after a complaint is filed to review nonbinding, voluntary ADR procedures that may be used in lieu of litigation to resolve the claims in controversy; and (2) authorize the parties, if they agree, to utilize nonbinding ADR procedures that may be used in lieu of litigation to resolve the claims in controversy, such as early neutral evaluation, traditional mediation, outcome-determinative mediation, minitrials, summary jury trials, and arbitration. Sets forth additional plan requirements. Authorizes: (1) the district courts, in carrying out their plans, to use the volunteer services of nonjudicial personnel to conduct ADR procedures; and (2) the courts to establish and pay, subject to limits set by the Judicial Conference of the United States, the amount of compensation, if any, that each neutral shall receive for services rendered in each case. Authorizes the Chief Justice of the United States to designate and assign temporarily a district judge of one circuit for service in another circuit, either in a district court or court of appeals, whenever the business of that court so requires (under current law, upon presentation of a certificate of necessity by the chief judge or circuit justice of the circuit wherein the need arises). Includes among the duties of the Director of the Administrative Office of U.S. Courts to secure information as the courts' need for temporary judicial resources to ease overcrowded dockets (including information on delays being encountered in the maintenance of civil suits) and prepare and transmit annually to the Chief Justice, the chief judges of the circuits, the Congress, and the Attorney General, statistical data, reports, and recommendations summarizing the results of this inquiry. Provides that: (1) no State judicial officer shall be held liable for any costs, including attorneys' fees, in any proceeding in vindication of civil rights brought against such officer for an act or omission taken in an official capacity (act); and (2) in any civil action for deprivation of rights brought against a judicial officer for such an act committed in such officer's official capacity, injunctive relief shall not be granted unless a declaratory decree was violated or declaratory relief was unavailable. Amends the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act to provide that, in actions brought by any adult convicted of a crime confined in any jail, prison, or other correctional facility, the court shall (under current law, if the court believes that such a requirement would be appropriate and in the interests of justice) continue such case for a period not to exceed 180 (currently, 90) days in order to require exhaustion of remedies. Requires the Attorney General, upon request of a State or local corrections agency, to provide such agency with technical advice and assistance in establishing plain, speedy, and effective administrative remedies for inmate grievances. Amends the Federal judicial code to authorize the court, with regard, to proceedings in forma pauperis, to dismiss the case if satisfied that the action fails to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. Directs the Board of the Federal Judicial Center to study and determine ways in which case and docket management (including ADR) techniques may be applied to improve the cost-effectiveness of litigation and to eliminate unjustified expense and delay, and include in the annual report of the activities of the Center details of the results of the studies and determinations made pursuant to this provision. Provides that a court en banc shall consist of all circuit judges in regular service (currently, or such number as may be prescribed in accordance with P.L. 95-486 (regarding appointments of district and circuit judges)), with exceptions. Repeals a provision of P.L. 95-486 which authorizes any court of appeals having more than 15 active judges to perform its en banc function by such number of members of its en banc courts as may be prescribed by rule of the court of appeals. Title XXIV: Health Care Liability Reform and Quality of Care Improvement Act - Health Care Liability Reform and Quality of Care Improvement Act of 1992 - Subtitle A: Findings and Purpose - Sets forth: (1) findings regarding this title and (2) the purpose of this title. Subtitle B: Health Care Liability Reforms - Requires, in order to be eligible to participate in the incentive program provided for in this subtitle, that States have in effect the health care liability reforms set forth in this subtitle. Requires, in any health care liability action, the liability of each defendant for non-economic damages to be several and not joint, with each defendant liable only for the proportion of that defendant's fault and a separate judgment against that defendant in that amount. Prohibits awarding non-economic damages over a certain dollar amount in any health care liability action, subject to waiver. Reduces the total damages received by a plaintiff by the amount of any collateral source benefits. Allows: (1) future economic damage awards to be paid periodically based on when the damages are likely to occur or at the time the damages accrue; and (2) in certain circumstances, the court to require the health care provider to purchase an annuity or fund a reversionary trust to make such periodic payments. Prohibits reopening a judgment awarding periodic payments to contest, amend, or modify the schedule or amount in the absence of fraud or any ground permitting relief after entry of a final judgment. Declares it U.S. policy to encourage alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Requires a State to establish at least one ADR mechanism. Requires a State to: (1) cooperate with Federal research efforts regarding patient outcomes, clinical effectiveness, and clinical practice guidelines; (2) collect, analyze, and supply the Secretary of Health and Human Services with information regarding the performance of State medical boards; and (3) impose continuing education requirements on a disciplined physician. Allows alternatives to these requirements regarding medical boards and continuing education if the Secretary finds the alternatives at least as effective in reducing the incidence of negligence as compliance with the requirements. Allows States three years from the adoption of this title to enact, adopt, or otherwise comply with the requirements of this subtitle. Requires withholding two percent of payments to States computed under specified provisions of title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act and one percent of payments to hospitals computed under specified provisions of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act and redistribution of the withheld funds to those States and hospitals which have complied with the provisions of this subtitle. Allows waiver of the requirements of this title for any experimental, pilot, or demonstration project which is likely to assist in promoting the objectives of this title. Subtitle C: Federal Implementation of Health Care Liability Reforms - Amends Federal law to prohibit, in a health care liability action, finding the United States jointly and severally liable for non-economic damages. Allows liability only for those non-economic damages directly attributable to its pro rata share of fault. Reduces damages paid by the United States by the amount of any collateral source benefits. Prohibits awarding non-economic damages, in an action against the United States, over a certain dollar amount. Requires, at the request of the United States when future economic damages are awarded in excess of a specified amount, an order that such damages be paid by periodic payments based on when the damages are likely to occur. Allows the United States, in such cases, to pay the judgment periodically or purchase an annuity or fund a reversionary trust. Prohibits reopening the judgment to contest, amend, or modify the schedule or amount in the absence of fraud or any ground permitting relief after entry of a final judgment. Subtitle D: Construction of Provisions - Provides for construction of this title, severability, and the effective date of this title. Title XXV: Product Liability Fairness Act - Subtitle A - Product Liability Fairness Act - Declares that this title governs any product liability action brought against a manufacturer or product seller, on any theory, for harm caused by a product. States that a civil action brought against a manufacturer or product seller for loss or damage to a product itself or commercial loss shall be governed by applicable commercial or contract law. Supersedes any inconsistent State law regarding recovery in such actions. Lists specific laws not superseded, including: (1) defense of sovereign immunity asserted by any State or by the United States; (2) any Federal law (except the Federal Employees Compensation Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act); (3) the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act of 1976; (4) State choice-of-law rules; (5) the right of any court to transfer venue or to apply the law of a foreign nation or to dismiss a claim of a foreign nation or citizen on the ground of inconvenient forum; and (6) any statutory or common law cause of action, including an action to abate a nuisance, that authorizes a State or person to institute an action for civil damages or civil penalties, clean up costs, injunctions, restitution, cost recovery, punitive damages, or any other form of relief from contamination or pollution of the environment or the threat of it. Declares that U.S. district courts shall not have jurisdiction over any civil action under this title, based on specified provisions of Federal law relating to district court jurisdiction. Declares that, if any provision of this title would shorten the period during which a manufacturer or seller would otherwise be exposed to liability, the claimant may, notwithstanding that period, bring any civil action under this title within one year after the effective date of this title. Subtitle B - Allows any claimant to bring a civil action for damages against a person for harm caused by a product under applicable State law, except to the extent such law is superseded by this title. Sets forth expedited settlement measures, including: (1) an option to include an offer of settlement, for a specific dollar amount, by the plaintiff in the complaint and by the defendant in a responsive pleading; and (2) awarding attorney's fees and costs, in certain circumstances, to the prevailing party if the other party does not accept the settlement offer. Sets forth alternative dispute resolution procedures, including: (1) an option, in lieu of or in addition to a settlement offer, for a claimant or a defendant to offer to proceed under any voluntary alternative dispute resolution procedure established or recognized under the law of the State in which the action is brought or maintained; and (2) awarding of attorney's fees and costs to the offering party if the court determines that a refusal to so proceed was unreasonable or not in good faith. Creates a rebuttable presumption that a refusal to so proceed was unreasonable, or not in good faith, if a verdict is rendered in favor of the offeror. Subtitle C - Allows a person seeking to recover for harm caused by a product to bring a civil action against the manufacturer or seller under applicable State or Federal law, except to the extent such law is superseded by this title. Establishes a standard of product seller liability for proximate causes of harm, established by a preponderance of the evidence, which fall under the categories of negligence or express warranty. Allows the trier of facts, in a negligence action, to consider the conduct of the seller with respect to: (1) the construction, inspection, or condition of the product; and (2) failure to pass on warnings or instructions from the manufacturer. Deems the seller not liable for failure to provide warnings or instructions unless the claimant establishes that the seller failed to: (1) provide warnings or instructions received while the product was in the seller's possession and control; or (2) make reasonable efforts to provide users with warnings and instructions which it received after the product left its possession and control. Deems a seller not liable except for breach of warranty where there was no opportunity to inspect the product in a manner which would or should, in the exercise of reasonable care, have revealed the aspect which allegedly caused the harm. Declares that the seller shall be treated as the manufacturer and be liable for harm caused by a product as if it were the manufacturer if: (1) the manufacturer is not subject to service of process in any State in which the action might have been brought; or (2) the court determines that the claimant would be unable to enforce a judgment against the manufacturer. Allows punitive damages, if otherwise permitted by applicable law, to be awarded in any civil action under this subtitle to any claimant who establishes by clear and convincing evidence that the harm suffered was the result of conduct manifesting a manufacturer's or product seller's conscious, flagrant indifference to the safety of those persons who might be harmed by a product. Declares that a failure to exercise reasonable care in choosing among alternative product designs, formulations, instructions, or warnings is not of itself such conduct. Prohibits awarding punitive damages in the absence of a compensatory award, subject to exception. Prohibits punitive damages against a manufacturer or seller of a drug or medical device where: (1) the drug or device was subject to pre-market approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); or (2) the drug is generally recognized as safe and effective under conditions established by the FDA. Prohibits punitive damages against a manufacturer of an aircraft where: (1) the aircraft was subject to pre-market certification by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); and (2) the manufacturer complied, after delivery, with FAA requirements and obligations with respect to continuing airworthiness. Provides for separate proceedings, if requested by the manufacturer or seller, with regard to punitive damages. Lists factors the trier of fact is allowed to consider in determining the amount of punitive damages. Bars any civil action under this subtitle: (1) unless filed within two years after the claimant discovered or should have discovered the harm and its cause, subject to exception; and (2) if the product involved is a capital good that is alleged to have caused harm which is not a toxic harm unless filed within twenty-five years after delivery of the product, provided the claimant has received or would be eligible for State or Federal workers' compensation. Excludes a motor vehicle, vessel, aircraft, or railroad used primarily to transport passengers for hire from these time limitations. States that nothing in these provisions affects the right of any person who is subject to liability under this title to obtain contribution or indemnity from any other person who is responsible for the harm. Requires reduction in the damages awarded by the sum of all State or Federal workers' compensation benefits to which the employee is or would be entitled. Requires a claimant in a civil action under this subtitle who is or may be eligible to receive State or Federal workers' compensation to notify the claimant's employer of the civil action. Requires an action to be stayed, at the sole discretion of the claimant, until a final determination is made on the amount payable as workers' compensation benefits. Declares that, unless the manufacturer or seller has expressly agreed to indemnify or hold an employer harmless, neither the employer nor the workers' compensation insurance carrier shall have a right of subrogation, contribution, or implied indemnity against the manufacturer or seller or a lien against the claimant's recovery, except if the claimant's harm was not in any way caused by the fault of the claimant's employer or co-employees. Allows the employer or workers' compensation insurer to intervene in the action to prove that fact. Prohibits a third party tortfeasor, where workers' compensation is involved, from maintaining any action for implied indemnity or contribution against the employer, any coemployee, or the exclusive representative of the injured person. Prohibits, for a person who is or would have been entitled to receive workers' compensation, any other action, unless a State or Federal workers' compensation law permits recovery based on a claim of an intentional tort. Makes these provisions inapplicable and declares that applicable State law shall control if the employer or the workers' compensation insurer asserts a right of subrogation, contribution, or implied indemnity against the manufacturer or seller or a lien against the claimant's recovery. Declares that, in any product liability action, the liability of each defendant for noneconomic damages shall be several and not joint. Requires the trier of fact to determine the proportion of responsibility of each party for the claimant's harm. Establishes a complete defense, in any civil action under this title in which all defendants are manufacturers or sellers, that the claimant was under the influence of alcohol or any drug and that, as a result, the claimant was more than 50 percent responsible for the event which resulted in the harm. Defines "drug" to mean any non-over-the-counter drug which has not been prescribed by a physician. Title XXVI: Civil Liberties Act Amendments of 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. Includes non-Japanese spouses and parents who were interned with their spouses or children during World War II in the definition of the term "of Japanese ancestry." Modifies requirements regarding payments made in the case of deceased persons. Regulates judicial review of denial of compensation. Alters the maximum termination date for the Fund. Removes provisions requiring any refused payment to remain in the Fund. Removes provisions establishing and generally providing for the Fund's Board of Directors. Title XXVII: Federal Credit and Debt Management Act of 1992 - Federal Credit and Debt Management Act of 1992 - Amends Federal law to provide that for certain collections procedures "a person" includes an individual and a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, non-profit organization, or other form of business association. Requires the head of an executive or legislative agency to take all appropriate and cost-effective actions to collect aggressively all claims of the U.S. Government. Expands agency debt-collection authorities. Prohibits any person from obtaining any Federal financial assistance in the form of a loan (except for a Commodity Credit Corporation price support loan) or loan guarantee if such person has an outstanding debt with an executive agency which is in a delinquent status. Allows the agency head to waive such prohibition. Requires persons doing business with the Federal Government in any loan program, as grant recipients, insurance or license recipients, or contractors to furnish their taxpayer identifying number. Requires agency disclosure on the use of such number to include the intent to use it for purposes of collecting or reporting on delinquent amounts arising out of the persons' relationship with the Federal Government. Sets forth requirements for the head of each Federal agency guaranteeing or insuring loans with respect to program management. Requires the charge of a late fee, in addition to scheduled principal and interest, on claims that are in delinquent status. Requires the assessment, in addition to the late fee, of any amounts necessary to cover the charges levied by another agency or private collector for collecting delinquent claims through Federal salary offset, tax refund offset, private debt collection contractors, or other such explicit fees or charges. Authorizes agencies to retain one-half of collected fees to be used for specified purposes. Sets forth requirements for agency disclosures of information to credit reporting agencies. Removes restrictions on legal fees charged for contracts for collection services in cases of claims of indebtedness owed to the United States. Title XXVIII: Reduce Certain Commodity Credit Corporation Subsidies of Those with Off-Farm Income of $100,000 or More - Prohibits specified Commodity Credit Corporation payments to persons with off-farm adjusted gross income of $100,000 or more. Reduces payments to an entity in proportion to the ownership interest of any such person. Title XXIX: Farm Credit System Financial Assistance Corporation Repayment Act of 1992 - Farm Credit System Financial Assistance Corporation Repayment Act of 1992 - Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to require each Farm Credit System (FCS) bank to make annual payments to the Financial Assistance Corporation (Corporation) in order to maintain specified capital levels. Requires the Corporation (currently each FCS institution) to repay Treasury-paid interest. Title XXX: Recover Costs of Carrying Out Federal Marketing Agreements and Orders - Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1933 to provide for Federal marketing order cost recovery through handler fees. Title XXXI: Eliminate Provisions for Permanent Annual Appropriations to Support Land Grant Universities - Amends Federal law (the "Second Morrill Act") to replace permanent annual appropriation provisions with permanent annual authorization of appropriation provisions with regard to land grant university funding. Title XXXII: Power Marketing Administration Timely Payment Act - Power Marketing Administration Timely Payment Act - Mandates that each power marketing administration provide for timely repayment to the Treasury of principal and interest for power investments. Prescribes repayment guidelines. Title XXXIII: Emerging Telecommunications Technologies Act of 1992 - 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 relation 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) revises 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, 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 complete 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 Act. 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. Title XXXIV: Enterprise for the Americas Act of 1992 - Enterprise for the Americas Initiative Act of 1991 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to contribute a grant to the Enterprise for the Americas Investment Fund to be administered by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Fund to: (1) provide grants to advance market-oriented policy initiatives and reforms to encourage investment in Latin America and the Caribbean; and (2) finance technical assistance for privatizing government-owned industries, enterprise development and business infrastructure, and worker training and education programs. Permits the Secretary to seek contributions to the Fund from other countries. Establishes in the Department of the Treasury the Enterprise for the Americas Facility to support improvement in the lives of the people of Latin America and the Caribbean through market-oriented reforms and economic growth with actions to promote debt reduction, investment reforms, trade liberalization, and community based conservation and sustainable use of the environment. Makes eligible for Facility benefits Latin American or Caribbean countries that: (1) have in effect, received approval for, or are making progress toward, specified International Monetary Fund arrangements and structural or sectoral adjustment loans from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development or the International Development Association; (2) have put in place major investment reforms in conjunction with an IDB loan or are implementing or making progress toward an open investment regime; and (3) have agreed with commercial bank lenders on a financing program for debt or debt service reduction. Authorizes the President to reduce the amount owed to the United States (as a result of concessional loans made pursuant to the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 or predecessor foreign economic assistance legislation) by any country eligible for Facility benefits. Declares that this title may be exercised notwithstanding provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the International Development and Food Assistance Act of 1975 concerning repayments of loans outstanding after September 19, 1966, and the settlement of debts owed to the United States. Sets forth requirements with respect to the exchange of obligations, repayment of principal, and interest on new obligations issued by beneficiary countries. Requires beneficiary countries that enter into Environmental Framework Agreements to establish Enterprise for the Americas Environmental Funds. Authorizes the President to enter into Environmental Framework Agreements concerning the operation and use of Environmental Funds with countries eligible for Facility benefits. Directs administering bodies in each beneficiary country to administer the Environmental Funds and to make grants for environmental activities. Requires grants from the Funds to be used for activities that link the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources with local community development. Subjects grants of more than $100,000 to veto by the U.S. Government or the government of the beneficiary country. Establishes an Environment for the Americas Board to: (1) advise the Secretary on the negotiations of Environmental Framework Agreements; (2) ensure that a suitable administering body is identified for each Environmental Fund; and (3) review the programs, operations, and fiscal audits of administering bodies. Declares that the President should: (1) encourage other official creditors of beneficiary countries whose debt is reduced under this Act to provide debt reduction to such countries; and (2) ensure that Environmental Funds are able to receive donations from private and public entities and private creditors of beneficiary countries. Authorizes the President to: (1) sell to any eligible purchaser any loan of an eligible country made pursuant to the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945; (2) sell to any eligible purchaser any asset acquired by the Commodity Credit Corporation in connection with export sales to an eligible country or specified export credit guarantee programs; and (3) reduce or cancel any loans or assets made or acquired before 1991 upon receipt of payment from an eligible purchaser. Permits loans or assets to be sold only to purchasers who present plans to the President for using such loans or assets to engage in debt-for-equity, debt-for-development, or debt-for-nature swaps. Authorizes loans or assets to be reduced or canceled only for purposes of facilitating such swaps. Directs the President to report annually to the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate on the Facility. Title XXXV: Repeal the Trade Adjustment Assistance Program - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to terminate worker trade adjustment assistance under the Act's trade adjustment assistance program after September 30, 1992. Title XXXVI: VA Medical Care Cost Recovery Amendment of 1992 - Medical Care Cost Recovery Amendment of 1992 - Amends Federal provisions which authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to recover from a third party insurer the cost of care and services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs to a veteran for a non-service-connected disability for which such third party would otherwise have been responsible to provide to eliminate the October 1, 1993, delimiting date by which such care and services must have been received in ordered to be recovered by the Department, in the case of a veteran who also has a service-connected disability and is entitled to care under a health-plan contract. Title XXXVII: Veterans' Home Loan Improvement Act of 1992 - Veterans' Home Loan Improvement Act of 1992 - Revises the loan fee required to be paid by a veteran to the Department of Veterans Affairs in the case of a loan made, guaranteed, or insured by the Department to set such fee at the following percentages of the total amount of the loan: (1) two percent, in the case of loans made for the purchase of manufactured homes and lots; and (2) two and one-half percent, in the case of a veteran who has previously obtained a guaranteed loan, without respect to the loan purpose or the amount of down payment. Waives the two and one-half percent fee in some instances. Waives a specified percentage increase in the amount of such loan fee for loans closed between November 1, 1990, and September 30, 1991. Reduces from 95 to 90 percent of the total purchase price of the property securing the loan the amount which will be guaranteed by the Department in the case of loans made for the purchase of manufactured homes and lots. Makes such guaranteed loan amount also 90 percent of the reasonable value of the dwelling or farm residence in the case of a veteran who has previously obtained a guaranteed loan without respect to the loan purpose or the amount of down payment. Waives the later 90-percent limitation in some instances. Title XXXVIII: Permanent Extension of Certain Veterans-Related Income Verification and Pension Provisions in the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize the Secretary of Veterans to permanently (currently ends September 30, 1992) utilize Internal Revenue Service and Social Security Administration data for income verification purposes. Makes permanent (also currently expires on such date) the authority to obtain such information from the Secretaries of the Treasury or Health and Human Services. Makes permanent (currently expires on September 30, 1992) the $90 maximum monthly pension authorized for a veteran having neither spouse nor child and being furnished domiciliary care by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Title XXXIX: Target Entitlement for Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits to Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities Rated 30 Percent or More; and Adjust Military Pay Reduction for Montgomery GI Bill Participants - Entitles a veteran to a veterans' rehabilitation program if such veteran has a service-connected disability rated at 30 (currently, 20) percent or more and which was incurred in service after September 16, 1940. Provides that certain reductions from basic pay taken to allow for coverage of basic educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill shall include only those individuals who first entered onto active duty before October 1, 1992 (currently, such reduction applies to all service members). Makes identical changes with regard to entitlement for reserve personnel and for certain active-duty personnel enrolling in the basic education assistance program before being involuntarily separated from service. Title XL - Retirement Modification Act of 1992 - Retirement Modification Act of 1992 - Increases Federal employee contributions to the Civil Service Retirement System by one percent on January 1, 1993, and by an additional one percent on January 1, 1994. Repeals provisions under the Civil Service Retirement System, Federal Employees' Retirement System, Foreign Service Act of 1980, and Central Intelligence Agency Retirement Act of 1964 for Certain Employees providing for alternative forms of annuities. Title XLI: Conform the Definition of Compensation Under the Railroad Retirement Tax Act to That Under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to conform the definition of employee compensation under the Railroad Retirement Tax Act and the Railroad Retirement Act to that under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act. Title XLII - Extend the Duration of the Patent and Trademark Office User Fee Surcharge Through 1997 - Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 to extend from 1995 to 1997 the authority of the Patent and Trademark Office to impose user fee surcharges. Sets forth permissible surcharge revisions for FY 1996 and 1997. Title XLIII: Expanding Existing Army Corps of Engineers User Fees for Use of Developed Recreation Sites - Amends the Flood Control Act of 1968 to authorize the Secretary of the Army to charge fees for use of developed recreation sites and facilities, including, but not limited to, campsites, swimming beaches, and boat launching ramps. (Current law prohibits fees for such sites and facilities.) Prohibits the Secretary from charging fees for use or provision of drinking water, wayside exhibits, general purpose roads, overlook sites, toilet facilities, or general visitor information. Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to repeal the requirement that at lakes or reservoirs under jurisdiction of the Corps of Engineers where camping is permitted, at least one primitive campground be provided free of charge. (Thus permitting user fees for all such campsites and facilities. Title XLIV - Extend Authority to Collect Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fees - Amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to extend from 1995 to 1997 the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to collect abandoned mine reclamation fees. Title XLV: FCC User Fees - Federal Communications Commission User Fee Act of 1992 - Directs the Federal Communications Commission, in FY 1993 and thereafter, to collect user fees from users of Commission services to recover the total nonapplication processing operational costs of the Commission. Title XLVI: Limitation on Mandatory Spending - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm Rudman-Hollings Act) to set forth limitations on direct spending. Requires an offsetting sequestration whenever any increase in the annual amount of direct spending exceeds the amount resulting from the increase in beneficiary population, and changes in the consumer price index, plus 2.5 percent per year (1.6 percent after enactment of comprehensive health reform). Requires any amount required to be sequestered to be obtained from direct spending accounts. Requires the use of the special reconciliation process whenever an update report indicates that a sequester would be necessary. Title XLVII: Extension of Budget Enforcement Act and Application to Credit Programs - Amends the Congressional Budget Act to sets forth the maximum deficit amounts for FY 1996 and 1997. Revises the discretionary spending limits for FY 1994 and 1995 and sets forth such amounts in the defense, international, and budget categories. Establishes such amounts for FY 1996 and 1997. Declares that such amounts reflect adjustments through the OMB FY 1993 sequestration preview report in the President's FY 1993 Budget. Sets forth aggregate credit limits for subsidy costs, direct loan obligations, and loan guarantee commitments for FY 1993 through FY 1997. Extends certain pay-as-you-go provisions through FY 1997. Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to extend enforcement authorities until 1997. Title XLVIII: Congressional Budget Reform Act of 1992 - Congressional Budget Reform Act of 1992 - Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to change concurrent budget resolutions into joint budget resolutions. Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Rules of the House of Representatives and the Deficit Control Act of 1985. Title XLIX: Legislative Line Item Veto Act of 1992 - Legislative Line Item Veto Act of 1992 - Amends the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to grant the President line item veto rescission authority. Establishes congressional procedure for consideration of such rescissions.
Law· HJRESH.J.Res. 399 (102nd)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1992
Designates the week beginning November 1, 1992, as National Medical Staff Services Awareness Week.
Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 247 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1992
Designates June 11, 1992, as National Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors Day.
Bill· HRH.R. 4143 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1992
Health Equity and Access Improvement Act of 1992 - Title I: Tax Incentives for Health Care Access - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a tax credit of up to $600 for an individual ($1200 for a family) for qualified health expenses. Provides that in the case of a taxpayer whose adjusted gross income exceeds $10,000 ($20,000 for a family) the credit shall be reduced by an amount equal to ten percent of the excess. Permits a tax deduction, for both itemizers and nonitemizers, for the cost of health insurance premiums for which no other compensation is received. Provides an employer health insurance credit for small businesses equal to 25 percent of the qualified health care costs of the employer in the first year the employer offers health coverage to employees and which is then reduced five percentage points annually. Raises from 25 percent to 100 percent the deduction allowed to self-employed individuals for health insurance premiums and makes the deduction permanent. Provides a credit for a qualified primary health services provider who practices in a rural health professional shortage area. Sets forth a formula for determining such credit. Excludes from gross income any payment made on behalf of a taxpayer by the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program. Permits a physician in a rural health professional shortage area to expense up to $25,000 worth of rural health care property. Provides that interest on student loan payments by medical professionals practicing in rural areas shall not be treated as personal interest and will therefore qualify as a tax deduction. Title II: Health Care Reform Provisions - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to request the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to develop a model health care insurance benefits plan that shall contain standards that entities offering health care insurance policies should meet with respect to the benefits and coverage provided under such policies and report on such standards to the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to develop such a plan if the NAIC fails to develop such a plan or if the NAIC plan does not meet specified requirements. Sets forth such requirements. Requires the Secretary, taking into account recommendations of the Managed Care Advisory Committee, to develop recommended standards that insurers offering managed care plans should meet with respect to the benefits, coverage, and delivery systems provided under such plans. Establishes the Managed Care Advisory Committee. Provides that in the case of a managed care plan meeting recommended standards, specified provisions of State law will be preempted and will not be enforced against the managed care plan with respect to an insurer offering such plan. Permits a qualified small employer purchasing group, upon application to and approval by the Secretary, to enter into contracts with carriers to provide health insurance coverage to eligible employees. Establishes standards which health care insurers must meet in a contract with a small business. Requires such insurers, among other things, to: (1) provide coverage and benefits consistent with the model health care insurance benefits plan; (2) meet specified registration and disclosure requirements; (3) not exclude from coverage any eligible employee; (4) not extend beyond six months any limitation on any preexisting condition and, with respect to such limitation, apply it only to preexisting conditions which manifested themselves or for which medical care was sought during the three months preceding coverage; (5) guarantee renewability of the contract at the employer's election, unless the contract is terminated for cause, and (6) establish premiums that meet specified standards. Requires that each entity providing medical or other health care services comply with the uniform standards for reporting health care services and processing claims established by the NAIC. Provides for establishment of the standards. Title III: Medical Liability Reform - Sets forth provisions concerning settlement offers in medical malpractice cases. Establishes an Alternative Dispute Resolution Board of Advisers to make recommendations to the Secretary concerning the establishment of a model voluntary alternative dispute resolution program for medical malpractice cases. Sets caps on the payment of future losses, noneconomic damages, and attorneys' fees. Prohibits joint liability in a civil action for noneconomic damages. Establishes a statute of limitations for a medical malpractice unit action. Requires each State to: (1) allocate its medical licensing fees to the State agency responsible for licensing and disciplinary actions; (2) require that at least 25 percent of a disciplinary board's membership shall be from the general public; (3) have in effect a Statewide risk management program; and (4) establish a health care disciplinary trust fund consisting of all punitive damages awards resulting from medical malpractice and medical products civil actions. Protects a health care producer of a drug or device from punitive damages if the drug or device was subject to approval or premarket approval under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary to make a grant to an entity representing recipients of assistance at migrant health centers and community health centers to develop a business plan and establish a nationwide risk retention group as provided for in the Liability Risk Retention Act of 1986. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Public Health Provisions - Amends the Social Security Act to add a new title, Title XXI: BASICARE. Authorizes appropriations under title XXI for the purpose of providing basic health care benefits to low-income uninsured individuals who are not eligible for Medicaid coverage. Requires a State, in order to receive funding under title XXI, to submit and have approved by the Secretary a BasiCare assistance plan. Sets forth plan requirements. Requires, for BasiCare eligibility, that: (1) family income be below 200 percent of the poverty line; (2) an individual not be eligible for Medicaid; and (3) an individual not be otherwise covered under a health plan by the individual's employer. Permits the imposition of deductibles, copayments, and premiums if income is between 100 to 200 percent of the poverty line. Establishes the Federal Medical Waiver Demonstration Board to review applications submitted by States to conduct health care related demonstration projects. Requires the Board to develop at least three different model health care delivery plans. Permits the Board, upon approval of a State's demonstration project, to waive the following provisions of Federal law: (1) the Public Health Service Act; (2) title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act; (3) titles XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (BASICARE) of the Social Security Act; (4) all health care programs administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; and (5) the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Title V: Medically Underserved Areas - Authorizes appropriations for the National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program and the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program. Directs the Secretary to establish and administer a program to provide allotments to States to enable such States to provide grants for the creation or enhancement of community based primary health care entities that provide services to pregnant women and children up to age three. Requires grant recipients to substantially target populations of pregnant women and children who: (1) lack health care coverage or ability to pay for health care services; or (2) reside in medically underserved or health professional shortage areas. Directs the Secretary to award grants to Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and other entities submitting applications for the purpose of providing access to services for medically underserved populations or in high impact areas not currently served by a FQHC. Limits the expenditure of funds awarded an FQHC to the provision of those services provided under the Medicaid program and any unreimbursed costs of providing services under the community based primary health care grant program. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to award competitive grants to eligible entities to enable such entities to develop and implement a plan for mental health outreach programs in rural areas. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary, in awarding grants under the Public Health Service Act relating to the research, teaching, and training activities of health personnel educational entities, to give priority to those entities that have a high permanent rate for placing graduates in settings serving residents of medically underserved communities and that otherwise demonstrate a commitment to serving such communities. Directs the Secretary to award grants to health professions institutions to expand training programs that are targeted at those individuals desiring to practice in or serve the needs of medically underserved communities. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to award grants to eligible regional consortia to enhance and expand coordination among various health professions programs, particularly in medically underserved rural areas. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants, under the area health education center provisions of the Act, to rural communities to enable such communities to provide stipends to physicians, nurses, or other health professional trainees to encourage such individuals to continue to provide health care services in such rural communities. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to award competitive grants to eligible entities to enable such entities to facilitate the development of networks among rural and urban health care providers to preserve and share health care resources and enhance the quality and availability of health care in rural areas. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to award competitive grants to eligible entities to enable such entities to develop and administer cooperatives in rural areas that will establish an effective case management and reimbursement system designed to support the economic viability of essential public or private health services, facilities, health care systems, and health care resources in such rural areas. Authorizes appropriations. Amends: (1) the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 to authorize appropriations for the Rural Health Care Transition Grant Program; and (2) title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize appropriations for the Essential Access Community Hospital Program. Title VI: Incentives to Encourage Preventive Services - Provides a tax credit for qualified preventive services of up to $250. Includes on a list of preventive services: (1) cancer screening tests; (2) childhood immunizations; (3) mammograms; (4) pap tests for uterine cancer; and (5) other specified examinations and tests. Authorizes appropriations, under the Public Health Service Act, for grants for preventive health service programs for the provision, without charge, of immunizations.
Bill· HRH.R. 4142 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1992
Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to study and report to the Congress on the extent to which environmental and public health risks have been reduced at Superfund sites listed on the National Priorities List and to evaluate remaining environmental and health risks at those sites.