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Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 325 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1992
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) reach agreement with Mexico on the creation of a bilateral commission to raise and distribute money for development of environmental protection infrastructure and cleanup projects along the U.S.-Mexican border, not later than the date of enactment of legislation implementing the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA); and (2) enter into an agreement with Mexico, as part of NAFTA, in which each country would make a commitment to enforce environmental laws and to submit annual public reports on their enforcement practices and records.
Bill· SS. 2789 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1992
Commercial Space Competitiveness Act of 1992 - Title I: General Provisions - Sets forth findings and definitions for this Act. Title II: Space Transportation - Amends the Commercial Space Launch Act to extend certain provisions relating to payment by the United States against a licensee under the Act. Amends the Launch Services Purchase Act of 1990 to include suborbital payloads in the requirement to purchase launch services from commercial providers. Modifies requirements regarding use of non-commercial providers. Mandates a report on use of commercial services for suborbital launch programs. Applies such provisions, as well as those regarding launch service contracts, to the Federal Government. (Current law refers to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).) Establishes a demonstration program to award vouchers to researchers for the payment of commercial launch services and payload integration services for small scientific payloads. Authorizes grants for projects relating to the development or improvement of space transportation infrastructure. Establishes in the Treasury the Commercial Space Transportation Trust Fund, to consist of revenues from any fees assessed by the Department of Transportation for the licensing of commercial launch activities and to be used for projects that directly benefit the U.S. space transportation industry. Requires that projects be selected by an Industry Selection Committee representing fee payors. Requires an inventory to identify federally-owned launch support facilities: (1) not needed for public use; or (2) which could be made available for non-Federal use on a reimbursable basis without interfering with Federal activities. Title III: Miscellaneous - Authorizes the Administrator of NASA to enter into contracts in which the Government agrees to procure sufficient quantities of a commercial space product or service needed to meet Government mission requirements so that a commercial venture is made viable (anchor tenancy contracts) in order to increase the viability of a commercial space venture. Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 to authorize NASA to: (1) make contracts in excess of available funds; and (2) provide for liability payments from certain sources in the event the Government terminates such contracts. Authorizes Federal agencies to allow non-Federal entities to use their space-related facilities on a reimbursable basis. Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 to mandate protection of information developed under specified provisions of the Act from dissemination. Establishes a Commercial Space Achievement Award, consisting of a medal and, if funding is available, a cash prize, to individuals, corporations, corporate divisions, or corporate subsidiaries meeting certain criteria. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to accept gifts from public and private sources for the cash prize.
Bill· SS. 2774 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1992
Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research on Space and Aeronautics Act - Directs the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), using the National Science Foundation infrastructure, to make grants (and supplemental grants) to eligible States in areas of research important to NASA. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 5257 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1992
United States - Flag Passenger Vessel Act of 1992 - Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1920 to prohibit a passenger from being transported on a covered passenger voyage (a voyage of a vessel from a State or U.S. possession to a point outside of such State or possession and during which the passenger does not disembark to a foreign country, or between points in the United States, either directly or by way of a foreign port) in any other vessel than one built and documented under U.S. laws, with specified exceptions. Sets forth a civil penalty of $1,000 per passenger transported in violation of this prohibition.
Bill· HRH.R. 5231 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1992
Title I: General Provisions - National Competitiveness Act of 1992 - Sets forth the purposes and goals of this Act. Title II: Manufacturing - Manufacturing Technology and Extension Act of 1992 - Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to designate the Department of Commerce as the lead civilian Federal agency to work with U.S. industry, State and local governments, and private entities to enhance U.S. manufacturing capabilities. Establishes the Nationwide Network of Manufacturing Outreach Centers to assist U.S. manufacturers, especially small and medium-sized firms, to expand the use of technology and modern manufacturing processes. Provides for a related communications infrastructure and information clearinghouse. Authorizes appropriations. Establishes the Advanced Manufacturing Systems and Networking Projects program to create technology development programs to create advanced computer-integrated, electronically-networked manufacturing technologies and associated applications. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act to authorize the National Institute of Standards and Technology to establish local manufacturing offices. Eliminates the requirement that a Manufacturing Technology Center be financially self-supporting after six years of operation. Authorizes appropriations for existing and new centers. Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to expand the Engineering Research Centers program with emphasis on advanced manufacturing. Authorizes the establishment of up to five new Centers for such purpose. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Critical Technologies - Subtitle A: Miscellaneous - Requires the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) to report annually to the appropriate congressional committees regarding any executive branch international trade negotiations which might affect Federal research and development programs. Subtitle B: Council on Technology and Competitiveness - Establishes within the Executive Office of the President a Council on Technology and Competitiveness. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Advanced Technology Program - Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress an expansion plan for the Advanced Technology program. Requires the establishment of at least two new critical technologies consortia. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle D: Technology Commercialization Loans - Authorizes the Secretary to make technology commercialization loans. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle E: Critical Technologies Development-Part I: General Provisions - Critical Technologies Development Act of 1992 - Directs the Under Secretary of Commerce for Technology (Under Secretary) to establish a critical technologies development advisory committee. Part II: Program Structure and Operation - Establishes a program of financing qualified business concerns through federally assisted licensees. Part III: Enforcement - Provides for license enforcement. Part IV: Miscellaneous - Authorizes the Under Secretary to issue and guarantee trust certificates for licensee preferred securities. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: International Standardization - Amends the American Technology Preeminence Act of 1991 to expand the standards pilot program to promote the dissemination of U.S. technical standards abroad. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress with regard to the appropriate Federal role in developing and promulgating domestic and global product and quality standards. Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes appropriations for: (1) the Office of the Under Secretary; (2) technology policy; (3) Japanese technical literature; (4) National Technical Information Service modernization, including a facilities study; and (5) specified activities within the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Prohibits the fraudulent use of "Made in America" labels. Provides for compliance with the Buy American Act. Prohibits the making of a Malcolm Baldrige Award within a category or subcategory if there are no qualifying enterprises in that category or subcategory. Title VI: Competitiveness Research, Data Collection, and Evaluation - Directs the Secretary to conduct a competitiveness research program. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 5230 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1992
American Technology and Competitiveness Act - Title I: General Provisions - Sets forth the purposes and goals of this Act. Title II: Manufacturing - Manufacturing Technology and Extension Act of 1992 - Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to designate the Department of Commerce as the lead civilian Federal agency to work with U.S. industry, State and local governments, and private entities to enhance U.S. manufacturing capabilities. Establishes the Nationwide Network of Manufacturing Outreach Centers to assist U.S. manufacturers, especially small and medium-sized firms, to expand the use of technology and modern manufacturing processes. Provides for a related communications infrastructure and information clearinghouse. Authorizes appropriations. Establishes the Advanced Manufacturing Systems and Networking Projects program to create technology development programs to create advanced computer-integrated, electronically-networked manufacturing technologies and associated applications. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to expand the Engineering Research Centers program with emphasis on advanced manufacturing. Authorizes the establishment of up to five new Centers for such purpose. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Critical Technologies - Subtitle A: Miscellaneous - Requires the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) to report annually to the appropriate congressional committees regarding any executive branch international trade negotiations which might affect Federal research and development programs. Subtitle B: Council on Technology and Competitiveness - Establishes within the Executive Office of the President a Council on Technology and Competitiveness. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Advanced Technology Program - Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress an expansion plan for the Advanced Technology program. Requires the establishment of at least two new critical technologies consortia. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle D: Technology Commercialization Loans - Authorizes the Secretary to make technology commercialization loans. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle E: Critical Technologies Development-Part I: General Provisions - Critical Technologies Development Act of 1992 - Directs the Under Secretary of Commerce for Technology (Under Secretary) to establish a critical technologies development advisory committee. Part II: Program Structure and Operation - Establishes a program of financing qualified business concerns through federally assisted licensees. Part III: Enforcement - Provides for licensee enforcement. Part IV: Miscellaneous - Authorizes the Under Secretary to issue and guarantee trust certificates for licensee preferred securities. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: International Standardization - Amends the American Technology Preeminence Act of 1991 to expand the standards pilot program to promote the dissemination of U.S. technical standards abroad. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress with regard to the appropriate Federal role in developing and promulgating domestic and global product and quality standards. Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes appropriations for: (1) the Office of the Under Secretary; (2) technology policy; (3) Japanese technical literature; (4) National Technical Information Service modernization, including a facilities study; and (5) specified activities within the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Prohibits the fraudulent use of "Made in America" labels. Provides for compliance with the Buy American Act. Prohibits the making of a Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award within a category or subcategory if there are no qualifying enterprises in that category or subcategory. Title VI: Competitiveness Research, Data Collection, and Evaluation - Directs the Secretary to conduct a competitiveness research program. Authorizes appropriations. Title VII: Education and Workforce Training - Subtitle A: American Industrial Quality and Training - American Industrial Quality and Training Act of 1992 - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for workforce quality training partnerships. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make grants for youth technical apprenticeship programs. Directs such Secretary to establish a program information clearinghouse. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make grants for statewide systems of technical training. Authorizes appropriations. Requires reports on U.S. industry worker training and on the applicability of total quality management to education. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Scientific and Technical Education - Scientific and Technical Education Act of 1992 - Requires NSF to: (1) carry out a program to assist associate-degree-granting colleges to provide education in advanced technology fields, with emphasis on the needs of nontraditional students; (2) establish up to ten scientific and technical education centers of excellence; (3) make grants to eligible college partnerships to assist associate students in mathematics, science, engineering, or technology make the transition to bachelor-degree-granting institutions; and (4) make grants to strengthen the relationships between associate-degree-colleges and secondary schools. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes NSF to make grants for technology education teacher training. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Miscellaneous - Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to require the Secretary to report to the Congress on establishment of a Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award for educational institutions. Directs the Secretary to establish in the Technology Administration the American Industrial Quality Foundation to further U.S. industrial competitiveness in the international marketplace. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Academic Research Facilities Modernization Act of 1988 to authorize appropriations for the Academic Research Facilities Modernization program. Directs the Secretaries of Agriculture, of Defense, and of Energy, the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Director of the National Institutes of Aeronautics and Space Health to each establish academic research facilities awards programs. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes NASA, NSF, and the Department of Energy to establish a joint awards program in support of science and technology instructional equipment and facilities. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 to authorize NSF to foster the development of high performance computing. Amends the Excellence in Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Act of 1990 to authorize appropriations for grants to educational agencies for systematic reform of mathematics and science education. Title VIII: Tax and Investment Incentives - Investment Incentives Act of 1992 - Subtitle A: Tax and Investment Incentives - Part I: Research and Experimentation Tax Credit Made Permanent - Amends the Internal Revenue Service Code to make the research tax credit permanent. Part II: Capital Gain Provisions - Provides for: (1) the indexing of certain assets acquired on or after February 1, 1992, for purposes of determining gain; and (2) a 50 percent exclusion for gain of individuals from certain small business stock. Part III: Temporary Investment Incentives - Provides for: (1) a temporary expensing increase for small businesses; and (2) a special depreciation allowance for certain equipment acquired in 1992. Subtitle B: Revenue Provisions - Makes the high-income personal exemption phaseout permanent. Disallows the deduction for: (1) certain employee remuneration in excess of $1 million; and (2) club membership dues. Requires specified identifying information with regard to certain seller-provided financing. Extends temporarily the overall limitation on high-income taxpayer itemized deductions. Sets forth a mark-to-market accounting method for securities dealers. Increases the base tax rate on ozone-depleting chemicals. Title IX: National Security Reinvestment - Subtitle A: Advanced Manufacturing Equipment Leasing Corporations - Provides for the establishment of a pilot Advanced Manufacturing Equipment Leasing Corporation which shall: (1) expand the commercial market for advanced manufacturing equipment produced by eligible Department of Defense (DOD) contractors; and (2) provide such equipment through lease or sale to small and medium commercial businesses at less than market rates. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Science and Mathematics Educational Reinstatement - Directs NSF to establish and administer a fellowship program for teaching certification in science and mathematics for qualifying displaced or retiring military and defense support personnel. Funds the program through DOD. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: National Security Retraining Fellowships - Directs NSF to establish and administer a fellowship program for retraining qualifying displaced or nonretiring military and defense support personnel with specialized defense-related expertise in science or engineering. Funds the program through DOD. Provides for the establishment of a related Engineer Reinvestment Panel. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle D: Multiprogram Laboratory Conversion - Requires that within five years of enactment of this Act, ten percent of all Federal funding for research and development at (the Department of Energy) multiprogram laboratories shall be used for joint projects with private industry, including specified priority projects. Subtitle E: Research and Development Spending - Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) any budget reductions in DOD research and development should be balanced by equal increases in civilian research and development spending; and (2) defense and civilian research and development spending should be made approximately equal as soon as practicable. Subtitle F: Manufacturing Extension and Critical Technologies - Authorizes DOD appropriations for: (1) manufacturing extension programs; and (2) critical technology application centers.
Bill· HRH.R. 5229 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1992
Fundamental Competitiveness Act of 1992 - Title I: Public Debt Reduction - Allows individual taxpayers to designate a portion of tax liability (not to exceed ten percent) on their tax returns to reduce the public debt. Establishes the Public Debt Reduction Trust Fund consisting of amounts so designated. Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to provide for a sequestration of revenues equivalent to the estimated aggregate amount so designated. Specifies accounts exempted from such sequestration and establishes reporting requirements with respect to budget procedures. Title II: Capital Formation - Establishes a method of computing the credit for increasing research activities based on aggregate research expenses, as an alternative to the method based on qualified research expenses. Establishes a variable capital gains deduction whose formulas on a sliding scale range from ten percent for assets held for one year up to 100 percent for assets held for ten years. Allows a deduction of 50 percent of the capital gain from stock investments by non-corporate taxpayers in start-up companies where initial stock offerings are held for two years. Requires indexing, based on the gross national product deflator, of the adjusted basis of certain assets (corporate stock and tangle property that is a capital asset of property used in a trade or business) that have been held for more than one year at the time of sale or other disposition, solely for the purpose of determining gain or loss. Permits an income tax deduction in the amount of dividends paid by domestic corporations, except S corporations, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, and personal holding companies. Repeals the income tax deductions currently permitted in connection with: (1) dividends received by a corporation; (2) dividends received by a corporation on the preferred stock of a public utility; and (3) dividends paid by a public utility on its preferred stock. Increases the deductible percentage of amounts received by a corporation from a qualified ten-percent owned foreign corporation. Allows a charitable deduction for corporate contributions of employee volunteer services to an educational organization. Establishes an investment tax credit for manufacturing and other productive equipment. Provides for determining the applicable percentage of such credit, which includes an efficiency improvement percentage. Increases the limitation based on the amount of tax for purposes of the general business credit. Provides for the treatment of losses on stock in manufacturing companies as ordinary (as opposed to capital) losses. Allows a partial exclusion of dividends or interest received by an individual. Provides for ordinary-loss treatment for losses on investments in a qualified startup company. Describes such company as one which: (1) manufacture tangible personal property in the United States; (2) does not involve a business acquired from another person; and (3) has not been in existence for more than one taxable year at the time it issued stock. Title III: Antitrust - Amends the Clayton Act to bar the acquisition by one corporation of stock of another, subject to specified conditions, where there is a significant probability that such acquisition will substantially increase the ability to exercise market power (currently, where the effect of such acquisition may be to substantially lessen competition or to tend to create a monopoly). Defines the ability to exercise market power for purposes of such provision as the ability of one or more firms profitably to maintain prices above competitive levels for a significant period of time. Directs the court, in determining whether there is a significant probability that any acquisition will substantially increase the ability to exercise market power, to consider all economic factors relevant to the effect of the acquisition in the affected markets, including: (1) the number and size distribution of firms and the effect of the acquisition thereon; (2) the ease or difficulty of entry by foreign or domestic firms; (3) the ability of smaller firms in the market to increase production in response to an attempt to exercise market power; (4) the nature of the product and terms of sale; (5) conduct of firms in the market; (6) efficiencies deriving from the acquisition; and (7) any other evidence indicating whether the acquisition will or will not substantially increase the ability, unilaterally or collectively, to exercise market power. Amends the National Cooperative Research Act of 1984 to include a joint production venture within the scope of such Act as an activity that shall not be deemed illegal per se under the antitrust laws. Changes the short title of such Act to the National Cooperative Research, Development, and Production Act. Title IV: Business Liability - Subtitle A: Findings - Makes findings with respect to the increasing amount of litigation in our society and the desirability of encouraging alternative dispute mechanisms and providing uniform legal standards in the areas of professional and product liability. Subtitle B: Professionals' Liability Reform - Professionals' Liability Reform Act of 1992 - Establishes certain limitations and procedures regarding professional liability actions. Preempts certain State laws. Provides that nothing in this Act shall prohibit any State from developing or implementing alternative procedures for: (1) expediting the adjudication of professional liability claims; (2) resolving professional liability disputes; or (3) compensating for harm caused by professional services. Requires professional liability actions to be brought within three years after the claimant discovered, or should have discovered, the harm. Requires the claimant, in any professional liability action, to establish: (1) that the professional negligently rendered professional services and that such negligence was the proximate cause of the harm; or (2) in a claim for economic injury, that the professional negligently rendered professional services to and for the direct and intended benefit of the claimant, and such services were the proximate cause of the harm. Requires the claimant to establish that, at the time such services were provided, knowledge of the circumstances that caused the harm and a practical means to eliminate such circumstances were reasonably available. States that a professional shall not be liable in a professional liability action in which: (1) the professional's services were rendered to an agency of the Federal or State government; (2) Federal or State contract specifications existed which were material to the claim; and (3) the services rendered conformed to such specifications. Permits future damage awards exceeding $100,000 to be made by periodic payments. Requires that damage awards be offset by any amount received as compensation for the same injury. Establishes a contingency fee schedule for plaintiffs' attorneys. States that the principles of comparative liability shall apply unless persons engaged in concerted action which proximately caused the harm. Permits the awarding of punitive damages only where the conduct of the defendant: (1) manifested a malicious and reckless disregard for safety; and (2) constituted an extreme departure from accepted standards of safety. States that punitive damages may not be awarded in the absence of a compensatory award, or for the negligent provision of professional services. Requires the trier of fact, at the request of the professional, to consider in a separate proceeding whether punitive damages are to be awarded. Limits the claimant's actual recovery of punitive damages to three times the amount of compensatory damages. States that excess punitive damages shall be paid to the State or Federal government. Makes any attorney who files a frivolous claim subject to pecuniary sanctions by the court. Requires each State to encourage professional organizations to form risk management programs. Subtitle C: Product Liability Fairness - Part I: General Provisions - Product Liability Fairness Act - Declares that this Act governs any product liability action brought against a manufacturer or product seller, on any theory, for harm caused by a product. States that a civil action brought against a manufacturer or product seller for loss or damage to a product itself or commercial loss shall be governed by applicable commercial or contract law. Supersedes any inconsistent State law regarding recovery in such actions. Lists specific laws not superseded, including: (1) defense of sovereign immunity asserted by any State or by the United States; (2) any Federal law (except the Federal Employees Compensation Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act); (3) the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act of 1976; (4) State choice-of-law rules; (5) the right of any court to transfer venue or to apply the law of a foreign nation or to dismiss a claim of a foreign nation or citizen on the ground of inconvenient forum; and (6) any statutory or common law cause of action, including an action to abate a nuisance, that authorizes a State or person to institute an action for civil damages or civil penalties, clean up costs, injunctions, restitution, cost recovery, punitive damages, or any other form of relief from contamination or pollution of the environment or the threat of it. Declares that U.S. district courts shall not have jurisdiction over any civil action under this Act, based on specified provisions of Federal law relating to district court jurisdiction. Declares that, if any provision of this Act would shorten the period during which a manufacturer or seller would otherwise be exposed to liability, the claimant may, notwithstanding that period, bring any civil action under this Act within one year after the effective date of this Act. Part II: Out of Court Procedures - Allows any claimant to bring a civil action for damages against a person for harm caused by a product under applicable State law, except to the extent such law is superseded by this title. Sets forth expedited settlement measures, including: (1) an option to include an offer of settlement, for a specific dollar amount, by the plaintiff in the complaint and by the defendant in a responsive pleading; and (2) awarding attorney's fees and costs, in certain circumstances, to the prevailing party if the other party does not accept the settlement offer. Sets forth alternative dispute resolution procedures, including: (1) an option, in lieu of or in addition to a settlement offer, for a claimant or a defendant to offer to proceed under any voluntary alternative dispute resolution procedure established or recognized under the law of the State in which the action is brought or maintained; and (2) awarding of attorney's fees and costs to the offering party if the court determines that a refusal to so proceed was unreasonable or not in good faith. Creates a rebuttable presumption that a refusal to so proceed was unreasonable, or not in good faith, if a verdict is rendered in favor of the offeror. Part III: Court Procedures - Allows a person seeking to recover for harm caused by a product to bring a civil action against the manufacturer or seller under applicable State or Federal law, except to the extent such law is superseded by this Act. Establishes a standard of product seller liability for proximate causes of harm, established by a preponderance of the evidence, which fall under the categories of negligence or express warranty. Allows the trier of fact, in a negligence action, to consider the conduct of the seller with respect to: (1) the construction, inspection, or condition of the product; and (2) failure to pass on warnings or instructions from the manufacturer. Deems the seller not liable for failure to provide warnings or instructions unless the claimant establishes that the seller failed to: (1) provide warnings or instructions received while the product was in the seller's possession and control; or (2) make reasonable efforts to provide users with warnings and instructions which it received after the product left its possession and control. Deems a seller not liable except for breach of warranty where there was no opportunity to inspect the product in a manner which would or should, in the exercise of reasonable care, have revealed the aspect which allegedly caused the harm. Declares that the seller shall be treated as the manufacturer and be liable for harm caused by a product as if it were the manufacturer if: (1) the manufacturer is not subject to service of process in any State in which the action might have been brought; or (2) the court determines that the claimant would be unable to enforce a judgment against the manufacturer. Allows punitive damages, if otherwise permitted by applicable law, to be awarded in any civil action under this title to any claimant who establishes by clear and convincing evidence that the harm suffered was the result of conduct manifesting a manufacturer's or product seller's conscious, flagrant indifference to the safety of those persons who might be harmed by a product. Declares that a failure to exercise reasonable care in choosing among alternative product designs, formulations, instructions, or warnings is not of itself such conduct. Prohibits awarding punitive damages in the absence of a compensatory award, subject to exception. Prohibits punitive damages against a manufacturer or seller of a drug or medical device where: (1) the drug or device was subject to pre-market approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); or (2) the drug is generally recognized as safe and effective under conditions established by the FDA. Prohibits punitive damages against a manufacturer of an aircraft where: (1) the aircraft was subject to pre-market certification by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); and (2) the manufacturer complied, after delivery, with FAA requirements and obligations with respect to continuing airworthiness. Provides for separate proceedings, if requested by the manufacturer or seller, with regard to punitive damages. Lists factors the trier of fact is allowed to consider in determining the amount of punitive damages. Bars any civil action under this title: (1) unless filed within two years after the claimant discovered or should have discovered the harm and its cause, subject to exception; and (2) if the product involved is a capital good that is alleged to have caused harm which is not a toxic harm unless filed within twenty-five years after delivery of the product, provided the claimant has received or would be eligible for State or Federal workers' compensation. Excludes a motor vehicle, vessel, aircraft, or railroad used primarily to transport passengers for hire from these time limitations. States that nothing in these provisions affects the right of any person who is subject to liability under this Act to obtain contribution or indemnity from any other person who is responsible for the harm. Requires reduction in the damages awarded by the sum of all State or Federal workers' compensation benefits to which the employee is or would be entitled. Requires a claimant in a civil action under this title who is or may be eligible to receive State or Federal workers' compensation to notify the claimant's employer of the civil action. Requires an action to be stayed, at the sole discretion of the claimant, until a final determination is made on the amount payable as workers' compensation benefits. Declares that, unless the manufacturer or seller has expressly agreed to indemnify or hold an employer harmless, neither the employer nor the workers' compensation insurance carrier shall have a right of subrogation, contribution, or implied indemnity against the manufacturer or seller or a lien against the claimant's recovery, except if the claimant's harm was not in any way caused by the fault of the claimant's employer or co-employees. Allows the employer or workers' compensation insurer to intervene in the action to prove that fact. Prohibits a third party tortfeasor, where workers' compensation is involved, from maintaining any action for implied indemnity or contribution against the employer, any coemployee, or the exclusive representative of the injured person. Prohibits, for a person who is or would have been entitled to receive workers' compensation, any other action, unless a State or Federal workers' compensation law permits recovery based on a claim of an intentional tort. Makes these provisions inapplicable and declares that applicable State law shall control if the employer or the workers' compensation insurer asserts a right of subrogation, contribution, or implied indemnity against the manufacturer or seller or a lien against the claimant's recovery. Declares that, in any product liability action, the liability of each defendant for noneconomic damages shall be several and not joint. Requires the trier of fact to determine the proportion of responsibility of each party for the claimant's harm. Establishes a complete defense, in any civil action under this Act in which all defendants are manufacturers or sellers, that the claimant was under the influence of alcohol or any drug and that, as a result, the claimant was more than 50 percent responsible for the event which resulted in the harm. Defines "drug" to mean any non-over-the-counter drug which has not been prescribed by a physician. Title V: Long-Term Investment - Long-Term Investment Promotion Act of 1992 - Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to eliminate the requirement that publicly-held corporations report their financial status on a quarterly basis. Title VI: Competitiveness Risk Assessment - Declares that no agency shall propose or promulgate a regulation without first analyzing its direct and indirect effects on the health and safety of consumers and workers, including effects due to wage and job losses, price increases, product restrictions, technological delays, and substitution effects. Title VII: Department of Manufacturing And Commerce - Department of Manufacturing and Commerce Act of 1992 - Renames the Department of Commerce as the Department of Manufacturing and Commerce. Requires the President to establish a Manufacturing Advisory Commission to examine Federal agencies, programs, and offices responsible for manufacturing-related research and development, technology transfer, education, and trade in order to prepare a report for the Congress on the feasibility of consolidating such agencies, programs, and offices into a single Office of Manufacturing within the Department of Manufacturing and Commerce. Title VIII: Amendments to the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 - Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to change from discretionary to mandatory a Federal agency's authority to permit the director of any of its laboratories to enter into cooperative research and development agreements on its behalf. Authorizes each Federal agency to copyright on behalf of the United States any computer software prepared in whole or in part by Government employees involved in cooperative research and development agreements. Includes software royalties in the current distribution format (agency, laboratory, author, and Treasury) under such Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 5238 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1992
Revitalization of Health and Education in Rural America Act of 1992 - Amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to direct the Administrator of the Rural Electrification Administration to establish a program for providing grants to qualified consortia to assist them in obtaining access to modern interactive telecommunications systems through the public switched network. Sets forth: (1) application requirements; (2) review and comment procedures (by a State agency); (3) criteria for selection of grantees (giving priority to applications demonstrating the greatest likelihood of successfully and efficiently carrying out specified activities, the participation of the local telephone exchange carrier in providing and operating the telecommunications transmission facilities required by a State plan for upgrading rural telecommunications infrastructure, and unconditional financial support from the local community, and ensuring (to the extent possible) that various regions of the United States benefit from the use of the grants); and (4) limits on the maximum grant amount and the period of disbursement of grants. Specifies that grants under this Act may be used to support the costs of activities involving the sending and receiving of information to improve health care or educational services in rural areas. Sets limitations with respect to: (1) the use of grant funds for the acquisition of interactive telecommunications equipment; (2) the use of such funds to employ consultants; and (3) the authorization of appropriations. Bars the use of funds under this Act to establish or operate a telecommunications network or telecommuncations service for hire. Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (REA) to: (1) provide for a reduction in the interest rate on insured telephone loans for borrowers from States with plans for upgrading rural telecommunications infrastructure; and (2) eliminate a preference for rural telephone bank loans for borrowers located in such States. Modifies the definition of "rural area" for purposes of telephone loans to mean specified areas not included within the boundaries of an area having a population in excess of 10,000 (currently, 1,500) inhabitants. Expresses the sense of the Congress that persons eligible for telephone loans under the REA who are interested in upgrading telecommunications in rural areas should obtain financial assistance under such Act through a subsidiary in order to limit the assets subject to the lien requirements of such Act. Directs the Administrator of the Rural Electrification Administration and the Governor of the Rural Telephone Bank to prescribe such regulations as necessary to carry out this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 5225 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1992
Program for Greater Stability and Support (PROGRESS) for the Independent States of the Former Soviet Union Act of 1992 - Sets forth policies on the provision of trade benefits and other assistance to the independent states of the former Soviet Union (members of the Commonwealth of Independent States), including prohibitions on assistance to Communist party organizations. Makes an independent state eligible for such assistance only if the President reports to the Congress that the state is taking steps toward: (1) political pluralism; (2) economic reform and a market economy; (3) respect for human rights; and (4) building a friendly relationship with the United States. Declares that the United States, in providing such assistance, should: (1) avoid equating the amount of funds used for assistance with success; (2) encourage and facilitate technical advice on establishing free market economies; and (3) encourage cultural and educational exchanges between U.S. nongovernmental organizations and nongovernmental organizations in the independent states that are committed to democracy and free market economies. States that the President should consider property rights, business regulations, the informal sector, wage and price controls, taxation, trade policy, restrictions on investment and capital flows, the size of the state sector, and the banking sector, in determining whether such assistance should be provided. Declares that the United States should encourage U.S. companies to bid on contracts to improve infrastructure in the independent states and assist companies in applying for such contracts. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include eligible independent states of the former Soviet Union within the definition of a beneficiary country for purposes of permitting tax deductions for conventions held in such states. Increases the tax exclusion for income earned in the independent states. Encourages the President to: (1) negotiate with the independent states to establish tax sparing treaties; and (2) reduce trade barriers with such states wherever possible. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to provide that Overseas Private Investment Corporation programs shall not be prohibited in the independent states. Directs the program coordinator of U.S. assistance for the independent states to establish a Business Information Center System to serve as a central clearinghouse and data resource service for U.S. businesses and businesses in the independent states by providing information relating to: (1) business conditions in the independent states; (2) legal and regulatory information needed by U.S. companies seeking to do business in such states; (3) investment and trade opportunities for U.S. companies; and (4) voluntary assistance efforts to the independent states. Requires information to be made available to local enterprises in the independent states seeking trade or investment with the United States through trade information centers. Authorizes appropriations. Sets forth a matching requirement for U.S. businesses receiving such funding. Requires the Director of the U.S. Information Agency to establish a Center for Political Education for the Former Soviet Union to provide training and experience for leaders in the independent states with the Congress, in U.S. political campaigns, and with U.S. media and businesses, by awarding Congressional Gift of Democracy Fellowships. Sets forth a matching requirement for nongovernmental organizations chosen to award such fellowships. Limits fellowships to a five-month period. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to develop a management training program for business people and government officials from the independent states. Makes Small Business Development Center Program and Senior Corps of Retired Executives funds available to carry out this program. Commends the Peace Corps and the Small Business Administration for developing the Business to Business Program to teach buiness and management skills to the independent states. Directs the Administrator of the Agency for International Development (AID) to establish a task force to review, and recommend revisions to, AID's regulations governing the application process for private voluntary organizations and businesses to receive AID funding for activities relating to the independent states.
Bill· HRH.R. 5217 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1992
Aviation Noise Limit Act of 1992 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to develop a staged plan to reduce by at least 75 percent on or before January 1, 2001, the number of individuals residing in residential areas in the vicinity of an airport who are exposed to a yearly day-night average sound level of 60 decibels or above. Requires the Secretary in developing such plan to consider various methods for aviation noise reduction, including soundproofing, relocation incentives, use of quieter aircraft, operations restrictions, and revision of air routes. Authorizes the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to make airspace traffic changes in residential areas if they will not result in an increase in aviation noise. Requires the Secretary to assume responsibility for compliance with the requirements of this Act with respect to all non-military aviation activity.
Bill· HRH.R. 5209 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1992
Nuclear Weapons Reduction Act of 1992 - Declares that it shall be the goal of the United States to: (1) significantly and continuously reduce the number of nuclear weapons in all countries through a stage-by-stage process; (2) achieve, through negotiations with former Soviet republics, the elimination of all nuclear weapons in such republics, except for the Russian Federation, as soon as possible; (3) reach agreement as soon as possible with the Russian Federation to reduce the number of nuclear weapons in each country's arsenal to a level of approximately 2,500 warheads; (4) begin negotiations with the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, France, and China to further reduce the number of such weapons to approximately 1,000 weapons each for the Russian Federation and the United States, with lower levels for the other countries; (5) conduct negotiations with such countries and with other countries to make further reductions in nuclear arsenals; (6) provide immediate U.S. assistance to disable, transport, store, and dismantle former Soviet nuclear weapons and missiles and to identify alternative employment opportunities for former Soviet nuclear weapons designers and technicians; (7) achieve a worldwide, verifiable agreement to end by 1995 the production of plutonium and highly enriched uranium for weapons purposes and to place existing stockpiles under bilateral or international controls; and (8) strengthen and expand multilateral regimes to prevent countries from developing nuclear weapons or their components and to create international mechanisms to enforce these regimes.
Bill· SS. 2734 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1992
Water Resources Development Act of 1992 - Title I: Project Authorization - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army (the Secretary) to carry out public works projects in the following locations for improvements to navigation, flood control, and ecosystem restoration: (1) Southeast Alaska Harbors of Refuge, Alaska; (2) Whiteman's Creek, Arkansas; (3) American River Watershed, California; (4) Morro Bay Harbor, California; (5) Sacramento Metro Area, California; (6) Rio Grande Alamosa, Colorado; (7) Delaware River Mainstem and Channel Deepening, Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania; (8) Canaveral Harbor, Florida; (9) Kissimee River, Florida; (10) Port Everglades Harbor, Florida; (11) Savannah Harbor, Georgia and South Carolina; (12) Kentucky Lock Addition, Kentucky; (13) Amite River and Tributaries, Louisiana; (14) Saugus River and Tributaries, Massachusetts; (15) Las Vegas Wash and Tributaries, Nevada; (16) Morehead City Harbor, North Carolina; (17) West Onslow and New River Inlet, North Carolina; (18) Lackawanna River at Scranton, Pennsylvania; (19) Locks and Dams 2, 3, and 4 Monongahela River, Pennsylvania; (20) Rio Grande De Loiza, Puerto Rico; (21) Sargent Beach, Texas; and (22) Shoal Creek, Austin, Texas. Modifies projects at the following locations with respect to coastal storm protection, storm water collection, flood control beach erosion control and hurricane protection, navigation, and water quality improvement: (1) Virginia Beach, Virginia; (2) South Fork of the Zumbro River, Rochester, Minnesota; (3) Moorefield and Petersburg, West Virginia; (4) Buena Vista, Virginia; (5) Westhampton Beach, New York; (6) Jones inlet, New York; (7) Buffomville Lake, Massachusetts; (8) French River, Connecticut and Massachusetts; and (9) Clear Creek, Texas. Reauthorizes the project for flood control at: (1) Perry Creek, Sioux City, Iowa; and (2) Green Bay Levee District, Iowa. Title II: Project Related Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to develop and implement a plan for modifying the channel bypass element of the Levisa Fork, Kentucky, project for water quality improvement in and restoration of Pikeville Lake, Kentucky. Authorizes appropriations. Bars the Secretary from proceeding with the divestiture of locks and dams five through 14 on the Kentucky River, Kentucky, until the Secretary has complied with the terms of a specified Memorandum of Understanding. Authorizes and directs the Secretary to: (1) develop a comprehensive five-year and 20-year sediment management strategy for the Toledo River (and authorizes the Secretary to conduct the engineering and construction activities necessary to implement the five-year strategy); and (2) establish the William B. Hoyt II Visitor Center at Mount Morris Dam, Mount Morris, New York. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to proceed with the project for the Richmond, Virginia, Filtration Plant. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) maintain navigation access to, and berthing areas at, all currently operating public and private commercial dock facilities associated with or having access to the Federal navigation project on the Columbia, Snake, and Clearwater Rivers from Bonneville Dam to and including Lewiston, Idaho, at a depth commensurate with the Federal navigation project; (2) complete the shore protection measures on Cliff Walk, Newport, Rhode Island; and (3) reconstruct the Allendale Dam in North Providence, Rhode Island. Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1990 to make specified modifications with respect to the effective date of the local cooperation agreement with the City of Virginia Beach, Virginia and reimbursement for the Federal share of beach nourishment at the Virginia Beach periodic nourishment project. Authorizes and directs the Secretary to correct the design deficiency associated with the project for flood control at Ellenville, New York. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) undertake an environmental restoration project along the banks of the White River in Indianapolis, Indiana; and (2) design and construct projects for combined sewer overflow (CSO) prevention for specified areas across the country. Sets forth provisions regarding project design and costs for the latter. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to maintain the authorized Federal navigation channel at Port Orford, Oregon. Title III: General Provisions - Amends the Water Resources Development Act of: (1) 1986 to authorize appropriations for dam safety; and (2) 1974 to provide that up to half the non-Federal contribution for the cost-sharing program may be made by the provision of in-kind services, and to define "State" to include Indian tribes. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) develop and implement a program to share the cost of managing recreation facilities and natural resources at water resource development projects under the Secretary's jurisdiction; (2) enter into cooperative agreements with non-Federal public and private entities to provide for operation and management of recreation facilities and natural resources at civil works projects under the Secretary's jurisdiction where such facilities and resources are being maintained at complete Federal expense; and (3) accept contributions of funds, materials, and services from such entities for purposes of this provision. Amends the Flood Control Act of 1968 to authorize the Secretary to charge fees (to be deposited into the special Treasury account for the Corps of Engineers) for the use of developed recreation sites and facilities, but not for the use or provision of drinking water, way side exhibits, general purpose roads, overlook sites, toilet facilities, or general visitor information. Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to repeal a provision barring a Federal agency, at each lake or reservoir under the jurisdiction of the Corps of Engineers where camping is permitted, from charging a user fee for providing at least one primitive campground containing designated campsites, sanitary facilities, and vehicular access. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out projects for the protection, restoration, and creation of aquatic and ecologically-related habitats, including wetlands, in connection with dredging for construction, operation, or maintenance of an authorized navigation project. Specifies that such projects shall be undertaken, subject to appropriations and Federal cost-sharing limitations, in any case where the Secretary finds that: (1) the environmental, economic, and social benefits of the project justify the cost; and (2) such project will not result in any further environmental degradation. Specifies that any such project shall be initiated only after non-Federal interests have entered into a cooperative agreement, according to specified provisions of the Flood Control Act of 1970, under which such interests agree to: (1) provide 25 percent of the cost associated with the project, including provision of all lands, easements, rights-of-way, and necessary relocations; and (2) pay 100 percent of the cost of operation, maintenance, replacement, and rehabilitation costs associated with the project. Authorizes appropriations. Sets limits on the Federal share of the cost of each project. Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1976 to revise provisions with respect to cost-sharing for disposal of dredged sand on beaches. Requires the Secretary to give consideration to the schedule of the State or political subdivision in providing its share of funds for the placing of such sand on the beaches of such State or subdivision and, to the maximum extent practicable, to accommodate such schedule. Makes the political subdivision responsible for providing payments required under such Act in lieu of the State. Specifies that amounts recovered under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 for any response action taken by the Secretary in support of the Army Civil Works Program shall be credited to the principal appropriation from which the costs of such action has been paid or will be charged. Authorizes the Secretary, in accomplishing the maintenance, rehabilitation, and modernization of hydroelectric power generating facilities at water resources projects under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Army, to increase the efficiency of energy production or the capacity of these facilities if, after consulting with other appropriate Federal agencies, the Secretary determines that such uprating: (1) is economically justified and financially feasible; (2) will not result in significant adverse environmental impacts or effects on the purposes for which the project is authorized; and (3) will not involve major structural or operational changes in the project. Authorizes the Secretary, at a water resources project where the non-Federal interest is responsible for performing the operation, maintenance, replacement, and rehabilitation of the project and the Government is responsible for paying a portion of such costs, to: (1) provide a payment of the estimated total Federal share of such costs (based on a specified formula) to the non-Federal interest after completion of project construction; and (2) make a payment only if the non-Federal interest has entered into a binding agreement with the Secretary to perform the operation, maintenance, replacement, and rehabilitation of the project, subject to specified requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to accept contributions of cash, funds, materials, and services from nonprofit private and non-Federal public entities for environmental protection and restoration. Extends the jurisdiction of the Mississippi River Commission to include Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana. Authorizes the Secretary to remove a sunken barge from waters off the shore of the Narragansett Town Beach in Narragansett, Rhode Island, subject to specified requirements. Authorizes the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to provide financial assistance to: (1) pay the costs of construction and equipment for an Upper Mississippi River Environmental Education Center to be located in Winona, Minnesota; and (2) share the costs of planning, engineering design, construction, and equipment for the North American Wildlife and Prairie Wetlands Interpretive Center to be constructed near Medina, North Dakota. Sets forth additional requirements. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the use of flood emergency funds to repair and restore protective beaches damaged or destroyed by wind, wave, or water action other than of an ordinary nature when such repair and restoration is necessary to provide a level of protection equivalent to that provided prior to such damage or destruction and when requested by the Governor. Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 to require that credits for project lands, easements, relocations, and rights-of-way include full value of foregone royalties on subsurface minerals, such as sand, where State royalty schedules have been established on the commercial mining of such resources. Limits design and construction costs assigned to projects under such Act for purposes of cost-sharing by non-Federal interests to the direct costs of such projects (and excludes any departmental overhead or general and administrative overhead costs). Makes this provision applicable to projects authorized in this or subsequent Acts and to cost-sharing agreements for projects not specifically authorized by the Congress entered into after the date of enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary and the Assistant Administrator for Research and Development at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to coordinate an annual review of the environmental research activities conducted at their respective research facilities. Extends the time of transfer of lands and management responsibilities with respect to specified portions of the Cross Florida Barge Canal project. Authorizes and directs the Secretary to investigate and carry out saltmarsh restoration projects along the coastline of the State of Connecticut, subject to specified cost-sharing requirements. Directs the Secretary, for purposes of formulating, evaluating, and displaying the benefits and costs of any water resources project that involves beach renourishment, or that involves inlet dredging or other navigation improvements that are likely to affect erosion patterns on beaches adjacent to such project, to address: (1) economic costs to the State of not placing beach-quality sand on eroded or eroding beaches; and (2) cost savings, if any, that may be achieved by restoring or renourishing eroded or eroding beaches during a dredging or other navigation project as compared to performing such restoration or renourishment at a later date as a separate project. Specifies that the Secretary shall consider the protection of coastal resources through placement of beach quality sand on beaches as being in the public interest whenever such sand would otherwise be disposed of offshore. Requires the Secretary to establish by regulation a process for development of long-range plans for financing and execution of projects for beach nourishment and inlet management within each affected State. Sets forth minimum requirements with respect to such process and the amendment or termination of such plans. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Infrastructure Technology, Research and Development - Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) engage in research, development, and technology transfer activities with respect to water and related land resources and water transportation, and test, develop, or assist non-Federal entities in development of new technology; (2) engage in activities to inform the U.S. Maritime Industry and Port Authorities of technological innovations abroad that could significantly improve waterborne transportation in the United States, both inland and deep draft; and (3) coordinate water resources-related research efforts with those national centers and institutes focused on the development of new technology and solutions to the problems associated with the nation's infrastructure. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a cooperative agreement with the National Center for Infrastructure Studies, Columbia University, New York City, and its consortium of universities, to accelerate the development of new technology in infrastructure; and (2) contract with the National Center for implementation of such a cooperative agreement. Specifies that: (1) such cooperation between the National Center, the Army Corps of Engineers, and its research facilities shall focus on the development of solutions to national water and waterway related infrastructure problems, including the disposal of dredged material; and (2) cooperative activities shall include an assessment of high-speed commercial water transportation, vessels, and infrastructure needs, and that in addition to general cargo carriers, high-speed water passenger transport at and in the vicinity of congested coastal urban areas shall be included. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct such studies as necessary to provide a report to the Congress on the state of the National Ports and Harbors system of the United States. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Administrator of the EPA and the Secretary: (1) based upon a review of specified decontamination technologies, to jointly select removal, pre- and post-treatment and decontamination technologies for contaminated marine sediments for a decontamination project in the New York/New Jersey Harbor; and (2) upon selection, to jointly implement a four-year program of selected technologies to assess their effectiveness in rendering sediments acceptable for unrestricted ocean disposal, beneficial reuse, or both. Provides for continuous review and evaluation of selected technologies, the joint development of an outyear management program, and reevaluation and updating of the program each year in light of the findings of the Administrator and Secretary and the comments of an advisory panel (established pursuant to this Act). Requires the Administrator and the Secretary to jointly recommend three additional sites and select appropriate technologies for marine sediment decontamination projects to be implemented on the Gulf of Mexico, the Great Lakes, and the West Coasts during FY 1995 through 1997. Provides for the establishment of an advisory panel (comprised of academic and agency scientists) for each decontamination project to advise the Administrator and the Secretary on technology review, technology selection, and decontamination program implementation. Sets forth reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Environmental Infrastructure Facilities for Economically Distressed Areas - Environmental Infrastructure Assistance Act - Directs the Secretary to establish an Office of Community Environmental Infrastructure Assistance (the Office) within the Directorate of Civil Works of the Office of the Chief of Engineers, Department of the Army, to: (1) manage projects pursuant to this title; and (2) provide information and guidance to communities in economically distressed areas with respect to financial analysis and planning, assessment of feasibility of eligible projects under this title, and such economic and organizational issues as regionalization of environmental infrastructure facilities, reform of existing rate structures, and operation of special management districts (and, in cooperation with the Administrator, provide information and guidance to communities on issues related to construction, operation, maintenance, and rehabilitation of environmental infrastructure facilities). Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish an environmental infrastructure assistance program administered through the Office; (2) use funds under this title for the construction of wastewater treatment works, public water systems, and solid waste management facilities; and (3) use funds under this title for an eligible project only if the project is publicly owned. Specifies that funds provided for the implementation of this title shall be available only for environmental infrastructure projects located in an economically distressed area serving a population of less than 25,000. Authorizes the Governor of any State to submit to the Secretary a State priority project plan, which shall include a list of: (1) economically distressed areas in the State, other than a Federal Indian reservation, including such information qualifying such areas as the Secretary deems necessary and appropriate; (2) specific projects eligible for financial assistance and information concerning the nature, benefits, costs, and expected long-term operations of the projects; and (3) eligible projects ranked in priority order for the fiscal year with respect to which assistance is sought. Requires: (1) the Administrator to submit to the Secretary a priority project plan for eligible projects on Federal Indian reservations; and (2) the Secretary to establish by regulation such additional requirements for a State priority project plan as appropriate. Directs the Secretary to develop and submit to the Congress a national economically distressed area environmental infrastructure assistance plan, which shall include: (1) for any plan that is not an initial plan, a description of the efforts of the Secretary to implement the provisions of this title in the preceding year; (2) a list of all State environmental infrastructure priority projects; (3) such list, ranked in an order which, in the judgment of the Secretary, gives highest priority to projects with the greatest public health and environmental benefits, serving communities facing the greatest financial hardships associated with the project, and ranked highest by the Governor; and (4) a status report of any projects in progress or under construction. Bars the Secretary from listing such a project if, in the judgment of the Secretary, the project does not meet the eligibility requirements of this title. Requires the Secretary, subject to the availability of funds, to enter into local cooperation agreements with appropriate local governments for the planning, design, and construction of such environmental infrastructure projects. Sets forth requirements with respect to such agreements, project priorities, project management, and consistency with planning requirements. Directs the Administrator to publish guidelines for the design of wastewater treatment works, public water systems, and solid waste disposal facilities which: (1) describe the basic design standards to be applied in the planning of environmental infrastructure facilities; (2) identify appropriate engineering specifications for construction of environmental infrastructure facilities based on an expected operational life of 20 years; (3) establish such minimum standards of planning, engineering, design, and construction as are considered appropriate by the Administrator; and (4) assure that any facility constructed will comply with all applicable Federal and State environmental laws. Requires the Administrator to periodically review and revise the guidelines. Authorizes appropriations. Title VI: Contaminated Sediment and Ocean Dumping - National Contaminated Sediment Assessment and Management Act - Establishes a National Contaminated Sediment Task Force. Directs the Administrator to conduct: (1) a comprehensive national survey of data regarding aquatic sediment quality in the United States, including compilation of all existing information on the quantity, chemical and physical composition, and geographic location of pollutants in aquatic sediment; and (2) a comprehensive and continuing program to assess aquatic sediment quality. Sets forth reporting requirements. Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) to: (1) include a declaration by the Congress that it is the goal of the United States to eliminate the dumping of dredged materials containing contaminants in excess of marine water or sediment standards under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA) into ocean waters; and (2) specify that no permit or dumping authorization shall be issued for a dumping of material that, in the case of a dump site located in the territorial sea, will violate water quality standards or contains contaminants in quantities in excess of sediment quality standards adopted pursuant to the FWPCA, or, in the case of any other dump site, will violate water quality criteria or contains contaminants in quantities in excess of sediment quality criteria published pursuant to the FWPCA. (Current law states that no permit shall be issued for a dumping of material which will violate applicable water quality standards.) Specifies that: (1) in any case in which the Administrator disagrees with the Secretary's determination as to compliance with the criteria or restrictions (currently, criteria) established pursuant to the MPRSA relating to the effects of the dumping or specified restrictions relating to critical areas and site management plans (currently, critical areas), the determination of the Administrator shall prevail; and (2) if the Secretary finds that, in the disposition of dredged material, there is no economically feasible method or site available other than a dumping site the utilization of which would result in noncompliance with such criteria or restrictions (currently, criteria), he shall so certify and request a special permit from the Administrator (currently, a waiver of the specific requirements involved). Requires the Administrator: (1) within 90 (currently, 30) days of the receipt of the special permit (currently, waiver) request, to grant such permit (currently, waiver), subject to specified conditions; and (2) in reviewing a request for such a permit, to provide for public notice and comment. Authorizes States to adopt only such criteria, standards, rules, or regulations (to be transmitted to the Administrator and Secretary, who shall assure compliance) relating to the dumping of materials into ocean waters within the jurisdiction of the State which are more stringent and protective of such waters and sediment than those adopted under the MPRSA. (Under current law, no State shall adopt or enforce any rule or regulation relating to such activity, but may propose to the Administrator criteria related to ocean dumping, which the Administrator may adopt if not inconsistent with such Act, subject to specified requirements.) Directs the Administrator: (1) to designate sites or time periods for dumping that will mitigate the adverse impact on the environment to the greatest extent practicable (current law authorizes the Secretary to designate recommended sites or times); and (2) in any case where the Administrator determines that, with respect to certain materials, it is necessary to prohibit dumping at a site or during a time period, to prohibit the dumping during such time period (under current law, when necessary to protect critical areas, sites or times within which certain materials may not be dumped). Specifies that this prohibition shall apply to any dumping at the site or during such time period. Requires the Administrator to develop and implement a site management plan for each site designated, including: (1) baseline assessment of environmental conditions at the site and in adjacent areas that may be affected by the dumping activity as if dumping had never occurred; (2) special management conditions or practices to be implemented at each site that are necessary for the protection of the environment; (3) a program of monitoring for each site; (4) the anticipated use and management of the site over the 20-year period following the date of preparation of the plan; (5) a schedule of review and revision of the plan; and (6) such other requirements and conditions as the Administrator considers necessary. Specifies that: (1) after January 1, 1993, no site shall receive a final designation unless a management plan has been developed pursuant to the MPRSA; and (2) beginning on January 1, 1995, no permit or authorization for dumping shall be issued for a site designated pursuant to such Act unless a site management plan has been adopted for such site. Directs the Administrator to: (1) develop a site management plan for any site designated prior to January 1, 1993, as expeditiously as practicable, giving consideration to development plans for designated sites that are considered to have the greatest impact on the environment; and (2) provide for public review and comment on site designation actions, and hold a public hearing on any proposed designation or management plan development, revision, or redesignation in the region in which the site that is the subject of the management plan is located. Requires that permits issued with respect to the dumping permit program for dredged material: (1) designate and include such requirements, limitations, or conditions as necessary to assure consistency with any site management plan approved pursuant to the MPRSA (currently, the length of time for which the permits are valid and their expiration date), and special provisions that the Administrator or the Secretary determines to be reasonable and necessary to control and prevent pollution of waters and sediment in the area of the dredging project from on-shore and related facilities subject to the control of the entity seeking a permit; and (2) be issued for a period of up to three years. Specifies that any person who: (1) knowingly violates any provision of, or regulation promulgated or permit issued under, this title shall be fined under the Federal criminal code, imprisoned for not more than five years, or both (currently, fined up to $50,000, imprisoned for up to one year, or both); and (2) is convicted of such a violation shall forfeit to the United States any property constituting or derived from any proceeds that the person obtained as a result of such violation, and any of the property of the person which was used, or intended to be used, to commit or facilitate the commission of the violation. Provides that any vessel used to commit an act for which such a penalty is imposed under the MPRSA shall be subject to seizure and forfeiture to the United States under procedures established for seizure and forfeiture of conveyances under the Controlled Substances Act, with exceptions. Authorizes appropriations. Title VII: Studies - Authorizes and directs the Secretary to review the report of the Chief of Engineers on the Ohio River and Tributaries and other pertinent reports to determine whether modifications of the recommendations contained therein are advisable at the present time, with particular reference to improvements for water and related land resource needs. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of the economic benefits of Federal and significant non-Federal shore protection activities in the Mid-Atlantic region from New York to Virginia, assessing: (1) the public investment in such activities; (2) damage incurred by such shore protection activities by the coastal storms of October 1991 and January 1992; (3) the prevention of damage by such storms to coastal and upland resources as a result of such shore protection activities; and (4) the extent to which the prevention of damage to coastal and upland resources is considered in benefit-cost ratios for shore protection activities. Sets forth reporting requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Secretary of Agriculture to study problems associated with flooding in Harrison County, Mississippi. Specifies that such Secretaries shall jointly conduct a reconnaissance study of such county and specified bodies of water and associated watersheds. Sets forth reporting requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to study the need for navigation improvements in Reynolds Channel and the connecting State Boat Channel between Captree Island and Oak Beach. Sets forth reporting requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to review the reports of the Chief of Engineers and other pertinent documents pertaining to Orchard Beach, Bronx, New York, and to make recommendations concerning storm damage prevention, recreation, environmental restoration, and other purposes. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to study the need for erosion protection along the East River, New York, in the vicinity of Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan, with a view toward mitigating the deleterious effects of drift removal on protecting the adjacent shoreline from erosion. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct a reconnaissance and feasibility study of remediation of contaminated sediments in Lake Champlain and the Narrows of Lake Champlain. Specifies that: (1) such activities shall be coordinated with the State of Vermont and the Water Resources Research Center at the University of Vermont; and (2) funds previously expended by such State and the Water Resources Research Institute in investigating sediment contamination shall be considered toward any joint funding requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct a reconnaissance and feasibility study of providing additional: (1) boat access points on Lake Champlain; and (2) flood protection for Montpelier, Vermont. Directs the Board of Engineers to conduct an evaluation of long-term coastal dredged material disposal needs along the Maine and New Hampshire coasts. Specifies that, beginning in 1995, any dredged material resulting from a project proposed as a result of this study shall be disposed of at a site permanently designated by the EPA pursuant to the MPRSA. Authorizes funds to conduct this study. Authorizes and directs the Secretary, in studying the feasibility of Federal improvements to the St. John's River Channel, to: (1) examine the commercial and military uses of the Channel in those areas traversed by both military and commercial vessels; and (2) coordinate their efforts with the Department of the Navy to utilize available studies and resources which project future military dredging needs in the Channel. Requests the Chief of Engineers to review his report on central and southern Florida and other pertinent reports, with a view to determining whether modifications to the existing project are advisable at the present time due to significantly changed physical, biological, demographic, or economic conditions.
Bill· HRH.R. 5168 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1992
United States Merchant Marine Utilization and Preference Act of 1992 - Requires Department of Defense (DOD) cargoes to be transported by water in the following order of priority under conditions other than full or partial mobilization declared by the President: (1) use of privately owned U.S. flag vessels that operate in U.S. liner or tramp trades and not chartered by the Government; and (2) time or voyage charter of suitable privately owned U.S. flag vessels operating in liner service providing partial or total space available or in tramp service if they are voluntarily made available to DOD; (3) vessels in the nucleus fleet; and (4) foreign flag vessels. Limits the use of time and voyage charters to a minimum necessary to meet requirements which, barring reasonable foresight, can not be met by U.S. flag liner or tramp operators. Requires the written approval of the Secretary of Transportation for use of vessels in the nucleus fleet or foreign-flag vessels (limited to a single voyage as necessary to meet urgent military requirements). Applies the tariff filed by a person with the Federal Maritime Commission under the Shipping Act of 1916 or of 1984 to transportation of DOD cargo on any U.S. flag-vessel that is operated by that person, with specified exceptions. Makes the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations solely responsible in DOD for obtaining, providing, operating, and controlling Government-owned or chartered vessels: (1) to transport DOD cargoes in areas not served by privately owned U.S. flag merchant vessels; and (2) for purposes of any partial or full mobility conducted for any reason declared by the President. Makes the Military Sealift Command the sole manager for ocean transportation of DOD cargoes. States that the purpose of any ocean transportation provided by DOD is to support and augment persons who provide transportation by water in commercial service to the extent those persons can not provide the vessels or services required by DOD. Prohibits DOD from engaging in competition with private persons in the provision of transportation by water in commercial service other than as provided under this Act. Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish and maintain at all times under the exclusive custody, jurisdiction, and control of DOD, a fleet of vessels to meet military requirements to be known as the "nucleus fleet." Describes the composition and use of such fleet. Makes any change in the composition of the nucleus fleet from the numbers and types of vessels specified in this Act ineffective unless: (1) a request for such change is submitted by the Secretaries of the Navy or of Defense; (2) the change is approved by the Secretary of Defense; and (3) such change is reported to the Congress with supporting rationale. Places a vessel in the nucleus fleet in reduced operating status if it is inactive for a 30-day period. Provides that if a federally-owned vessel in such fleet is inactive for 120 days it shall be deactivated and placed in reserve or disposed of, as considered appropriate by the Secretary of Defense. Terminates the contract on the earliest possible date under which a privately owned vessel is chartered if it is inactive for 120 days. Prescribes guidelines for the inclusion of additional numbers and types of vessels in the nucleus fleet under conditions of full mobilization. Requires the Secretary of Defense, during periods of full or partial mobilization, to: (1) continuously review the number of merchant vessels under the control of DOD; (2) determine if any of the vessels are excessive to the department's needs; and (3) transfer excessive vessels to the Secretary of Transportation. States that, upon the termination of hostilities or in the event of a partial demobilization, the nucleus fleet shall be reduced to the numbers and types of vessels in the fleet before full mobilization. Releases any vessels in the reduced fleet retained as part of the active or laid-up permanent operating forces of the Department of the Navy from control by DOD in the following order of priority: (1) chartered foreign-flag vessels; (2) U.S. flag vessels that are chartered from private owners; and (3) federally-owned merchant vessels that are desired for sale or charter by U.S. citizens for U.S. flag operation in commercial service (deemed to be war-built vessels). Amends the Merchant Ship Sales Act of 1946 to authorize the use of vessels in the Ready Reserve Force component of the National Defense Reserve Fleet in peacetime for routine movements of cargo as part of military exercises only if such use does not compete with U.S. flag commercial vessel operators. Requires a vessel in such Ready Reserve Force component that has been activated to meet military sealift requirements for a national emergency to be deactivated in an expeditious manner if such requirements cease.
Bill· SS. 2700 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1992
Federal Maritime Commission Authorization Act of 1992 - Authorizes appropriations to the Federal Maritime Commission for FY 1993.
Bill· SS. 2701 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1992
Authorizes appropriations for the Maritime Administration for: (1) operating-differential subsidies; (2) manpower, education, and training; (3) operating programs; (4) national security support capabilities; and (5) the Ready Reserve Force. Amends the Merchant Ship Sales Act of 1946 to read as though a specified provision had not been repealed. (The provision in question authorized certain uses of vessels in the National Defense Reserve Fleet.)
Bill· SS. 2702 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1992
Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1992 - Authorizes appropriations for the Coast Guard for: (1) operation and maintenance; (2) acquisition, construction, rebuilding, and improvement of aids to navigation, shore and offshore facilities, vessels, and aircraft; (3) research, development, test, and evaluation; (4) retirement pay and benefits; (5) alteration or removal of bridges; and (6) environmental compliance and restoration. Authorizes the Coast Guard end-of-year strength for active duty personnel and the average military training student loads. Amends Federal law to authorize denial or revocation of a trade or recreational endorsement on a certificate of documentation if the vessel's owner has not paid an assessment of a civil penalty after final agency action. Makes the vessel and its equipment liable to seizure and forfeiture if it is operated after denial or revocation. Authorizes designation of a limited percentage of officers of an armed force in the pay grade of O-6 or below (currently, grades O-3 through O-6) as having unusual responsibility, resulting in additional pay. Subjects foreign vessels certified by countries with inspection laws similar to those of the United States to (currently, only to) an inspection to ensure that the condition of the vessel is (currently, the condition of the vessel's propulsion and lifesaving equipment are) as stated in its certificate. Prohibits a foreign vessel (currently, a foreign or domestic vessel of more than a specified size) from departing from a U.S. port with passengers who embarked at that port if the vessel does not comply with the standards stated in the Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea. Requires that, when an inspection or examination of a documented or foreign vessel (currently, of a documented vessel) is conducted under part B (currently, under chapter 33) at a foreign place at the request of the owner or operator of the vessel, the owner or operator reimburse the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating for the travel and subsistence of the personnel involved. (Chapter 33 (Inspection Generally) is one of the chapters in Part B (Inspection and Regulation of Vessels).) Modifies the applicable period and other requirements regarding a recreational boat fee. Requires common carriers and conferences to file electronically with the Federal Maritime Commission all tariffs and essential terms of service contracts required to be filed by specified provisions of the Shipping Act, 1916 and the Intercoastal Shipping Act, 1933. Requires the Commission to: (1) make available electronically to any person all tariff information and essential terms of service contracts filed in the Automated Tariff Filing and Information System database and all tariff information in the System enhanced electronically by the Commission at any time; and (2) charge fees for such access and copies. Exempts Federal agencies from such fees. Provides for civil monetary penalties for failure to pay the fees. Sets forth procedures for implementation of automatic filing, including directing the Secretary of the Treasury to make available a specified sum as a repayable advance, to be repaid from the fees collected. Deposits fees, after repayment of that advance, in the general fund of the Treasury as offsetting receipts.
Law· SS. 2703 (102nd)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1992
Authorizes the President to appoint General Thomas C. Richards to the Office of Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 455 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1992
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives to foster and encourage the development of the U.S. merchant marine.
Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 300 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1992
Designates the week beginning October 4, 1992, as National Aviation Education Week.
Bill· HRH.R. 5133 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1992
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to carry out the project for navigation at Morehead City Harbor, North Carolina.
Bill· SS. 2681 (102nd)passed
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1992
Native Hawaiian Health Care Improvement Act - Amends the Native Hawaiian Health Care Act of 1988 to set forth the Native Hawaiian Health Care Improvement Act. Sets forth specified health objectives for Native Hawaiians to be met by the year 2000. Authorizes appropriations for implementing and updating the Native Hawaiian health care master plan. Makes Papa Ola Lokahi responsible for the: (1) implementation and updating of such plan; (2) training for specified health care practitioners, community outreach workers, counselors, and cultural educators; (3) identification of and research into the diseases that are most prevalent among Native Hawaiians; and (4) development of an action plan outlining the contributions that each member organization of Papa Ola Lokahi will make in carrying out this Act. Permits Papa Ola Lokahi to receive special project funds that may be appropriated for the purpose of research on the health status of Native Hawaiians or for addressing the health care needs of Native Hawaiians. Requires Papa Ola Lokahi to serve as a clearinghouse for: (1) the collection and maintenance of data associated with the health status of Native Hawaiians; (2) the identification and research into diseases affecting Native Hawaiians; (3) the availability of Native Hawaiian project funds, research projects, and publications; (4) the collaboration of research in the area of Native Hawaiian health; and (5) the dissemination of information pertinent to the Native Hawaiian health care system. Directs Papa Ola Lokahi to: (1) coordinate and assist the health care programs and services provided to Native Hawaiians; and (2) act as a statewide infrastructure to provide technical support and coordination of training and technical assistance to Native Hawaiian health care systems. Makes eligible for grants or contracts for providing health services to Native Hawaiians Native Hawaiian health care systems (currently, Native Hawaiian health centers or organizations or public or nonprofit private health providers). Limits to five (currently, nine) the number of grant or contract recipients. Revises matching fund requirements for such grants or contracts. Prohibits the awarding of grant or contract funds unless the recipient agrees that the funds will not be expended: (1) for purposes not listed under this Act; (2) to provide inpatient services; (3) to make cash payments to intended recipients of health services; or (4) to purchase or improve real property or to purchase major medical equipment. Extends the authorization of appropriations for such grants and contracts and for an administrative grant for Papa Ola Lokahi through 2001. Authorizes appropriations for the planning of Native Hawaiian health care systems. Directs the Secretary to provide funds through a direct grant or cooperative agreement to Kamehameha School/Bishop Estate for providing scholarship assistance for health profession training to Native Hawaiian students who meet certain requirements under the Public Health Service Act. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· SS. 2685 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1992
Fair Trade Assurances Act of 1992 - Title I: Response to Priority Foreign Practices That Adversely Affect United States Sectoral Competitiveness - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to direct the U.S. Trade Representative, in identifying market barriers and certain unfair trade actions, to: (1) identify, if for a calendar year the United States merchandise trade balance (excluding crude petroleum imports) was in deficit, each foreign country that accounted for not less than 15 percent of such deficit and had a global current account surplus for such year in an amount not less than such deficit; and (2) specify each act, policy, or practice that was implemented by a foreign country with respect to any goods sector or service sector that accounted for not less than ten percent of the merchandise trade and current account deficits between the United States and such foreign country during such calendar year. Makes permanent the program known as "Super 301" which identifies trade liberalization priorities. Applies such program to sectoral priority practices. Requires the President, if the U.S. Trade Representative finds violations of trade practices, to: (1) direct the Trade Representative to take certain action to obtain the elimination of the foreign practice; or (2) submit to the Congress an alternative plan for eliminating such practice. Sets forth congressional procedure if the President submits such a plan. Requires the Trade Representative to initiate an investigation under "Super 301" whenever specified congressional committees adopt a resolution that states that it is the opinion of such committees that a foreign country is engaging in sectoral priority practices. Title II: Trade Agreements Compliance - Allows any person that has a significant economic interest that is being, or has been, adversely affected by the failure of a foreign country to comply materially with the terms of a trade agreement to request the Trade Representative to undertake a review to determine such foreign country's compliance. Sets forth provisions for such review and the actions to be taken by the Trade Representative under "Super 301" upon an affirmative determination. Title III: Negotiations and Other Actions - Requires the USTR to enter into negotiations with Japan to enter into a bilateral agreement that: (1) provides a phased-in increase in the use by transplanted motor vehicle manufacturers of domestically-produced motor vehicle parts to the point where such parts constitute 60 percent or more of the total parts used in the production of such vehicles; and (2) eliminates those aspects of the Japanese automotive distribution system that affect the access of domestically-produced motor vehicle parts to Japanese markets. Directs the USTR to enter into negotiations with representatives of the European Community, Japan, and the governments of other major vehicle-producing countries to enter into a multilateral agreement that equalizes world-wide market access and rationalizes world-wide production of motor vehicles and motor vehicle parts. Considers acts, practices, and policies of Japan (including, but not limited to, acts, policies, and practices utilized in the Japanese automotive distribution system known as "Keiretsu") that affect the access of manufacturers of domestic motor vehicles and motor vehicle parts to the Japanese market as being unjustifiable and burdensome or restrictive to U.S. commerce, according to the Trade Act of 1974. Adds to response authority under such Act authority to increase the percentage of domestically-produced motor vehicle parts used in the production of motor vehicles for purposes of the qualification of Japanese manufacturers as domestic vehicle manufacturers. Specifies certain objectives to be included in negotiations with Japan if the USTR decides to take action with respect to such practices. Requires the USTR to make certain estimates with respect to the percentage of the Japanese market that is accounted for by domestic motor vehicles and motor vehicle parts manufacturers. Directs the Secretary to commence an antidumping duty investigation under the Tariff Act of 1930 to determine whether imports or sales (or the likelihood of sales) of Japanese motor vehicles and motor vehicle parts to the United States warrant the imposition of antidumping duties. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to study and report to the Congress on the extent to which: (1) "Keiretsu" operations in the United States are in compliance with the internal revenue laws, particularly those relating to transfer pricing; and (2) the Internal Revenue Service is auditing such operations. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to classify for the purposes of tariff treatment certain passenger and multipurpose vans, sport utility vehicles, and other Jeep-type vehicles as motor vehicles for the transport of goods. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to authorize appropriations for the Office of the United States Trade Representative.
Bill· SS. 2671 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1992
Makes technical corrections to Federal highway provisions. Authorizes States to start work on projects authorized under the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act before Federal funding becomes available, subject to specified requirements.
Bill· HRH.R. 5124 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1992
Airfare Advertising Reform Act of 1992 - Amends the Federal Trade Commission Act to direct the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to prevent domestic and foreign air carriers from disseminating, or causing dissemination of, false, misleading, or deceptive advertisements. Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to prohibit the Civil Aeronautics Board (sic) from taking action with respect to deceptive advertisement violations committed by such air carriers if such violation also constitutes a violation under the Federal Trade Commission Act and this Act. Requires the FTC to issue a final rule which at a minimum provides that dissemination of any advertisement for air transportation between two points by an air carrier which contains a rate for such transportation shall constitute an unfair or deceptive practice affecting commerce, unless: (1) the advertisement clearly and conspicuously discloses all material restrictions governing the rate offered; (2) the rate includes all costs for obtaining such air transportation (including taxes, fees, fuel, and other surcharges) and is the round trip rate (if a round-trip ticket must be purchased to obtain such rate); and (3) the advertisement also contains the minimum number of seats per flight to which such rate applies.
Bill· HRH.R. 5109 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1992
Defense Diversification and Community Adjustment Act of 1992 - Title I: Improved Activities Under the Defense Economic Adjustment, Diversification, Conversion, and Stabilization Act of 1990 - Amends the Defense Economic Adjustment, Diversification, Conversion, and Stabilization Act of 1990 to lower the numbers of employee reductions required to meet the definition of a substantially and seriously affected community. Declares that one of the Assistant Secretaries of Defense shall be the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Economic Adjustment who shall be responsible for the U.S. economic conversion program. Directs the Assistant Secretary, acting through a Director of Community Assistance Grants, to facilitate the development of community adjustment plans for substantially and seriously affected communities by community members to reduce the adverse effects of defense downsizing. Requires the Director to aid in the formation of community adjustment committees. Makes grants and assistance available to such committees to provide for: (1) a business expert to examine the potential market needs of the region to identify economic adjustment and conversion opportunities for defense facilities in the community; and (2) a technological expert to determine the feasibility of adjustment and conversion alternatives for such facilities. Makes communities that have committees and are ready to implement adjustment plans eligible for grants to implement such plans. Extends through FY 1997 the authorization of appropriations for economic assistance under the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 for substantially and seriously affected communities. Requires the Director of Dislocated Workers to: (1) develop a method of identifying substantially and seriously affected businesses and qualified small buinesses in order to provide for sufficient time to allow workers to enroll in adjustment programs; and (2) work in coordination with the Secretary of Labor to facilitate the development of a grant system to provide States with resources to assist defense workers eligible to participate in the defense conversion adjustment program under the Job Training Partnership Act. Makes the Assistant Secretary, acting through a Director of Diversification and Adjustment, responsible for assessment and conversion possibilities for defense contractors, subcontractors, and qualified small businesses in substantially and seriouly affected communities. Requires the Director to use technical assistance to assist in the conversion and retention of defense capabilities, the retooling of defense infrastructure to commercial use, and research and development related to conversion. Provides that the Director will work with the Secretary of Defense to provide grants and technical assistance to aid in the retention of critical technologies that have a chance to be lost due to downsizing. Authorizes qualified small businesses to apply to the Director for assistance to aid in conversion to nondefense activities. Permits the Director to assist employees or former employees of defense contractors or subcontractors to establish small business concerns. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Improvements to the Employment and Training Assistance for Dislocated Workers Under the Job Training Partnership Act - Amends the Job Training Partnership Act to require the Secretary of Labor to: (1) allot 20 percent of the amount appropriated for employee adjustment assistance under the Defense Economic Adjustment, Diversification, Conversion, and Stabilization Act of 1990 to States most adversely affected by reductions in expenditures for defense or by closures of military facilities in accordance with an expedited assistance formula; (2) make grants, from the remaining amount, for training, adjustment assistance, rapid response assistance, and employment services to eligible employees; and (3) develop a formula for providing expedited assistance to employees in the most adversely affected States. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 5116 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1992
Defense Economic Adjustment, Conversion, and Reinvestment Act of 1992 - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to transfer funds appropriated pursuant to this Act to the head of another Federal agency to carry out this Act. Title I: Assistance for Defense Workers - Amends the Job Training Partnership Act to expand the definition of "eligible employee" to include an employee at a substantially and seriously affected business or at a military facility scheduled to be closed, even if the employee has not yet been terminated. Amends the Defense Economic Adjustment, Diversification, Conversion, and Stabilization Act of 1990 to extend the authorization of appropriations for adjustment assistance for defense employees. Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish a Skills Conversion Program to re-educate, retrain, and reorient scientific and technical personnel who are displaced or threatened with displacement by defense budget reductions to fill positions in industries that can utilize such skills. Title II: Community Economic Adjustment Assistance - Prohibits the Secretary of Commerce, in making assistance available to communities through the Economic Development Administration, from giving a preference to substantially and seriously affected communities affected as a result of military installation closures over communities affected as a result of the curtailment, completion, elimination, or realignment of a defense contract. Extends the authorization of appropriations for such assistance through FY 1993. Title III: Small Business Programs - Amends the Small Business Act to increase the amounts authorized to be made by the Small Business Administration in: (1) deferred participation loans and other financing; and (2) guarantees of debentures for programs related to small business investment companies. Directs Federal agencies required to establish small business innovation research programs to expend at least .65 percent of their extramural budgets in FY 1993 for entering into funding agreements to assist small business concerns adversely affected by reductions in the Federal defense budget. Title IV: Economic Adjustment Committee Programs - Requires the Economic Adjustment Committee to implement programs under which: (1) the Federal Government guarantees loans made to a seriously and substantially affected business that is engaged in the production of military products or the provision of services to the military to assist the business in producing commercially viable products and services through the acquisition or construction of facilities, the purchase or reconfiguration of equipment, or the opening of new markets; (2) the Committee may provide assistance to public and private entities for the construction of physical infrastructure facilities which support the defense conversion purposes of this Act; and (3) the Committee identifies the relevant skills of defense civilian and military employees and military personnel who are displaced by defense budget reductions for purposes of filling positions for the infrastructure program. Requires the Secretary of Defense to provide for feasibility studies on military installations scheduled to be closed or realigned before December 31, 1997, to examine potential uses for such installations. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Assistance for Exports of United States Products and Services - Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to require the Export-Import Bank to develop a program for providing guarantees and insurance with respect to the export of high technology items to eligible East European countries (as defined by the Support for Eastern European Democracy (SEED) Act of 1989). Directs the Bank to inform interested U.S. high technology companies, particularly small business concerns, about such program. Amends the International Finance Corporation Act to authorize the U.S. Governor of the International Finance Corporation to vote for and make a specified contribution to an irrevocable trust fund for paying the costs of consultants to facilitate projects designed to raise the standard of living in developing countries by developing capital markets, privatizing public enterprises, and developing private businesses. Reserves 90 percent of fund expenditures for consultants who are U.S. citizens and businesses or joint ventures owned or controlled by such citizens. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Bretton Woods Agreements Act to make a similar amendment urging the development of and contribution to trust funds by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development to: (1) pay consultants to facilitate Bank projects designed to raise the standard of living in developing countries through the use of state of the art goods and services (with the same reservation of expenditures for U.S. citizens); and (2) promote energy efficiency and environmental objectives. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 5107 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1992
Requires the Secretary of Defense to carry out a program to establish and finance at least ten electric vehicle market/infrastructure pilot projects geographically dispersed in eligible metropolitan areas in the United States designed to demonstrate: (1) electric vehicles for use both on and off military facilities; (2) the infrastructure necessary to support the operation and maintenance of a wide range of types of electric vehicles; or (3) both such vehicles and the associated infrastructure. Directs the Secretary to assign oversight and coordination of a pilot project to the Air Force Air Logistics Center in the State in which the project is located or to the nearest Center if such State does not have one. Makes the person submitting a proposal eligible for selection if he or she agrees to make non-Federal contributions equal to at least 50 percent of the costs associated with the pilot project. Sets forth criteria to be used in selecting a proposal. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 5072 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1992
Shipbuilding Promotion Act of 1992 - Requires the Secretary of Defense to direct that all sealift ships built under the fast sealift program be constructed and designed to commercial specifications. Directs the Secretary to establish an interagency working group to develop and implement a comprehensive plan to ensure the effective competition of U.S. shipyards in the international shipbuilding market. Directs the Secretary to submit the plan to the Congress at the time of the FY 1994 defense budget request. Provides that, if such plan is not submitted at such time, no funds appropriated to the Department of Defense for FY 1993 may be used for contracting for the construction, repair, or purchase of any product or service with any company located or with headquarters in any country that continues to provide a subsidy to a foreign shipyard for the construction or repair of vessels or that engages in ship dumping practices. Defines a subsidy as direct or indirect official operation support, or direct or indirect assistance, to the commercial shipbuilding and repair industry of a country.
Bill· SS. 2658 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1992
Infrastructure Growth and Employment Act of 1992 - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce (the Secretary), acting through the Economic Development Administration, to make grants to any State or local government for construction, renovation, repair, or other improvement of local public works projects (including those State and local projects for which Federal funding is authorized under other laws). Sets the Federal share at 80 percent of project cost. Terminates the making of such grants after the earlier of: (1) any three-consecutive-month period during which the national unemployment rate remained below six percent; or (2) September 30, 1993. Allocates funds among the States on the basis of a formula involving relative numbers of unemployed persons, average unemployment rates, and severity of unemployment. Reserves specified portions of such funds for projects of Indian tribes and Alaskan Native villages, minimum State allotments, and development and administration of each project. Requires that at least ten percent of total grant funds be set aside and expended only for project grants to local governments with populations under 10,000. Requires that priority and preference be given to: (1) local government projects; (2) local-government-endorsed projects by States and special purpose units; (3) school district projects; (4) projects for industrial research or development parks which allocate space for new businesses; and (5) projects for applied research facilities which develop new products and processes (at higher education institutions). Requires expediting and giving priority to applications from States or local governments with unemployment rates for the past 12 months in excess of the national rates (and, after that, to those with average unemployment rates for that period in excess of six percent). Requires State and local prioritization of projects in their applications. Requires localization of unemployment rate determinations. Requires rules, regulations, and procedures which assure that adequate consideration is given to the relative needs of various sections of the country, based on various factors including amount of unemployment or underemployment in construction and construction-related industries. Prohibits use of funds for acquisition of land or for maintenance costs. Requires applicants to assure that, if funds are available, on-site labor work can begin within 90 days after project approval. Requires: (1) contracting out; (2) competitive bidding; (3) awards to the lowest responsive bid; (4) advertising specifications; (5) environmental law and regulation compliance; and (6) applicability of specified requirements involving Buy American provisions, minority participation, individuals with disabilities, and Davis-Bacon Act prevailing wage rates. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 5055 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1992
Title I: Authorization of Appropriations - Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1992 - Authorizes appropriations for the Coast Guard for: (1) operation and maintenance; (2) acquisition, construction, rebuilding, and improvement of aids to navigation, shore and offshore facilities, vessels, and aircraft; (3) research, development, test, and evaluation; (4) retirement pay and benefits; (5) alteration or removal of bridges; and (6) environmental compliance and restoration. Authorizes the Coast Guard end-of-year strength for active duty personnel and the average military training student loads. Earmarks funds for specified purposes relating to Group Cape Hatteras, North Carolina; Traverse City, Michigan; Houston, Texas; Galveston, Texas; and Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts. Declares specified bridges in Louisiana and Massachusetts to be unreasonable obstructions to navigation. Title II: Boating Safety - Amends Federal law to create an increased civil penalty for subsequent offenses of operating a vessel while intoxicated. Mandates reports to specified congressional committees regarding: (1) a plan to increase the availability of voluntary safe boating education to individuals under 17 years old; and (2) ways to enlarge the mission of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and to increase Auxiliary participation in Coast Guard activities. Mandates a demonstration project in the Ninth Coast Guard District in conjunction with other appropriate Government agencies to increase coordination of enforcement of boating laws and regulations. Title III: Miscellaneous - Amends Federal law relating to Coast Guard user fees to prohibit a fee or charge for the inspection of training ships operated by State maritime academies. Subjects foreign vessels certified by countries with inspection laws similar to those of the United States to an inspection to ensure that the condition of the vessel is (currently, only the condition of the vessel's propulsion and lifesaving equipment are) as stated in its certificate. Prohibits a foreign vessel (currently, a foreign or domestic vessel of more than a specified size) from departing from a U.S. port with passengers who embarked at that port if the vessel does not comply with the standards stated in the Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea. Mandates submission to specified congressional committees of a report on the application of the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor technology to Coast Guard missions.
Bill· SS. 2642 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1992
Aviation Noise Improvement and Capacity Act of 1992 - Title I: Airport and Airway Improvement Act Amendments - Amends the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982 to declare that: (1) it is in the public interest to recognize the effects of airport capacity expansion projects on airport noise; and (2) noncompatible land uses around airports must be reduced, and efforts to mitigate noise must be given a high priority. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 through 1995 for: (1) airport development and planning projects; (2) air navigation facilities; (3) weather reporting services for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); (4) aviation research, engineering and development, and demonstration projects; and (5) enhancing airport capacity. Requires the Administrator of the FAA to assure that sufficient resources are available to develop improved technology for reduction in engine and airframe noise and aircraft emissions. Amends Federal law to authorize appropriations for FY 1993 through 1995 for FAA operations. Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to revise the minimum Federal appropriation levels which permit imposition of local airport passenger facility fees on airline passengers. Amends the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982 to increase the apportionment of airport development and planning funds for: (1) airports which are served by aircraft providing only air cargo (including mail) transportation; and (2) primary airports. Repeals the limitation on the amount of such funds. Decreases the State apportionment of such funds. Limits to no more than 44 percent (currently, 49.5 percent) the apportionment of such funds for primary and cargo service airports in cases where such apportionment has been limited or reduced by an Act of the Congress. Extends the funding for the military airport set-aside program. Increases the noise set-aside apportionment for airport noise compatibility planning programs. Prohibits the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) from obligating funds for airport development projects for the construction or extension of a runway for large aircraft operations at an airport unless it has a noise compatibility program which takes into account such runway extension or construction. Authorizes the increase by a specified percentage of the maximum obligation of the United States for airport development and planning projects for FY 1993 and thereafter for an airport other than a primary airport. Includes as an "aircraft development" activity the: (1) relocation of an air traffic control tower if relocation is necessary to carry out an approved project; and (2) if funded by a grant under this title, construction, reconstruction, repair, or improvement of an airport (or any purchase of capital equipment for an airport) which is necessary for compliance with specified Federal laws, other than construction or purchase of capital equipment which would benefit a revenue-producing area of the airport used by a nonaeronautical business. Requires as a condition precedent to the approval of an airport development project grant application that the Secretary receive assurances that a report of the airport budget will be available to the public at reasonable times and places. Requires the Administrator of the FAA to increase the employment of aviation safety inspectors by a specified ratio percentage. Title II: Federal Aviation Act Amendments - Amends Federal law to limit the term of the Administrator of the FAA appointed after March 1, 1993, to one five-year term. Requires the Administrator of the FAA to require, by regulation, procedures to improve safety of aircraft operations during winter conditions. Requires the Administrator of the FAA to initiate a rulemaking to consider whether it is advisable to require enhanced training or education, especially on the use of autopilot and high altitude flight, for pilots operating high performance, single engine, propeller-driven aircraft. Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to authorize the Administrator of the FAA to enter into a contract with a State or political subdivision to permit it to operate a level I visual flight rules airport traffic control tower, provided certain safety and contract requirements are met. Requires all persons to give adequate public notice of the establishment or expansion, or the proposed establishment or expansion, of any structure or sanitary landfill where such notice will promote safety in air commerce and preserve the navigable airspace and airport traffic capacity at public-use airports. Title III: Airline Consumer Protection and Competition Emergency Commission - Airline Consumer Protection and Competition Emergency Commission Act of 1992 - Establishes the Emergency Commission on Airline Consumer Protection and Competition to: (1) assess and report to the President and the Congress on the state of the airline industry and the aircraft manufacturing industry, particularly the full implications of foreign ownership of U.S. carriers; and (2) recommend Government policies to improve the competitive environment for the U.S. airline industry and aircraft manufacturing industry, retard the flow of carrier bankruptcies and accompanying loss of jobs, assure continued ownership and control of U.S. carriers by U.S. citizens, promote adequate levels of competition and service with reasonable fares in all geographic areas of the Nation, and stabilize the work environment of airline industry employees.
Law· SS. 2641 (102nd)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1992
Restores a portion of obligation authority provided for in the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 with regard to the construction of the Brooklyn Courthouse.
Bill· SS. 2645 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1992
Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking to require improved measures to enhance the safety of aircraft operations in adverse winter weather conditions. Requires such rulemaking to address, among other things: (1) the need to require uniform procedures and standards for deicing aircraft before takeoff, including the use of particular deicing agents; (2) limitations and improvements on elapsed time allowed between deicing and takeoff; (3) requirements for deicing facilities in close proximity to the point of takeoff at U.S. airports; (4) modifications to FAA procedures for certifying aircraft for operation in the United States to require notification to aircraft operators of safety recommendations made by aircraft manufacturers; (5) the implementation of recommendations issued by the National Transportation Safety Board; and (6) modifications to procedures for determining when aircraft require deicing and whether such aircraft can safely operate under conditions which compel the use of deicing agents. Sets deadlines for interim and final regulations.
Bill· SS. 2644 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1992
Increased Railroad Locomotive Visibility Act - Requires the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations requiring passenger, commuter, and other trains to have ditchlights (designed to illuminate the sides of a railroad locomotive as well as the railroad tracks and the contiguous areas) affixed to the front of their locomotives.
Bill· SS. 2628 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1992
Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993 - Title I: Army - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes the Secretary to construct or acquire military family housing units, to carry out architectural and engineering services and construction design, and to improve existing military family housing units in specified amounts at specified installations. Authorizes appropriations to the Army for fiscal years beginning after 1992 for military construction projects, unspecified minor construction projects, repair of real property, architectural and engineering design services, military family housing functions within the Department, and the homeowners assistance program. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. Extends certain FY 1990 military construction projects. Title II: Navy - Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes the Secretary to construct or acquire military family housing units, to carry out architectural and engineering services and construction design, and to improve existing military family housing units in specified amounts at specified installations. Authorizes appropriations to the Navy for fiscal years beginning after 1992 for military construction projects, unspecified minor construction projects, repair of real property, architectural and engineering design services, and military family housing functions within the Department. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. Title III: Air Force - Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes the Secretary to construct or acquire military family housing units, to carry out architectural and engineering services and construction design, and to improve existing military family housing units in specified amounts at specified installations. Authorizes appropriations to the Air Force for fiscal years beginning after 1992 for military construction projects, unspecified minor construction projects, repair of real property, architectural and engineering design services, and for military family housing functions within the Department. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. Title IV: Defense Agencies - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) for fiscal years beginning after 1992 for military construction projects, unspecified minor construction projects, architectural and engineering design services, conforming storage facilities, certain base closure and realignment activities, repair of real property, and military family housing functions within DOD. Authorizes prior-year unobligated funds to be made available for military construction projects authorized in this title. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. Title V: North Atlantic Treaty Organization Infrastructure - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to make contributions for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Infrastructure Program. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary for fiscal years beginning after 1992 for such contributions. Title VI: Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years beginning after 1992 for acquisition, architectural and engineering services, repair of real property, and construction of facilities for the Guard and reserve forces in specified amounts. Title VII: Expiration of Authorizations - Terminates all authorizations contained in titles I through VI on October 1, 1995, or the date of enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for FY 1996, whichever is later, with specified exceptions. Title VIII: General Provisions - Expands authorized military construction activities to include alteration and repair with respect to a military installation. Requires a cost of over $15,000 which extends the useful life of a facility in order to be considered a military construction project. Includes repair activities within the definition of minor military construction. Requires any such repair within a minor military construction project to cost more than $15,000 and to extend the useful life of the facility. Provides that unspecified minor construction and repair projects funded by working capital funds may be so funded without being subject to the dollar limitations prescribed for such construction and repair activities. Repeals a Federal provision authorizing the Secretary of the military department concerned to carry out facility renovation projects that combine maintenance, repair, and minor construction projects for an entire single-purpose facility, or one or more areas of a multipurpose facility, using operation and maintenance funds. Authorizes a reserve forces facilities acquisition project costing $15,000 (currently, $300,000) or less to be carried out with operation and maintenance funds. Authorizes the Secretary concerned to carry out an emergency construction project five days (currently, 21) after notification to the Congress. Allows funds from the Department of Defense Base Closure Account or from the Department of Defense Base Closure Account 1990 to be used for base closure and realignment activities under either the Defense Authorization Amendments and Base Closure and Realignment Act or the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1991. Revises the funding limitations contained in each such Act to conform to such change. Defines further the base closure and realignment activities authorized under each such Act as the environmental restoration, community economic adjustment assistance, and disposal of property at bases selected for closure under such Acts. Revises the computation of the amount of proceeds obtained from the sale or transfer of property in connection with a base closure or realignment which are to be transferred to a reserve account and used for acquiring, constructing, or improving commissary stores and nonappropriated fund instrumentalities under the Defense Authorization Amendments and Base Closure and Realignment Act, the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990, and the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991. Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to convey all U.S. rights and interest in real property consisting of the operations portion of the Marine Corps Air Station, Tustin, California, in exchange for the construction of replacement facilities at either the Tustin location, the Marine Corps Base at Camp Pendleton, California, or the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, or a combination of each such facility. Requires such conveyance authority to expire 12 months after enactment of this Act, unless the Secretary makes certain determinations with respect to such conveyance. Provides that, upon such expiration of authority, the closure of the Tustin facility shall proceed as a closure under the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to transfer available DOD funds to a fund established under the Demonstration Cities and Metropolitan Development Act of 1966 for persons eligible under such Act for homeowners assistance. Waives certain congressional reporting requirements with respect to real property acquisitions or leases by DOD in excess of specified amounts in the event of a declaration of war or national emergency, or for real property transactions required in connection with a contingency operation. Requires each military department Secretary who exercises such waiver to notify the Senate and House Armed Services Committees within 30 days after its exercise. Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1992 and 1993 to direct the Secretary of Defense to ensure that the authorization requested by DOD for construction costs resulting from closing or realigning each installation (currently, for each military construction project) does not exceed the cost estimate provided by the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission. Authorizes the Secretary to undertake (and to authorize the Secretaries of the military departments to undertake) military construction projects not otherwise authorized by law in the event of a declaration of a contingency operation by the Secretary. (Currently, this authority is permitted only in the declaration of war or national emergency.) Makes inapplicable to unspecified minor military construction or repair projects certain authorized cost variation limitations for a military construction project or for the construction, improvement, and acquisition of a military family housing project.
Bill· HRH.R. 5016 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1992
Clean Fuels Infrastructure and Incentives Act of 1992 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a program for providing grants to eligible States to fund the construction of clean fuel refueling facilities in ozone nonattainment areas classified as Serious, Severe, or Extreme under the Clean Air Act. Authorizes appropriations. Provides for the distribution of funds based on the pro rata number of licensed motor vehicles in a State. Limits the total amount of funds to be received by a State. Requires recipient States to distribute at least 50 percent of funds to persons for the installation of clean fuel refueling facilities in the private sector. Makes a State eligible for a grant only if it has: (1) submitted a revision of the applicable implementation plan pursuant to the Clean Air Act expressing its intention to adopt standards under the California clean fuel vehicle pilot test program; and (2) has adopted such standards no later than model year 1996.
Bill· HRH.R. 5024 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1992
Commission on the Airplane Crash at Gander, Newfoundland, Act - Establishes in the legislative branch of the Government the Commission on the Airplane Crash at Gander, Newfoundland. Directs the Commission to investigate and study the circumstances surrounding the crash of an Arrow Airlines airplane near Gander, Newfoundland, Canada, on December 12, 1985. Requires a report to the President and the Congress on findings and conclusions.
Bill· HRH.R. 5022 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1992
Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993 - Title I: Army - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes the Secretary to construct or acquire military family housing units, to carry out architectural and engineering services and construction design, and to improve existing military family housing units in specified amounts at specified installations. Authorizes appropriations to the Army for fiscal years beginning after 1992 for military construction projects, unspecified minor construction projects, repair of real property, architectural and engineering design services, military family housing functions within the Department, and the homeowners assistance program. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. Extends certain FY 1990 military construction projects. Title II: Navy - Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes the Secretary to construct or acquire military family housing units, to carry out architectural and engineering services and construction design, and to improve existing military family housing units in specified amounts at specified installations. Authorizes appropriations to the Navy for fiscal years beginning after 1992 for military construction projects, unspecified minor construction projects, repair of real property, architectural and engineering design services, and military family housing functions within the Department. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. Title III: Air Force - Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes the Secretary to construct or acquire military family housing units, to carry out architectural and engineering services and construction design, and to improve existing military family housing units in specified amounts at specified installations. Authorizes appropriations to the Air Force for fiscal years beginning after 1992 for military construction projects, unspecified minor construction projects, repair of real property, architectural and engineering design services, and for military family housing functions within the Department. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. Title IV: Defense Agencies - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) for fiscal years beginning after 1992 for military construction projects, unspecified minor construction projects, architectural and engineering design services, conforming storage facilities, certain base closure and realignment activities, repair of real property, and military family housing functions within DOD. Authorizes prior-year unobligated funds to be made available for military construction projects authorized in this title. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. Title V: North Atlantic Treaty Organization Infrastructure - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to make contributions for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Infrastructure Program. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary for fiscal years beginning after 1992 for such contributions. Title VI: Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years beginning after 1992 for acquisition, architectural and engineering services, repair of real property, and construction of facilities for the Guard and reserve forces in specified amounts. Title VII: Expiration of Authorizations - Terminates all authorizations contained in titles I through VI on October 1, 1995, or the date of enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for FY 1996, whichever is later, with specified exceptions. Title VIII: General Provisions - Expands authorized military construction activities to include alteration and repair with respect to a military installation. Requires a cost of over $15,000 which extends the useful life of a facility in order to be considered a military construction project. Includes repair activities within the definition of minor military construction. Requires any such repair within a minor military construction project to cost more than $15,000 and to extend the useful life of the facility. Provides that unspecified minor construction and repair projects funded by working capital funds may be so funded without being subject to the dollar limitations prescribed for such construction and repair activities. Repeals Federal provisions authorizing the Secretary of the military department concerned to carry out facility renovation projects that combine maintenance, repair, and minor construction projects for an entire single-purpose facility, or one or more areas of a multipurpose facility, using operation and maintenance funds. Authorizes a reserve forces facilities acquisition project costing $15,000 (currently, $300,000) or less to be carried out with operation and maintenance funds. Authorizes the Secretary concerned to carry out an emergency construction project five days (currently, 21) after notification to the Congress. Allows funds from the Department of Defense Base Closure Account or from the Department of Defense Base Closure Account 1990 to be used for base closure and realignment activities under either the Defense Authorization Amendments and Base Closure and Realignment Act or the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1991. Revises the funding limitations contained in each such Act to conform to such change. Defines further the base closure and realignment activities authorized under each such Act as the environmental restoration, community economic adjustment assistance, and disposal of property at bases selected for closure under such Acts. Revises the computation of the amount of proceeds obtained from the sale or transfer of property in connection with a base closure or realignment which are to be transferred to a reserve account and used for acquiring, constructing, or improving commissary stores and nonappropriated fund instrumentalities under the Defense Authorization Amendments and Base Closure and Realignment Act, the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990, and the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991. Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to convey all U.S. rights and interest in real property consisting of the operations portion of the Marine Corps Air Station, Tustin, California, in exchange for the construction of replacement facilities at either the Tustin location, the Marine Corps Base at Camp Pendleton, California, or the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, or a combination of each such facility. Requires such conveyance authority to expire 12 months after enactment of this Act, unless the Secretary makes certain determinations with respect to such conveyance. Provides that, upon such expiration of authority, the closure of the Tustin facility shall proceed as a closure under the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to transfer available DOD funds to a fund established under the Demonstration Cities and Metropolitan Development Act of 1966 for persons eligible under such Act for homeowners assistance. Waives certain congressional reporting requirements with respect to real property acquisitions or leases by DOD in excess of specified amounts in the event of a declaration of war or national emergency, or for real property transactions required in connection with a contingency operation. Requires each military department Secretary who exercises such waiver to notify the Senate and House Armed Services Committees within 30 days after its exercise. Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1992 and 1993 to direct the Secretary of Defense to ensure that the authorization requested by DOD for construction costs resulting from closing or realigning each installation (currently, for each military construction project) does not exceed the cost estimate provided by the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission. Authorizes the Secretary to undertake (and to authorize the Secretaries of the military departments to undertake) military construction projects not otherwise authorized by law in the event of a declaration of a contingency operation by the Secretary. (Currently, this authority is permitted only in the declaration of war or national emergency.) Makes inapplicable to unspecified minor military construction or repair projects certain authorized cost variation limitations for a military construction project or for the construction, improvement, and acquisition of a military family housing project.
Bill· SS. 2608 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1992
Amtrak Authorization Act of 1992 - Amends the Rail Passenger Service Act to authorize FY 1993 through 1995 appropriations for the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK), including funds for: (1) operating expenses for the core system and new State-supported service; and (2) mandatory payments for railroad retirement benefits and railroad unemployment insurance obligations in excess of those calculated on an experience-rated basis. Requires that one of the two members of the AMTRAK Board of Directors who are appointed by the preferred stockholders be: (1) specially qualified to represent the interests of rail passengers (consumers); and (2) selected from among three qualified nominees of the National Association of Railroad Passengers. Changes the designation "President" of AMTRAK to "Chief Executive Officer." Eliminates the requirement that AMTRAK's articles of incorporation be amended for issuance of preferred stock required to be issued annually to the United States. Extends to subsidiaries and lessors and lessees (thus permitting sale/lease back transactions) AMTRAK's current exemption from additional taxes for expenditures to acquire or improve real property, equipment, facilities, or rights-of-way material or structures used in the provisions of rail passenger service. Authorizes AMTRAK to consider discontinuance, modification, or adjustment of any commuter service which, on or after October 1, 1993, exceeds in any previous six-month period the average loss per passenger mile for short-distance AMTRAK route service during such period. Requires AMTRAK to solicit public comment on alternatives to any such action before taking it. Directs AMTRAK to: (1) develop, and report to the Congress on, a plan for demonstrating high-speed rail technologies; and (2) give technical assistance to State and regional partnerships, study groups, private sector representatives, and other entities that seek to advance high-speed rail service through equipment upgrades and incremental infrastructure improvements on existing railroad facilities used by AMTRAK outside the Northeast Corridor. Requires AMTRAK periodically to recommend eliminating highway at-grade crossings to the Secretary of Transportation. Requires the Secretary to develop a plan for eliminating all such crossings along the main line of the Northeast Corridor, except in specified circumstances, by December 31, 1997. Requires AMTRAK to pay 20 percent of the cost of such eliminations. Directs AMTRAK to form a task force to consider recommendations for improving emergency training and performance (including first-aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, passenger evacuation, and disaster reponse) of on-board service and operating crew members. Requires a report to the Congress of task force findings and actions taken and recommended.
Bill· SS. 2573 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1992
Title I: Aviation Safety and Capacity Expansion Act Amendments of 1992 - Aviation Safety and Capacity Expansion Act Amendments of 1992 - Amends the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982 to include within the definition of "airport development" certain projects to improve passenger and freight airport access. Extends: (1) airport improvement grant authority; (2) specified funds for airport noise reduction activities; and (3) authorization of appropriations for air navigation facilities. Authorizes appropriations to be available if the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) determines that its Capital Investment Plan is in need of substantial modification. Authorizes appropriations for research, engineering, and development demonstration projects. Requires that the total annual amounts appropriated from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund (Trust Fund) for airport and airway improvement programs shall equal 85 percent of the FAA's annual budget, except for liquidating aircraft loan guarantees. Extends weather services reimbursement authority. Increases the noise set-aside. Obligates such increases on a priority basis to sponsors of primary airports and to contiguous political jurisdictions where compatible land use control measures have been adopted. Amends the military airport program to: (1) increase funding set-asides; (2) increase the number of program airports; (3) repeal the airport designation deadline; and (4) set aside funds for construction and improvement of parking lots, fuel farms, and utilities. Sets aside funds for integrated urban transportation planning. Increases the scope of activities within the disadvantaged small business set-aside requirement. Authorizes up to 50 percent funding increases for certain nonprimary airports' land acquisition costs. Authorizes a State block grant program for projects at general aviation airports. Permits States which have successfully administered such block grants for at least one year to administer block grants for reliever and small commercial service airports. Title II: Federal Aviation Act of 1958 Amendments - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to permit: (1) sole source contracts with States or political subdivisions for certain air traffic control tower operations; and (2) limited source procurement on the same basis as certain other Federal agencies. Authorizes travel and per diem reimbursement for non-Federal personnel providing aviation security training. Military Air Traffic Controller Transition Act of 1992 - Authorizes the hiring of retired military air traffic controllers under the age of 46 as FAA controllers in auxiliary flight service stations and at specified terminal facilities. Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to apply FAA safety certification requirements to airports that serve aircraft designed for ten or more (currently 30) passenger seats. Amends the civil penalty assessment program to: (1) repeal the monetary assessment ceiling; (2) give deference to FAA rules interpretations in hearings before the National Transportation Safety Board; and (3) make the program permanent. Requires the FAA to be notified of adjacent sanitary landfill establishment or expansion. Extends aviation insurance authority. Authorizes the FAA to use certain aviation related fees collected outside the United States.
Bill· HRH.R. 4976 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1992
School to Work Transition and Youth Apprenticeship Act - Title I: Establishment of National Interagency Compact and National Industry Recognized Skill Standards - Directs the Secretaries of Labor and of Education (the Secretaries) to establish an interagency compact between the Office of Employment and Training Administration of the Department of Labor and the Office of Adult and Vocational Education of the Department of Education, to: (1) design a national youth apprenticeship system; and (2) develop a system of skills standards within each major industry and within occupations that involve more than one industry. Sets forth various functions of the compact. Requires the compact to provide for national demonstrations to test skills standards and certification and assessment methods in work-based and training settings through: (1) local educational agencies (LEAs) two-year colleges, or postsecondary vocational institutions; and (2) businesses, business associations, or private industry councils. Requires the compact to provide for distribution of funds to facilitate creation of partnerships of business and industry, organized labor or other employee representatives, educators, and the training community for each industry or occupation (to the extent resources permit) to develop skills standards. Sets forth various functions of such partnerships. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: State Youth Transition Opportunity Challenge Grants - Authorizes the compact to make challenge grants to States for the cooperative use by the State agencies for education and for labor, job training, and employment (State agencies) to plan and develop policies and build an infrastructure to support programs for elementary and secondary students that will result in quality education programs and work-related experiences enabling students to graduate from high school prepared to: (1) enter the world of work directly; and/or (2) continue in some form of postsecondary education or training. Sets forth requirements for State applications and assurances. Requires State agencies to use such grants to: (1) prepare a State plan for policies and programs that will result in a comprehensive school-to-work transition system and development of a statewide youth apprenticeship system; (2) conduct assessments; and (3) make grants to at least one LEA to carry out such planning, development, and assessment activities. Allows a State, based on the State plan, to use such a grant to establish a youth apprenticeship system through specified activities, services, or programs. Limits the Federal share under this title to not more than 80 percent in the first year, 70 in the second, and 60 in the third and any subsequent year. Requires annual State reports to the compact and biennial compact reports to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Local Youth Apprenticeship Program Grants - Requires the compact to make grants to States for cooperative use by the aforementioned State agencies to award grants to eligible local entities, based on a competition or on a formula determined by such State agencies for youth apprenticeship programs at the local level. Defines eligible entity as a consortium of at least one entity from each of the following two groups: (1) LEAs, LEAs in consortia with community-based organizations, individual schools within an LEA, public vocational or technical schools, two-year public technical or community colleges; and (2) local employers or business associations (including private industry councils under the Job Training Partnership Act). Requires equitable distribution of such assistance among the States and their urban and rural areas. Limits the Federal share under this title to not more than 90 percent in the first year, 80 in the second, 70 in the third, and 60 in the fourth and any subsequent year. Allows other Federal funds under other Federal laws to be used for up to 50 percent of the matching funds for remaining costs. Sets forth requirements for State and local applications, including State plans and local assurances. Allows such grant funds to be used to: (1) train teachers and counselors; (2) (as part of the program's planning activities) acquire technical assistance from Federal, State, or local entities that have successfully designed, established, and operated school-to-work transition programs; (3) provide outreach to potential students; and (4) develop curricula. Sets forth required components of youth apprenticeship programs under this title. Limits portions of funds under this title which may be used by the Secretary for annual independent evaluations and by States for administrative costs. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 4947 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1992
Technology Transfer Committee Act of 1992 - Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to establish a committee to: (1) support the commercial adaption of research and development in the civilian technology area; (2) place a heavy emphasis on critical technologies that will ensure the long-term superiority of U.S. technology; (3) be specifically designed to address the constructive advancement of civilian technology; (4) identify technological needs, problems, and opportunities within and across industrial sectors that, if addressed, could make a significant contribution to the U.S. economy; (5) support projects that range from idea exploration to prototype development and address long-term, high risk areas of technology research, development, and application that are not otherwise being adequately developed by the private sector, but are likely to yield important benefits to the Nation; (6) identify emerging national technology problems and support research pertinent to those problems; (7) support development of solutions to applied research programs; (8) determine the relationships of technological developments and international technology transfers to the output, employment, productivity, and world trade performance of the United States and foreign industrial sectors; (9) investigate the potential of advancing U.S. technological innovation and exploiting innovations of foreign origin; (10) secure the translation of technology into timely, cost competitive, high quality manufactured products and provide an efficient technological infrastructure; (11) support applied research and development that falls outside the purview of other Federal agencies that should be supported in the national interest; (12) generally promote and assist in the development of advanced technologies and the generic application of such technologies of civilian products, processes, and services; (13) assess whether the capital, technical, and other resources available to domestic industrial sectors which are likely to generate new technologies are adequate to meet private and social demands for goods and services and to promote productivity and economic growth; and (14) promote research that contributes to the scientific basis of health, safety, and environmental regulations for the purposes of improving regulatory actions and minimizing duplicative research. Requires the committee to promote: (1) technology transfer from the Federal Government to private enterprise; and (2) government-industry cooperation to halt the penetration of U.S. markets by foreign competitors. Provides for participation by foreign countries in projects supported by the committee. Requires the committee to be headed by a director who shall make grants and enter into contracts and cooperative agreements with research and development entities or other arrangements with entities that are deemed most useful by the committee to accomplish the purposes of this Act. Requires the committee to provide the funding for research and development concerning the adaption of technology. Requires the committee to coordinate efforts with other Federal agencies to make certain there are no disputes over grants, loans, and contracts. Requires the committee to report annually to the President, both Houses of the Congress, and the Council on Industrial Competitiveness on its past year actions and any recommendations for appropriate legislative actions.
Bill· HRH.R. 4881 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1992
Rebuild America Now Act of 1992 - Requires the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to transfer unobligated funds that had previously been allocated to a State for a fiscal year for a highway and transportation construction project under certain categories in the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 to the allocation of any other project in such categories within such State if: (1) such State requests the transfer and certifies the amount to be transferred which cannot be obligated for such project; (2) the metropolitan planning organization designated for the metropolitan area in which the project from which such funds are to be transferred is located approves such transfer (or the affected local officials, in any case in which the project from which funds are to be transferred is not located in a metropolitan area); and (3) the Secretary and the State agree on a date (on or before October 1, 1996) by which the allocation of the project from which the funds are to be transferred will be reimbursed by the amount so transferred. Limits such fund transfer authority to certain: (1) high cost bridge projects; (2) congestion relief projects; (3) high priority corridors on the National Highway System; (4) rural and urban access projects; (5) innovative projects; and (6) priority intermodal projects.
Bill· HRH.R. 4908 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1992
Maritime Academy Cadet Licensing Relief Act - Amends Federal law relating to Coast Guard user fees to prohibit any fee for the issuance, evaluation, or examination of, or applications for, entry level licenses or merchant mariner's documents for certain individuals under specified provisions.
Bill· HRH.R. 4928 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1992
Bilateral United States-Mexico Border Commission Act of 1992 - Authorizes the President to enter into an agreement with Mexico to establish a bilateral United States-Mexico Border Commission to study and make recommendations concerning issues of infrastructure and economic development in border areas in Mexico and the United States. Requires the Commission to: (1) prioritize capital infrastructure projects in border areas; (2) study and make recommendations regarding human infrastructure issues; (3) develop funding options for infrastructure projects; (4) make recommendations for funding physical and human infrastructure projects that extend beyond traditional public and private sector financing; (5) make recommendations about procedural problems that hinder international commerce at the border; (6) develop recommendations for uniform systems, procedures, and paperwork for facilitating trade along the border; and (7) develop options for increasing investment and economic development along the border to alleviate poverty and ensure a rising standard of living. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· SS. 2538 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1992
Consumer Seafood Safety Act of 1992 - Deems unsafe for human consumption fish products: (1) containing a contaminant exceeding a tolerance; (2) derived from fish harvested from a closed area; (3) processed, handled, stored, or transported in violation of standards; or (4) which are shellfish and are grown or harvested in a State without an approved program or in an uncertified foreign nation, harvested from an unclassified and unmonitored area, or transported or held for transport by a person not on a specified list. Title I: National Seafood Safety Program - Mandates: (1) a national program for seafood safety; and (2) a handbook of Federal regulations and guidelines on seafood safety. Mandates a national shellfish safety program to protect against hazards to human health from the consumption of shellfish, including certain standards, procedures, and requirements regarding growing, harvesting, handling, processing, and shipping shellfish, actual and potential growing and harvesting area water quality, closure of such areas, and tracing of shellfish in commerce. Provides for State shellfish safety programs, approved by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in shellfish-producing States. Authorizes grants to States with approved programs for a portion of operating costs. Mandates publication of a list of shellfish shippers certified by a State or a foreign nation. Requires establishment of tolerances for contaminants that may render fish products injurious to health. Allows the tolerances to include indicators and requires taking into account other sources of exposure to a contaminant. Prohibits considering a product adulterated, under specified provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA), if the product meets the tolerance established under this Act. Amends the FDCA to define "added substance." Mandates, for waters under Federal jurisdiction seaward of the inner boundary of the Exclusive Economic Zone, identification, classification, and monitoring of fish and shellfish growing and harvesting areas regarding hazards likely to render fish products unsafe. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) prohibit or impose restrictions on the harvesting of fish from an area likely to exceed tolerances under this Act or to be adulterated under the FDCA; and (2) develop guidelines to assist States in establishing procedures for closing waters under State jurisdiction. Provides for closure of a State area by the Secretary of Commerce. Mandates standards for facilities which process fish products other than shellfish, including regarding transportation. Prohibits requiring freezing or cooking of products intended for raw consumption unless that is the only practical procedure to adequately prevent the products from being unsafe under this Act or adulterated under the FDCA. Requires, if necessary, standards for fishing vessels or fish tender vessels. Requires a comprehensive inspection system for fish products sold in interstate commerce, including unannounced inspections. Provides for product detention and condemnation. Applies rights and duties, under existing inspection provisions of the FDCA, to enforcement of this Act. Provides for the collection of samples of fish products under the inspection systems of this Act. Mandates registration of processors and importers. Authorizes aid to States, including technical and laboratory assistance, training, and financial aid, for planning and implementing a seafood safety program. Allows a State to have its own inspection program, mandating Federal approval if at least equal to the Federal program, with portions of the State program enforced in lieu of portions of the Federal program. Authorizes grants to States with approved programs for a portion of operating costs. Mandates a comprehensive imported seafood safety system, including routine inspections at processing facilities in exporting nations and at U.S. ports of entry. Requires that imports meeting specified requirements be deemed to be and treated as domestic fish products, except that labeling must identify the country of origin. Subjects fish products from a nation that is: (1) certified under this Act to random inspections and sampling; and (2) not certified under this Act to intensified inspections and sampling. Prohibits imports of shellfish from an uncertified nation. Provides for product detention and condemnation. Authorizes an agreement with a nation exporting to the United States with a seafood safety program at least equal in effectiveness to the program under this Act. Includes in the agreement reciprocity regarding seafood imports and exports between the nations. Requires certification of the types of fish products for which such a nation maintains such a program. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act, earmarking funds for assistance to States and for the research program authorized under title II of this Act. Title II: Research and Education - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to work, through the Centers for Disease Control, to include seafood in an active surveillance system and to assess more accurately the human disease in the United States associated with the consumption of seafood. Requires guidelines for a system to analyze for contaminants samples of fish products from sources other than facilities inspected under this Act. Mandates a national public education program on seafood including regarding: (1) both consumers and health professionals; and (2) recreational and subsistence fisheries. Provides for national, regional, State, and local advisories concerning seafood safety. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Commerce to conduct research to assist the implementation of this Act, including regarding sanitation, monitoring techniques, contaminant detection and source determination, and consumption data. Establishes a five-year research program to improve systems for monitoring and classifying fish growing areas and fishing grounds. Authorizes contracts for the program. Title III: Seafood Safety Enforcement - Provides for: (1) the protection of employee whistleblowers; (2) the recall of any fish product if there is a reasonable probability that the product is unsafe under this Act or adulterated or misbranded under the FDCA; and (3) voluntary recalls. Prohibits certain acts regarding fish products, including: (1) selling, transporting, or disposing of any unsafe product; (2) committing any act during transport or while holding for sale which makes a product unsafe; (3) processing or importing products without being registered; (4) refusing inspection; (5) maintaining false records or destroying records; (6) failure to comply with a recall; and (7) other acts in violation of this Act. Prescribes civil and criminal penalties.
Bill· HRH.R. 4768 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1992
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Airport Opportunity Enhancement Act of 1992 - Amends the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982 to revise the requirement that an airport development project ensure that at least ten percent of certain concessions (sales of food, beverages, printed material, or other consumer products) at the airport go to small business owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Changes the set-aside from ten percent of all such concessions to ten percent of the aggregate of all revenues generated by such concessions, including, furthermore, all businesses which provide ground transportation, baggage carts, automobile rentals, parking, or other consumer services. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to allow an airport operator or owner to meet the ten percent goal by including businesses operated through management contracts or by including the purchase of goods or services used in a business conducted on the airport if it would not be practicable for the operator or owner to comply with such goal by approved business arrangements. Permits the Secretary, by regulation, to allow such inclusions on an airport by airport basis. Revises the definition of an eligible "disadvantaged business enterprise" to raise the maximum average annual gross receipts permissible from $14,000,000 to $16,015,000.
Bill· SS. 2523 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1992
Combined Stormwater and Sewer Overflow Management Strategy Act of 1992 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, in cooperation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and in consultation with local organizations, to conduct a program to assess the technologies and methodologies available to: (1) address the adverse impacts on receiving waters of discharges from combined stormwater and sanitary systems (overflows); and (2) ensure compliance with water quality standards of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Directs the Secretary to study conditions and problems associated with overflows, and appropriate management and engineering strategies to remedy such problems, and to complete a comprehensive overflow management plan for specified areas in Massachusetts, Louisiana, Maine, New Jersey, and New York. Outlines information to be included in each such overflow management plan, including environmental and public health impacts, technologies and methodologies available to address such impacts, and an appropriate overflow management strategy for each area. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress within four years after enactment of this Act on assessments conducted, together with recommendations and observations. Authorizes the Secretary, as part of the overflow assessment conducted for each area, to enter into an agreement with the appropriate State or local government official to construct and monitor an overflow prevention project that uses the best available control technology. Requires such official to provide assurances that the overflow prevention project will be operated and maintained by such State or local government at a non-Federal share of 100 percent of the project's costs. Requires the Federal share of each project's construction costs to be 100 percent. Directs the Secretary to evaluate the capabilities and performance of each project under this Act for use in developing a Federal strategy for a combined stormwater and sanitary sewer system infrastructure. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to develop a Federal strategy for the optimal expenditure of Federal funds for: (1) minimizing the adverse effects of overflows in the waters and aquatic ecosystems of the United States; and (2) assuring compliance with water quality standards of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Outlines information to be utilized in the development of such Federal strategy, including the evaluation of the capabilities and performances of each area project authorized under this Act. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress within five years after enactment of this Act on the strategy. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary, in order to ensure coordination of the Federal strategy with results of the area overflow programs authorized under this Act, to consult with the EPA Administrator, the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and other appropriate Federal and non-Federal entities.
Bill· HRH.R. 4709 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1992
Housing Improvement Act for Land Management Agencies - Authorizes the Secretaries of Agriculture and of the Interior (Secretaries) to make available employee rental or leasing housing on or off lands under each Secretary's jurisdiction. Authorizes joint public-private competitive leases for construction of field employee quarters. Allows for: (1) Federal contributions; (2) occupancy guarantees; (3) joint development authority by the Secretaries; and (4) contracts for field employee quarters management. Authorizes the sale of field employee quarters, or the lease of land for such quarters, to agency employees or to a cooperative made up exclusively of such employees. Authorizes the leasing of seasonal employee quarters where the need is temporary and leasing is more cost effective than construction. Allows nongovernmental leasing when not required for agency use. Requires each of the Secretaries to: (1) survey and prioritize for repair existing employee housing for land management agencies under their respective jurisdictions; and (2) submit such survey to the appropriate congressional committees. Requires housing funds to follow such priority survey. Requires rental income to be deposited in an agency special fund. Authorizes cooperative agreements with Federal, State or local, Indian, or private entities to provide utility and other infrastructure facilities necessary to field employee housing. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 4708 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1992
Housing Improvement Act for Land Management Agencies - Authorizes the Secretaries of Agriculture and of the Interior (Secretaries) to make available employee rental or leasing housing on or off lands under each Secretary's jurisdiction. Authorizes joint public-private competitive leases for construction of field employee quarters. Allows for: (1) Federal contributions; (2) occupancy guarantees; (3) joint development authority by the Secretaries; and (4) contracts for field employee quarters management. Authorizes the sale of field employee quarters, or the lease of land for such quarters, to agency employees or to a cooperative made up exclusively of such employees. Authorizes the leasing of seasonal employee quarters where the need is temporary and leasing is more cost effective than construction. Allows nongovernmental leasing when not required for agency use. Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with regard to the rollover of gain on the sale of a principal residence, to suspend (for up to six years) the two-year residential repurchase period for Department of the Interior or the Forest Service field employees. Requires each of the Secretaries to: (1) survey and prioritize for repair existing employee housing for land management agencies under their respective jurisdictions; and (2) submit such survey to the appropriate congressional committees. Requires housing funds to follow such priority survey. Requires rental income to be deposited in an agency special fund. Authorizes cooperative agreements with Federal, State or local, Indian, or private entities to provide utility and other infrastructure facilities necessary to field employee housing. Authorizes appropriations.