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Bill· SS. 1848 (103rd)open
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1994
Automobile and Minivan Bumper Improvement Act of 1994 - Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to direct the Secretary of Transportation to promulgate a regulation establishing bumper system labeling requirements for passenger motor vehicles constructed without special features for occasional off-road operation. Requires such labeling to disclose the impact speed at which the manufacturer represents that the vehicle meets the applicable damage criteria under the bumper standard specified in the Code of Federal Regulations. Directs the Secretary to amend such bumper standard to make it identical with the standard in effect on January 1, 1982. Permits the Secretary to require a standard more stringent than the one in effect on January 1, 1982.
Bill· SS. 1842 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1994
Delays the effective date for imposition of penalties upon States that do not have in effect safety belt and motorcycle helmet traffic safety programs. Exempts a State from certain penalties for failing to meet requirements relating to motorcycle helmet laws if the State has in effect a motorcycle safety program.
Bill· HRH.R. 3821 (103rd)open
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1994
United States Passenger Vessel Development Act - Amends Federal shipping law to authorize endorsement of a certificate of documentation for an eligible passenger vessel with an interim coastwise passenger trade endorsement if it is: (1) owned by, or demise chartered for at least 18 months to, a U.S. citizen; (2) at least 250 gross tons, with at least 175 berths; and (3) not a ferry. Conditions issuance of such an endorsement on the vessel owner's or charterer's entering into one or more contracts for the construction in the United States of one or more vessels having a total berthing capacity at least 80 percent of the capacity of the vessel for which the endorsement is issued. Conditions renewal of such endorsements on specified progress in vessel construction. Requires an interim coastwise passenger trade endorsement to prohibit the operation of the vessel in any trade served by another documented passenger vessel of at least 250 gross tons and having at least 175 berths, unless the owner or operator of the vessel so operated is also the owner or operator of the other vessel having the endorsement. Amends the Shipping Act, 1916 to authorize a person to place under a foreign registry or operate under the authority of a foreign country, without the Secretary of Transportation's approval, any vessel with an interim coastwise passenger trade endorsement if such person notifies the Secretary within certain deadlines. Amends Federal shipping law to require the Secretary to issue the appropriate inspection, load line, and tonnage certificates to any documented vessel with an interim coastwise passenger trade endorsement that meets the standards for passenger vessel construction for safety of life at sea (SOLAS) issued under the International Maritime Organization convention to which the United States is a party. Amends the Shipping Act, 1916 to define U.S. citizenship of a corporation for purposes of documentation with an interim coastwise passenger trade endorsement as the vesting of at least 51 percent of the corporation's stock in U.S. citizens free from any trust or fiduciary obligation in favor of any non-citizen. Prohibits the Secretary of Commerce from permitting a person to operate a vessel in any unit of the National Park System except in accordance with a specified priority giving first place to U.S.-documented vessels. Requires the Secretary to revoke permission for operation of a foreign-documented vessel if: (1) a person requests permission to operate a U.S.-documented vessel; and (2) the permission may not be granted because the number of permits that may be issued is limited.
Bill· HRH.R. 3822 (103rd)open
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1994
United States Passenger Vessel Development Tax Act - Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to include U.S. documented passenger vessels in all domestic trades in the capital construction fund (CCF) program in order to encourage investment in the replacement of such vessels with U.S. constructed and documented vessels. Makes a passenger vessel with an interim coastwise passenger trade endorsement eligible for the CCF program. Sets forth a formula for the calculation of tax on earnings, including capital gains, derived from investments made with amounts from passenger vessel funds. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the tax treatment of qualified withdrawals from such funds for certain passenger vessel lease payments; (2) computation of interest with respect to nonqualified withdrawals from the fund; (3) inclusion of passenger vessel design and engineering costs as a permissible qualified withdrawal from the fund; (4) inclusion of income-producing assets, including accounts receivable, as permissible investments for such funds; and (5) tax treatment on interim certificate vessel deposits in and withdrawals from the fund which are not committed to new vessel construction. (Sec. 4) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to set forth similar provisions. (Sec. 5) Provides a three-year recovery period for the depreciation deduction on eligible passenger vessels. (Sec. 6) Modifies requirements governing the deductibility of expenses related to an individual's attendance at conventions, seminars, or other meetings held on cruise ships as a business expense. Requires only the home port of such a ship (currently all ports) to be in the United States or a U.S. possession. Repeals the $2,000 limitation on the deductibility of such expenses. Reduces the number of reporting requirements for such deduction. Provides that for deduction purposes, certain interim documentation of a vessel shall be treated as registration in the United States. (Sec. 7) Permits an employer to take a tax credit of ten percent of a travel reward (up to $200) paid to an employee for travel on domestic cruise ships. Limits the deductible travel expenses incurred by a taxpayer for foreign cruise ship transportation to 90 percent of the otherwise allowable expenses.
Bill· HRH.R. 3815 (103rd)open
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1994
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to convey without consideration to any nonprofit organization operating a former hospital ship all U.S. right, title, and interest in a vessel of at least 40,000 displacement tons in the National Defense Reserve Fleet which is scheduled for scrapping. Requires such organization to sell the vessel for scrap and use the proceeds to refurbish and maintain the former hospital ship to engage in public health activities.
Bill· HRH.R. 3812 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1994
Waterways Obstruction Removal Act of 1994 - Amends Federal law to require the owner or operator of a sunken or grounded vessel obstructing a navigable waterway to begin the vessel's removal (or, if appropriate, secure it pending removal to allow navigation to resume) within 24 hours after the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating issues an order to stop or delay navigation in any U.S. navigable waters because of conditions relating to such sinking or grounding. Requires approval by the Secretary of the Army (Secretary) of the removal plan before removal may begin. Authorizes the Secretary to impose a civil penalty for each day the vessel owner or operator fails to begin removal. Requires the Secretary to remove or destroy the vessel using certain summary removal procedures if the owner or operator fails to begin removal or to secure the vessel pending removal, or fails to complete removal as soon as possible. Allows the Secretary to recover from the owner or operator the actual costs, including administrative costs, of any removal action taken.
Bill· SS. 1832 (103rd)open
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Title II: Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Title III: Department of Defense Title IV: Energy and Water Development Title V: Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Agencies Title VI: Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Title VII: Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Title VIII: Treasury, Postal Service, and General Government Title IX: Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Title I: Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies - Rescinds FY 1994 funds appropriated to the Department of Agriculture for the Rural Development Administration, Farmers Home Administration, and Rural Electrification Administration. Rescinds specified foreign assistance funds available for the cost of direct credit agreements and ocean freight differential costs. Title II: Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies - Rescinds FY 1994 funds appropriated to the Department of State for the Administration of Foreign Affairs and the Board for International Broadcasting for the Israel radio relay station. Title III: Department of Defense - Rescinds FY 1994 funds appropriated to the Department of Defense for military procurement and research, development, test and evaluation. Title IV: Energy and Water Development - Rescinds FY 1994 funds appropriated to the Department of Energy and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Title V: Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Agencies - Rescinds FY 1994 funds appropriated to the President for international security assistance. Title VI: Department of the Interior and Related Agencies - Rescinds FY 1994 funds appropriated to the Department of the Treasury for biomass energy development. Title VII: Department of Transportation and Related Agencies - Rescinds FY 1994 funds appropriated to the Department of Transportation for essential air services and rental payments, the Coast Guard for operating expenses, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Federal Highway Administration, and the Federal Railroad Administration. Title VIII: Treasury, Postal Service, and General Government - Rescinds FY 1994 funds appropriated to the General Services Administration for the Federal Buildings Fund. Title IX: Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies - Rescinds FY 1994 funds made available to: (1) the Department of Housing and Urban Development for certain housing programs; (2) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for research and development, space flight expenses, and construction; and (3) the National Science Foundation for academic research infrastructure.
Bill· SS. 1831 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1994
Antarctic Environmental Protection Act of 1994 - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to provide legislative authority to implement the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty. (Sec. 4) Makes it unlawful for any person to: (1) engage in or provide assistance to any Antarctic mineral resource activity; (2) receive, transport, offer for sale, sell, purchase, import, or export, or have custody or control of any Antarctic mineral resource which that person should have known was recovered as a result of Antarctic mineral resource activity; (3) introduce any prohibited product onto land or ice shelves or into water in Antarctica; (4) dispose of any waste onto ice-free land areas or into fresh water systems in Antarctica; (5) dispose of any prohibited waste in Antarctica; (6) engage in open burning of waste in Antarctica after March 1, 1994; (7) transport passengers to, from, or within Antarctica by any vessel not required to comply with the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships unless the person has an agreement under which the vessel owner or operator is required to comply with Annex IV to the Protocol; (8) fail to notify all members of the environmental protection obligations of this Act if organizing, sponsoring, operating, or promoting a nongovernmental expedition to Antarctica; (9) damage or remove a historic site or monument; (10) refuse permission to any authorized U.S. employee to board a U.S. vessel, vehicle, or aircraft (or one subject to U.S. jurisdiction) for purposes of searches or inspections in connection with this Act's enforcement, interfere in such searches or inspections, or resist or interfere with a lawful arrest or detention for any prohibited act; or (11) violate any regulation or permit term under this Act or attempt to commit any prohibited act. Makes it unlawful, unless authorized by a permit, to: (1) dispose of any waste in Antarctica, except as authorized under the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships; (2) introduce into Antarctica any member of a non-native species; (3) enter or engage in activities within any Antarctica specially protected area; (4) engage in any taking or harmful interference in Antarctica; or (5) receive, transport, offer for sale, sell, purchase, import, export or have custody or control of any native bird, mammal, or plant which the person should have known was taken in violation of this Act. Makes exceptions to specified prohibited acts in emergency circumstances. (Sec. 5) Authorizes the Director of the National Science Foundation to issue permits for specified activities and to establish application fees. Lists conditions for certain activities and requirements for regulations to implement the Protocol. (Sec. 7) Applies environmental impact assessment requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act to proposals for Federal agency activities occurring and affecting the quality of the environment in Antarctica. Permits activities determined to have less than a minor or transitory impact on the environment to proceed under specified conditions. Makes environmental impact assessment requirements inapplicable in the case of activities carried out jointly with other governments if the Secretary of State determines that another party to the Protocol is coordinating environmental impact assessment procedures. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate regulations to provide for the environmental impact assessment of nongovernmental activities. (Sec. 9) Amends the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships to apply Annex IV of the Protocol to all vessels over which the United States has jurisdiction, except for warships, naval auxiliary, or other ships owned or operated by the United States when engaged in noncommercial service or other ships specifically excluded by the MARPOL Protocol. (Sec. 10) Requires the Secretary to designate a U.S. officer or employee to be the U.S. representative to the Committee for Environmental Protection under the Protocol. (Sec. 11) Directs the Secretary to conduct inspections at intervals between two and five years of the U.S. Antarctic Program. Requires the inspection team to report on the compliance of the Program with this Act and the Protocol. (Sec. 12) Directs the Department of State to coordinate an interagency study of tourism in Antarctica to determine whether additional measures should be taken with respect to Antarctic tourist activities. (Sec. 14) Sets forth provisions concerning judicial review of regulations and citizen suits. (Sec. 15) Establishes enforcement and penalty procedures. (Sec. 23) Provides that this Act shall prevail over any inconsistent provision of the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act. Repeals the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978 and the Antarctic Protection Act of 1990. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· SS. 1822 (103rd)open
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Protection and Advancement of Universal Service Title II: Telecommunications Investment Title III: Regulatory Reform Title IV: Authorized Activities of Bell Operating Companies Title V: Regulatory Parity Between Telephone and Cable Companies Title VI: Customer Control Over Information Title VII: Media Diversity Communications Act of 1994 - Title I: Protection and Advancement of Universal Service - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 (the Act) to provide as U.S. national and international communications policy goals: (1) equal access to basic telecommunications services at reasonable rates; (2) the development and availability of new technologies; (3) equal access to diverse sources of information; and (4) the use of telecommunications services and technology to promote the exchange of ideas, economic welfare and quality of life, and the protection of control over an individual's use of such services. (Sec. 102) Requires every common carrier engaged in interstate, intrastate, or foreign communication by wire or radio to preserve and advance universal telecommunications service. Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to set forth (and periodically revise) guidelines for the definition of universal service, delegating to each State the primary responsibilities of defining such term and ensuring that universal service goals are met. Allows direct assistance to telecommunications carriers to be considered by the States as a means of providing universal service. Requires each State to act within two years or the FCC would assume such responsibility. (Sec. 103) Requires all telecommunications carriers that use public rights of way to permit the following entities to obtain access to intrastate and interstate services provided by such carriers at preferential rates: educational and health care institutions, State and local governments, public broadcast stations, libraries and other public entities, community newspapers, and broadcasters in the smallest markets. Provides related FCC rulemaking responsibilities. Title II: Telecommunications Investment - Amends the Act to require the FCC to take appropriate action to ensure that State regulatory authorities achieve the goal of ensuring that telecommunications carriers provide consumers in rural and noncompetitive markets with access to high quality, interoperable telecommunications network facilities and capabilities at reasonable, nondiscriminatory rates. Provides FCC preemptive authority over conflicting State or local statutes or regulations in such regard. Encourages States to implement regulatory incentives for the development of high quality telecommunications network facilities and capabilities. Encourages telecommunications carriers and equipment manufacturers to develop standards which ensure the interconnection and interoperability of such networks. Allows the FCC to develop such standards when industry participants fail to do so. Directs the FCC to prescribe regulations: (1) that permit joint coordinated network planning, design, and cooperative implementation among all telecommunications carriers in the provision of public switched network infrastructure and services; and (2) that require a local exchange carrier to share public switched network infrastructure and functions with requesting carriers which lack the economies of scale or scope for the required function. Requires the FCC and the States to ensure that advances in network capabilities and telecommunications services deployed by carriers are designed to be accessible to individuals with disabilities. Requires the FCC to: (1) publish annually a survey of the deployment of technologies on a State-by-State basis; and (2) develop regulations to allocate a local exchange carrier's costs of deploying broadband telecommunications facilities between local exchange service and competitive services. Title III: Regulatory Reform - Prohibits, after a specified conditional date, a State or local statute, regulation, or requirement from having the effect of prohibiting the ability of an entity to provide interstate or intrastate telecommunications services, or discriminating among telecommunications carriers. Allows an electric, gas, water, or steam utility to provide telecommunications services. Directs the FCC to prescribe regulations that require each telecommunications carrier to provide upon request to any telecommunications equipment manufacturer or entity certain interconnection services and nondiscriminatory access to facilities, as well as information necessary for interoperability. Requires consumers to be informed of telecommunications alternatives among competing service providers. Directs the FCC to prescribe regulations ensuring telecommunications number portability (the ability of telecommunications service users to retain existing numbers without adverse effects when switching from one telecommunications carrier to another). Allows the FCC to provide regulatory flexibility to ensure that carriers with small market power can effectively compete for the provision of telecommunications services with larger entities. Directs the FCC, and encourages the States, to permit carriers pricing flexibility in competitive service or geographic markets. Requires FCC implementing regulations. Title IV: Authorizes Activities of Bell Operating Companies - Subtitle A: Telecommunications Equipment Research and Manufacturing Competition - Telecommunications Equipment Research and Manufacturing Competition Act of 1994 - Amends the Act to authorize a Bell operating company (BOC), through an affiliate, to manufacture and provide telecommunications equipment and to manufacture customer premises equipment, except that no BOC may engage in such manufacturing with an unaffiliated BOC or affiliates thereof. (Sec. 403) Allows such manufacturing or provision to be conducted only through an affiliate that is separate from any BOC. Requires the FCC to prescribe regulations ensuring the separability of such an affiliate. Requires the affiliate to conduct all of its manufacturing, and have all of its customer premises equipment manufactured, within the United States, with an exception after a good faith effort to do so. Requires each such affiliate to make available to all regulated local telephone exchange carriers, without discrimination or preference, any telecommunications equipment (including upgrades) manufactured by such affiliate for use with the public telecommunications network, so long as each purchaser does not manufacture such equipment or agrees to make available to the BOC or any of its affiliates any telecommunications equipment manufactured by such purchaser or any of its affiliates. Directs the FCC to require that each BOC maintain and file with the FCC complete information with respect to the protocols and technical requirements for connection with and use of its telephone exchange service facilities. Prohibits a BOC from disclosing any such information to its affiliates unless such information is immediately so filed. Directs the FCC to prescribe appropriate regulations ensuring open and equal competition between a BOC that has a manufacturing affiliate and other manufacturers of telecommunications and customer premises equipment. Allows a BOC and its affiliate to engage in close collaboration with any such manufacturer during the design and development of hardware and software relating to such equipment. Provides FCC administration and enforcement authority with respect to this subtitle. Requires annual audits of BOCs with manufacturing affiliates, with audit review by the FCC. (Sec. 404) Amends the Act to increase from $6,000 to $10,000 the daily fine for failure to keep or submit any required telecommunications carrier records. Subtitle B: Regulation of Alarm Services and Electronic Publishing by Bell Operating Companies - Amends the Act to prohibit a BOC or its affiliates from providing alarm monitoring services for the protection of life, safety, or property. Allows a BOC to transport alarm monitoring service signals, but on a common carrier basis only. Allows a BOC or its affiliate, after five and one half years after the enactment of this Act, to petition the FCC for permission to provide alarm monitoring services. Authorizes the FCC to grant such permission beginning six years from the enactment of this Act, after certain findings by the FCC and the Department of Justice. Requires FCC regulation of such services. Provides expedited consideration of complaints arising from a BOC's provision of such services, and remedies. (Sec. 452) Prohibits a BOC or its affiliate from providing electronic publishing that is disseminated by means of the basic telephone service of the BOC or affiliate. Allows a separated affiliate or joint venture to engage in electronic publishing if certain requirements are met concerning the separate business aspect of the separated affiliate or joint venture. Outlines specified requirements of a BOC under common ownership or control with a separated affiliate or joint venture which ensure that any transactions between the BOC and the separated affiliate or joint venture involving the provision of personnel, facilities, or services to aid in electronic publishing are offered on an equal basis to all unaffiliated entities. Requires annual compliance reviews. Prohibits a BOC or its affiliate from providing to any electronic publisher, including separated affiliates or joint ventures, customer proprietary network information for electronic publishing use that is disseminated by the basic telephone service of the BOC or its affiliate unless such information is made equally available to all electronic publishers. Outlines permissible joint activities between a BOC and its separated affiliate, joint venture, or affiliate, including joint telemarketing, nondiscriminatory teaming or business arrangements, and electronic publishing joint ventures. (Sec. 453) Requires a written contract, recorded in the books and auditable, for transactions related to the provision of electronic publishing between: (1) a BOC and any affiliate; and (2) a BOC affiliate and a separated affiliate. Prohibits a BOC from having officers, employees, property, or facilities in common with any entity whose principal business is electronic publishing. Requires a BOC to provide equally to all entities any facilities, services, or telephone information disseminated through the BOC's basic telephone service which is provided to an entity that engages in electronic publishing. Provides a private right of action for violations of such electronic publishing requirements. Subtitle C: Information Services - Requires BOCs or affiliates to make any gateway service available to all subscribers under nondiscriminatory rates and terms and to offer such services to all information services on a nondiscriminatory basis as well. Defines a "gateway service" as an information service that, at the request of the provider of an electronic publishing or other information service, provides a subscriber with access to such service, utilizing the following functions: data transmission, address translation, billing information, protocol conversion, and introductory information content. Directs the FCC to prescribe cost allocation regulations to prevent any BOC or affiliate that offers services that have market power from using revenues from such services to subsidize competitive information services. Restricts State regulation of information services, except as provided in title VI. Subtitle D: InterLATA Telecommunications Services - Authorizes a BOC to engage in the provision of inter local access and transport area (LATA) (as defined in United States v. Western Electric Company ) telecommunications services subject to specified requirements. Requires the company, as part of such requirements, to demonstrate that there is no possibility of using market power in a telephone exchange and exchange access service market to impede competition. Authorizes Bell companies or affiliates to: (1) own and operate receive-only antennas, satellite master antenna television facilities, satellite earth stations, and interLATA distribution facilities solely for purposes of providing cable service; and (2) engage in interLATA telecommunications service for purposes of one-way transmission of video and audio programming solely for cable service. Permits such companies or their cellular affiliates to provide: (1) authorized interLATA service for cellular mobile radio services; (2) intersystem handoff across LATA boundaries of cellular mobile radio transmissions between adjacent cellular systems; and (3) the routing of cellular transmissions between their cellular systems and a cellular system located in another LATA for purposes of completing a call to one of its out-of-region cellular customers. Requires the FCC to prescribe uniform equal access and long distance presubscription requirements for providers of all cellular and two-way wireless services. Title V: Regulatory Parity Between Telephone and Cable Companies - Revises provisions concerning ownership restrictions to prohibit local exchange carriers subject to title II of the Act from: (1) acquiring more than a five percent interest in any cable system that is providing service within the carrier's telephone exchange service area and is owned by an unaffiliated person; or (2) entering into a joint venture or partnership with a cable operator to provide video programming to subscribers within the telephone exchange service area. Prohibits such carriers from providing video programming (cable) directly to subscribers in its telephone exchange service area unless: (1) such programming is provided through a separate subsidiary; and (2) the FCC finds that the carrier's service is in compliance with specified regulations governing telecommunications competition under this Act. Bars such carriers from engaging in activities that subsidize its video programming operations. Exempts a carrier from such prohibitions if the carrier has no market power in its telephone service area. Establishes similar conditions for cable operators with respect to the provision of telecommunications services. (Sec. 503) Requires subsidiaries to maintain separation from local exchange carriers in terms of operation, commercial activities, and recordkeeping. Requires carriers to establish cost allocation systems that prohibit the costs of providing competitive services from being subsidized by revenue from telephone exchange services. Directs the FCC to ensure that the economic risks associated with the provision of competitive services by a carrier are not borne by the customers of telephone exchange services in the event of a business loss or failure. Title VI: Customer Control Over Information - Prohibits a local exchange carrier, except upon the customer's request, from: (1) using customer proprietary network information in the provision of any service other than telephone exchange or toll service, in the identification or solicitation of potential customers for any service other than the service from which such information is derived, or in the provision of customer premises equipment; or (2) disclosing such information to any affiliate of, or any other person that is not an employee of, such common carrier. Requires the common carrier to: (1) disclose such information to any customer designee at the customer's request; (2) notify the FCC of the availability of aggregate customer proprietary information it provides to an affiliate or to its personnel that are engaged in providing any service that is not necessary to the provision of telephone exchange service or customer premises equipment or to any other person who is not an employee or affiliate; and (3) provide such aggregate information on reasonable terms and conditions to any other service or equipment provider, upon reasonable request. Prohibits the common carrier from discriminating between affiliated and unaffiliated service or equipment providers in providing individual and aggregate or compiled information. States that this Act shall not be construed to prohibit the disclosure of proprietary information as necessary to render, bill, and collect for telephone exchange or toll service or for any other telecommunications service that the customer has requested. Requires a carrier that provides subscriber list information to any affiliated or unaffiliated service provider or person to provide such list on a timely and unbundled basis, under nondiscriminatory and reasonable rates, terms, and conditions, upon reasonable request. Requires any common carrier or affiliate providing automatic number identification (ANI) services to any person to provide such services under a contract or tariff containing telephone subscriber information requirements that: (1) permit such person to use the information provided for billing and collection, completion of the customer's call or transaction, or for services directly related to the customer's call or transaction; (2) prohibit such person from reusing or selling the information provided without the customer's consent; and (3) prohibit such person from disclosing, without the customer's consent, any information derived from such service for any purpose other than performing the services or transactions that are the subject of the customer's call ensuring network performance, security, and the effectiveness of call delivery, compiling, using, and disclosing aggregate information, and complying with applicable law or legal process. Directs the FCC to commence a proceeding to: (1) examine the impact on the privacy rights and remedies of consumers of the integration into interconnected communications networks of wireless telephone, cable, satellite, and other technologies; (2) examine the impact that the globalization of integrated communications networks has on the international dissemination of consumer information and the privacy rights and remedies to protect consumers; (3) propose changes in the FCC's regulations to ensure that consumer privacy rights are protected in new telecommunications services; and (4) prepare recommendations to the Congress for any legislative changes required to correct defects in privacy rights and remedies. Title VII: Media Diversity - Requires the FCC to modify or remove national and local ownership rules on radio and television broadcast stations as necessary to ensure that broadcasters are able to compete fairly with other media providers and that the public receives information from a diversity of media sources. (Sec. 702) Directs the FCC to review a certain ownership restriction with respect to cable operators and report to the Congress on whether such restriction serves the public interest. (Sec. 703) Requires the FCC to complete a notice and comment proceeding to consider the applicability of the FCC's rules regarding network non-duplication protection and syndicated exclusivity protection to other multichannel video programming providers. (Sec. 704) Directs the FCC to prescribe regulations to permit broadcasters to make use of the broadcast spectrum that they are licensed to use for services related to the programming services which they are authorized to provide. Authorizes the FCC, to the extent that the broadcast licensee provides commercial services using broadcast spectrum, to collect a fee from the licensee.
Bill· HRH.R. 3786 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1994
Recreational Boating Safety Improvement Act of 1994 - Amends Federal boating safety law to prohibit a person from operating a recreational vessel under 26 feet in length unless each individual 12 years or younger wears a personal flotation device while on the vessel's deck. Declares that such prohibition shall not be construed to limit a State's authority to establish more stringent requirements for the wearing of personal flotation devices on recreational vessels. Sets forth a formula for the allocation of State recreational boating safety program funds based upon State adoption of laws prohibiting the operation of recreational vessels while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Directs the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to submit to specified congressional committees a plan to increase reporting of vessel accidents to appropriate State law enforcement officials. Establishes penalties for violation of reporting requirements. Declares that any individual operating a recreational vessel in a negligent manner shall complete a boating safety course approved by the Secretary. Declares that any person operating a recreational vessel in violation of Federal shipping code recreational boating provisions may be ordered to complete a qualified recreational boating safety course.
Bill· SS. 1819 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1994
Prohibits the Department of Transportation or any other Federal department, agency, or instrumentality from requiring any State or political subdivision thereof to convert highway signs to metric units.
Bill· HRH.R. 3766 (103rd)open
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1994
Prohibits the Department of Transportation or any other Federal department, agency, or instrumentality from requiring any State or political subdivision to convert highway signs to metric units.
Bill· HRH.R. 3765 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1994
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Sustainable Development Title II: Building Democracy Title III: Promoting Peace Title IV: Providing Humanitarian Assistance Title V: Promoting Growth Through Trade and Investment Title VI: Advancing Diplomacy Title VII: Special Authorities, Restrictions on Assistance, and Reports Title VIII: General Provisions Title IX: Technical and Conforming Provisions Peace, Prosperity, and Democracy Act of 1994 - Repeals the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (with the exception of a few provisions) as well other specified foreign relations and assistance Acts. Sets forth revised foreign assistance policy provisions. Title I: Sustainable Development - Chapter 1: Sustainable Development Authorities - Sets forth policy for sustainable development programs and voluntary cooperation in development. (Sec. 1103) Encourages the President to establish a formal and continuing partnership with private voluntary organizations, cooperatives, and credit unions which have experience working in developing countries, and with colleges and universities, to carry out the objectives of this title. Authorizes the President to use funds in support of this title for: (1) schools and libraries outside the United States that are sponsored by U.S. citizens and that serve as study and demonstration centers for the ideas and practices of the United States; and (2) hospital centers for medical education and research outside the United States that are sponsored by U.S. citizens. (Sec. 1104) Permits the President to provide assistance for credit programs in furtherance of the following sustainable objectives: (1) micro- and small enterprise development; (2) shelter, urban services, and environmental infrastructure; and (3) other programs to carry out the purposes of this chapter. Chapter 2: Development Fund for Africa - Makes funds under chapter 1 available for programs for Subsaharan Africa. Chapter 3: Role of Related Programs - Sets forth U.S. policy regarding: (1) the role of international financial institutions; (2) the Peace Corps; (3) the African Development and Inter-American Foundations; and (4) specified non-emergency food assistance programs. Title II: Building Democracy - Sets forth policy regarding the promotion of democracy. Chapter 1: Promoting Democracy - Subchapter A: Countries in Transition - Authorizes the President to provide assistance for countries: (1) that have recently emerged or are in the process of emerging as democratic societies; (2) that have recently emerged or are emerging from civil strife and either have a democratically-elected government or are making progress toward developing such a government; or (3) where democratic progress or institutions are threatened. (Sec. 2102) Declares that programs under this subchapter should be designed to facilitate the trend toward more open, just, and democratic societies. Permits such assistance to military and law enforcement forces to: (1) orient militaries or law enforcement agencies to their respective roles in a democratic order; (2) enhance the accountability of law enforcement agencies to civil justice institutions; (3) promote demilitarization of society; and (4) meet security challenges on a transitional basis that threaten to impede or reverse democratic reforms or institutions. Subchapter B: Independent States of the Former Soviet Union - Makes funds available for assistance to the independent states of the former Soviet Union as authorized and appropriated to the President each fiscal year. Subchapter C: Central and Eastern Europe - Sets forth policy towards democracy and free enterprise in Central and Eastern Europe. (Sec. 2302) Makes funds available for assistance for Central and Eastern Europe as authorized and appropriated to the President each fiscal year. Chapter 2: Information and Exchange - Sets forth policy with respect to programs administered by the U.S. Information Agency (USIA). Title III: Promoting Peace - Chapter 1: Peacekeeping and Related Programs - Sets forth policy concerning peacekeeping and related programs. (Sec. 3102) Authorizes the President to: (1) pay assessed and other contributions and expenses of international peacekeeping activities; and (2) furnish assistance to foreign countries and international and regional organizations and arrangements for peacekeeping. (Sec. 3103) Authorizes the President to direct the drawdown of up to $100 million (currently, $75 million) worth of defense articles and services in unforeseen emergencies. Authorizes appropriations as necessary to reimburse the applicable appropriation, fund, or account. Chapter 2: Nonproliferation and Disarmament Fund - Authorizes assistance to be provided for specified activities to facilitate the dismantlement and nonproliferation of nuclear, biological, chemical, and conventional weapons. Chapter 3: Regional Peace, Security and Defense Cooperation - Authorizes assistance to be provided to: (1) support peace and the development of democratic institutions and to meet economic, political, and security needs in the Near East; (2) meet immediate threats to international peace and security posed by regional and internal conflicts through collective defense efforts; and (3) enhance the ability of countries willing to share the burden of collective security efforts to maintain international peace and security. (Sec. 3303) Declares that the President, in providing such assistance, should take into account the desirability of shifting resources away from the provision of defense articles to economic development purposes as rapidly as is warranted by the easing of threats to regional peace and the need to maintain ongoing defense relations. Chapter 4: International Narcotics Trafficking, Terrorism and Crime Prevention - Authorizes assistance to be provided to: (1) control narcotics and other controlled substances; (2) enhance the rule of law and the ability of law enforcement and defense personnel to combat international criminal activity; (3) enhance anti-terrorism skills of foreign law enforcement and defense personnel; (4) provide anti-crime, -terrorism, and -narcotics assistance to friendly countries; and (5) promote international criminal justice. (Sec. 3403) Incorporates certain existing anti-narcotics assistance and agreement authorities. (Sec. 3404) Prohibits Department of State employees from engaging in the training of law enforcement personnel for anti-terrorism programs, with a specified exception. (Sec. 3405) Makes provisions of law which prohibit assistance to countries in arrears on certain loan commitments to the United States inapplicable with respect to narcotics control assistance. Title IV: Providing Humanitarian Assistance - Chapter 1: Refugee Assistance - Lists purposes of refugee assistance. Incorporates existing provisions of law that provide for the U.S. Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund. Chapter 2: Disaster Assistance - Incorporates existing provisions of law that authorize international disaster assistance. Expands the source of funding from which the disaster account can borrow. Authorizes funds to be used to respond rapidly to reconstruction and institution-building needs arising from natural or manmade disasters. Chapter 3: Emergency Food Assistance - Sets forth U.S. policy regarding emergency food assistance. Title V: Promoting Growth Through Trade and Investment - Chapter 1: Overseas Private Investment Corporation - Incorporates certain existing provisions regarding the purpose and guidelines of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC). Raises the ceiling on: (1) per capita income of countries required to receive preferential consideration for OPIC projects; and (2) the maximum contingent liability pursuant to insurance issued. (Sec. 5104) Authorizes OPIC to commit investment financing for direct lending in an amount of up to $5 billion for FY 1995 through 1999. Extends OPIC's authority to carry out investment insurance and financing through FY 1999. (Sec. 5201) Directs the Corporation to refuse to insure, reinsure, or finance an investment for purposes of establishing in a foreign country any export processing zone or area in which the tax, tariff, labor, environment, and safety laws of that country do not apply to activities carried out in the area unless the assistance is not likely to cause a loss of jobs within the United States. Chapter 2: Trade and Development Agency - Incorporates certain existing provisions of law regarding the Trade and Development Agency. Chapter 3: Role of Related Programs - Sets forth policy regarding food security and Export-Import Bank programs. Title VI: Advancing Diplomacy - Sets forth policy regarding the advancement of diplomacy. Title VII: Special Authorities, Restrictions on Assistance, and Reports - Chapter 1: Special Authorities - Revises existing provisions regarding the President's authority to transfer funds between foreign assistance accounts. (Sec. 7102) Sets forth presidential special waiver authorities similar to those under existing law. Raises annual ceilings on the amounts that can be authorized for arms sales or leases or foreign assistance or for the use of foreign currencies under such authorities. (Sec. 7103) Raises the annual ceiling on the amount the President can use for unanticipated contingencies. (Sec. 7104) Provides for assistance for certain law enforcement functions. (Sec. 7106) Provides that restrictions contained in any Act with respect to assistance for a country shall not be construed to restrict assistance in support of programs of nongovernmental or international organizations. (Sec. 7108) Authorizes the functions of this Act to be performed without regard to specified provisions of the Neutrality Act of 1939. (Sec. 7110) Incorporates certain existing provisions regarding the President's authority to conduct reimbursable programs. (Sec. 7111) Raises the ceiling on the amount of defense and services authorized to be drawn down in unforeseen emergencies or special circumstances. (Sec. 7113) Authorizes the use of sustainable development assistance funds to support development education programs. (Sec. 7114) Authorizes assistance to nongovernmental organizations to strengthen their capacity to carry out development programs. (Sec. 7115) Permits the use of certain funds under this Act to support activities of international tribunals, commissions, or panels to investigate or prosecute persons responsible for genocide, crimes against humanity, and other violations of international humanitarian law. Authorizes the President to draw down Federal property or services for such purposes. Chapter 2: Restrictions on Assistance - Incorporates and revises certain existing provisions to prohibit assistance to: (1) Communist countries; (2) human rights violators; (3) countries whose governments have expropriated U.S. property; (4) countries whose elected head of government is deposed by a military coup; (5) terrorist or major illicit drug producing or transit countries; and (6) countries in arrears to the U.S. Government for more than one year on any interest or principal on a loan or credit extended under this Act, the Arms Export Control Act, or the former authorities of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. (Sec. 7201) Provides for waivers of such restrictions if the President submits a certain report and the assistance: (1) is important to the national interest; (2) will directly benefit the needy; (3) is for refugees and displaced persons; or (4) will promote human rights and democracy. Requires the President to designate Communist countries. Prohibits the following with respect to human rights violators: (1) sales of defense articles and services and the issuance of export licenses under the Arms Export Control Act; and (2) the issuance of export licenses required for crime control and detection equipment under the Export Administration Act of 1979. Bars assistance under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954, the Peace Corps Act, and the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to terrorist countries. Prohibits arms sales under the Arms Export Control Act, the provision of agricultural commodities other than food under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954, and assistance under the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to major illicit drug producing and transit countries. (Sec. 7202) Prohibits the use of funds to provide: (1) any financial incentive to a business for purposes of inducing it to relocate outside the United States if it will reduce the number of employees in the United States; (2) assistance for developing an export processing zone or other designated area in which a country's tax, tariff, labor, environment, and safety laws do not apply to activities in the areas, unless the President certifies that such assistance is not likely to cause a loss of jobs within the United States; or (3) assistance for any project that contributes to the violation of workers' rights. (Sec. 7203) Incorporates existing prohibitions on the use of funds to coerce a person to practice abortions or to perform, or undergo, involuntary sterilization. (Sec. 7204) Declares that the President, in determining whether to provide assistance under this Act, should take into consideration whether assistance would be furnished to support an activity that is specifically designed to increase exports of any agricultural, textile, or apparel commodity from a developing country where such exports: (1) would be in direct competition with U.S. exports; and (2) can reasonably be expected to cause substantial injury to U.S. exporters of the same or a similar commodity. (Sec. 7205) Incorporates restrictions on nuclear enrichment and reprocessing transfers and illegal nuclear exports similar to those under existing law. Retains a requirement that conditions assistance for Pakistan on a certification that Pakistan does not possess a nuclear explosive device. (Sec. 7206) Sets forth prohibitions on assistance to major illicit drug producing and transit countries. Authorizes (current law requires) the President to withhold up to 50 percent of the assistance allocated to such a country until the country has taken adequate steps to control cultivation, smuggling, trafficking, and abuse of illegal drugs. (Sec. 7208) Permits the President to waive a limitation on participation in combatant duties by the armed forces in carrying out assistance programs if such limitation is not in the national interest. (Sec. 7209) Prohibits the use of development assistance for military or paramilitary purposes, with exceptions for military participation in training activities, conferences, and other sustainable development programs. (Sec. 7210) Incorporates certain existing provisions concerning the impact of development assistance programs on the environment. Urges (current law requires) the President to prepare and take into account environmental assessments of proposed programs. Chapter 3: Reports and Notifications to Congress - Sets forth requirements for: (1) congressional presentation documents for programs under titles I, II, and III of this Act; (2) human rights, international narcotics control, and annual allocation reports; (3) notification of program changes; and (4) the establishment of a program within the Agency for International Development (AID) to evaluate and monitor development program performance. Title VIII: General Provisions - Chapter 1: Exercise and Coordination of Functions - Incorporates existing provisions concerning delegation of authorities by the President and the roles of the Secretaries of State and Defense concerning foreign assistance. (Sec. 8104) Requires AID to be under the foreign policy guidance and subject to the supervision of the Secretary of State. Chapter 2: Administrative Authorities - Subchapter A: General Authorities - Incorporates certain existing provisions regarding the allocation of funds and reimbursement among Federal agencies. (Sec. 8202) Authorizes the President to charge fees for guarantees and loans issued in connection with assistance under this Act. Incorporates certain existing general assistance authorities. Authorizes any agency administering assistance under this Act to establish a working capital fund to be used for expenses related to the training of foreign nationals. Removes certain ceilings on the amount of assistance funds available for entertainment expenses, the acquisition of living quarters, schools, and hospitals for personnel, and the education of dependents. Subchapter B: Department of Defense Administrative Authorities - Incorporates certain existing provisions that make funds available for administrative expenses incurred in furnishing assistance through the Department of Defense (DOD). (Sec. 8212) Provides that no prior consent for transfer by a foreign country of defense articles sold by the United States shall be required if: (1) such articles constitute components incorporated into a foreign defense article; (2) the recipient is the government of a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) country, Australia, or Japan; (3) the U.S.-origin components were not significant military equipment and are not Missile Technology Control Regime items; and (4) the foreign country or persons transferring the items provide notification to the United States within 30 days following the transfer. Chapter 3: Special Requirements and Authorities Relating to Appropriations and Local Currencies - Subchapter A: Provisions Relating to Appropriations - Incorporates certain existing provisions that require authorization before funds appropriated for foreign assistance are expended. (Sec. 8302) Authorizes funds to remain available until expended. Subchapter B: Local Currencies - Incorporates certain existing provisions concerning the use of, and interest on, local currencies. Chapter 4: Procurement and Disposition of Articles - Requires the President to: (1) carry out assistance programs through private channels to the maximum extent practicable; (2) utilize the products and services of the U.S. private sector to operate projects in cases in which direct private investment is not readily encouraged; and (3) utilize goods and services of private enterprise on a contract basis in providing technical assistance. (Sec. 8403) Incorporates and revises certain existing authorities concerning shipping on U.S. vessels and the use of excess property in furnishing assistance. (Sec. 8405) Sets forth conditions on the transfer of excess defense articles. (Sec. 8407) Authorizes the President to designate countries in which a stockpile may be located. Chapter 5: Personnel and Administrative Expenses - Subchapter A: General - Authorizes the President to appoint 12 officers in AID. (Sec. 8502) Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the employment of personnel; (2) the use of experts and consultants; and (3) the detail of personnel to foreign governments and international organizations. (Sec. 8511) Authorizes AID to expend funds in advance of appropriations in an amount sufficient to maintain operations at posts abroad for up to three days. Subchapter B: Overseas Management of Assistance and Sales Programs Administered Through the Department of Defense - Authorizes the President to detail members of the armed forces to foreign countries to perform certain functions for the management and sales programs administered through DOD under this Act and the Arms Export Control Act. (Sec. 8521) Requires advisory and training assistance by members of the armed forces to be kept to an absolute minimum. Subchapter C: Administrative Provisions for the Trade and Development Agency - Incorporates certain existing provisions concerning the Trade and Development Agency. Subchapter D: Administrative Provisions for the Overseas Private Investment Corporation - Incorporates certain existing administrative provisions for OPIC. Subchapter E: Definitions and Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth specified definitions. Title IX: Technical and Conforming Provisions - States that this Act shall take effect on October 1, 1994. (Sec. 9103) Incorporates certain existing provisions concerning: (1) the Federal Act of State doctrine; (2) accounting and valuation of foreign currencies and expropriated property; and (3) participation in foreign police actions. (Sec. 9104) Makes conforming amendments and repeals specified laws.
Bill· HRH.R. 3781 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1994
Amends the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 to eliminate funding for specified highway demonstration projects, including projects for high cost bridges, congestion relief, high priority segments of the National Highway System, and rural and urban access, innovative, and priority intermodal transportation.
Bill· HRH.R. 3769 (103rd)open
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1994
Merchant Marine Revitalization Act of 1994 - Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to require that a specified percentage of imported oil and motor vehicles transported on seagoing vessels be transported on vessels that are documented under the laws of the United States.
Bill· HRH.R. 3755 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1994
Transportation Emergency Relief Act of 1994 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the Highway Trust Fund financing rate. Transfers such increased amounts to an emergency fund to meet the transportation needs of disaster areas. Increases authorized expenditures for a single disaster.
Bill· HRH.R. 3747 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1994
Safe Shipment and Handling Act of 1994 - Authorizes any port authority to: (1) establish, through a public comment process, reasonable guidelines to ensure that the unloading, transfer, and shipment of spent nuclear fuel at or through a port under its jurisdiction is conducted in a manner that protects the public health and safety and the environment in the port's vicinity; and (2) prohibit any such unloading, transfer, or shipment not in compliance with such guidelines. Specifies certain contents of such guidelines. States that nothing in this Act shall affect the liability or indemnification of the port in the handling of nuclear materials.
Law· SS. 1789 (103rd)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1994
Amends Federal highway law to authorize States to carry out projects for seismic retrofit of bridges without regard to whether such bridges are eligible for replacement or rehabilitation under the highway bridge replacement and rehabilitation program.
Bill· SS. 1797 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1994
Requires the Secretary of Transportation to amend the Code of Federal Regulations to apply to charter flights to inter-collegiate football bowl games and to Final Four games in the National Collegiate Athletic Association's division I championship basketball tournaments certain regulations that currently require an operator marketing a Super Bowl air package that includes game tickets to actually have the tickets in hand or at least a written contract for them before the operator does any advertising.
Bill· HRH.R. 3726 (103rd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1994
Requires the Secretary of Transportation to amend the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) to apply to charter flights to inter-collegiate football bowl games and to Final Four games in the National Collegiate Athletic Association's division I championship basketball tournaments certain CFR provisions that currently require an operator marketing a Super Bowl air package that includes game tickets to actually have the tickets in hand or at least a written contract for them before the operator does any advertising.