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Resolution· HRESH.Res. 268 (103rd)passed

Waiving points of order against the conference report to accompany the bill (H.R. 2491) making appropriations for the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and for sundry independent agencies, boards, commissions, corporations, and offices for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1994, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1993

Waives points of order against the consideration of the conference report on H.R. 2491 (Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development and independent agencies appropriations).

Bill· HRH.R. 3192 (103rd)referred

To deny certain benefits to candidates for election to the House of Representatives who accept contributions in excess of certain limitations, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1993

Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to political organizations to establish a campaign contribution limitation scheme applicable to the campaign committee of a candidate for election to the House of Representatives. Provides that excess campaign contributions received by such an organization shall be included in its gross income. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 and Federal postal service law to condition the lowest unit charge for campaign ads upon a candidate's certification of compliance with such contribution limitation. Expresses the sense of the Congress that additional costs incurred by the United Postal Service in providing reduced rates of postage pursuant to this Act should be funded out of revenues attributable to this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 3194 (103rd)referred

Equal Indexing for Seniors Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1993

Equal Indexing for Seniors Act of 1993 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for inflation adjustments to the income threshold amounts at which 85 percent of social security benefits become includable in gross income.

Bill· HRH.R. 3196 (103rd)referred

To amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and title 39, United States Code, to provide for an open, fair, and responsive electoral process, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1993

Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to limit out-of-State contributions to a candidate for the House of Representatives to 49 percent of the aggregate of contributions accepted from all sources. Reduces from $5,000 to $1,000 the permissible campaign contribution from a multicandidate political committee (PAC) to a candidate for Federal office. Prohibits any PAC from contributing to another PAC. Mandates that any multicandidate political committee that is affiliated with another organization include the entire organization name within its own name. Proscribes contributions made through an intermediary or conduit (bundling). Requires lobbyists to: (1) accompany their contributions with a written disclosure of their lobbyist status; and (2) report contributions to the Federal Election Commission by a specified deadline. Mandates that campaign contribution reports concerning elections for the House of Representatives segregate and itemize all out-of-State contributions. Bans "soft money" contributions. Modifies the recordkeeping requirements for political party committees. Prescribes guidelines for the allocation of contributions and expenditures for mixed activities by political party committees. Requires a labor organization to make certain annual written disclosures to all employees within its bargaining units concerning its political contributions and expenditures. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny tax-exempt status to: (1) organizations that participate or intervene in a political campaign for Federal office; and (2) certain politically active organizations. Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 regarding limitations on contributions and expenditures to subject to its purview "political organizations maintained by a candidate". Limits the size of contributions permissible in any calendar year to political committees established and maintained by a State or local political party in connection with any activity that may influence an election for Federal office. Increases from $25,000 to $50,000 the aggregate permissible contributions made by an individual in any calendar year. Amends Postal Service law to lengthen from 60 days to 90 days the pre-election period during which Members of Congress may not send franked mass mailings.

Bill· HRH.R. 3195 (103rd)referred

Middle Income Senior Tax Relief Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1993

Middle Income Senior Tax Relief Act of 1993 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the income threshold amounts at which 85 percent of social security benefits become includable in gross income.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 266 (103rd)referred

Requiring the appropriate committees of the House to report legislation to transfer certain functions of the Government Printing Office, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1993

Directs the appropriate committees of the House of Representatives to report legislation to: (1) transfer executive branch printing from the Government Printing Office (GPO) to the General Services Administration; (2) transfer the functions now carried out by the Superintendent of Documents to the Librarian of Congress, who shall be responsible for the dissemination of all Government information, with the on-line networks of the Library of Congress to be used for Government information not requiring a printed format; (3) abolish the Joint Committee on Printing and the Joint Committee on the Library and to establish a Joint Committee on Information; (4) reduce the in-house printing capacity of GPO to the minimum level necessary; (5) procure other congressional printing whenever possible from the private sector through a competitive bid process, with the procurement to be administered by the Public Printer; (6) reduce the work force at GPO to 500 positions, gradually, by the end of the second fiscal year after the fiscal year in which this resolution is agreed to; and (7) submit to the Congress an annual report by the Public Printer on the standards applicable to, and the efficiency of, GPO and triennial General Accounting Office audits of GPO functions.

Bill· HRH.R. 3179 (103rd)referred

Individual Investment Account Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1993

Individual Investment Account Act of 1993 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction for amounts contributed to individual investment accounts. Allows tax-free distributions, limited to $15,000 for all taxable years, from such accounts for use in the purchase of a principal residence by a first-time homebuyer. Makes such accounts tax-exempt unless the individual engages in prohibited transactions. Adjusts dollar limitations under this Act for inflation. Allows such deduction in determining adjusted gross income. Excludes from gross income gain from the sale or exchange of property if, during the five-year period ending on the date of the sale or exchange, such property has been owned and used by the taxpayer as a principal residence for periods aggregating three years or more. Limits such exclusion to the amount paid to an individual investment account during the one-year period beginning on the date of the sale or exchange. Provides for adjusting the basis of a residence acquired through the use of an individual investment account.

Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 270 (103rd)referred

To ensure all residents equal access to quality health care services if a managed competition health plan is enacted by requiring Members of Congress to enroll in the lowest cost health care plan offered in a Health Alliance area, and to impose an excise tax on Members of Congress equal to three times any amount the Member pays in health care premiums above the amount paid by enrollees in the lowest cost health care plan in the Health Alliance area.

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1993

Declares that: (1) all Members of Congress should enroll in the lowest price health plan in the Alliance area from which they are elected; and (2) a Member of Congress shall pay an annual excise tax equal to three times the annual difference between the health premium which the Member pays and the premium paid by enrollees in the lowest cost health plan in the Alliance area from which the Member is elected.

Bill· HRH.R. 3158 (103rd)referred

Defense Competitiveness Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1993

Defense Competitiveness Act of 1993 - Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to permit the Export-Import Bank, for a five-year period, to finance the sale of defense articles or services to a qualified country if a U.S. company and a foreign entity are competing for the sale. (Currently, the Bank is prohibited from financing such sales.) Defines a "qualified country" as Japan, any member of NATO (other than the United States), and any party to the security treaty (ANZUS Pact) between Australia, New Zealand, and the United States (other than the United States). Limits the amount of financing provided in any fiscal year. Repeals provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 concerning the international military education and training program.

Bill· HRH.R. 3147 (103rd)open

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make the targeted jobs credit permanent and to treat as a member of a targeted group every individual who has received a Department of Defense campaign ribbon, liberation ribbon, or national defense service medal.

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1993

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make the targeted jobs credit permanent law. Treats as a member of a targeted group a conflict-era veteran who has been awarded a campaign ribbon, liberation ribbon, or national defense service medal by the Department of Defense.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 264 (103rd)passed

Providing for the consideration of the bill (H.R. 2351) to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1994 and 1995 to carry out the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act of 1965, and the Museum Services Act.

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1993

Sets forth the rule for the consideration of H.R. 2351 (authorizing appropriations for the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act of 1965 and the Museum Services Act).

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 261 (103rd)passed

Waiving points of order against the conference report to accompany the bill (H.R. 2403) making appropriations for the Treasury Department, the United States Postal Service, the Executive Office of the President, and certain Independent Agencies, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1994, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1993

Waives points of order against the consideration of the conference report on H.R. 2403 (FY 1994 appropriations for the Department of the Treasury, the United States Postal Service, the Executive Office of the President, and certain independent agencies).

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 260 (103rd)passed

Relating to the consideration of Senate amendments to House amendments to Senate amendments to the bill (H.R. 2493) making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1994, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1993

Sets forth the rule for the consideration of Senate amendments to House amendments to Senate amendments of H.R. 2493 (agricultural appropriations).

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 259 (103rd)passed

Waiving points of order against the conference report to accompany the bill (H.R. 2295) making appropriations for foreign operations, export financing, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1994, and making supplemental appropriations for such programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1993, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1993

Waives points of order against the consideration of the conference report on H.R. 2295 (making appropriations for foreign operations, export financing, and related programs for FY 1993 and 1994).

Law· HJRESH.J.Res. 267 (103rd)enacted

Making continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 1994, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1993

Makes continuing appropriations for FY 1994 for projects or activities, including the costs of direct loans and loan guarantees, provided for in the following Acts: (1) the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1994; (2) the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1994; (3) the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1994; (4) the District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 1994; (5) the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 1994; (6) the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1994; (7) the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1994; (8) the Military Construction Appropriations Act, 1994; (9) the Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1994; (10) the Treasury, Postal Service, and General Government Appropriations Act, 1994; and (11) the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1994. Sets forth limitations on the use of such funds. Requires the following functions to be maintained at the current rate of operations: (1) the Council on Environmental Quality and Office of Environmental Quality activities; and (2) activities funded by the Selective Service System salaries and expenses account.

Bill· SS. 1493 (103rd)referred

South African Democratic Transition Support Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1993

South African Democratic Transition Support Act of 1993 - Expresses the sense of the Congress with respect to U.S. policy towards South Africa. Repeals specified provisions of the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986, providing for a total repeal of such Act when the President certifies to the Congress that an interim government that was elected on a nonracial basis through free and fair elections has taken office in South Africa. Urges all State or local governments and private entities in the United States to rescind any restrictions on economic interactions with South Africa. Authorizes the President to provide development and economic support fund assistance to support the transition to nonracial democracy in South Africa. Prohibits such assistance to the Government of South Africa unless the President certifies to the Congress that an interim government elected on a nonracial basis through free and fair elections has taken office. Exempts from such prohibition assistance to the Transitional Executive Council, South African higher education institutions, and any other entity that would promote the transition to nonracial democracy. Declares that the President should: (1) negotiate a tax treaty with South Africa; (2) initiate negotiations with the South African Government to provide for Overseas Private Investment Corporation programs in such country; (3) conclude cooperative agreements with South Africa on various issues; and (4) encourage other donors to expand their activities in support of the transition to nonracial democracy. States that: (1) the Director of the Trade and Development Agency should provide additional funds for projects in South Africa; (2) the Export-Import Bank should expand its activities in connection with exports to South Africa; and (3) the Director of the U.S. Information Agency should use his authorities to promote the transition to nonracial democracy. Requires the heads of Federal Government agencies, in procuring goods or services, to make affirmative efforts to assist business enterprises having more than 50 percent ownership by nonwhite South Africans. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. executive directors of international financial institutions to urge financial assistance to South Africa to support the transition to democracy.

Bill· HRH.R. 3125 (103rd)referred

Felon Identification and Police Safety Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1993

Felon Identification and Police Safety Act of 1993 - Requires the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance to reduce by 25 percent the annual allocation to a State for a fiscal year under title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 if the State has in effect a waiting period, or a system for identifying felons, before the purchase of a handgun and if the State does not have in effect specified laws and procedures regarding: (1) a records check requirement before the issuance of a driver's license and the use of magnetic strips to identify prohibited persons; (2) seizure and voiding of the driver's license upon a felony conviction or adjudication of mental incompetency; (3) funding of records checks; and (4) a requirement that the State maintain and update a computerized list of prohibited persons by reason of a conviction or adjudication in the State. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) create a national, computerized list of prohibited persons; (2) incorporate State criminal history records into the Federal criminal records system maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; (3) develop hardware and software systems to link State lists with the national list; and (4) provide any responsible State agency with access to the national list upon request. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) procedures for correcting erroneous records; and (2) judicial review with respect to persons erroneously identified as prohibited persons. Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit (with exceptions) any licensed dealer from knowingly: (1) selling a handgun to an unlicensed person unless the dealer has used an electronic device to read the magnetic strip affixed to an identification document issued to such person by the transportation agency of the State in which the premises of the dealer is located; or (2) failing to notify local law enforcement authorities, within 72 hours, of any person attempting to purchase a handgun who is identified as a prohibited person through the use of such a device. Sets penalties for violations.

Bill· HRH.R. 3129 (103rd)referred

Interstate Bank Consolidation Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1993

Interstate Bank Consolidation Act of 1993 - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to cite circumstances under which a bank holding company may combine its subsidiary banks that are located in more than one State. Precludes such combinations within a State that has elected to prohibit them. Subjects such interstate bank combinations to the regulatory scheme of the host State. Permits the imposition of a proportion of a shares tax on an out-of-State bank by a host State. Grants the States a specified period within which to elect to either permit or prohibit on a nondiscriminatory basis such interstate combinations within their borders. Amends Federal banking law to reflect the provisions of this Act. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to authorize host State regulatory authorities to enter into cooperative agreements to coordinate their examinations of out-of-State bank branches. Amends the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 to include within its purview evaluations of the interstate branches of regulated financial institutions. Amends Federal banking law to permit State taxing authorities to review the records of a federally chartered depository institution for State tax purposes. Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to prescribe guidelines for the use of bank names in a host State by a bank holding company seeking to consolidate its banks.

Bill· HRH.R. 3115 (103rd)open

Competitive Affordable Health Care Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1993

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Tax Provisions Encouraging Low-Cost Health Plans and Health Care Savings Accounts Title II: Health Care Cost Containment Subtitle A: Health Care Liability Reform Subtitle B: Limit on Self-Referrals by Health Care Provider Subtitle C: Administrative Cost Savings Subtitle D: Limitation of Antitrust Recovery for Certain Hospital Joint Ventures Subtitle E: Medicaid Program Flexibility Title III: Refundable Credit for Costs of Providing Emergency Indigent Care Competitive Affordable Health Care Act of 1993 - Title I: Tax Provisions Encouraging Low-Cost Health Plans and Health Care Savings Accounts - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable tax credit in the case of individuals not covered under an employer-provided health plan for 15 percent of the lesser of: (1) the health care expenses of the taxpayer (amount allowable as a medical expense deduction); or (2) the maximum health care expense amount (limited, based on number of personal exemptions). Allows such individuals an alternative election of a deduction for the lesser of the health care expenses of the taxpayer or the maximum health care expense amount. Denies the use of the medical expense deduction for the credited amount or the deducted amount. Repeals the special rules for health insurance costs for self-employed individuals under the trade or business expense deduction. (Sec. 102) Limits the amount excludable from gross income for employer-provided coverage to the lowest-cost available market health plan. (Sec. 103) Excludes from the gross income of an employee amounts contributed by the employer to a health care savings account of such employee. Describes the terms and conditions applicable to a health care savings account used to pay the health care expenses of the account beneficiary. Title II: Health Care Cost Containment - Subtitle A: Health Care Liability Reform - Reforms health care liability actions regarding: (1) a statute of limitations; (2) use of alternative dispute resolution systems (ADRs); (3) noneconomic and punitive damages; (4) mandatory offsets for collateral source payments; (5) contingent attorney's fees; (6) several and joint liability; and (7) supersedure of certain State laws. Subtitle B: Limit on Self-Referrals by Health Care Provider - Sets forth requirements for health care providers that refer patients to facilities in which they have a financial interest. Subtitle C: Administrative Cost Savings - Regulates: (1) data elements, uniform claims forms, and uniform electronic transmission of data elements; (2) provider claims submission; and (3) hospital and non-hospital electronic medical data. (Sec. 242) Requires hospitals, in order to participate in Medicare, to maintain and electronically transmit clinical data on patients in a set of electronic comprehensive data elements. (Sec. 243) Provides for electronic transmission of data elements to Federal agencies. (Sec. 244) Establishes an advisory commission to monitor and advise the Secretary of Health and Human Services concerning standards and operational concerns. (Sec. 251) Provides for a comparative health care value program in each State. Authorizes grants and appropriations. (Sec. 252) Requires each Federal agency concerned with health insurance or care to develop comparative value information. (Sec. 253) Mandates model systems for the gathering and analysis of data on health care cost, quality, and outcome. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 261) Provides for standards regarding Medicare and Medicaid identification cards. Establishes a Medicare and Medicaid system to provide information on primary payors. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 262) Nullifies any State law requiring that medical or health insurance records be maintained in written rather than electronic form. (Sec. 263) Provides for standards regarding: (1) beneficiary and provider identification numbers; and (2) coordination of benefits. Subtitle D: Limitation of Antitrust Recovery for Certain Hospital Joint Ventures - Limits antitrust recovery to actual damages if certain requirements are met, including the filing and publication of information regarding hospital joint ventures. Subtitle E: Medicaid Program Flexibility - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to modify: (1) Federal requirements to allow States more flexibility in contracting for coordinated care services under Medicaid; and (2) provisions regarding the extension of certain waivers. Title III: Refundable Credit for Costs of Providing Emergency Indigent Care - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit of 15 percent of the unreimbursed eligible costs incurred in providing emergency health care services to indigent individuals. Provides for payments to tax-exempt entities in lieu of such credit.

Bill· SS. 1477 (103rd)referred

Biennial Budget Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1993

Biennial Budget Act of 1993 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to revise the Federal and congressional budget processes by establishing a two-year budgeting and appropriations cycle and timetable. Defines the budget biennium as the two consecutive fiscal years beginning on October 1 of any odd-numbered year. Devotes the first session of any Congress to the budget resolution and to appropriations decisions, retaining current deadlines in most cases. Changes certain deadlines to conform to the biennial scheme. Devotes each second session to authorization activity, subject to specified deadlines. Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to issue four-year projections of congressional budget action. (Current projections are on a five-year basis.) Amends provisions relating to the reconciliation process to: (1) increase from 20 to 100 hours the time of debate permitted in the Senate with respect to reconciliation measures; and (2) make it out of order in both the House and the Senate to consider any reconciliation legislation changing any provision of law other than one relating to new budget or spending authority, revenues, or the public debt limit. Conforms provisions governing the President's budget to the biennial framework. Directs the heads of Federal executive agencies, the Comptroller General, and the Directors of the Congressional Budget Office, the Office of Technology Assessment, and the Congressional Research Service to provide studies, analyses, reports, and other documentation concerning program administration to assist the standing committees of the House and the Senate having jurisdiction over the programs in question. Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to conform to the biennial framework.

Bill· HRH.R. 3101 (103rd)open

Window of Opportunity Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1993

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Temporary Reduction in Tax on Capital Gains Title II: Indexing of Certain Assets Window of Opportunity Act - Title I: Temporary Reduction in Tax on Capital Gains - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the individual and corporate capital gains taxes to six percent (three percent for low- and middle-income taxpayers) on capital gains during a moratorium period of one year beginning after the date of enactment of this Act. Title II: Indexing of Certain Assets - Requires indexing, based on the gross national product deflator, of the adjusted basis of certain assets (corporate stock and tangible property that is a capital asset or property used in a trade or business) that have been held for more than one year at the time of sale or other transfer, solely for the purpose of determining gain or loss.

Bill· SS. 1467 (103rd)open

Foreign Assistance Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 16 September 1993

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Reform of Foreign Assistance Policies and Programs Title II: Bilateral Economic and Development Assistance Title III: Security Assistance Title IV: Multilateral Assistance Part A: International Development Association Part B: Asian Development Fund Part C: Global Environment Facility Part D: European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Part E: Other Provisions Title V: Regional Provisions Part A: Provisions Relating to Sub-Saharan Africa Part B: Provisions Relating to East Asia and the Pacific Part C: Provisions Relating to Europe and the Former Soviet Union Part D: Provisions Relating to the Middle East Part E: Provisions Relating to Latin America Title VI: Bosnia and Hercegovina Self-Defense Act of 1993 Title VII: South African Democratic Transition Support Act of 1993 Title VIII: General Provisions Title IX: Effective Date Foreign Assistance Act of 1993 - Title I: Reform of Foreign Assistance Policies and Programs - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to revise provisions concerning U.S. policy on foreign assistance. (Sec. 102) Requires the President to submit to the Congress a plan for comprehensive reform of U.S. foreign assistance programs and of the agency primarily responsible for administering development assistance. Sets forth immediate reform actions to be taken by the President, including: (1) establishing criteria for the closure or termination of agency field offices or programs; and (2) reducing by 20 percent, by the end of FY 1994, the number of countries in which such agency has either a field presence or programs. Expresses the sense of the Congress that private and voluntary organizations participating in development assistance programs should obtain a greater share of their resources from private contributions. (Sec. 103) Directs the President to establish a program performance evaluation capacity in the agency primarily responsible for administering development assistance and report annually to the Congress on: (1) the progress of the agency in achieving sustainable development objectives; and (2) the impact on economic development of U.S. economic assistance on a country-by-country basis. (Sec. 104) Revises congressional purposes of development assistance. Sets forth as the four basic objectives of development assistance programs and U.S. economic cooperation policy: (1) the promotion of sustainable economic growth and development; (2) the building of democratic participation in development; (3) the prevention and resolution of specified transnational issues; and (4) the response to emergency humanitarian needs. Revises authorized uses of development assistance. (Sec. 105) Revises policies and objectives of military assistance programs. (Sec. 109) Prohibits the use of funds authorized for foreign assistance for FY 1994 for: (1) financial incentives to induce businesses to relocate outside the United States if it will reduce the number of individuals employed in the United States; (2) establishing any export processing zone or designated area in which the tax, tariff, labor, environment, and safety laws of a country do not apply to activities in such area, unless the President certifies that such assistance is not likely to cause a loss of jobs within the United States; (3) support for any project designed to increase exports of agricultural, import-sensitive textile, or apparel commodities from a developing country if such exports are in direct competition with U.S. exports or are expected to cause substantial injury to U.S. exporters (exempts activities designed to increase food security); or (4) assistance for a project that contributes to the violation of workers' rights. (Sec. 111) Prohibits foreign assistance funding to a country on a grant basis except pursuant to an agreement which authorizes the administrator of the agency responsible for administering development assistance to deobligate such funds without the country's approval. (Sec. 112) Requires the annual deobligation of specified unexpended foreign assistance funds that have been obligated for more than four years. (Sec. 113) Directs the Secretary of State to report to specified congressional officials on U.S. military and economic assistance, focusing on the balance and appropriate uses of each. (Sec. 114) Requires the Administrator of the Agency for International Development (AID) to report to specified congressional officials on the potential of programs to provide conflict resolution assistance. Title II: Bilateral Economic and Development Assistance - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1994 for: (1) specified development assistance; (2) international disaster assistance; (3) American schools, libraries, and hospitals abroad; (4) assistance for Eastern Europe and the Baltic States; (5) assistance for the independent states of the former Soviet Union; (6) the International Fund for Ireland; (7) the Multilateral Assistance Initiative for the Philippines; (8) the Inter-American Foundation; (9) the African Development Foundation; and (10) the Peace Corps. (Sec. 202) Authorizes the President to reduce the debt owed by an eligible country as a result of housing guarantees, credits or guarantees made under the Arms Export Control Act, or loans or guarantees made under the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945. Defines an "eligible country" as a country with a heavy debt burden that is eligible to borrow from the International Development Association (IDA) but not from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank) and that meets other specified conditions. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 203) Provides for the establishment of a Microenterprise Development Fund within the agency primarily responsible for administering development assistance. (Sec. 206) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1994 for worldwide housing guarantees and raises the ceiling on the amount of loans available under such program. (Sec. 207) Supports development education programs to involve U.S. citizens in programs about developing countries or in the development process. (Sec. 208) Authorizes the President, subject to certain conditions, to provide assistance through nongovernmental organizations to the people of a country that would otherwise be restricted from receiving foreign assistance. (Sec. 210) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1994 for AID operating expenses. Title III: Security Assistance - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1994 for: (1) foreign military financing (grants) for Israel, Egypt, and other recipients; (2) foreign military financing (loans) for Turkey, Greece, and Portugal; (3) economic support fund (ESF) assistance for Israel, Egypt, Cyprus, cooperative projects, and other recipients; (4) international military education and training; (5) anti-terrorism assistance; (6) peacekeeping operations; and (7) nonproliferation and disarmament activities in the independent states of the former Soviet Union. (Sec. 303) Establishes limits on additions to stockpiles in South Korea, Israel, and Thailand. (Sec. 306) Amends the Arms Export Control Act to revise provisions concerning presidential certifications and congressional procedures for certain arms transfers. (Sec. 310) Prohibits sales, the extension of credits or guarantees, and the approval of licenses with respect to the sale of defense articles or services to a foreign country unless the U.S. supplier certifies that it will not make any third-party incentive payments for purposes of satisfying an offset agreement with such country. Defines an "offset agreement" as an agreement under which the supplier agrees to purchase goods from the country in consideration for the country's purchase of defense articles or services. Imposes sanctions on foreign parties to coproduction agreements that violate restrictions concerning unauthorized third party transfers or unauthorized dispositions of defense articles or services or technical data if the President notifies the Congress or the Congress so determines by bill or joint resolution. Prohibits military assistance involving coproduction or licensed production outside the United States of any defense article of U.S. origin unless the President furnishes full information on the proposed transaction to the appropriate congressional committees. (Sec. 311) Prohibits the sale or lease of defense articles or services to any country or international organization which is known to have sent letters to U.S. firms requesting, or soliciting information about, compliance with the secondary or tertiary Arab boycott. Provides for presidential waivers, subject to certain conditions. (Sec. 312) Expresses the sense of the Congress that U.S. foreign policy is best served when ESF assistance is provided either in the form of U.S. goods and services or in the form of direct support for projects in the recipient country. Requires at least 15 percent of annual ESF assistance to be provided in the form of commodity import programs. Title IV: Multilateral Assistance - Part A: International Development Association - Amends the International Development Association Act to authorize appropriations for the U.S. contribution to the tenth replenishment of the IDA. (Sec. 402) Amends the International Financial Institutions Act to require the Secretary of the Treasury to encourage the U.S. executive directors of the IDA and World Bank to advocate, and to report to specified congressional committees on, policies regarding improvements in the standard of living, economic empowerment of women, environmental protection, debt relief, and support for the rule of law. Part B: Asian Development Fund - Amends the Asian Development Bank Act to authorize appropriations for the U.S. contribution to specified replenishments of the Asian Development Fund. Part C: Global Environmental Facility - Amends the Bretton Woods Agreement Act to authorize appropriations for the U.S. contribution to the Global Environment Facility subject to certain conditions. Part D: European Bank for Reconstruction and Development - Amends the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1991 to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. executive director of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to oppose Bank lending to countries which have: (1) failed to take adequate steps to prevent drug trafficking; (2) expropriated property owned by a U.S. citizen; (3) taken steps to nullify contracts with U.S. citizens; or (4) imposed discriminatory taxes or restrictive operational conditions. Part E: Other Provisions - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1994 for contributions to international organizations and programs. Removes the South West Africa People's Organization from the list of organizations and countries for which funding is prohibited. Adds Myanmar, Iraq, North Korea, and Syria to such list, but makes the withholding of funds inapplicable to contributions to programs of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) or the United Nations Children's Fund in such countries. Earmarks funds for the United Nations Population Fund subject to prohibitions on funding for programs in China and other restrictions regarding commingling of funds and approval of projects. (Sec. 442) Prohibits funding for technical assistance to specified international financial institutions. (Sec. 443) Amends the International Financial Institutions Act to require the U.S. executive directors of specified international financial institutions to promote policies to encourage developing countries to reduce excessive military expenditures and enhance resources for primary health care and basic education. (Sec. 444) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should consider withholding U.S. payments to multilateral development organizations or international financial institutions that do not take steps to establish independent audit and review agencies. Title V: Regional Provisions - Part A: Provisions Relating to Sub-Saharan Africa - Amends the African Development Foundation Act to authorize the African Development Foundation to employ persons who are not U.S. citizens. (Sec. 503) Prohibits, unless certain conditions are met: (1) military and economic assistance for Sudan; (2) foreign military financing for Kenya; and (3) economic and military assistance for Zaire. (Sec. 505) Authorizes the President to provide reconstruction assistance to Somalia. (Sec. 508) Allocates assistance for establishing conflict resolution capabilities within specified African organizations and for facilitating reductions in the size of armed forces of Subsaharan African countries. Part B: Provisions Relating to East Asia and the Pacific - Sets forth the Multilateral Assistance Initiative for the Philippines. (Sec. 512) Authorizes the President to use funds for the independent states of the former Soviet Union to provide assistance to Mongolia. (Sec. 513) Includes the Lao People's Democratic Republic in the list of Communist countries to which foreign assistance is prohibited. (Sec. 514) Requires the President, before certain arms sales or licenses are approved under the Arms Export Control Act with respect to Indonesia, to determine whether there have been improvements in the human rights situation in East Timor. (Sec. 515) Sets forth the sense of the Congress with respect to human rights in India. (Sec. 516) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should show clear support for Taiwan. Part C: Provisions Relating to Europe and the Former Soviet Union - Makes East European countries eligible to receive excess defense articles. (Sec. 525) Earmarks funds for winter-related and other humanitarian assistance for the people of Bosnia-Hercegovina. (Sec. 526) Expresses the sense of the Senate that the United States should allocate more resources for Ukraine. Part D: Provisions Relating to the Middle East - Prohibits assistance to Syria until the President reports to the appropriate congressional committees that Syria has taken specified steps with regard to emigration and human rights, terrorism, weapons proliferation, withdrawal of troops from Lebanon, and antinarcotics efforts. Withholds all assistance for Jordan if Jordan has not substantially complied with United Nations Security Council resolutions concerning Iraq. Part E: Provisions Relating to Latin America - Extends the administration of justice assistance program. Makes such assistance available for Panama. (Sec. 543) Prohibits foreign assistance to Peru until the President certifies to the Congress that Peru has paid compensation to the survivors of a specified member of the Air Force who was killed by the Peruvian armed forces. Title VI: Bosnia and Hercegovina Self-Defense Act of 1993 - Bosnia and Hercegovina Self-Defense Act of 1993 - Declares that the President should terminate the arms embargo of Bosnia and Hercegovina upon receipt of a request from such government for assistance in exercising its right of self-defense under the United Nations Charter. (Sec. 604) Authorizes the President, if such request is made, to direct the drawdown of defense articles and services and military education and training to provide assistance. Bars members of the armed forces who provide such assistance abroad from performing combatant duties. Authorizes appropriations. Title VII: South African Democratic Transition Support Act of 1993 - South African Democratic Transition Support Act of 1993 - Repeals specified provisions of the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986 (to be completely repealed when the President certifies to the Congress that an interim government that was elected on a nonracial basis through free and fair elections has taken office in South Africa). Urges all State or local governments and all private entities in the United States to rescind any restrictions on economic interaction with South Africa. (Sec. 705) Authorizes the President to provide assistance to support the transition to nonracial democracy in South Africa, subject to certain limitations. (Sec. 706) Sets forth U.S. policy on investment, trade, and exchanges with South Africa, listing steps to be taken by specified Federal agencies and international financial institutions. Title VIII: General Provisions - Terminates foreign assistance to any recipient who uses assistance for unauthorized purposes. (Sec. 802) Prohibits foreign assistance for: (1) lobbying activities; (2) private and voluntary organizations that fail to provide documentation for auditing purposes; (3) assessments, arrearages, or dues to the United Nations of any foreign member country; (4) any country whose elected head of government is deposed by a military coup; and (5) any country that provides lethal military equipment to a terrorist government (subject to presidential waivers). (Sec. 812) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should instruct the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations to enhance the enforcement of nonproliferation treaties through the adoption of a Security Council resolution that would state that any non-nuclear weapon state that is found to have terminated or violated an IAEA safeguards agreement would be subject to international economic sanctions. Prohibits foreign assistance or funding under the Arms Export Control Act to non-nuclear weapon states that have terminated or violated such agreements. (Sec. 813) Directs the Secretary of State to notify specified congressional committees in advance of any proposed deployment of U.S. military personnel to undertake civic action or humanitarian assistance programs in a foreign country. (Sec. 814) Withholds assistance to a foreign country in an amount equivalent to total unpaid parking fines and penalties owed by the country to the District of Columbia. (Sec. 815) Requires the Secretary of State to report to the Congress on efforts to promote the elimination of discrimination against people with disabilities and on discriminatory practices against such people around the world. Title IX: Effective Date - Requires this Act to take effect on October 1, 1993.

Bill· HRH.R. 3080 (103rd)open

Affordable Health Care Now Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1993

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Improved Access to Affordable Health Care Subtitle A: Increased Availability and Continuity of Health Coverage for Employees and Their Families Subtitle B: Reform of Health Insurance Marketplace for Small Business Subtitle C: Preemption Subtitle D: Health Deduction Fairness Subtitle E: Improved Access to Community Health Services Subtitle F: Improved Access to Rural Health Services Subtitle G: State Flexibility in the Medicaid Program: The Medical Health Allowance Program Title II: Health Care Cost Containment and Quality Enhancement Subtitle A: Medical Malpractice Liability Reform Subtitle B: Administrative Cost Savings Subtitle C: Deduction for Cost of Catastrophic Health Plan; Medical Savings Accounts Subtitle D: Anti-Fraud Subtitle E: Medicare Payment Changes; Part B Premium Tax for High-Income Individuals Subtitle F: Removing Anti-Trust Impediments Subtitle G: Encouraging Enforcement Activities of Medical Self-Regulatory Entities Subtitle H: Prefunding Government Health Benefits for Certain Annuitants Subtitle I: Miscellaneous Provisions Title III: Long-Term Care Subtitle A: Tax Treatment of Long-Term Care Insurance Subtitle B: Protection of Assets Under Medicaid Through Use of Qualified Long-Term Care Insurance Subtitle C: Studies Subtitle D: Volunteer Service Credit Demonstration Projects Affordable Health Care Now Act of 1993 - Title I: Improved Access to Affordable Health Care - Subtitle A: Increased Availability and Continuity of Health Coverage for Employees and Their Families - Part 1: Required Coverage Options for Eligible Employees, Spouses, and Dependents - Requires each employer to make available to each eligible employee a group health plan under which: (1) coverage of each eligible individual with respect to such employee may be elected on an annual basis; (2) coverage is provided for at least the required coverage specified; and (3) employees may elect to have premiums collected through payroll deduction. Does not require employer contributions to the cost of coverage under such a plan. Provides for the exclusion of: (1) employers who have been employers for less than two years or who have no more than two eligible employees or no more than two eligible employees not covered under any group health plan; and (2) family members under specified circumstances. Specifies that a group health plan shall not be treated as failing to meet the requirements of this Act solely because a period of service by an eligible employee of not more than 60 days is required for coverage. Specifies that the required coverage is standard coverage, except that in the case of a small employer that has not contributed during the previous plan year to the cost of coverage for any eligible employee under any group health plan, the required coverage for the plan year is coverage under a MedAccess standard, MedAccess catastrophic, and MedAccess medisave plan. Provides for a five-year transition for existing group health plans. (Sec. 1002) Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) compliance with applicable requirements through multiple employer health arrangements; and (2) coverage options under a State medical health allowance program. Part 2: Preexisting Conditions and Continuity of Coverage; Renewability - Prohibits a group health plan from imposing (and an insurer from requiring an employer from imposing through a waiting period for coverage under a plan or similar requirement) a limitation or exclusion of benefits relating to treatment of a preexisting condition if: (1) the condition relates to a condition that was not diagnosed or treated within three months before the date of coverage under the plan; or (2) the limitation or exclusion extends over more than six month after the date of coverage, applies to an individual who, as of the date of birth, was covered under the plan, or relates to pregnancy. Specifies that, in the case of an individual who is eligible for coverage under a plan but for a waiting period imposed by the employer, the individual shall be treated as having been covered under the plan as of the earliest date of the beginning of the waiting period. (Sec. 1012) Requires each group health plan to waive any period applicable to a preexisting condition for similar benefits with respect to an individual to the extent that the individual, prior to enrollment in such plan, was covered for the condition under any other health plan. (Sec. 1013) Prohibits: (1) a multiemployer plan and an exempted multiple employer health plan from canceling or denying renewal of coverage under such a plan for an employer other than for nonpayment of contributions, fraud or other misrepresentation, noncompliance with plan provisions, or misuse of a provider network provision, or because the plan is ceasing to provide any coverage in a geographic area; (2) an insurer from canceling a health insurance plan or denying renewal of coverage other than as prescribed above; and (3) an insurer who terminates the offering of health insurance plans in an area from offering such a plan to any employer in the area until five years after the date of the termination. Part 3: Enforcement; Effective Dates; Definitions - Makes provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 applicable with respect to enforcement of this Act (by the Department of Labor). Amends the Internal Revenue Code (Code) to impose a tax ($100 per day for each individual involved, subject to specified limitations) on the failure of an insurer to comply with the requirements under part 2 unless the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary) determines that the State has in effect a regulatory enforcement mechanism that provides adequate sanctions. Subtitle B: Reform of Health Insurance Marketplace for Small Business - Requires each insurer that makes available a health insurance plan to a small employer in a State to make available to each small employer in the State a MedAccess standard, MedAccess catastrophic, and MedAccess medisave plan, with exceptions for health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and if a State provides for guaranteed availability (rather than guaranteed issue). Requires each insurer that offers a MedAccess plan to a small employer in a State to accept: (1) every small employer in the State that applies for coverage; and (2) every eligible individual who applies for enrollment on a timely basis. Sets forth provision regarding: (1) special rules for HMOs; (2) timely enrollment requirements; and (3) enrollment of spouses and dependents. Makes such requirements inapplicable in a State that has provided (in accordance with specified standards) a mechanism under which each insurer offering a health insurance plan to a small employer in the State must participate in a program for assigning high-risk small employer groups (or individuals within such a group) among some or all such insurers, if the insurers comply. (Sec. 1102) Defines "MedAccess plan" as a health insurance plan that: (1) is designed to provide standard coverage with substantial cost-sharing, only catastrophic coverage, or medisave coverage; (2) includes only essential and medically necessary services; (3) meets applicable requirements relating to guaranteed issue; and (4) meets specifies consumer protection standards. Defines "MedAccess standard plan," "MedAccess catastrophic plan," and "MedAccess medisave plan" to mean a MedAccess plan that provides for at least standard coverage, for only catastrophic coverage, or medisave coverage, respectively. Requests the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to submit to the Secretary a set of rules which NAIC determines is sufficient for determining, in the case of any health insurance plan and for purposes of this subtitle, the actuarial value of the coverage offered by the plan. Directs the Secretary to certify such set of rules for use under this subtitle if they meet such requirements or establish such a set of rules. Specifies that a health insurance plan is considered to provide: (1) standard coverage if the benefits are determined, in accordance with certified rules of actuarial equivalence, to have a value that is within five percentage points of an established target actuarial value for standard coverage; (2) catastrophic coverage if benefits are available under the plan for a year only to the extent that expenses for covered services in a year exceed a deductible amount that is consistent with a specified requirement for a catastrophic health plan under the Code, and are determined, in accordance with certified actuarial equivalence rules, to have a value that is within five percentage points of an established target actuarial value for catastrophic coverage; and (3) medisave coverage if such plan consists of a catastrophic health plan within the meaning of the Code and a medical savings account. Requests NAIC to submit to the Secretary target actuarial values for standard and catastrophic coverage. Permits NAIC to submit periodic revisions of, and permits the Secretary to revise, the set of rules of actuarial equivalence and target actuarial values where necessary to take into account changes in the relevant types of health benefits provisions, in deductible levels for catastrophic coverage, or in relevant demographic conditions. (Sec. 1103) Directs the Secretary to request NAIC to develop model regulations that specify standards with respect to requirements: (1) that insurers make available MedAccess plans; (2) of guaranteed availability of MedAccess plans to small employers; (3) relating to limits on premiums and certain consumer protections; and (4) relating to limitation of annual premium increases. Requires the Secretary to review such standards and, if NAIC fails to specify standards meeting such requirements, to promulgate standards. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the application of MedAccess standards and consumer protection standards by the States; and (2) the Federal role. (Sec. 1104) Sets forth provisions: (1) regarding limits on premiums and annual premium increases; and (2) requiring an insurer, at the time of offering a health insurance plan to a small employer, to fully disclose rating practices for health insurance plans, including rating practices for different populations and benefit designs. (Sec. 1106) Directs the Secretary to: (1) request NAIC to develop models for reinsurance or allocation of risk mechanisms for health insurance plans made available to small employers for whom an insurer is at risk of incurring high costs under the plan; and (2) review such models or specify models. Sets forth provisions regarding implementation of reinsurance or allocation of risk mechanisms by the States and the Federal role. Amends the Code to provide for the imposition of a tax on any health insurance plan which covers any employee in a Federal reinsurance State. (Sec. 1108) Directs the Secretary to establish an Office of Private Health Care Coverage. Requires the Office Director to submit to the Congress annual reports evaluating health care coverage reform. (Sec. 1109) Authorizes the Director to conduct: (1) research on the impact of this subtitle on the availability of affordable health coverage for employees and dependents in the small employers group health care coverage market and other specified topics; and (2) demonstration projects relating to such topics. Requires the Director to develop: (1) methods for measuring the relative health risks of eligible individuals in terms of the expected costs of providing benefits under health insurance plans and, in particular, MedAccess plans; and (2) a model for equitably distributing health risks among insurers in the small employer health care coverage market. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Preemption - Part 1: Scope of State Regulation - Prohibits: (1) State benefit mandates for group health plans; and (2) State or local law prohibitions against two or more employers obtaining coverage under an insured multiple employer health plan. (Sec. 1203) Preempts State restrictions concerning: (1) reimbursement rates or selective contracting; (2) differential financial incentives; and (3) utilization review methods. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study of the benefits and cost effectiveness of the use of managed care in the delivery of health services. Part 2: Multiple Employer Health Benefits Protections - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to allow a limited exemption under preemption rules for multiple employer plans providing health benefits subject to certain Federal standards. (Sec. 1212) Relieves exempted multiple employer plans providing medical care benefits of certain restrictions on preemption of State law. Treats such plans as employee welfare benefit plans. Allows commencement of new arrangements only if such exemption is in effect or an application is pending and the Secretary of Labor determines that provisional protection is appropriate. Sets forth exemption procedures, eligibility requirements, and additional requirements applicable to exempted arrangements. Requires certain disclosures to participating employers, maintenance of reserves, and corrective actions. Provides for expiration, suspension, and revocation of exemptions, and for review of actions by the Secretary. (Sec. 1213) Revises provisions relating to scope of preemption rules, and to treatment of single employer arrangements and of certain collectively bargained arrangements. (Sec. 1215) Establishes special rules for employee leasing healthcare arrangements. Treats such arrangements as multiple employer welfare arrangements except when they are multiple employer health plans. (Sec. 1216) Sets forth enforcement provisions relating to multiple employer welfare arrangements and employee leasing health care arrangements. (Sec. 1217) Sets forth filing requirements for multiple employer welfare arrangements. (Sec. 1218) Provides for cooperation between Federal and State authorities in enforcing ERISA requirements for multiple employer welfare arrangements with the limited exemption. Part 3: Encouragement of Multiple Employer Arrangements Providing Basic Health Benefits - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate the commonality of interest or geographic location requirement for tax exempt trust status for multiple employer health plans and insured multiple employer health plans if they meet certain requirements under ERISA and this Act. Part 4: Simplifying Filing of Reports for Employers Covered under Insured Multiple Employer Health Plans - Amends ERISA to direct the Secretary of Labor to prescribe an alternative method providing for a single annual report with respect to all employers who are covered under the same insured multiple employer health plan. Part 5: Compliance with Coverage Option Requirements - Provides for compliance with applicable coverage requirements through multiemployer plans and other multiple employer health arrangements. Subtitle D: Health Deduction Fairness - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide: (1) for a permanent extension and increase in the health insurance tax deduction for self-employed individuals; and (2) that the deduction for certain health insurance costs be determined without regard to an adjusted gross income threshold. Disallows the deduction to individuals eligible for employer-subsidized coverage. Allows the deduction whether or not the individual itemizes other deductions. Subtitle E: Improved Access to Community Health Services - Part 1: Increased Authorization for Community and Migrant Health Centers - Directs the Secretary to provide for grants to migrant and community health centers to promote primary health care services for underserved individuals. Allows grants to be used to promote the provision of off-site services, to improve birth outcomes in areas with high infant mortality and morbidity, to establish primary care clinics in areas in need, and for recruitment and training costs of necessary providers and operating costs for unreimbursed services. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of the impact of such grants on access to health care, birth outcomes, and the use of emergency room services. Part 2: Grants for Projects for Coordinating Delivery of Services - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities: (1) to carry out demonstration projects to increase access to outpatient primary health services in specified geographic areas (i.e., areas that are rational areas for the delivery of health services, have a population of not more than 500,000 individuals, and have been designated by the Secretary as areas with a shortage of personal health services or that have a significant number of individuals with low incomes or insufficient health care insurance through coordinating the delivery of such services under Federal, State, local, and private programs; and (2) for developing plans to carry out such projects. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle F: Improved Access to Rural Health Services - Part 1: Establishment of Rural Emergency Access Care Hospitals Under Medicare - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for: (1) establishment of rural emergency access care hospitals under Medicare; and (2) coverage of and payment for rural emergency access care hospital services under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance). Part 2: Rural Medical Emergencies Air Transport - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary to make grants to States to assist in the creation or enhancement of air medical transport systems that provide victims of medical emergencies in rural areas with access to treatments. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) application and State plan requirements; (2) considerations in awarding grants; (3) State administration and use of grants; (4) the number of grants; and (5) reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations. Part 3: Emergency Medical Services Amendments - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary to: (1) establish an Office of Emergency Medical Services, headed by a Director; (2) engage in specified emergency medical services activities, including disseminating information obtained in carrying out specified activities to public and private entities, providing technical assistance to State and local agencies, coordinating Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) activities with those of other Federal agencies; and (3) ensure that such activities are carried out consistent with certain requirements regarding maintaining an adequate number of health professionals with expertise in the provision of services, developing, periodically reviewing, and revising as appropriate guidelines for the provision of such services, appropriately using available technologies, and serving the unique needs of underserved inner-city and rural areas. (Sec. 1522) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States for the purpose of improving the availability and quality of emergency medical services through the operation of State offices of emergency medical services, subject to specified matching fund, budgetary, and other requirements. (Sec. 1523) Provides for demonstration projects to establish telecommunications between rural medical facilities and medical facilities with expertise or equipment. Directs the Secretary to ensure that the telecommunications technologies demonstrated include interactive video telecommunications, static video imaging transmitted through the telephone system, and facsimiles transmitted through such system. (Sec. 1524) Authorizes appropriations for: (1) emergency medical services (including for State offices of Emergency Medical Services and for telecommunications demonstrations); and (2) trauma care and certain other activities. Subtitle G: State Flexibility in the Medicaid Program: The Medical Health Allowance Program - Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to provide for the establishment of State health allowance programs under which the State makes payments to a group health plan which provides coverage to an eligible individual as an allowance towards the costs of providing the individual with benefits under the plan. Subtitle H: Medicaid Program Flexibility - Amends SSA title XIX Medicaid) to modify: (1) Federal requirements to allow States more flexibility in contracting for coordinated care services under Medicaid; and (2) provisions regarding the extension of certain waivers. Title II: Health Care Cost Containment and Quality Enhancement - Subtitle A: Medical Malpractice Liability Reform - Part 1: General Provisions - Makes this subtitle applicable with respect to any medical malpractice liability claim and to any medical malpractice liability action brought in State or Federal court, except a claim or action for damages arising from a vaccine-related injury or death to the extent that title XXI of the Public Health Service Act applies. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) preemption of State law; (2) effect on sovereign immunity and choice of law or venue; (3) jurisdiction; and (4) effective dates. Part 2: Medical Malpractice and Product Liability Reform - Prohibits a medical malpractice liability action from being brought in any State court during a calendar year unless the relevant claim has been initially resolved (i.e., a decision has been reached on whether the defendant is liable to the plaintiff for damages and on the amount of damages) under a certified alternative dispute resolution (ADR) system or an alternative Federal system. Prohibits a medical malpractice liability action from being brought in Federal court based on diversity of citizenship during a calendar year unless the relevant claim has been initially resolved under such a system in the State whose law applies. Directs the Attorney General to establish an ADR process for tort claims consisting of medical malpractice liability claims brought against the United States under chapter 171 of the Federal judicial code (U.S. Court of Federal Claims). Prohibits a medical malpractice liability action based on such a claim from being brought in any Federal court unless the claim has been initially resolved under such process. Sets forth procedures for filing actions. (Sec. 2012) Limits to $250,000 the amount of noneconomic damages that may be awarded to a claimant and family members in a medical malpractice liability action. Sets limits on punitive damages and on periodic payments for future losses. (Sec. 2013) Set forth provisions regarding: (1) limits on attorney fees and other costs; (2) joint and several liability (generally, liability may be found only for those damages directly attributable to the person's proportionate share of fault or responsibility for the injury); (3) a statute of limitations of seven years; and (4) a uniform standard for determining negligence (the defendant's conduct at the time of providing the health care services was not reasonable). (Sec. 2017) Specifies that in the case of a medical malpractice liability claim relating to services provided during labor or the delivery of a baby, if the health care professional did not previously treat the injured individual for the pregnancy, the trier of fact may not find that the defendant committed malpractice nor assess damages unless the malpractice is proven by clear and convincing evidence. Part 3: Requirements for State Alternative Dispute Resolution Systems - Lists requirements for State ADR systems, including that such a system: (1) applies to all medical malpractice liability claims under the jurisdiction of the courts of that State; (2) requires that a written opinion resolving the dispute be issued within six months after each party against whom the claim is filed has received notice of the claim; (3) is approved by the State or local governments; (4) provides for the transmittal to the State agency responsible for monitoring or disciplining health care professionals and providers of any findings of malpractice; and (5) provides for the regular transmittal of information on disputes resolved under the system to the Administrator for Health Care Policy and Research in a manner that protects the identity of the parties involved. (Sec. 2032) Directs the Secretary, by October 1 of each year, to certify State ADR systems that meet such requirements. Directs the Secretary to establish an alternative Federal ADR system for the resolution of medical malpractice liability claims in States that do not have in effect a certified ADR system. (Sec. 2033) Directs the Secretary, within five years, to submit to the Congress a report describing and evaluating State ADR systems and the alternative Federal system, including: (1) information on the effect of the ADR systems on health care costs, access to health care, and quality of care provided within the State; and (2) to the extent that such report does not provide information on no-fault systems operated by States as ADR systems, an analysis of the feasibility and desirability of establishing a system for resolving medical malpractice liability claims on a no-fault basis. Part 4: Other Provisions Relating to Medical Malpractice Liability - Authorizes a State agency responsible for disciplinary actions for a type of health care practitioner to enter into agreements with State or county professional societies to permit their participation in the licensing of such practitioner and to review any health care malpractice action, claims, or allegation, or other information concerning the practice patterns of any such practitioner. Sets forth agreement requirements. (Sec. 2042) Directs the Secretary to study incentives adopted by State and local governments, insurers, medical societies, and other entities to encourage physicians to volunteer to provide health care services in medically underserved areas. (Sec. 2043) Directs each State to require: (1) each health care professional and health care provider to participate in a risk management program to prevent, and provide early warning of, practices which may result in injuries to patients or endanger patient safety; and (2) each provider of health care professional and provider liability insurance in the State to establish risk management programs or sanction programs of risk management for health care professionals and providers provided by other entities, and require each such professional or provider, as a condition of maintaining insurance, to participate in one such program at least once in each three-year period. (Sec. 2044) Directs the Secretary to make grants: (1) for basic research in the prevention of, and compensation for, injuries resulting from health care professional or provider malpractice and for research of the outcomes of health care procedures; (2) to the States to assist in improving their ability to license and discipline health care professionals; and (3) to States and local governments, private nonprofit organizations, and health professional schools for educating the general public about the appropriate use of health care, realistic expectations of medical intervention, and the resources and role of health care professional licensing and disciplinary boards in investigating claims of incompetence or health care malpractice, and for developing programs of faculty training and curricula for educating health care professionals in quality assurance, risk management, and medical injury prevention. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Administrative Cost Savings - Part 1: Standardization of Claims Processing - Directs the Secretary to adopt standards relating to: (1) data elements for use in paper and electronic claims processing under health benefit plans and in utilization review and management of care; (2) uniform claims forms; and (3) uniform electronic transmission of the data elements. (Sec. 2102) Authorizes the Secretary, two years after standards are adopted for classes of services upon determining that a significant number of claims for benefits for such services under health benefit plans are not being submitted in accordance with such standards, to require that all providers of such services submit claims to health benefit plans in accordance with such standards. (Sec. 2103) Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide for the ongoing receipt and review of comments and suggestions for changes in the standards adopted and promulgated; (2) establish a schedule for the periodic review of such standards; and (3) revise such standards. Part 2: Electronic Medical Data Standards - Directs the Secretary to promulgate standards for hospitals concerning electronic medical data, including standards for transmission of such data and confidentiality of patient-specific information. Authorizes the Secretary to periodically revise such standards. (Sec. 2112) Sets forth requirements with respect to: (1) the sharing of hospital information under Medicare; (2) waiver of such requirements; and (3) application of such requirements to hospitals of the Department of Veterans Affairs. (Sec. 2113) Authorizes the head of a Federal agency to require a provider to present and transmit a required data element electronically in accordance with applicable presentation or transmission standard. (Sec. 2114) Sets forth limitations on data requirements where standards with respect to data elements are in effect. (Sec. 2115) Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory commission on the standards established under this part and operational concerns about the implementation of such standards. Authorizes appropriations. Part 3: Development and Distribution of Comparative Value Information - Directs the Secretary to determine whether each State is developing and implementing a health care value information program that meets specified criteria and a specified schedule. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) make grants to enable each State to plan development and initiate implementation of its health care value information program; and (2) recover the amount of such a grant by offset against any other amount payable to the State under the Social Security Act under specified circumstances. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 2122) Directs the Secretary to take actions necessary to implement a comparable program in a State that fails to develop or implement a health care value information program in accordance with such criteria and schedule. Authorizes the Secretary to charge fees for the information materials provided pursuant to such a program. (Sec. 2123) Directs the head of each Federal agency with responsibility for the provision of health insurance or health care services to individuals to develop health care value information relating to each program that such head administers and covering the same types of data that a State program meeting such criteria would provide. (Sec. 2124) Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop model systems to facilitate the gathering of data on health care cost, quality, and outcome and the analysis of such data in a manner that will permit the valid comparison of such data among providers and among health plans; (2) support experimentation with different approaches to achieve such objectives in the most cost effective manner; and (3) evaluate the various methods to determine their relative success. Authorizes the Secretary to establish standards for the collective and reporting of data on health care cost, quality, and outcomes. Authorizes appropriations. Part 4: Additional Standards and Requirements; Research and Demonstrations - Directs the Secretary to: (1) adopt standards relating to the design and use of magnetized Medicare identification cards to assist health care providers in determining whether individuals are eligible for benefits for provided services under the Medicare program and in billing the Medicare program for covered services; (2) take steps to encourage and assist States in the design and use of magnetized Medicaid identification cards under their Medicaid plans; and (3) establish a Medicare and Medicaid information system to provide information on group health and other health benefit plans that are primary payors to the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 2132) Specifies that, effective January 1, 1994, no effect shall be given to any provision of State law that requires medical or health insurance records (including billing information) to be maintained in written, rather than electronic, form. (Sec. 2133) Requires, effective January 1, 1995, each health benefit plan: (1) to use a beneficiary's social security number as the personal identifier for claims processing and related purposes (authorizes the Secretary to impose a civil money penalty on any plan that fails to do so); and (2) to use the unique identifier under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (Medicare) for a provider that furnishes health care items or services to a beneficiary under the plan as the identifier of that provider for claims processing and related purposes. (Sec. 2134) Directs the Secretary to: (1) determine, where benefits are payable under two or more health benefit plans, whether problems relating to the rules for determining the liability of plans or the availability of information among plans causes significant administrative costs; and (2) promulgate standards, if the implementation of standards would significantly reduce such administrative costs. Authorizes the Secretary to impose a civil money penalty on plans that fail to comply with such standards. (Sec. 2135) Directs the Secretary to provide grants to qualified entities for research on the application of comprehensive information systems in continuously monitoring and improving patient care. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to: (1) two to five community organizations or coalitions of health care providers, health benefit plans, and purchasers to establish and document the efficacy of communication links between the information systems of health benefit plans and of health care providers; (2) two to five public or private nonprofit entities for the development of regional or community-based clinical information systems; and (3) public or private nonprofit entities to develop and test the definition of a comprehensive set of data elements and the specification and manner of presentation of the individual data elements of the set, for electronic medical data generated by physicians and other entities (other than hospitals) that provide health care services. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Deduction for Cost of Catastrophic Health Plan; Medical Savings Account - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include under the medical expense deduction the portion of such expense attributable to coverage under a catastrophic health plan. (Sec. 2202) Allows individuals a tax deduction for percentage of contributions made to a medical care savings account established for the benefit of an eligible individual. Allows such deduction whether or not an individual itemizes deductions. Disallows distributions from such accounts as medical expense deductions. Excludes employer contributions to such accounts from employment taxes. Establishes an excise tax for excess contributions to medical care savings accounts. Subtitle D: Anti-Fraud - Part 1: Criminal Prosecution of Health Care Fraud - Amends the Federal criminal code to: (1) set penalties for health care providers who knowingly engage in any scheme or artifice to defraud any person in connection with the provision of health care; and (2) make activity which, if engaged in by the U.S. Postal Service, would be a violation of mail fraud provisions punishable to the same extent with respect to private or commercial interstate carriers. (Sec. 2303) Authorizes appropriations to hire, equip, and train no fewer than: (1) 225 special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and support staff to investigate health care fraud cases; (2) 50 assistant United States Attorneys and support staff to prosecute such cases; and (3) 25 investigators in the Office of Inspector General, DHHS, to be devoted exclusively to health care fraud cases. (Sec. 2304) Amends the Federal criminal code to authorize the Attorney General to make payments of up to $10,000 to a person who furnishes information unknown to the Government relating to a possible prosecution of health care fraud, subject to specified requirements and exceptions. Part 2: Coordination of Health Care Anti-Fraud and Abuse Activities - Directs the Secretary to establish in the Office of the Inspector General of DHHS a program (all-payer fraud and abuse control program) to: (1) coordinate Federal, State, and local law enforcement programs to control fraud and abuse with respect to the delivery of, and payment for, health care in the United States; (2) conduct investigations, audits, evaluations, and inspections relating to such delivery and payment; and (3) facilitate the enforcement of provisions of the Social Security Act and other statutes applicable to health care fraud and abuse. Directs the Secretary to establish standards to carry out such program, including standards relating to the furnishing of information by health insurers, providers, and other to enable the Secretary to carry out the program and procedures to assure that such information is provided and utilized in a manner that protects the confidentiality of the information and the privacy of individuals receiving health care services. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) qualified immunity for providing information; (2) ensuring access to documentation; and (3) failure to comply as grounds for exclusion from the Medicare and Medicaid programs. (Sec. 2312) Authorizes additional appropriations to enable the Secretary to conduct investigations of allegations of health care fraud and to carry out the all-payor fraud and abuse control program. (Sec. 2313) Establishes in the Treasury an Anti-Fraud and Abuse Trust Fund to be used to assist the Inspector General of DHHS in carrying out the all-payor fraud and abuse control program in the fiscal year involved. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the deposit into the Fund of Federal health anti-fraud and abuse penalties; and (2) the use of such penalties to repay beneficiaries for cost-sharing. (Sec. 2314) Amends SSA title XI to provide for the application of Federal health anti-fraud and abuse sanctions to all fraud and abuse against private health benefit plans. Subtitle E: Medicare Payment Changes; Part B Premium Tax for High-Income Individuals: Part 1 - Medicare Payment Changes - Amends SSA title XVIII to: (1) eliminate the membership limitation for Medicare health maintenance organizations; and (2) revise the Medicare select policy program and provide for a civil money penalty for misrepresentations made in connection with a Medicare select policy. (Sec. 2402) Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 to: (1) make permanent the Medicare select policy program; and (2) allow access to Medicare select policies in all States. (Sec. 2403) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to take such steps as may be necessary to consolidate the administration of Medicare parts A and B. Part 2: Part B Premium Tax for High-Income Individuals - (Sec. 2411) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a tax on the Medicare part B premiums of high income individuals. Subtitle F: Removing Anti-Trust Impediments - Directs the Attorney General to promulgate guidelines under which a health care joint venture may submit an application requesting that the Attorney General provide the entities participating in the venture with an exemption under which: (1) monetary recovery on an antitrust claim brought against the entity shall be limited to actual damages if specified conditions are met; and (2) the conduct of the entity in making or performing a contract to carry out the venture shall not be deemed illegal per se. Requires the Attorney General to approve or disapprove the application within a specified time frame and to provide a statement explaining the reasons for any disapproval. Directs the Attorney General to approve the application if an entity participating in the venture submits to the Attorney General an application that contains the identities of the parties to the venture; the nature, objectives, and planned activities of the venture; and specified assurances and information. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) revocation and renewal of exemptions and withdrawal of an application; (2) requirements relating to notice and publication of exemptions; and (3) issuance of health care certificates of public advantage to each eligible health care joint venture that complies with specified requirements. Establishes the Interagency Advisory Committee on Competition, Antitrust Policy, and Health Care to: (1) discuss and evaluate competition and antitrust policy and their implications regarding the performance of health care markets; (2) analyze the effectiveness of health care joint ventures receiving exemptions in reducing costs and expanding access; and (3) make recommendations to the Congress. Subtitle G: Encouraging Enforcement Activities of Medical Self-Regulatory Entities - Part 1: Application of the Clayton Act to Medical Self-Regulatory Entities - Provides that no damages, cost of suit, or attorney fee may be recovered under section 4, 4A, or 4C of the Clayton Act, or under any similar State law, except by a State or the United States, from any medical self-regulatory entity as a result of engaging in standard setting or enforcement activities that are: (1) designed to promote the quality of health care provided to patients; and (2) not conducted for purposes of financial gain. Directs the court to award the cost of such a suit, including a reasonable attorney fee, to a substantially prevailing defendant. Part 2: Consultation by Federal Agencies - Requires any Federal agency engaged in the establishment of medical profession standards to consult with appropriate medical societies or associations, specialty boards, or recognized accrediting agencies, if available, in carrying out medical professional standard setting and guidelines or standards relating to the practice of medicine. Subtitle H: Prefunding Government Health Benefit for Certain Annuitants - Requires that certain agencies prefund Government health benefits contributions for their annuitants. Subtitle I: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends Civil Service and Federal Employees' Retirement Systems law to increase the minimum age required to be eligible for an immediate retirement annuity. Provides for the conformance of other Federal retirement systems with the minimum age increase made above. Title III: Long-Term Care - Subtitle A: Tax Treatment of Long-Term Care Insurance - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the treatment of qualified long-term care insurance as accident and health insurance for purposes of insurance company taxation. (Sec. 3002) Excludes from gross income benefits provided under a long-term care insurance contract. Includes in gross income employer-provided coverage for long-term care services. (Sec. 3003) Includes amounts paid for qualified long-term care services as medical expenses for individual itemized deductions. Includes any parent or grandparent as a dependent for purposes of such expenses. (Sec. 3004) Provides for the nonrecognition of gain or loss on the exchange of any life insurance contract or an endowment or annuity contract for a long-term care insurance contract. (Sec. 3005) Excludes from gross income certain amounts withdrawn from individual retirement accounts and certain employer cash or deferred arrangement to pay long-term care premiums. (Sec. 3006) Allows insurance companies to issue accelerated death benefit riders on life insurance contracts. Subtitle B: Protection of Assets Under Medicaid Through Use of Qualified Long-Term Care Insurance - Amends SSA title XIX to require State Medicaid plans to disregard some or all of the individual's assets attributable to coverage under a qualified long-term care insurance contract in determining the individual's eligibility for long-term care services. Subtitle C: Studies - Requires the Comptroller General to study the feasibility of: (1) encouraging health care providers to donate their services to homebound patients; and (2) providing heads of households who care for elderly family members in their home with an income tax credit. (Sec. 3203) Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study and report to the Congress on the feasibility of encouraging or requiring the use of a single designate public or nonprofit agency to coordinate, through case management, the provision of long-term care benefits under current Federal, State, and local programs in a geographic area. Subtitle D: Volunteer Service Credit Demonstration Projects - (Sec. 3301) Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to require the Commissioner of the Administration on Aging to establish and operate a volunteer service credit demonstration project in each State.

Bill· HRH.R. 3088 (103rd)open

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and title II of the Social Security Act to simplify employment taxes on domestic services.

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1993

Amends the Internal Revenue Code and title II of the Social Security Act (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) to set forth rules for filing returns with respect to domestic service employment taxes and requires such returns to be made on a calendar year basis. Subjects such taxes to estimated tax provisions. Makes filing requirements inapplicable to any employer liable for tax concerning remuneration for services other than domestic service in a private home. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to enter into agreements with States to collect the State unemployment tax imposed on remuneration for domestic service and transfers such amounts to a State's account in the Unemployment Trust Fund. Treats such taxes as domestic service employment taxes. Requires the Secretary to inform domestic service employers in private homes of their tax obligations. Adjusts the threshold (from $50 a calendar quarter to $800 a year) for paying and withholding social security taxes on wages paid for domestic service in a private home. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to adjust such threshold amount in the same manner as adjustments to certain social security insurance amounts. Excludes domestic service in a private home by an individual 16 years and under from amendments made by this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 3090 (103rd)open

To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the ability of the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide continuity of care in the rehabilitation of chronically mentally ill veterans, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1993

Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish at any Veterans Health Administration facility a nonprofit corporation to: (1) arrange for therapeutic work for patients of such facility or other Department of Veterans Affairs facilities; and (2) provide a funding mechanism to achieve such purposes. Requires the appointment of a board of directors for any such corporation. Requires excess funds received by a corporation to be deposited into the Special Therapeutic and Rehabilitation Activities Fund. Requires an annual corporation report to the Secretary concerning operations, accomplishments, and activities. Requires an annual report from the Secretary to the Congress. Prohibits the establishment of any such corporation after FY 1999. Requires a corporation to be dissolved if not recongized as tax-exempt by the Internal Revenue Service within four years of its establishment. Extends through FY 1997 (currently 1994) the Department's compensated work therapy and therapeutic transitional housing demonstration program. Removes the 50-residence limit under the housing program, increasing such amount by five for each of FY 1994 through 1997. Limits the expenditures for each such fiscal year for the costs of acquisition, management, maintenance, and disposition of real property for program purposes.

Bill· HRH.R. 3069 (103rd)referred

Misclassification of Employees Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1993

Misclassification of Employees Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the waiver of employment tax liability for employers for any period if: (1) the employer did not treat an individual as an employee for purposes of employment taxes; (2) the treatment of such individual was based on a reasonable good faith misapplication of the common law rules used for determining the employer-employee relationship; (3) Federal tax returns for such period were filed on a basis consistent with the treatment of such individual as not being an employee; (4) the employer (and any predecessor) did not treat any other individual holding a substantially similar position as an employee for employment tax purposes after December 31, 1977; and (5) the employer enters into a closing agreement with, and monitored by, the Secretary of the Treasury with respect to treating such individual as an employee. Amends the Revenue Act of 1978 (relating to controversies involving whether individuals are employees for purposes of employment taxes) to require an employer to have a reasonable basis for not treating an individual as an employee. Requires the use of a recent prior audit as a reasonable basis. Excludes certain skilled technical personnel from such tax treatment. Removes the prohibition against regulations and rulings on employment status. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to set forth additional information to be included on statements covering payments for services. Provides for the determination of whether an individual is an employee of another person for purposes of unemployment compensation.

Bill· HRH.R. 3065 (103rd)referred

Medical Cost Containment Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1993

Medical Cost Containment Act of 1993 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income medical care savings benefits. Describes such benefits as a health plan which provides that all or part of the premium differential realized by instituting a qualified higher deductible health plan is credited to participating employees to pay for medical care for a plan year. Requires amounts remaining at the end of such plan year to be deposited into a tax-exempt medical care savings account (subject to rules similar to those for retirement plans) for use by the participant for medical expenses.

Bill· HRH.R. 3067 (103rd)open

To amend title 10, United States Code, to ensure proper classification as employees and independent contractors of persons awarded Federal procurement contracts.

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1993

Prohibits a person from being eligible for any defense contract for a two-year period after a final determination that such person willfully misclassified an employee of such person as an independent contractor for purposes of any employment tax. Requires any person submitting a bid or proposal for a defense contract to certify that the bid or proposal is adequate to pay all required employment taxes. Requires each defense contractor to notify each person being treated as an independent contractor of all employment tax obligations and all statutory rights and protections available to employees that are not available to the independent contractor. Provides a right of action against persons willfully submitting false certifications under this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 3068 (103rd)referred

To amend the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to ensure proper classification as employees and independent contractors of persons awarded Federal procurement contracts.

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1993

Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to: (1) make persons who willfully misclassify an individual for purposes of any employment tax ineligible for any Government contract; (2) require a person who submits a bid or proposal for a Government contract to certify that the amount of the bid or proposal is adequate to pay all employment taxes with respect to all work to be performed under the contract by the contractor's employees; (3) require each Government contract to include a requirement that the contractor provide certain notifications to each person who performs work under the contract and who is treated as an independent contractor for purposes of employment taxes; and (4) allow a person who submits a bid or proposal for a Government contract and who suffers damages as a result of the award of the contract to a person who knowingly and willfully submits a false certification to bring an action for damages against the person awarded the contract in any U.S. district court in which the defendant is located.

Bill· HRH.R. 3077 (103rd)referred

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow tips received for providing food or beverages for consumption off the employer's premises to be taken into account under the credit for the employer social security tax on certain tips.

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1993

Amends the Internal Revenue Code (with respect to the credit for employer social security taxes paid for employee cash tips) to require taking into account customary tipping whether on or off the premises of food and beverage establishments.

Bill· HRH.R. 3044 (103rd)referred

Ban on Retroactive Taxes Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1993

Ban on Retroactive Taxes Act - Prohibits retroactive income tax increases for individuals or corporations.

Bill· HRH.R. 3026 (103rd)referred

Smokeless Tobacco Consumption Reduction and Education Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1993

Smokeless Tobacco Consumption Reduction and Education Act of 1993 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the excise tax on snuff and chewing tobacco equivalent to that on small cigarettes. Establishes in the Treasury the Smokeless Tobacco Education and Prevention Trust Fund. Requires ten percent of the net increase in revenues received by reason of this Act to be transferred to such Fund. Makes the Fund available for programs of public education regarding the risks of smokeless tobacco and other programs to reduce the consumption of smokeless tobacco.

Bill· HRH.R. 3029 (103rd)referred

Omnibus Adoption Act of 1993

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1993

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: National Advisory Council on Adoption Title II: Adoption Data Collection System Title III: Adoption Education Programs Title IV: Adoption Benefits for Federal Employees and Military Personnel Title V: Adoption Tax Credit Title VI: Maternal Health Certificates Program Title VII: Rehabilitation Grants for Maternity Housing and Services Facilities Title VIII: Sense of Congress Regarding Changes in State Adoption Laws Omnibus Adoption Act of 1993 - Title I: National Advisory Council on Adoption - Establishes the National Advisory Council on Adoption to monitor program implementation under this Act and make recommendations to the Congress. Title II: Adoption Data Collection System - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to submit a status report to the Congress on implementation of a certain data collection system required under the Social Security Act. Title III: Adoption Education Programs - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to award social work graduate school fellowships for work in innovative programs on the effects of adoption on the parties involved. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary of Education to award grants to the States for implementation of adoption education programs. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Adoption Benefits for Federal Employees and Military Personnel - Amends Federal law to set forth adoption benefits for Federal employees and military personnel. Directs the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, the Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of Transportation to coordinate their efforts in implementing this Act and to consult with the National Advisory Council on Adoption. Title V: Adoption Tax Credit - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow adoption expenses as a credit against the individual income tax. Title VI: Maternal Health Certificates Program - Directs the Secretary to establish a maternal health certificates program to cover maternity and housing services facility expenses incurred by eligible pregnant women. Authorizes appropriations. Title VII: Rehabilitation Grants for Maternity Housing and Services Facilities - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to implement a grant program to assist eligible nonprofit entities to rehabilitate buildings for use as housing and services facilities for eligible pregnant women. Authorizes appropriations. Title VIII: Sense of Congress Regarding Changes in State Adoption Laws - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the States should adopt a specified statutory adoption scheme, including certain health plan benefits.

Bill· HRH.R. 3022 (103rd)open

To amend title 10, United States Code, to restore the eligibility of former members of the uniformed services who are entitled to retired or retainer pay or equivalent pay, or a dependent of such members, and who are eligible for hospital insurance benefits under part A of title XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.) for prescription pharmaceuticals through the military medical system.

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1993

Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish a program to provide prescription pharmaceuticals to members and former members of the armed forces (and dependents of such members) who are entitled to certain retired or retainer pay and Medicare benefits and who would be eligible for armed forces health benefits but for their Medicare eligibility. Requires the Secretary to: (1) determine the pharmaceuticals that may be obtained by eligible persons; and (2) establish a fee or copayment to be paid for such pharmaceuticals. Bars such fees or copayments from exceeding those established under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993 for participation in the pharmaceutical demonstration project or the retail pharmacy network included in a managed health care program.

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