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Bill· HRH.R. 4264 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1992
Water Quality Infrastructure Improvement Act of 1992 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to reduce the amounts of certain State contributions required for the receipt of capitalization grants for water pollution control revolving funds for States which are economically distressed. Requires capitalization grant agreements to require States, in providing water pollution control assistance, to give priority to projects which serve economically distressed counties. Authorizes economically distressed States, for purposes of complying with contribution requirements, to sell obligations to the Federal Financing Bank in the same manner as the Federal Government sells Federal obligations. Waives interest payments on loans made from revolving funds for recipients serving economically distressed areas. Extends the period for loan repayment to 30 years for such recipients. Extends the authorization of appropriations for State water pollution control revolving funds through the year 2000.
Bill· HRH.R. 4258 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1992
Title I: General Amendments - State Regulation and Management of Solid Waste Act of 1991 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to revise provisions concerning congressional findings and objectives. Title II: State Solid Waste Management Plans - Sets forth as the objective of this title the reduction of solid waste generated and disposed of during the 20 years following the enactment of this Act by requiring States to develop programs which: (1) reduce the generation of solid waste and encourage resource conservation; and (2) facilitate the recycling of, and the use of valuable resources from, such waste. Requires State waste management plans to: (1) identify the types, sources, and characteristics of solid wastes that are expected to be generated within, transported to, or managed by, the State during the 20 years following the enactment of this Act; (2) ensure the availability of capacity to manage such waste in an environmentally sound manner; (3) provide for annual certifications to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency with respect to meeting objectives and capacity to manage waste; (4) provide that all solid waste management facilities in the State meet Federal and State laws and allow only registered facilities to manage waste; (5) provide for technical and financial assistance to local communities to meet plan requirements; and (6) specify the conditions under which the State will authorize the acceptance of solid waste from other States. Directs a State, when identifying waste capacity, to take into account waste management agreements between persons in such State and persons in States contiguous with such State. Sets forth plan submission requirements. Title III: Interstate Transport of Waste - Authorizes a State with an approved solid waste management plan to prohibit or restrict the importation of solid waste from another State for management purposes (other than transportation). Permits States to levy fees on solid waste. Requires at least 50 percent of such fees to be allocated to the local government managing the waste. Title IV: Financial Assistance - Authorizes appropriations for: (1) the development and implementation of waste management plans; (2) grants to States for the encouragement of recycling and resource recovery and conservation; and (3) assistance to rural communities for solid waste management.
Bill· HRH.R. 4230 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 1992
Automotive Buyers Right to Know Act of 1992 - Amends the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 to prohibit motor vehicle manufacturers from selling, introducing, or delivering in interstate commerce or importing into the United States any motor vehicle that does not have prominently displayed a label indicating: (1) the location where it was produced; and (2) the value (stated as a percentage of the total value of the motor vehicle) of all parts produced in the United States.
Bill· HRH.R. 4228 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 1992
American Automobile Labeling Act - Requires manufacturers of new automobiles to affix, in a prominent place, on each automobile manufactured after 1992, a label indicating: (1) the percentage (by value) of U.S. automobile equipment on it; (2) percentage (by man-hour) of labor performed by U.S. workers in assembling it; and (3) the name of any country, other than the United States, where at least one-third of the automobile equipment (by value) in it originated. Sets forth civil penalties for violation of this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 4220 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 1992
Automobile Content Information Disclosure Act - Requires manufacturers and dealers of passenger motor vehicles, light trucks, and sport utility vehicles to display on each vehicle a label specifying: (1) the estimate of the manufacturer of the average range of the minimum and maximum components of each model line of such vehicle which are produced in the United States; and (2) the location of the final assembly of such vehicle. Treats violations under this Act as violations of the label and entry requirements under the Automobile Information Disclosure Act and as unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce under the Federal Trade Commission Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 4226 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 1992
Motorcycle Rider Responsibility Act of 1992 - Amends Federal law to revise eligibility requirements with respect to grants to States for traffic safety programs to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to make such grants if the State has in effect a law which makes unlawful the operation of a motorcycle by a covered individual (any individual under age 21 and any individual who has been licensed to operate a motorcycle for less than two calendar years) who is not wearing a motorcycle helmet, or an individual whenever there is a passenger under age 21 on the motorcycle who is not wearing a helmet. (Current law calls upon States to require any individual regardless of age to wear a helmet while operating a motorcycle.) Adds as a further requirement for such grants (including second-year and third-year grants) that States have a law requiring any individual under age 21 to complete a motorcycle safety rider course before being issued a motorcycle operator's license.
Bill· SS. 2217 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1992
Economic Growth Act of 1992 - Title I: Enhanced Economic Recovery Act of 1992 - Enhanced Economic Recovery Act of 1992 - Subtitle A: Provisions Relating to Capital Gains - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a capital gains deduction for noncorporate taxpayers for assets held from one to three years. Provides special rules for the gain or loss from the sale or exchange of collectibles and sales of interest in partnerships. Disallows such deduction in computing the alternative minimum tax, except with respect to gains realized on the sale, exchange, or other disposition of a direct or indirect interest in real estate or in a closely held business. Revises the formula for determining gain from the dispositions of certain depreciable realty to take into account depreciation adjustments (adjustments allowed or allowable for exhaustion, wear and tear, obsolescence, or certain amortization). Subtitle B: Provisions Relating to Passive Losses and Depreciation - Treats the real estate development activity of a taxpayer as a single trade or business activity that is not a rental activity. Allows an additional depreciation allowance for the purchase of new equipment as investment property after February 1, 1992, and placed in service before July 1, 1993. Reduces the basis adjustment of such property by the amount of the additional allowance. Requires application of such allowance in determining the alternative minimum tax. Restricts the determination of adjusted current earnings for purposes of computing alternative minimum taxable income to property placed in service after 1989 and prior to February 1, 1992. Subtitle C: Provisions Relating to Real Estate Investments by Pension Funds - Modifies exceptions to the exclusion of real property acquired by a qualified organization from the meaning of acquisition indebtedness. Makes certain exceptions inapplicable to sales out of foreclosure by a financial institution. Applies the meaning of acquisition indebtedness investments to certain large partnerships where the principal purpose of partnership allocation is not tax avoidance. Repeals the special rule for publicly traded partnerships with respect to the treatment of unrelated business taxable income. Subtitle D: Provisions Affecting Homebuyers - Allows a first-time homebuyer who purchases a principal residence a tax credit of ten percent of the purchase price, not to exceed $5,000. Limits such credit to one residence and requires acquisition on or after February 1, 1992, and January 1, 1993. Allows such credit to be carried forward for up to five years. Allows penalty-free withdrawals from individual retirement plans for a first-home purchase. Limits such distribution to $10,000, or other applicable amount if previous distributions have been made. Title II: Tax Relief for Families - Tax Relief for Families Act of 1992 - Subtitle A: Provisions Relating to Education and Savings - Allows a deduction for interest on education loans for the taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, or child. Requires such loans to be for tuition and related expenses at certain higher education institutions. Reduces such deduction by any amount excludable from gross income by reason of the redemption of U.S. bonds for higher education expenses. Coordinates such deduction with the home equity indebtedness provision. Provides that investment interest does not include qualified educational interest. Requires persons who receive interest payments to report such information on an information return, and to furnish written statements to the payors on receipt of such payments. Allows the establishment of flexible individual retirement accounts (FIRA) for the exclusive benefit of an individual and the individual's beneficiaries. Limits annual contributions to the lesser of $2,500, or the compensation includable in the individual's gross income. Prohibits contributions to FIRAs maintained for a taxpayer if the taxpayer's adjusted gross income exceeds: (1) $120,000, in the case of a joint return; (2) $100,000, in the case of a surviving spouse or head of household; and (3) $60,000, in any other case. Prohibits the establishment of FIRAs for dependents. Makes FIRAs exempt from taxation, except the tax on unrelated business income of charitable, etc. organizations. Allows pooling arrangements for such accounts. Excludes from gross income distributions out of a FIRA held for at least seven years. Imposes the ten-percent additional penalty tax on distributions made during the first three years. Provides for transfer from individual retirement plans to FIRAs. Allows penalty-free withdrawals from qualified retirement plans for qualified higher education expenses and financially devastating medical expenses. Subtitle B: Other Provisions - Allows a deduction for loss incurred from the sale of a principal residence. Provides for an increase in the basis of a new principal residence purchased by a taxpayer who realized a loss on the sale of the old residence. Increases the personal exemption for a child who has not attained age 19. Extends the deduction for health insurance costs for self-employed individuals from June 30, 1992, to December 31, 1993. Allows a deduction for qualified adoption expenses of up to $3,000. Denies the use of such deduction for any expense for which a deduction or credit is already allowable and for which reimbursements have been made. Defines qualified adoption expenses as those: (1) directly related to the legal adoption of a child with special needs; (2) that are not incurred in violation of State or Federal law; and (3) that are of a type eligible for reimbursement under the adoption assistance program under title IV of the Social Security Act (Grants to States for Aid and Services to Needy Families with Children and for Child-Welfare Services). Allows such deduction whether or not the taxpayer itemizes deductions. Includes as a working condition fringe benefit excluded from gross income any passes, tokens, fare cards, tickets or similar instruments for commuting by public transit provided to an employee at a discount by the employer, or reimbursements by the employer to cover all or part of the costs of such instruments, to the extent that such amounts do not exceed $60 per month. Title III: Long Term Growth - Long Term Growth Act of 1992 - Subtitle A: Extension of Expiring Provisions - Makes permanent the tax credit for increasing research activities and for clinical testing expenses for certain drugs for rare diseases or conditions (orphan drugs). Postpones the termination dates of the following provisions: (1) the rules for allocating research and experimental expenditures; (2) the low-income housing credit; (3) the targeted jobs credit; and (4) the solar and geothermal investment credit. Extends the authority to issue qualified small issue bonds to finance farm property. Extends the authority to issue qualified mortgage bonds and mortgage credit certificates. Subtitle B: Provisions Relating to Enterprise Zones - Enterprise Zone-Jobs Creation Act of 1992 - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (Secretary) to designate enterprise zones for purposes of providing tax and regulatory relief and improving local services. Limits choices to areas nominated by States and local governments. Limits the total number of areas that may be designated, and the time period of the designation. Authorizes the Secretary to designate a zone only if the area meets certain locational, demographic, unemployment, and poverty criteria. Requires nominating local governments, as a condition of the Secretary's designation, to agree in writing to follow a course of action that may include reducing tax rates, improving local services, simplifying or streamlining regulation of business, and providing job training to area residents. Describes areas to which the Secretary must give preference in selecting areas for designation. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress every four years on the effects of such enterprise zones' designation in accomplishing the purposes of this Act. Allows a nonrefundable income tax credit to enterprise zone employees for five percent of any wages earned up to a specified amount. Provides for phaseout of such credit. Provides for the nonrecognition of capital gain on the sale of enterprise zone property. Allows an individual a deduction on the aggregate amount paid for the purchase of enterprise stock on its original issue by a qualified issuer. Requires any gain from the disposition of the stock to be treated as ordinary income. Excludes enterprise zone capital gain from computation of the alternative minimum tax. Amends Federal law to revise the definition of small entity for purposes of the analysis of regulatory functions to include qualified business, government, and nonprofit enterprises operating within enterprise zones. Authorizes Federal agencies, upon request by a nominating government, to waive or modify rules and regulations pertaining to the implementation of projects or activities within an enterprise zone. Requires agencies to approve the request if the resulting benefits of job creation, community development, or economic revitalization outweigh the public interest in retaining the rule unchanged. Disallows waiver or modification of a rule that would directly violate a statutory requirement or present a danger to the public health and safety. Authorizes the Secretary to convene regional and local coordinating councils of any appropriate agencies to assist State and local governments to achieve the objectives agreed to in the course of action entered to reduce specified burdens borne by employers and employees in designated enterprise zones. Requires the Foreign-Trade Zone Board to consider on a priority basis and to expedite the processing of applications for the establishment of foreign-trade zones within enterprise zones. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to give priority to, and expedite the processing of applications for, the establishment of ports of entry necessary to establish such zones. Repeals title VII (Enterprise Zone Development) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987. Subtitle C: Excise Tax Provisions - Repeals the luxury excise tax on boats and aircraft. Repeals the exemption from the tax on diesel fuel and special motor fuels for the use of diesel fuel in pleasure boats, unless such boats are used in a boat business. States that excise taxes for diesel fuels used in pleasure boats shall be retained in the General Treasury. (Current law requires transfer of such amounts to the Highway Trust Fund and the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund.) Subjects certain digital data transmissions to the communications excise tax. Repeals the exemption of certain coin-operated telephone services from such tax. Subtitle D: Provisions Related to Retirement Savings and Pension Distributions - Allows any portion of a distribution from a qualified pension plan to be rolled over tax-free to an individual retirement account or another qualified plan or annuity, unless it is part of a stream of periodic payments payable over a period of ten years or the lives or life expectancies of the participant and/or his or her beneficiary. Repeals: (1) the $5,000 limitation on the exclusion from gross income of employees' death benefits; (2) the five-year forward income averaging for lump-sum distributions; and (3) the exclusion of net unrealized appreciation in employer securities. Eliminates alternative methods of determining the tax on annuity payments. Sets forth a single method (currently provided in a special Internal Revenue Service Notice) which excludes from gross income, as at present, the employee's investment in the contract, divided by the number of anticipated payments, but without the additional exclusion of $5,000 (repealed by this Act). Changes from discretionary to mandatory a qualified plan's authority to offer a participant the option of having a distribution transferred directly to another qualified plan. Establishes a simplified employee pension plan (a Small Business Model Retirement Plan) that allows salary reduction arrangements for employers of fewer than 100 employees (currently, fewer than 25 employees). Requires employers to contribute one percent of pay (up to $100,000) to an account for each eligible employee. Permits an employee to elect to contribute up to $3,000 per year. Requires the employer to match such contribution according to a specified formula. Prohibits State and local governments from participating in cash or deferred arrangements. Permits nongovernmental tax-exempt employers to maintain qualified cash or deferred arrangements for their employees. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury, as a condition of sponsorship, to prescribe rules defining the duties and responsibilities of certain master and prototype retirement plans. Replaces the two-part nondiscrimination test for elective contributions under cash or deferred arrangements with a single test of whether: (1) the actual deferral percentage of highly compensated employees exceeds 200 percent of the average deferral percentage of nonhighly compensated employees for a plan year; and (2) the actual deferral percentage of such employees exceeds the average deferral percentage of nonhighly compensated employees for the preceding plan year by more than three percentage points. Redefines the term "compensated employee" for pension, profit sharing, stock bonus plan, etc. purposes. Makes such an employee one who meets several criteria in addition to five-percent ownership or compensation from the employer in excess of $50,000. Eliminates special rules for officers and employees in the top 20 percent by compensation. Provides a special rule where no employees are treated as highly compensated. Eliminates the rule requiring ten years of service for employees subject to collective bargaining agreements under multiemployer plans. Subtitle E: Other Provisions - Repeals the appreciated property charitable deduction as a tax preference item under the alternative minimum tax. Requires a charitable contribution allowable as a deduction in computing taxable income (whether from domestic or foreign sources to be allocated and apportioned solely to gross income from sources within the United States. Requires the donee of any large charitable donation (over $500 in cash or property from any individual) to make an information return relating to such donation. Provides for the application of the Medicare hospital insurance tax to State and local employees. Amends the Social Security Act to provide for the entitlement of such employees to hospital insurance benefits. Requires dealers in stock or securities to use market inventory accounting method (thus including such securities in inventory at fair market value instead of cost value, or the lower of cost or market value). Disallows interest deductions on life insurance owned by a corporation and covering its officers or employees. Prohibits a deduction for certain losses on the disposition of property to the extent that the taxpayer has a right to be reimbursed for the loss with assistance from the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation (FSLIC). Limits the tax exemption for credit unions to small credit unions with assets of less than $50,000,000. Restricts the deduction for dividends paid on deposits and the deduction for additions to reserves for bad debts to credit unions that are not small credit unions. Provides that certain life insurance contracts will be treated as annuity contracts only if the purchaser irrevocably chooses as a settlement option a series of substantially equal periodic payments made for the life of the annuitant or the joint lives of the annuitants. Expands the 45-day interest-free period for refunding tax overpayments to all returns, as well as to amended returns and claims for refunds. Title IV: Financial Institutions Safety and Consumer Choice Act of 1992 - Financial Institutions Safety and Consumer Choice Act of 1992 - Subtitle A: Financial Services Modernization - Chapter 1: Financial Services Holding Companies - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act to define financial services holding companies and diversified holding companies. Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to specify additional financial entities prohibited from acquiring control or ownership of certain financial services organizations. Prohibits any insured depository institution (except foreign banks with insured branches in the United States) from becoming a financial services holding company or a diversified holding company. Sets forth expedited procedures for acquisition of additional banks by well capitalized financial services holding companies. Sets forth guidelines for acquisitions involving diversified holding companies. Provides that financial services holding companies (except certain foreign banks) cannot be banks. Modifies the guidelines for ownership interests in nonbanking organizations. Replaces the current "closely related" standard for permissible activities with a "financial nature" standard. Sets forth the permissible parameters for insurance and securities affiliates. Sets a deadline by which a financial services holding company must notify the appropriate Federal banking agency with respect to its ownership or control of the shares of a company engaged in qualified financial activities. Outlines permissible nonbanking activities and acquisitions for well capitalized financial services holding companies. Sets forth additional capital requirements for a financial services holding company that intends to engage in, or acquire, or retain the shares of a company engaged in, a new financial activity. Sets forth certain restrictions on the activities of financial services holding companies. Prescribes guidelines for acquisition activities by diversified holding companies and their affiliates. Sets forth Federal administrative procedures for financial services holding companies and diversified holding companies (including their subsidiaries and affiliates). Prohibits the States from preventing or impeding certain acquisition or affiliation activities undertaken by: (1) insured depository institutions; (2) diversified holding companies; and (3) financial services holding companies. Amends the Bank Holding Company Act Amendments of 1970 to prohibit a financial services holding company or a diversified holding company from: (1) engaging in certain tying arrangements; or (2) transacting insider loans. Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act to exempt from its coverage financial services holding companies and diversified holding companies. Chapter 2: Financial Activities of National Banks - Amends the Banking Act of 1933 to provide that its limitations and restrictions with respect to certain securities activities conducted by a national bank for its own account shall not apply to the distribution of securities issued by investment companies if the association is not an affiliate of a securities affiliate. Amends the Banking Act of 1933 to repeal the proscription against: (1) the affiliation of member banks with organizations engaged principally in securities; and (2) member bank personnel serving simultaneously as employees or officers of securities organizations. Authorizes national banking associations located in certain small-sized population areas to sell insurance to residents of the State in which the association is located. Amends the Federal Reserve Act to: (1) set forth conditions under which a loan or extension of credit by a member bank shall not be deemed to be made to an affiliate; (2) require prior notification to the appropriate Federal banking agency before a financial services holding company may permit an insured depository institution under its control to engage in a covered transaction which exceeds five percent of its capital stock and surplus; and (3) revise definitions related to affiliates of member banks. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to require customer disclosure by an insured depository institution with respect to the non-insured status of its non-banking products. Chapter 3: Non-Banking Activities of Foreign Banks in the United States - Amends the International Banking Act of 1978 to set forth circumstances under which a foreign bank that maintains a branch or agency in the United States (or owns or controls a commercial lending company organized under State law) shall be subject to the provisions of this Act. Chapter 4: Amendments to the Securities Acts - Amends the Securities Act of 1933 to: (1) subject to its provisions certain bank-issued securities and certain savings association-issued securities; (2) exempt from its provisions certain bank and savings association instruments functioning as securities in a secured transaction; (3) exempt from its provisions equity securities transactions with respect to bank acquisition by a financial services holding company, or acquisition of a financial services holding company by a diversified holding company. Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to: (1) revise definitions relating to bank broker activities and bank dealer activities; (2) prohibit any bank from acting as broker or dealer except in the course of an exclusively intrastate business; and (3) prohibit certain securities transactions, with specified exceptions, taking place on bank premises which are commonly accessible to the general public for deposit-making purposes. Repeals the Federal agency administration provisions with respect to disclosure requirements for securities issued by insured depository institutions. Amends the Investment Company Act of 1940 to mandate that the custody of investment company assets or unit investment trusts by affiliates of either the registered management company or the registered unit investment trust must be in accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rules prescribed for investor protection. Prohibits a registered investment company from having a majority of its board of directors consisting of personnel of any one bank and its subsidiaries, or any one financial services holding company and its affiliates and subsidiaries. Grants the SEC additional rulemaking authority regarding bank affiliated mutual funds. Prohibits registered investment company securities from being represented as: (1) guaranteed, sponsored, recommended or approved by any Federal agency; (2) insured by the FDIC; or (3) guaranteed or an obligation of any bank or insured institution. Provides that any person issuing or selling securities of an investment company whose name is similar to that of a bank may be required to disclose prominently that the investment company and its securities are neither FDIC-insured, nor guaranteed by an affiliated bank or insured institution, nor otherwise an obligation of such bank or insured institution. Authorizes the SEC to determine by order that use of a name similar to a bank is deceptive and misleading, and to take action accordingly. Amends the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 to include within the meaning of "investment adviser" any bank or financial services holding company which acts as investment adviser to a registered investment company (unless it performs such services through a separately identifiable division). Requires the SEC to give notice to the appropriate Federal banking agency prior to initiating any investigative or enforcement proceedings against a financial services holding company bank, or bank division acting as registered investment adviser. Amends the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the Investment Company Act of 1940 to exempt certain bank common trust funds from their coverage. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the transfer to a regulated investment company of all or substantially all of the assets of a common trust fund shall not result in a gain or loss to the common trust fund participants if the transfer is the result of a merger, conversion, reorganization, transfer or similar transaction. (Thus, if a bank were to transfer a common trust fund to a mutual fund, such transfer per se would not be considered a taxable event for the fund participants). Directs the SEC to examine and report to the Congress on the appropriate treatment of: (1) bank collective investment funds and separate accounts under the securities laws and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA); and (2) common trust funds under the securities laws. Chapter 5: Amendments to Prompt Corrective Action - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to set forth: (1) definitional guidelines; and (2) permissible activities for banks within various capital levels (including financial services holding companies). Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, the Bank Conservation Act, the Federal Reserve Act, and the Home Owners' Loan Act to set forth additional grounds for appointing conservators and receivers for specified undercapitalized depository institutions. Chapter 6: Nationwide Banking and Branching - Amends the Financial Services Holding Company Act to authorize nationwide banking, notwithstanding certain State laws, by: (1) a diversified holding company; (2) a financial services holding company; or (3) a foreign bank. Amends Federal banking law to permit a national banking association to establish and operate new branches at an initial location within any State in which a financial services holding company or State bank having the same home State (or chartered in the same home State as such association) could establish a branch. Provides for the interstate consolidation or merger of national banks, or State banks with national banks, and for the subsequent retention of pre-existing branches subject to regulatory approval. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to prohibit State proscription against interstate branching by State banks. Permits a host State to determine compliance by interstate branches with its regulations, and to coordinate regulatory supervision with other State bank authorities regarding branches of State-chartered banks. Amends the International Banking Act of 1978 to provide that during the three-year period starting on the date of enactment of this Act the Director may authorize foreign banks to establish and operate federally-chartered branches in the United States if such establishment is not prohibited by the law of the relevant State. Revises the limitations placed upon interstate branching by foreign banks to more closely conform with the limitations placed upon interstate branching by domestic banks. Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act to authorize approval by the appropriate Federal banking agency for a savings and loan holding company or a foreign bank to acquire interstate interests in savings associations. Permits the consummation of such approved acquisitions even though State law would otherwise prohibit or limit them. Subtitle B: Miscellaneous Provisions - Chapter I: Reduction in Regulatory Burden - Prohibits an appropriate Federal banking agency from requiring any institution under it jurisdiction to prepare or maintain data to comply with the Fair Housing Act, other than the data prescribed pursuant to the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act. Chapter 2: Expedited Funds Availability - Amends the Expedited Funds Availability Act with respect to the frequency of notices when funds will be held beyond statutory schedules to provide that no further notice is required after the required notice has been furnished until one year later or such other time as the exception for which the notice was provided ceases to apply, whichever is earlier. Subtitle C: Technical and Conforming Amendments - Chapter 1: Severability; Transition References - Sets forth severability and transition provisions. Chapter 2: Technical and Conforming Amendments - Makes technical and conforming amendments to specified Federal Acts. Chapter 3: Repeal of Obsolete Provisions of Law - Repeals specified provisions of Federal law. Chapter 4: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date of amendments made by this title. Title V: Pension Security Act - Pension Security Act of 1992 - Subtitle A: Amendments to Pension Plan Funding Requirements - Part 1: Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the additional funding requirements for pension plans that are not multiemployer plans to provide for an underfunding reduction requirement and a solvency maintenance requirement. Part 2: Amendments to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to revise the additional funding requirements for pension plans that are not multiemployer plans to provide for an underfunding reduction requirement and a solvency maintenance requirement. Subtitle B: Amendments to Title IV of ERISA - Amends title IV (Plan Termination Insurance) of ERISA to set forth limitations on the benefits guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC). Revises provisions relating to: (1) enforcement of minimum funding requirements; (2) definition of contributing sponsor; (3) recovery ratio payable under PBGC guaranty; (4) distress termination criteria for banking institutions; and (5) variable rate premium exemption. Eliminates a specified seventh revolving fund and transfers its assets and liabilities to the first revolving fund (i.e. the single-employer basic benefits guaranty fund). Subtitle C: Employer Liability, Lien and Priority - Part 1: Amendments to Title IV of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 - Amends title IV of ERISA to revise limitations on employer liability liens and priority amounts. Provides that, in the case of plan terminations initiated on or after January 1, 1992, the lien of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) for employer liability shall be determined according to a specified formula. Makes similar revisions relating to the amount of liability to the PBGC which is entitled to priority treatment in insolvency and bankruptcy cases. Amends the Pension Protection Act with respect to bankruptcy and insolvency claims. Provides that specified amendments under this Act shall be effective as if included under the Single-Employer Pension Plan Amendments of 1986 and the Pension Protection Act. Amends ERISA to provide for liability upon liquidation of a contributing sponsor of a single-employer plan. Makes such sponsor liable as though the plan had terminated in a distress termination, even if the sponsor's controlled group remains a contributing sponsor of the plan or is liable for payment of specified contributions or installments. Directs the PBGC to transfer such liability payments to the ongoing plans. Part 2: Amendments to Title 11, United States Code - Amends the Federal bankruptcy code to permit the PBGC to be a member of an unsecured creditors' committee. Revises priority payment provisions with respect to: (1) unpaid contributions to pension plans under ERISA; and (2) certain liability arising from pension plan terminations under ERISA. (Classifies these priorities as expenses arising before, or administrative expenses arising after, the commencement of the case, depending on whether such unpaid contributions are attributable, or such plan termination occurs, before or after the filing of the petition for bankruptcy.) Amends one of specified Bankruptcy Rules to require the bankruptcy court to give the PBGC notice of a bankruptcy petition filed (and all other notices required to be served on creditors and interested parties), in any case in which the debtor or an affiliate maintains a pension plan to which title IV of ERISA applies. Title VI: Federal Insurance Accounting Act of 1992 - Federal Insurance Accounting Act of 1992 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require accrual accounting to measure the cost of Federal insurance programs. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Director of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to coordinate the development of methods of estimating the costs of Federal insurance programs. Provides for the budgetary treatment of such programs. Prohibits the modification of an insurance program in a manner that increases its accrual cost unless budget authority for such additional cost is appropriated in advance, or is available out of existing appropriations or from other budgetary resources. Provides for the display of administrative expenses as distinct and separately identified subaccounts within the insurance program account. Authorizes appropriations as necessary to each Federal agency authorized to conduct insurance programs to pay associated accrued and accrual costs. Authorizes the President, in order to implement this title, to establish non-budgetary accounts as appropriate. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make transactions as necessary for non-budget insurance financing accounts. Declares that the changes made by this title are to be considered changes in budget concepts and definitions for purposes of the Balanced Budget And Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). Title VII: Medicare Premium Equity Amendments of 1992 - Medicare Premium Equity Amendments of 1992 - Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to increase the monthly part B premium in the case of: (1) an individual with an adjusted gross income in excess of $125,000 who is married and files a joint income tax return or is a surviving spouse or a head of household; (2) an individual with an adjusted gross income in excess of $62,500 who is married but does not file a joint income tax return; and (3) any other individual with an adjusted gross income in excess of $100,000. Title VIII: Medicare Budget Amendments of 1992 - Medicare Budget Amendments of 1992 - Amends Medicare part B to: (1) provide that payment under part B for anesthesia physicians' services, when a separate charge (on a fee schedule basis) is also made for the services of a certified registered nurse anesthetist, may not, when added to the payment made for the services of the nurse anesthetist, exceed the amount that would be paid for the anesthesia physicians' services if a separate payment were not made for the services of the nurse anesthetist; (2) revise payment rates for medically and non-medically directed certified registered nurse anesthetists to change the conversion factors used for services furnished starting in 1993; (3) redefine "covered item update" as used with respect to payments after 1992 for durable medical equipment and "applicable percentage increase" as used with respect to payments after 1992 for prosthetic devices, orthotics, and prosthetics (items) as a percentage change (or no change), which may be different for different kinds of equipment or items, as determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services after taking into consideration market factors and technological change; (4) set the payment limitation amount for a clinical diagnostic laboratory test performed after September 30, 1992, at 76 percent of the median of all the fee schedules established for that test for that laboratory setting; (5) provide similar Secretarial discretion with respect to determining annual updates in payments for clinical diagnostic laboratory tests; (6) move the prospective payment system hospital update to January 1 of each year; and (7) set the annual update for other hospitals in FY 1993 at 75 percent of the market basket percentage increase, and the updates for subsequent fiscal years at the market basket percentage increase. Title IX: Aid To Families With Dependent Children Savings Set-Aside Amendments of 1992 - AFDC Saving Set-Aside Amendments of 1992 - Amends part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) (AFDC) of title IV of the Social Security Act to modify State plan provisions to give States the option of disregarding, with respect to a family already receiving AFDC benefits, resources the value of which do not exceed $10,000, but only if the State plan provides that: (1) the State agency will determine that any such disregarded resources are being retained for later expenditure for a purpose directly related to improving the education, training, or employability of a family member or for the purchase of a home for the family; (2) the value of any resources so disregarded will not be taken into consideration for purposes of determining eligibility for food stamp benefits; and (3) the State agency will not disregard any resource (or interest therein) owned by a family member within the preceding 12 months, if such resource (or interest) was disposed of at less than fair market value for the purpose of establishing eligibility for AFDC benefits. Allows AFDC employability plans, at the option of the State, to provide for the retention and set-aside of such amounts of income and resources as the State agency determines necessary for carrying out an approved plan which includes self-employment as its employment goal. Requires that the State agency must find that the specific form of self-employment for which the set-aside is intended is practical and attainable in light of all surrounding circumstances. Title X: Food Stamp Amendments of 1992 - Food Stamp Amendments of 1992 - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to require the parent of a minor child with an absent parent to cooperate with State child support enforcement agencies in order to participate in the food stamp program (program). Makes permanent: (1) the 25 percent Federal cost-sharing of State administrative program costs. (Current law authorizes 25 percent through FY 1995 and 50 percent thereafter); and (2) the ten percent State fund retention. (Current law authorizes ten percent through FY 1995 and 25 percent thereafter). Title XI: Child Support Enforcement Amendments of 1992 - Child Support Enforcement Amendments of 1992 - Amends the Child Support Enforcement Act (the Act, which is part D of title IV of the Social Security Act) to provide that certain support collection and paternity determination application fees and collection services fees shall be set at $25 each (but gives the State an option to set such fees at $50 each, in which case no fee may be charged to individuals for such applications, or to families for such services, if their income is not more than 185 percent of the poverty line). Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish a schedule of performance-based incentive payments to encourage and reward States for activities to increase paternity establishment and lead to increased child support collections; and (2) determine the amount of such payments with respect to specified categories of performance. Limits the amount of any such payment to a State for a fiscal year to not more than ten percent of the State's total child support collections for such year with respect to children receiving aid to families with dependent children (AFDC) under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act. Revises the formula for certain other incentive payments (to States for cost-effective and efficient performance) to reduce their amount. Requires that incentive payments to States be used to improve or protect the welfare of children within the State. Requires States to provide paternity determination and child support collection services for recipients of certain need-based Federal or federally assisted programs. Title XII: Incentives for Families with Absent Parents to Cooperate with State Agencies under the Social Security Act in Securing Child Support for Dependents - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to provide, for purposes of public housing, that any family (with an absent parent) that has failed, without good cause, to cooperate in securing support for the dependent member of the family with the State agency administering the program for collection of child and spousal support may: (1) have certain spousal support imputed to its income; and (2) be ineligible for certain exclusions from its income. (Applies such provisions also to public housing under the Indian Housing Authority.) Title XIII: Purposes and Duration of Emergency Assistance Under The Aid to Families With Dependent Children Program - Amends the AFDC program to limit AFDC emergency assistance to one period of 30 consecutive days in any 12-month period. Provides that such emergency assistance may include amounts necessary to: (1) satisfy shelter and utility arrearages for no more than three months in order to prevent evictions and utility shut-offs; and (2) pay an initial month's shelter charges and security deposit necessary to secure permanent housing for homeless families. Requires any such amounts to be authorized by the State agency during the single 30-day period described above. Title XIV: Enhance Health Insurance Coverage For Children Under the Aid To Families With Dependent Children Program - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require State plans to provide satisfactory assurances that the State has in effect laws applicable to health insurers and insurance policies or programs subject to the laws of the State that: (1) require insurers to permit enrollment at any time under the health insurance of a non-custodial parent of any child for whom such parent is required to provide support; and (2) in any case where a child is covered under the non-custodial parent's health insurance, require insurers, at the option of the custodial parent, to permit such parent to submit claims for covered services without the non-custodial parent's approval and to make payment on such claims submitted directly to the custodial parent or service provider. Requires plan assurances that State laws authorize garnishment of the employment income of, and withholding of amounts from State tax refunds to, any person who is required by court or administrative order to cover a Medicaid-eligible individual's medical costs and has received, but not used for appropriate reimbursement, payment from a third party for the costs of medical services to such individual, to the extent necessary to reimburse the State for expenditures for such costs. Title XV: Child Nutrition Amendments of 1992 - Child Nutrition Amendments of 1992- Subtitle A: Budget-Related Provisions - Amends the National School Lunch Act to provide for increased cash subsidies for reduced price meals in the national school lunch program. Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (CNA) to provide for increased cash subsidies for reduced price meals in the school breakfast program. Amends CNA to provide for increased research funds under the special supplemental food program for women, infants, and children (WIC) to determine such program's effect on children. Subtitle B: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective dates of various provisions of this title. Title XVI: Social Security Cross Program Recovery Amendments of 1992 - Social Security Act Cross Program Recovery Amendments of 1992 - Amends title XI of the Social Security Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to recover overpayments made under the Supplemental Security Income Program (SSI) under title XVI of the Social Security Act from any amounts payable under the Federal Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance Program under title II of that Act if the Secretary is unable to recover such overpayments through the means currently provided under SSI. Provides that in any case in which the Secretary takes action to recover such an overpayment from any person, neither that person, nor any individual whose eligibility or benefit amount is based on that person's income, shall, as a result of such action, become eligible for SSI benefits or, if already so eligible, become eligible for increased SSI benefits. Title XVII: America 2000 Excellence in Education Act - AMERICA 2000 Excellence in Education Act - Part A: New American Schools - Authorizes financial assistance for creating New American Schools (NAS) in communities that have been designated AMERICA 2000 Communities (A2Cs). Provides that such NAS shall reflect the best thinking about teaching and learning, employ the highest-quality instructional materials and technologies, and be designed to meet the National Educational Goals as well as the particular needs of their students and communities. Directs the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) to reserve certain funds for a national program evaluation. Directs the Secretary to allocate the remaining funds among the States (and specified territories) in proportion to their respective numbers of Members of Congress. Directs the Governor to nominate A2Cs to create NAS, for at least as many communities as there are members in the State's congressional delegation and at least one community in each congressional district of the State. Requires the Governor's nominations to be based on criteria established by the Secretary on the basis of expert panel advice, including: (1) the community's level of commitment and activity in the A2C initiative; (2) the community's schools' need for new and innovative educational programs; and (3) the quality of their application to the Governor. Sets forth conditions for the Secretary's approval, and for alternative nominations. Directs the Secretary to make NAS grants to selected agencies, organizations, and institutions on behalf of the selected communities. Limits any award to $1,000,000. Encourages grantees to adapt and implement one or more NAS designs developed by research and development teams funded by the NAS Development Corporation. Restricts use of such grant funds to certain special start-up costs associated with the creation and establishment of a NAS. Prohibits the use of such funds for construction or for the grantee's general administrative expenses. Requires each NAS to have obtained necessary State recognition or accreditation and to be fully operating by the start of the 1996-97 school year. Directs the Secretary, within 90 days, to convene an expert panel of educators, representatives of private business, and public representatives to advise on NAS program administration, including criteria for nomination of communities. Directs the Secretary to use reserved funds to conduct a national evaluation of NAS program impact on schools and communities and on education generally. Requires reports to the President and the Congress. Authorizes appropriations. Part B: Merit Schools - Authorizes appropriations for Merit School awards to reward public and private elementary and secondary schools and faculties that make documented progress in attaining the National Education Goals, particularly the goal of increasing students' mastery of the core academic subjects. Directs the Secretary to allocate specified funds among the States on the same basis as allocations for education of disadvantaged children under title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (the ESEA chapter 1 program). Requires Governors to submit State grant applications for a three-year period, which may be followed by an application for a two-year period. Makes specified provisions of the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) inapplicable to this title. Specifies State use of funds for administrative costs (five percent) and Merit School awards (95 percent), with at least 20 percent of the latter earmarked for schools that demonstrate exceptional progress in improving students' performance in mathematics and science. Requires each Governor to: (1) establish a State review panel to assist in selection of Merit Schools; (2) submit annual program reports to the Secretary; and (3) apply specified national and State criteria in selecting schools. Requires each Merit School to use its award for activities to further its educational program, including special programs, equipment and materials acquisition, staff bonus payments, college scholarships for secondary school students, parental involvement, community outreach, and program replication. Prohibits State or local reduction of other assistance to the Merit School or its local educational agency. Part C: Teachers and School Leaders - Subpart 1: Governors' Academies for Teachers - Directs the Secretary to make a one-time, five-year grant to each State to establish and operate Governors' Academies for Teachers and to recognize outstanding teachers. Requires a Governor to use the State's grant to make competitive awards to the State educational agency (SEA), local education agencies (LEAs), institutions of higher education, and other public and private organizations or consortia, to establish and operate such Academies. Allows such Academies to be operated in cooperation or consortium with those of other States. Requires each Academy to conduct a program of intensive instruction for current elementary and secondary school teachers, during the summer or the school year, focusing on the core academic disciplines of English, mathematics, science, history, and geography. Directs the Governor to allocate to each Academy funds for a program of cash awards and recognition to outstanding teachers in the core academic subject or subjects covered by the Academy program. Requires Academies to select such teachers from nominations received from various groups. Limits any such award to $5,000, but allows the recipient to choose how to use it. Authorizes appropriations. Subpart 2: Governors' Academies for School Leaders - Directs the Secretary to make a one-time, five-year grant to each State to establish and operate a Governor's Academy for School Leaders. Requires the Governor to make competitive awards to the SEA, LEAs, institutions of higher education, and other public and private organizations or consortia, to establish and operate such an Academy. Allows such academies to be operated in cooperation or consortium with those of other States. Directs each Academy to carry out specified activities relating to school leadership training and development. Authorizes appropriations. Subpart 3: Alternative Certification of Teachers and Principals - Authorizes appropriations to assist States to develop and implement alternative certification requirements to improve the supply of well-qualified elementary and secondary school teachers and principals. Makes certain GEPA provisions inapplicable to this part. Requires States to use such funds to support programs, projects, or activities that develop and implement new, or expand and improve existing, alternative teacher and principal certification requirements. Authorizes States to do so directly, through contracts, or through subgrants to LEAs, intermediate educational agencies, institutions of higher education, or consortia of such agencies. Part D: Educational Reform and Flexibility - Subpart 1: Educational Reform Through Flexibility and Accountability - Amends the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) to establish a program for flexibility and accountability in education and related services. Directs the Secretary to assist projects for elementary and secondary schools and other service providers to improve achievement of all students and other participants, but particularly disadvantaged individuals, by authorizing waivers by which Governors, SEAs, LEAs, and other service providers can improve performance of schools and programs by increasing their flexibility in use of resources while holding them accountable for achieving educational gains. Authorizes the Secretary, in support of such projects, to waive, with specified exceptions, any statutory or regulatory requirement applicable to any program administered by the Department of Education that may impede a school or service provider from meeting the special needs of such students and other individuals. Authorizes other Federal agency heads, with the Secretary's agreement, to make similar waivers for their programs. Limits duration of projects and associated waivers to a maximum of three years, but authorizes the Secretary to extend a project and any associated waivers for an additional two years if it is making substantial progress in meeting its goals. Requires the Secretary to terminate a project and its associated waivers at any time if acceptable progress is not being made. Grants other Federal agency heads authority to determine extension or termination of their waivers. Grants the Secretary exclusive authority to extend or terminate a project. Requires each project that involves elementary or secondary schools to include participation of an SEA and at least one LEA and two schools. Requires, to the extent possible, project participation by each grade and academic program, including ESEA chapter 1 programs, in a participating school. Prohibits unreasonable concentration of available resources in participating schools, if fewer than all schools in an LEA participate. Requires each project that does not involve elementary or secondary schools to involve at least two programs, at least one of which is administered by the Secretary. Prohibits waiver of requirements: (1) in awarding new competitive grants to agencies participating in such projects; (2) relating to maintenance of effort, comparability, or equitable participation of private school students; and (3) under specified provisions of GEPA, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Sets forth requirements for reports and evaluations. Provides for the budget neutrality of such program. Subpart 2: Amendments to Chapter 2 - Amends chapter 2 (Federal, State, and Local Partnership for Educational Improvement) of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA chapter 2) to provide that part A funding for educational reform and improvement shall be divided equally between State and local programs (50 percent to each, while the current allocation formula requires at least 80 percent to go to local programs and not more than 20 percent to State programs). Reduces the portions of such State-level funds which: (1) may be used for State administration (from 25 to ten percent); and (2) must be used for the effective schools programs (from 20 to eight percent). Revises State application requirements to require approval by the Governor before submission to the Secretary. Includes educational choice programs among local targeted assistance programs of SEAs and LEAs. Includes, among authorized activities of such programs, any activities or expenses directly related to planning, implementing, operating, evaluating, and disseminating information about the LEA's educational choice program, including expenses of parents and children resulting from their program participation. Part E: Parental Choice of Schools - Subpart 1: Findings - Sets forth congressional findings relating to parental choice in education. Subpart 2: Parental Choice and Chapter 1 - Amends chapter 1 (Financial Assistance to Meet Special Educational Needs of Children) of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA chapter 1) to provide for chapter 1 services for children participating in educational choice programs. Requires the LEA to provide such services in the form of: (1) supplementary compensatory education services; or (2) if that is not feasible or efficient, payment to parents of a per-child share of the LEA's basic chapter 1 grant. Allows parents to use such funds only for: (1) purchase of supplementary compensatory education services that meet the child's special educational needs from any elementary or secondary school, or any other public or private agency, organization, or institution that the LEA designates; and/or (2) transportation costs related to the child's participation in the educational choice program. Excludes such payments from the gross income of parents for Federal income tax purposes. Allows an LEA to use chapter 1 funds for the additional transportation costs of children receiving chapter 1 services who are in an educational choice program. Requires LEAs with educational choice programs to explain to parents of chapter 1 participating children: (1) the availability of compensatory education services under various available options; and (2) options available under the educational choice program and the chapter 1 program. Subpart 3: Assistance for Parental Choice Programs - Directs the Secretary to make one-year grants to LEAs that carry out educational choice programs. Authorizes appropriations. Makes an LEA eligible for such a grant if it: (1) will carry out an educational choice program during the year for which assistance is sought; and (2) carried out such a program during the preceding year. Defines an educational choice program, as one adopted by a State or an LEA under which: (1) parents select the school, including private schools, in which their children will be enrolled; and (2) sufficient financial support is provided to enable a significant number or percentage of parents to enroll their children in a variety of schools and educational programs, including private schools. Requires LEAs to use grant funds only for student educational services and parental involvement activities in addition to those that would otherwise be provided from State or local funds. Prohibits use of grant funds for LEA general administrative expenses. Subpart 4: Parental Choice Programs of National Significance - Directs the Secretary to make five-year grants to SEAs, LEAs, and other agencies, institutions, and organizations to conduct and demonstrate nationally significant model programs of educational choice. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary, in any fiscal year for which funds are available to make new awards, to announce the approaches to educational choice that will be considered in the competition for such funding. Requires grant recipients to use such funds only for activities directly related to planning, implementing, operating and evaluating, and disseminating information about, the educational choice demonstration program. Allows such funds to be used to meet expenses of parents and children resulting from their participation in such program. Part F: National Assessment of Educational Progress - Amends the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) to extend through FY 1996 the authorization of appropriations for the National Center for Educational Statistics and its programs, including the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Requires the NAEP to collect representative data on a national and State basis for those States that choose to participate. Repeals a requirement for data collection on a regional basis. Requires the NAEP to collect and report data: (1) at least once every four years in the core academic areas of reading, writing, mathematics, science, history, and geography; and (2) annually on students at specified ages and in specified grade levels. (Current law varies such deadlines for the different academic subjects and sets a biennial deadline for the age and grade levels.) Removes a confidentiality restriction on NAEP information with respect to individual schools. Removes a prohibition against use of NAEP test items and data to rank, compare, or otherwise evaluate individual students, schools, or school districts. Requires States which choose to enter NAEP agreements to conduct such Assessment at the school level for all schools in the State sample and coordinate within the State, subject to a minimum State contribution of $100,000. Directs the Secretary to pay the State a certain amount for the costs of conducting such Assessment in excess of the minimum State contribution. Part G: National Commission on Time, Study, Learning, and Teaching - Establishes a National Education Commission on Time, Study, Learning, and Teaching (the Commission). Requires the Commission to examine the quality and adequacy of the study and learning time of U.S. elementary and secondary students in an era when World Class Standards of achievement need to be met, including issues regarding: (1) the length of the school day and year; (2) the extent and role of homework; (3) how time is currently being used for academic subjects (especially the five core subjects of English, mathematics, science, history, and geography); (4) year-round professional opportunities for teachers; and (5) the use of school facilities for extended learning programs. Directs the Commission, within one year after it concludes its first meeting, to submit a final report to the Congress and the President. Requires such report, in addition to the primary issues, to analyze and make recommendations about: (1) use of incentives for students to increase educational achievement in available instructional time; (2) how children spend time outside school; and (3) if appropriate, a model plan for adopting a longer academic day and year for U.S. elementary and secondary schools by the end of this decade, including mechanisms to assist in such transition. Terminates the Commission 90 days after it submits its final report. Authorizes appropriations. Part H: Regional Literacy Resource Centers - Amends the Adult Education Act to direct the Secretary to make grants or contracts for operation of regional literacy resource centers in appropriate regions. Makes eligible for such grants or contracts SEAs, LEAs, State literacy offices, volunteer organizations, community-based organizations, institutions of higher education, or other nonprofit entities. Provides that the Federal share of activity costs shall decline over a five-year period from a maximum of 80 percent to 60 percent. Authorizes appropriations. Part I: General Provisions - Sets forth definitions for this title. Makes specified provisions of Federal law permitting consolidation of grants to the Insular Areas inapplicable to funds received by such an area under this title. Title XVIII: Student Financial Assistance Improvements Act of 1992 - Student Financial Assistance Improvements Act of 1992 - Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to extend Pell Grant program authority through FY 1993. Revises requirements for the amount of Pell Grants. Sets the amount of an award to a student at the lesser of: (1) the specified maximum award less the expected family contribution; or (2) the percentage (based on family-income level) of the amount of the student's need for financial assistance (i.e., cost of attendance minus expected family contribution). Increases the maximum award amount to $3,700 for 1992-93 and the four succeeding award years. Sets forth a table of percentages of student need for award computation. Revises the period of eligibility for Pell Grants. Limits such period to the full-time equivalent of three academic years in the aggregate in the case of all undergraduate degree or certificate programs normally requiring two years or less. Specifies that longer eligibility periods for longer programs are cumulative and include periods for which the student received a Pell Grant under shorter programs. Repeals specified provisions for a separate need analysis formula for Pell grants. Extends the period for specified limitations on amounts of student loans covered by Federal insurance. Increases the annual and aggregate loan limits under the Stafford loan and the Supplemental Loans for Students (SLS) programs. Requires lenders to offer Stafford loan borrowers the option of repaying such loans on a graduated repayment schedule under specified conditions. Eliminates a provision which allowed an institution to refuse to certify a student's eligibility for a loan, or allowed it to certify a lesser amount, under specified conditions. Revises loan deferment provisions. Retains deferment while the borrower is in specified courses of study. Replaces the various current categorical deferments with a hardship deferment of up to three years in the aggregate. Requires the lender to grant specified forbearance if the borrower is a Peace Corps or VISTA volunteer and does not qualify for such hardship deferment. Revises provisions for Federal reinsurance coverage. Revises the period in which guaranty agencies must file reinsurance claims. Revises requirements for calculation and payment of such reinsurance. Requires a 60-day delayed disbursement of Stafford or SLS loans to first-year undergraduates at institutions with default rates of 30 percent or greater. (Retains the current 30-day delayed disbursement for first-year undergraduates at institutions with default rates less than 30 percent.) Revises provisions for eligibility limitations, suspensions, terminations, other hearing procedures, and fines for lenders or institutions that violate program requirements. Sets forth conflict-of-interest restrictions on guaranty agency officers and employers. Prohibits any guaranty agency from permitting any of its officers or employees, or any member of their immediate families, to have a direct financial interest in, or serve as an officer or employee of, any lender, secondary market, contractor, or servicer with which the guaranty agency does business. Includes financial information among the information the Secretary may reasonably require from a guaranty agency to carry out the student loan programs and protect the U.S. financial interest. Revises the administrative cost and collection retention allowances for guaranty agencies. Revises provisions for oversight of guaranty agencies. Authorizes the Secretary to require a guaranty agency to submit and implement a management plan if the ratio of its reserve funds to outstanding guarantees is less than a set level, or if its administrative or financial condition jeopardizes its continued ability to perform its responsibilities under its guaranty agreement. Authorizes the Secretary to terminate the guaranty agreement with any agency that fails to submit an acceptable management plan or fails to improve substantially its condition in accordance with such a plan. Authorizes the Secretary to assume guaranty agency functions of agencies whose agreements are terminated by the Secretary or themselves. Limits the Secretary's liability for any outstanding liabilities of a guaranty agency, the functions of which the Secretary has assumed, to the fair market value of assets assigned by the agency to the Secretary, minus any necessary liquidation or administrative costs. Requires State backing of designated guaranty agencies. Requires each State to guarantee, with its full faith and credit or the equivalent, all student loans guaranteed by the guaranty agency designated for that State for borrowers attending eligible institutions in that State. Provides that a State may elect to guarantee, in addition, student loans guaranteed by any other guarantee agency for borrowers who are attending eligible institutions in that State. Requires the State, if such a guaranty agency backed by the State is unable to discharge its insurance obligation, to be responsible for discharging them, as well as administrative costs associated with transferring the guaranty agency's operations to another entity. Directs the Secretary, if a State discharges such insurance obligations, to pay the State the amount the guaranty agency would otherwise have received as reimbursement. Directs the Secretary, unless a State demonstrates by January 1, 1994, that it is backing the designated guaranty agency, to assess institutions of higher education participating in the student loan program that are located in that State a fee based on the risk of financial loss to the Federal Government that the State would otherwise assume. Requires such fees to be deposited in the student loan insurance fund. Requires States to pay a share of default costs in specified circumstances. Allows a State to charge a fee to an institution of higher education in the State participating in the loan program, to an approved fee structure based on the institution's cohort default rate and the State's risk of loss under such requirement. Eliminates the student loan program eligibility of foreign institutions (but not of study abroad that is part of the curriculum of U.S. institutions). Revises the definition of cohort default rate. Reduces the special allowance rates for holders of loans for which the cohort default rate exceeds 20 percent. Revises provisions for need analysis to apply them to all need-based student assistance programs, including Pell Grants (which currently have a separate need analysis system). Revises the definitions of cost of attendance and family contribution, as well as provisions for data elements used in determining expected family contribution. Revises the formula for calculation of the expected family contribution for a dependent student to eliminate references to the students' spouse. Allows application of any parent's negative available income: (1) to reduce the parent's income supplement amount from assets; and (2) if there is any negative amount remaining after that is reduced to zero, to increase the allowances against the dependent student's income. Revises the minimum dependent student contribution to be the greater of: (1) specified amounts that vary according to family total income; or (2) 70 percent of the student's total income, minus the adjustment to student income. Eliminates certain exceptions to the general need analysis calculation for dislocated workers and displaced homemakers. Revises the tables for determination of standard maintenance allowance, employment expense allowance, adjusted net worth of business and of farm, asset protection allowance, and parents' assessment from available income. Revises the asset protection allowance to provide for consideration of the average age of both parents. Revises provisions for family contribution for married or single independent students without dependents (including various revisions similar to those described for dependent students). Includes married, as well as unmarried, students under this category of independent students without dependents. Revises provisions for minimum student contribution under this category. Revises tables for determining various allowances and other factors. Revises provisions relating to the family contribution for married or single independent students with dependents (including provisions similar to those in other categories). Revises tables for determining various allowances and other factors. Eliminates certain restrictions on the Secretary's authority to prescribe regulations to carry out need analysis requirements. Revises provisions relating to development of revised tables of assessment rates for purposes of such need analysis. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe regulations specifying situations in which the data elements considered in determining a student's expected family contribution may be modified to accommodate the special circumstances of the student. Provides a special rule for the determination of the net value of the principal place of residence. Makes ineligible for student assistance program participation for specified periods any institution whose cohort default rate equals or exceeds a specified threshold percentage. Revises provisions for proprietary institutions of higher education. Authorizes the Secretary, if a particular category of proprietary institution does not meet specified student assistance program requirements because there is no nationally recognized accrediting agency or association qualified to accredit such institutions, to: (1) appoint an advisory committee to recommend qualifying standards; and (2) determine whether the particular schools meet them. Provides for reduction of student assistance loan award maximums for short-term programs. Requires students, in order to remain eligible for assistance, to satisfy specified minimum academic achievement standards. Directs the Secretary to implement a system of verification of immigration status. Eliminates certain provisions for training in financial aid and student support services. Requires any institution participating in any student assistance program to have in effect a fair and equitable refund policy and to provide a written statement of it, with examples, to prospective students. Revises provisions for student assistance program participation agreements. Requires the institution to acknowledge the authority of the Secretary, guaranty agencies, accrediting agencies, and State licensing bodies to share with each other any information pertaining to the institution's eligibility to participate in such programs. Eliminates the requirement that hearings be on the record, with respect to program participation limitation, suspension, or termination procedures. Provides for data matching. Authorizes the Secretary to obtain from Federal or State agencies specified information relating to an individual for student loan collection purposes. Directs the Secretary of Labor to enter into an agreement to provide prompt access for the Secretary to wage and unemployment compensation claims information and data maintained by or for the Department of Labor or State employment security agencies. Amends the Higher Education Technical Amendments of 1991 (Public Law 102-26) to make permanent the elimination of limitations on actions to collect defaulted student loans or grant overpayments. Revises the HEA definition of institution of higher education. Requires such institutions, in order to be eligible to participate in HEA programs, to comply with such minimum State licensing standards as the Secretary may prescribe by regulation and which the relevant State licensing body is to impose upon institutions it licenses. Revises the alternative accreditation process. Authorizes the Secretary, if a particular category of institutions is not accredited because no nationally recognized accrediting agency or association is qualified to do so, to appoint an advisory committee to: (1) recommend standards to qualify institutions in such category to participate in HEA programs; and (2) review whether particular institutions meet such standards. Includes as an institution of higher education for HEA title IV student assistance programs any institution that provides programs of at least six months (or 600 clock hours) that prepare students for gainful employment in recognized occupations, and that has been in existence for at least two years. Requires an institution, if it is accredited by more than one accrediting body, to designate, for HEA eligibility purposes, one such body as its primary accreditor, on either an institutionwide or program basis. Deems such an institution no longer accredited for purposes of HEA eligibility for a 24-month period if its accreditation is terminated for cause by the primary accreditor, or if it withdraws from such accreditation voluntarily under a show cause or suspension order, unless such accreditation is restored by the same accreditor during such 24-month period. Provides for sharing of institutional eligibility information by the Secretary, guaranty agencies, accrediting agencies, and State licensing bodies. Makes ineligible for any HEA assistance any individual who is in default on any loan made, insured, or guaranteed by the Federal Government, unless satisfactory repayment arrangements are made. Title XIX: National Energy Strategy Act - Subtitle A: Residential, Commercial, and Federal Energy Use - Part 1: Consumer and Commercial Products - Amends the Energy Policy Conservation Act to expand the list of commercial products covered by the Act. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to prescribe labeling rules for such products. Prohibits the Secretary of Energy from prescribing energy conservation standards for certain electric lights or commercial products listed in the Act. Part 2: Federal Energy Management - Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to authorize Federal agency participation in private sector energy demand management or application of conservation measures to Federal buildings. Subtitle B: Natural Gas - Part I: Natural Gas Pipeline Regulatory Reform - Amends the Natural Gas Act to authorize the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to direct a natural-gas entity (pipeline) to interconnect physically with other facilities at the applicant's expense, in order to receive natural gas from the other facilities for transportation in the pipeline. Declares that for purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, a FERC certification of public convenience and necessity with respect to a natural gas facility is the only major Federal action requiring a detailed environmental impact statement. Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978: (1) to authorize an interstate pipeline to construct facilities incidental to transportation service upon 30 days notice to the affected State commission; and (2) require FERC to authorize any interstate pipeline to transport natural gas on behalf of any person. Amends the Natural Gas Act to declare that a mutually agreed-upon natural gas transportation rate between a natural-gas company and its customer is deemed just and reasonable, and in compliance with such Act. Sets forth expedited certification procedures for natural gas transportation and related facilities construction. Provides for the construction and operation of natural gas transportation facilities with an option not to obtain a certificate of public convenience and necessity (thus taking such facility out of the Act's jurisdiction). Authorizes FERC to issue an order finding that if a natural-gas company's market is competitive and its transportation or sales services charges are not unduly discriminatory such charges are not subject to its jurisdiction. Part 2: Natural Gas Import/Export Deregulation - States that neither FERC nor a State may prohibit or condition the importation or exportation of natural gas or treat exported or imported natural gas differently from any other natural gas while it is within the United States. Authorizes the President to: (1) waive any law relating to natural gas importation or exportation upon finding that the national interest requires it; or (2) specify when such natural gas importation or exportation law is considered satisfied if the appropriate Federal or State agency has not taken final action. Part 3: Structural Reform of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission - Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to abolish FERC and establish within the Department of Energy the Natural Gas and Electricity Administration to be headed by an Administrator appointed by the President. Transfers to the Secretary of Energy the functions of the Federal Power Commission and FERC. Sets forth rulemaking procedures for rates and charges with respect to natural gas and electricity. Subtitle C: Oil - Part I: Naval Petroleum Reserve Leasing - Naval Petroleum Reserve Leasing Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) to lease Naval Petroleum Reserve Numbered 1 (California) if it is not necessary for national defense purposes. Sets forth leasing and antitrust guidelines. Mandates the use of competitive leasing procedures, minimum royalty payments, and crude oil set-asides for sale to small refiners by Reserve lessees. Authorizes the Secretary to take certain steps to arrange and conduct a leasing action. Authorizes the Secretary to acquire privately owned lands or physical improvements within a Naval Petroleum Reserve if a lease of Naval Petroleum Reserve Numbered 1 cannot be arranged. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to authorize the Secretary to store within the Strategic Petroleum Reserve a Defense Petroleum Inventory of petroleum products (in addition to any other acquisition and storage for such Reserve required by law). Directs the Secretary to obligate the United States share of funds available in the Naval Petroleum Reserve Lease Proceeds Special Account (created by this Act) for the acquisition of 10,000,000 barrels of crude oil for the Defense Petroleum Inventory. Declares that upon request of the Secretary of Defense: (1) crude oil acquired for or dedicated to the Defense Petroleum Inventory shall be drawn down and distributed by the Secretary of Energy for the Department of Defense for use, sale, or exchange; and (2) the Secretary of Energy shall replace in the Defense Petroleum Inventory crude oil drawn down on behalf of the Department of Defense. Requires the Department of Defense to reimburse the Department of Energy for services rendered under this Act. Establishes the Naval Petroleum Reserve Lease Proceeds Special Account in the Treasury to implement this Act. Funds such Special Account with amounts realized from the lease of any United States interest in Naval Petroleum Reserve Numbered 1. Sets forth a payment scheme under which lease proceeds shall be used to make payments to the State of California. Declares that: (1) the authority to lease under this Act extends to specified sections within Naval Petroleum Reserve Numbered 1; and (2) this Act does not affect the withdrawal of lands provided for in certain school land grants. Part 2: Oil Pipeline Deregulation - Oil Pipeline Regulatory Reform Act - Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to terminate FERC jurisdiction over oil and other pipelines except the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Authorizes the Attorney General to petition the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) for an adjudication of whether FERC rate regulation of an existing pipeline in any market is in the public interest. Prescribes adjudication guidelines. Provides that pipeline rates for service to markets which are not identified in a mandatory published adjudications list will no longer be subject to FERC regulatory jurisdiction. Prescribes adjudication guidelines under which the Secretary shall find that regulation of a pipeline is in the public interest only if it is demonstrated that such regulation is necessary to constrain the exercise of substantial market power in the supply and demand of products transported by the pipeline in that market. States that new pipelines shall not be subject to existing Commission regulatory jurisdiction or rate regulation, but shall be subject to common carrier regulation under such Act. States that Commission rate regulation shall be prospective only. Prohibits terminated Commission regulatory jurisdiction from reverting to any other Federal agency. Confers exclusive, original jurisdiction over any petition for judicial review upon the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Precludes from such judicial review any action of the Attorney General under this Act, including adjudication petitions. Outlines the parameters within which pipelines are required to operate as common carriers. Requires pipelines to file terms of carriage schedules (except carriage rates) with the Commission. Sets forth guidelines for maximum FERC rates on a market by market basis, subject to price cap regulation based on base rates and cumulative changes in a Competitive Pipeline Price Index. Precludes a pipeline from conditioning its services upon entering into other transactions or on taking or refraining from any action. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress regarding the results of this Act five years after the conclusion of all adjudications. Retains the applicability of antitrust laws to pipeline transportation of crude oil or refined oil products. Subtitle D: Electricity Generation and Use - Part 1: Public Utility Holding Company Act Reform - Sets forth regulatory guidelines for exempt wholesale generators and qualifying facilities. Subtitle E: Nuclear Power - Part 1: Licensing Reform - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to provide procedural guidelines for issuance by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) of a combined construction and operating license. Mandates that such combined license applications include a State, local, or utility emergency plan. Requires the NRC to propose implementing regulations under this Act within one year of its enactment. Part 2: Nuclear Waste Management - Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to declare that, for purposes of site characterization activities, the appropriate Federal agency shall administer the pertinent rules and regulations without regard to whether such administration has been or could be, delegated to a State or superseded by comparable State law. Declares State, local or tribal laws inapplicable to site characterization activities under this Act. Directs the Secretary to implement site characterization activities in spite of any refusal by either State, local or tribal authorities to act upon requested authorizations to proceed with related site characterization activities. Sets forth a 60-day deadline within which actions to contest the constitutionality of this Act must be brought. Prohibits a court from enjoining site characterization activities in such actions except as part of a final judgment. Subtitle F: Renewable Energy - Part 1: PURPA Size Cap and Co-Firing Reform - Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA) to direct FERC to prescribe rules requiring electric utilities to offer to purchase electric capacity from alternative power production facilities only through competitive acquisition. Makes alternative power production facilities eligible for exemptions from PURPA, the Federal Power Act, and State law if they meet certain requirements. Part 2: Hydroelectric Power Regulatory Reform - Amends the Federal Power Act to include as part of the hydroelectric power licensing procedure an applicant's plan concerning studies to be undertaken in connection with the licensing process, and a summary of the applicant's consultation activities with Federal and State agencies and Indian tribes. Sets forth guidelines for additional licensing procedures. Directs FERC to coordinate a single, consolidated licensing review (including review under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969) of a hydropower project license application that is subject to Federal, State, or Indian tribal review. Removes from FERC jurisdiction hydropower projects with installed capacities of five megawatts or less that have not received a license by the date of enactment of this Act. Subtitle G: Alternative Fuel - Part 1: Alternative and Dual Fuel Vehicle Credits - Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to eliminate limits on the credit toward complying with the corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards available to manufacturers for the production of light duty alternative fuel vehicles and certain dual fuel vehicles. Part 2: Alternative Transportation Fuels - Sets forth acquisition and credit allocation guidelines for alternative fuel vehicles. Requires persons who own or otherwise control a fleet of motor vehicles of different types and sizes to make a specified percentage of annual vehicle acquisitions alternative fuel vehicles. Prescribes civil and administrative penalties for noncompliance with this Act. Subtitle H: Innovation and Technology Transfer - Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to allow each Federal agency to: (1) secure copyrights on behalf of the United States in any computer software prepared in whole or in part by U.S. employees under a cooperative research and development agreement or other authority, notwithstanding provisions of Federal copyright law; and (2) grant in advance to a collaborating party licenses or assignments for the copyrights, or options thereto, retaining specified rights. Adds references to software and its author to provisions governing the distribution of royalties received by Federal agencies. Subtitle I: Tax Incentives - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend the time period for the energy investment tax credit from June 30, 1992 to December 31, 1993; and (2) make permanent the research activities tax credit. Mandates that certain oil and gas revenues be deposited into: (1) the miscellaneous receipts of the Treasury; and (2) a special Treasury fund for immediate availability without fiscal year limitation to the State of Alaska. Title XX: Arctic Coastal Plain Competitive Oil and Gas Leasing Act - Subtitle A: Short Title and Statement of Purpose - Arctic Coastal Plain Competitive Oil and Gas Leasing Act - Declares the purpose of this Act is to authorize competitive oil and gas leasing and development on the Coastal Plain in a manner consistent with environmental concerns and the interests of the area's subsistence users. Subtitle B: Definitions - Sets forth definitions used in this Act. Subtitle C: Coastal Plain Competitive Leasing Program - Directs the Secretary of the Interior (the Secretary) to establish and implement a competitive oil and gas leasing program on the Coastal Plain. Declares that this Act is the Secretary's sole legislative authority for authorizing and conducting such a program (whether competitive or noncompetitive). Requires the Secretary to issue regulations encompassing environmental protection of the Coastal Plain. Declares that the Department of the Interior's Legislative Environmental Impact Statement is compatible and consistent with the major purposes and policies of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and therefore no further environmental analysis or documentation is required for the issuance of regulations. Prescribes procedural guidelines for land lease sales on the Coastal Plain, and for exploration, development and production plans. Sets forth bonding requirements, and lease suspension and cancellation guidelines. Directs the Secretary to require lessees to unite with each other in collectively adopting and operating under a unit plan of development, including the construction of a common carrier pipeline to transport oil and gas to the exterior boundary of the Coastal Plain. Requires lessees and permittees to provide the Secretary with certain geological and geophysical data obtained from exploration or development activities. Sets forth remedies and penalties for violations of this Act. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Congress about the leasing program. Repeals certain limitations applicable to subsurface interests owned by certain Alaskan corporations. Provides for expedited judicial consideration of any claims for relief by them. Subtitle D: Coastal Plain Environmental Protection - Directs the Secretary to promulgate environmental protection regulations which ensure that Coastal Plain activities will avoid significant adverse effects on fish and wildlife, their habitat, and the environment. Requires site-specific assessment and mitigation. Designates the Sadlerochit Spring Special Area as a special area for wildlife conservation and environmental protection. Authorizes the Secretary to exclude such area from leasing and to designate other Coastal Plain areas as special areas requiring protection. Directs the Secretary to prepare and periodically update a facilities construction and siting plan for oil and gas development and transportation. Authorizes the Secretary to grant rights-of-way and easements across the Coastal Plain in a manner that does not adversely affect fish, wildlife, and the environment. Requires the Secretary to conduct additional studies to monitor the human, marine, and coastal environments. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations providing for bi-annual facility inspections for compliance with environmental and safety regulations. Subtitle E: Land Reclamation and Reclamation Liability Fund - Makes leaseholders fully responsible and liable for land reclamation within the Coastal Plan and other Federal lands adversely affected by lease activities. Requires establishment of the Coastal Plan Liability and Reclamation Fund within six months of a commercial discovery within the Coastal Plain. Subtitle F: Disposition of Oil and Gas Revenues - Prescribes revenue collection and expenditure procedures. Mandates that oil and gas revenues be deposited into the Treasury. Title XXI: Coastal Communities Impact Assistance Act of 1992 - Coastal Communities Impact Assistance Act of 1992 - Establishes the "Coastal Communities Impact Assistance Fund" to provide impact assistance to eligible coastal States and counties for infrastructure, services, competing uses, and natural resources from revenues derived from proximate Outer Continental Shelf natural gas and oil production activities. Title XXII - Alaska Power Administration Sale Authorization Act - Alaska Power Administration Sale Authorization Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to sell: (1) the Snettisham Hydroelectric Project to the State of Alaska Power Authority; and (2) the Eklutna Hydroelectric Project to the Municipality of Anchorage. Directs the Secretary to deposit sale proceeds into the miscellaneous receipts of the Treasury. Declares that both Projects shall continue to be exempt from Federal Power Act requirements (subject to a certain Memorandum of Agreement). Grants the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska jurisdiction to review and enforce such Memorandum, (including the remedy of specific performance). Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) issue rights-of-way with respect to certain Eklutna lands to the Alaska Power Administration for subsequent reassignment to the Eklutna Purchasers; and (2) convey to the State of Alaska (with respect to certain Snettisham lands) improved lands under certain statutory selection entitlements. Title XXIII: Access to Justice Act of 1992 - Access to Justice Act of 1992 - Amends the Federal judicial code to provide that, in determining whether a matter in controversy exceeds the sum or value of $50,000 for purposes of Federal diversity of citizenship jurisdiction, the amount of damages for pain and suffering or mental anguish, punitive or exemplary damages, and attorneys' fees or costs shall not be included. Requires that on February 1 of each year the threshold amount for diversity jurisdiction (currently, $50,000) be adjusted to the nearest thousand dollars to reflect change in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, United States City Average, All Items, under its current official reference base as designated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor (CPI-U). Entitles the prevailing party in a diversity action to attorneys' fees only to the extent that such party prevails on any position or claim advanced during the litigation. Specifies that the sum of entitled attorneys' fees shall be paid by the nonprevailing party but shall not exceed the attorneys' fees of the nonprevailing party with regard to such position or claim; and that, if the nonprevailing party receives services under a contingent fee agreement, the sum of the entitled attorneys' fees shall not exceed the reasonable value of such services. Requires counsel of record in any such action to maintain accurate, complete records of hours worked on the matter regardless of the fee arrangement with his client. Authorizes the court to limit fees recovered if it finds special circumstances that make payment of such fees unjust. Makes provisions of this Act (with respect to attorneys' fees in diversity cases) inapplicable to actions removed from State court or to the United States or any State, agency of the United States or any State, or any official, officer, or employee of a Federal or State agency. Amends the Equal Access to Justice Act to bar the award of attorneys' fees in excess of $75 per hour unless the court determines that an increase in the cost of living, as reflected by the change in the CPI-U (currently, unless the court determines that such an increase, or a special factor, such as the limited availability of qualified attorneys for the proceedings involved) justifies a higher fee. Sets forth provisions with respect to the calculation of the cost of living adjustment in such cases. Amends the Federal judicial code to require a claimant, at least 30 days before filing suit, to transmit written notice to the intended defendant or defendants: (1) of the specific claims involved, including the amount of actual damages and expenses incurred and to be incurred; and (2) at an address reasonably calculated to provide actual notice to each such party. Requires that a certificate of service evidencing compliance with such provision be filed with the court at the commencement of the action. Provides for a 30-day extension of any applicable statute of limitations (SL), in the event that such SL would expire during the period of such notice. Makes the requirements of this provision inapplicable under specified circumstances, such as in bankruptcy proceedings and where the defendant (or the assets that are the subject of the action or would satisfy the judgement) is subject to flight. Specifies that in the event that the district court finds that such requirements have not been fulfilled by the claimant, and such defect is asserted by the defendant within 60 days of service of the summons or complaint upon such defendant, the claim shall be dismissed without prejudice and the costs of such action, including attorneys' fees, shall be imposed upon the claimant. Permits the claimant, under such circumstances, to refile such claim within 60 days after dismissal regardless of any statutory limitations period if, during the 60 days after dismissal, notice is effected as provided by this Act, and the original action was timely filed. Authorizes the United States, except as otherwise specifically provided by statute, to enter into an agreement which provides that attorneys' fees may be awarded against the United States or any other party to the litigation: (1) where the United States commenced the suit; (2) in civil litigation involving disputes pursuant to the Contract Disputes Act of 1978; or (3) where the United States and another party have agreed to use outcome-determinative mediation, subject to specified requirements. Sets forth further requirements with respect to the award of attorneys' fees, including the handling of such awards received by Federal agencies. Directs: (1) the chief judge of each Federal judicial circuit (other than the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit) to designate one district within the circuit to be a pilot Multi-Door Courthouse (MDC) district; and (2) the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit to designate the U.S. Claims Court to be a pilot MDC. Specifies that such designation, and the program established by this provision, shall terminate at the expiration of a three-year period following such designation, unless renewed by an Act of the Congress. Requires every court which has been designated as a MDC, within six months, to establish an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) plan, including: (1) procedures for limited discovery; (2) confidentiality of proceedings as to possible subsequent pretrial and trial actions; and (3) the selection, use, and payment of nonjudicial personnel who may be selected to conduct ADR procedures. Specifies that such plan shall also establish standards for determining which cases are appropriate for ADR, considering such factors as whether factual issues predominate over legal issues, whether the case involves complex or novel legal issues requiring judicial action, and any other factors the court considers relevant. Requires that each plan: (1) provide that each Federal judge or, in a case assigned to a magistrate judge, magistrate judge in a MDC conduct a conference with counsel within 120 days after a complaint is filed to review nonbinding, voluntary ADR procedures that may be used in lieu of litigation to resolve the claims in controversy; and (2) authorize the parties, if they agree, to utilize nonbinding ADR procedures that may be used in lieu of litigation to resolve the claims in controversy, such as early neutral evaluation, traditional mediation, outcome-determinative mediation, minitrials, summary jury trials, and arbitration. Sets forth additional plan requirements. Authorizes: (1) the district courts, in carrying out their plans, to use the volunteer services of nonjudicial personnel to conduct ADR procedures; and (2) the courts to establish and pay, subject to limits set by the Judicial Conference of the United States, the amount of compensation, if any, that each neutral shall receive for services rendered in each case. Authorizes the Chief Justice of the United States to designate and assign temporarily a district judge of one circuit for service in another circuit, either in a district court or court of appeals, whenever the business of that court so requires (under current law, upon presentation of a certificate of necessity by the chief judge or circuit justice of the circuit wherein the need arises). Includes among the duties of the Director of the Administrative Office of U.S. Courts to secure information regarding the courts' need for temporary judicial resources to ease overcrowded dockets (including information on delays being encountered in the maintenance of civil suits) and prepare and transmit annually to the Chief Justice, the chief judges of the circuits, the Congress, and the Attorney General, statistical data, reports, and recommendations summarizing the results of this inquiry. Provides that: (1) no State judicial officer shall be held liable for any costs, including attorneys' fees, in any proceeding in vindication of civil rights brought against such officer for an act or omission taken in an official capacity (act); and (2) in any civil action for deprivation of rights brought against a judicial officer for such an act committed in such officer's official capacity, injunctive relief shall not be granted unless a declaratory decree was violated or declaratory relief was unavailable. Amends the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act to provide that, in actions brought by any adult convicted of a crime confined in any jail, prison, or other correctional facility, the court shall (under current law, if the court believes that such a requirement would be appropriate and in the interests of justice) continue such case for a period not to exceed 180 (currently, 90) days in order to require exhaustion of remedies. Requires the Attorney General, upon request of a State or local corrections agency, to provide such agency with technical advice and assistance in establishing plain, speedy, and effective administrative remedies for inmate grievances. Amends the Federal judicial code to authorize the court, with regard to proceedings in forma pauperis, to dismiss the case if satisfied that the action fails to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. Directs the Board of the Federal Judicial Center to study and determine ways in which case and docket management (including ADR) techniques may be applied to improve the cost-effectiveness of litigation and to eliminate unjustified expense and delay, and include in the annual report of the activities of the Center details of the results of the studies and determinations made pursuant to this provision. Provides that a court en banc shall consist of all circuit judges in regular service (currently, or such number as may be prescribed in accordance with P.L. 95-486 (regarding appointments of district and circuit judges)), with exceptions. Repeals a provision of P.L. 95-486 which authorizes any court of appeals having more than 15 active judges to perform its en banc function by such number of members of its en banc courts as may be prescribed by rule of the court of appeals. Title XXIV: Health Care Liability Reform and Quality of Care Improvement Act - Health Care Liability Reform and Quality of Care Improvement Act of 1992 - Subtitle A: Findings and Purpose - Sets forth: (1) findings regarding this title; and (2) the purpose of this title. Subtitle B: Health Care Liability Reforms - Requires, in order to be eligible to participate in the incentive program provided for in this subtitle, that States have in effect the health care liability reforms set forth in this subtitle. Requires, in any health care liability action, the liability of each defendant for non-economic damages to be several and not joint, with each defendant liable only for the proportion of that defendant's fault and a separate judgment against that defendant in that amount. Prohibits awarding non-economic damages over a certain dollar amount in any health care liability action, subject to waiver. Reduces the total damages received by a plaintiff by the amount of any collateral source benefits. Allows: (1) future economic damage awards to be paid periodically based on when the damages are likely to occur or at the time the damages accrue; and (2) in certain circumstances, the court to require the health care provider to purchase an annuity or fund a reversionary trust to make such periodic payments. Prohibits reopening a judgment awarding periodic payments to contest, amend, or modify the schedule or amount in the absence of fraud or any ground permitting relief after entry of a final judgment. Declares it U.S. policy to encourage alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Requires each State to establish at least one ADR mechanism. Requires each State to: (1) cooperate with Federal research efforts regarding patient outcomes, clinical effectiveness, and clinical practice guidelines; (2) collect, analyze, and supply the Secretary of Health and Human Services with information regarding the performance of State medical boards; and (3) impose continuing education requirements on disciplined physicians. Allows alternatives to these requirements regarding medical boards and continuing education if the Secretary finds the alternatives at least as effective in reducing the incidence of negligence as compliance with the requirements. Allows States three years from the adoption of this title to enact, adopt, or otherwise comply with the requirements of this subtitle. Requires withholding two percent of payments to States computed under specified provisions of title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act and one percent of payments to hospitals computed under specified provisions of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act and redistribution of the withheld funds to those States and hospitals which have complied with the provisions of this subtitle. Allows waiver of the requirements of this title for any experimental, pilot, or demonstration project which is likely to assist in promoting the objectives of this title. Subtitle C: Federal Implementation of Health Care Liability Reforms - Amends Federal law to prohibit, in a health care liability action, finding the United States jointly and severally liable for non-economic damages. Allows liability only for those non-economic damages directly attributable to its pro rata share of fault. Reduces damages paid by the United States by the amount of any collateral source benefits. Prohibits awarding non-economic damages, in an action against the United States, over a certain dollar amount. Requires, at the request of the United States when future economic damages are awarded in excess of a specified amount, an order that such damages be paid by periodic payments based on when the damages are likely to occur. Allows the United States, in such cases, to pay the judgment periodically or purchase an annuity or fund a reversionary trust. Prohibits reopening the judgment to contest, amend, or modify the schedule or amount in the absence of fraud or any ground permitting relief after entry of a final judgment. Subtitle D: Construction of Provisions - Provides for construction of this title, severability, and the effective date of this title. Title XXV: Product Liability Fairness Act - Subtitle A - Product Liability Fairness Act - Declares that this title governs any product liability action brought against a manufacturer or product seller, on any theory, for harm caused by a product. States that a civil action brought against a manufacturer or product seller for loss or damage to a product itself or commercial loss shall be governed by applicable commercial or contract law. Supersedes any inconsistent State law regarding recovery in such actions. Lists specific laws not superseded, including: (1) defense of sovereign immunity asserted by any State or by the United States; (2) any Federal law (except the Federal Employees Compensation Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act); (3) the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act of 1976; (4) State choice-of-law rules; (5) the right of any court to transfer venue or to apply the law of a foreign nation or to dismiss a claim of a foreign nation or citizen on the ground of inconvenient forum; and (6) any statutory or common law cause of action, including an action to abate a nuisance, that authorizes a State or person to institute an action for civil damages or civil penalties, clean up costs, injunctions, restitution, cost recovery, punitive damages, or any other form of relief from contamination or pollution of the environment or the threat of it. Declares that U.S. district courts shall not have jurisdiction over any civil action under this title, based on specified provisions of Federal law relating to district court jurisdiction. Declares that, if any provision of this title would shorten the period during which a manufacturer or seller would otherwise be exposed to liability, the claimant may, notwithstanding that period, bring any civil action under this title within one year after the effective date of this title. Subtitle B - Allows any claimant to bring a civil action for damages against a person for harm caused by a product under applicable State law, except to the extent such law is superseded by this title. Sets forth expedited settlement measures, including: (1) an option to include an offer of settlement, for a specific dollar amount, by the plaintiff in the complaint and by the defendant in a responsive pleading; and (2) awarding attorney's fees and costs, in certain circumstances, to the prevailing party if the other party does not accept the settlement offer. Sets forth alternative dispute resolution procedures, including: (1) an option, in lieu of or in addition to a settlement offer, for a claimant or a defendant to offer to proceed under any voluntary alternative dispute resolution procedure established or recognized under the law of the State in which the action is brought or maintained; and (2) awarding of attorney's fees and costs to the offering party if the court determines that a refusal to so proceed was unreasonable or not in good faith. Creates a rebuttable presumption that a refusal to so proceed was unreasonable, or not in good faith, if a verdict is rendered in favor of the offeror. Subtitle C - Allows a person seeking to recover for harm caused by a product to bring a civil action against the manufacturer or seller under applicable State or Federal law, except to the extent such law is superseded by this title. Establishes a standard of product seller liability for proximate causes of harm, established by a preponderance of the evidence, which fall under the categories of negligence or express warranty. Allows the trier of facts, in a negligence action, to consider the conduct of the seller with respect to: (1) the construction, inspection, or condition of the product; and (2) failure to pass on warnings or instructions from the manufacturer. Deems the seller not liable for failure to provide warnings or instructions unless the claimant establishes that the seller failed to: (1) provide warnings or instructions received while the product was in the seller's possession and control; or (2) make reasonable efforts to provide users with warnings and instructions which it received after the product left its possession and control. Deems a seller not liable except for breach of warranty where there was no opportunity to inspect the product in a manner which would or should, in the exercise of reasonable care, have revealed the aspect which allegedly caused the harm. Declares that the seller shall be treated as the manufacturer and be liable for harm caused by a product as if it were the manufacturer if: (1) the manufacturer is not subject to service of process in any State in which the action might have been brought; or (2) the court determines that the claimant would be unable to enforce a judgment against the manufacturer. Allows punitive damages, if otherwise permitted by applicable law, to be awarded in any civil action under this subtitle to any claimant who establishes by clear and convincing evidence that the harm suffered was the result of conduct manifesting a manufacturer's or product seller's conscious, flagrant indifference to the safety of those persons who might be harmed by a product. Declares that a failure to exercise reasonable care in choosing among alternative product designs, formulations, instructions, or warnings is not of itself such conduct. Prohibits awarding punitive damages in the absence of a compensatory award, subject to exception. Prohibits punitive damages against a manufacturer or seller of a drug or medical device where: (1) the drug or device was subject to pre-market approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); or (2) the drug is generally recognized as safe and effective under conditions established by the FDA. Prohibits punitive damages against a manufacturer of an aircraft where: (1) the aircraft was subject to pre-market certification by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); and (2) the manufacturer complied, after delivery, with FAA requirements and obligations with respect to continuing airworthiness. Provides for separate proceedings, if requested by the manufacturer or seller, with regard to punitive damages. Lists factors the trier of fact is allowed to consider in determining the amount of punitive damages. Bars any civil action under this subtitle: (1) unless filed within two years after the claimant discovered or should have discovered the harm and its cause, subject to exception; and (2) if the product involved is a capital good that is alleged to have caused harm which is not a toxic harm unless filed within twenty-five years after delivery of the product, provided the claimant has received or would be eligible for State or Federal workers' compensation. Excludes a motor vehicle, vessel, aircraft, or railroad used primarily to transport passengers for hire from these time limitations. States that nothing in these provisions affects the right of any person who is subject to liability under this title to obtain contribution or indemnity from any other person who is responsible for the harm. Requires reduction in the damages awarded by the sum of all State or Federal workers' compensation benefits to which the employee is or would be entitled. Requires a claimant in a civil action under this subtitle who is or may be eligible to receive State or Federal workers' compensation to notify the claimant's employer of the civil action. Requires an action to be stayed, at the sole discretion of the claimant, until a final determination is made on the amount payable as workers' compensation benefits. Declares that, unless the manufacturer or seller has expressly agreed to indemnify or hold an employer harmless, neither the employer nor the workers' compensation insurance carrier shall have a right of subrogation, contribution, or implied indemnity against the manufacturer or seller or a lien against the claimant's recovery, except if the claimant's harm was not in any way caused by the fault of the claimant's employer or co-employees. Allows the employer or workers' compensation insurer to intervene in the action to prove that fact. Prohibits a third party tortfeasor, where workers' compensation is involved, from maintaining any action for implied indemnity or contribution against the employer, any coemployee, or the exclusive representative of the injured person. Prohibits, for a person who is or would have been entitled to receive workers' compensation, any other action, unless a State or Federal workers' compensation law permits recovery based on a claim of an intentional tort. Makes these provisions inapplicable and declares that applicable State law shall control if the employer or the workers' compensation insurer asserts a right of subrogation, contribution, or implied indemnity against the manufacturer or seller or a lien against the claimant's recovery. Declares that, in any product liability action, the liability of each defendant for noneconomic damages shall be several and not joint. Requires the trier of fact to determine the proportion of responsibility of each party for the claimant's harm. Establishes a complete defense, in any civil action under this title in which all defendants are manufacturers or sellers, that the claimant was under the influence of alcohol or any drug and that, as a result, the claimant was more than 50 percent responsible for the event which resulted in the harm. Defines "drug" to mean any non-over-the-counter drug which has not been prescribed by a physician. Title XXVI: Civil Liberties Act Amendments of 1992 - Civil Liberties Act Amendments of 1992 - Amends the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 to increase the authorization of appropriations to the Civil Liberties Public Education Fund. Includes non-Japanese spouses and parents who were interned with their spouses or children during World War II in the definition of the term "of Japanese ancestry." Modifies requirements regarding payments made in the case of deceased persons. Regulates judicial review of denial of compensation. Alters the maximum termination date for the Fund. Removes provisions requiring any refused payment to remain in the Fund. Removes provisions establishing and generally providing for the Fund's Board of Directors. Title XXVII: Federal Credit and Debt Management Act of 1992 - Federal Credit and Debt Management Act of 1992 - Amends Federal law to provide that for certain collections procedures "a person" includes an individual and a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, non-profit organization, or other form of business association. Requires the head of an executive or legislative agency to take all appropriate and cost-effective actions to collect aggressively all claims of the U.S. Government. Expands agency debt-collection authorities. Prohibits any person from obtaining any Federal financial assistance in the form of a loan (except for a Commodity Credit Corporation price support loan) or loan guarantee if such person has an outstanding debt with an executive agency which is in a delinquent status. Allows the agency head to waive such prohibition. Requires persons doing business with the Federal Government in any loan program, as grant recipients, insurance or license recipients, or contractors to furnish their taxpayer identifying number. Requires agency disclosure on the use of such number to include the intent to use it for purposes of collecting or reporting on delinquent amounts arising out of the persons' relationship with the Federal Government. Sets forth requirements for the head of each Federal agency guaranteeing or insuring loans with respect to program management. Requires the charge of a late fee, in addition to scheduled principal and interest, on claims that are in delinquent status. Requires the assessment, in addition to the late fee, of any amounts necessary to cover the charges levied by another agency or private collector for collecting delinquent claims through Federal salary offset, tax refund offset, private debt collection contractors, or other such explicit fees or charges. Authorizes agencies to retain one-half of collected fees to be used for specified purposes. Sets forth requirements for agency disclosures of information to credit reporting agencies. Removes restrictions on legal fees charged for contracts for collection services in cases of claims of indebtedness owed to the United States. Title XXVIII: Reduce Certain Commodity Credit Corporation Subsidies of Those with Off-Farm Income of $100,000 or More - Prohibits specified Commodity Credit Corporation payments to persons with off-farm adjusted gross income of $100,000 or more. Reduces payments to an entity in proportion to the ownership interest of any such person. Title XXIX: Farm Credit System Financial Assistance Corporation Repayment Act of 1992 - Farm Credit System Financial Assistance Corporation Repayment Act of 1992 - Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to require each Farm Credit System (FCS) bank to make annual payments to the Financial Assistance Corporation (Corporation) in order to maintain specified capital levels. Requires the Corporation (currently each FCS institution) to repay Treasury-paid interest. Title XXX: Recover Costs of Carrying Out Federal Marketing Agreements and Orders - Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1933 to provide for Federal marketing order cost recovery through handler fees. Title XXXI: Eliminate Provisions for Permanent Annual Appropriations to Support Land Grant Universities - Amends Federal law (the "Second Morrill Act") to replace permanent annual appropriation provisions with permanent annual authorization of appropriation provisions with regard to land grant university funding. Title XXXII: Power Marketing Administration Timely Payment Act - Power Marketing Administration Timely Payment Act - Mandates that each power marketing administration provide for timely repayment to the Treasury of principal and interest for power investments. Prescribes repayment guidelines. Title XXXIII: Emerging Telecommunications Technologies Act of 1992 - Emerging Telecommunications Technologies Act of 1992 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce and the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), at least semiannually, to conduct joint spectrum planning meetings with respect to: (1) future spectrum needs; (2) the spectrum allocations necessary to accommodate those needs; and (3) actions necessary to promote the efficient use of the spectrum. Directs the Secretary and the Chairman to report annually to the President on the joint spectrum planning meetings and any resulting recommendations. Directs the Secretary to submit to the President a report identifying bands of frequencies that: (1) are allocated on a primary basis for Federal Government use and eligible for licensing pursuant to the Communications Act of 1934 (the Act); (2) are not required for the present or identifiable future needs of the Government; (3) can feasibly be made available during the next fifteen years for use under the Act for non-Government users; (4) will not result in excessive losses to the Government in relation to benefits that may be obtained through non-Government users; and (5) are likely to have significant value for non-Government users under the Act. Sets forth criteria for identifying, and recommending for reassignment, such frequencies. Requires the Secretary to submit to the President a report which makes a preliminary identification of reallocable bands of frequencies. Directs the Secretary to convene a private sector advisory committee to: (1) revise the bands of frequencies identified in the preliminary report; (2) advise the Secretary with respect to the bands of frequencies which should be included in the final report; (3) receive public comment on the reports; and (4) prepare and submit such report. Directs the advisory committee to submit to the Secretary, the FCC, and specified congressional committees recommendations for the reform of the process of allocating the electromagnetic spectrum between Federal and non-Federal use. Directs the Secretary, as part of the final report, to include a time-table for the effective dates by which the President shall, within 15 years, withdraw or limit assignments on frequencies specified in the report. Directs the President, after receiving the final report from the Secretary, to: (1) withdraw or limit the assignment to a Government station of any frequency which such report recommends for reallocation; (2) withdraw or limit the assignment to a Government station of any frequency which such report recommends to be reallocated or made available for mixed use; (3) assign or reassign other frequencies to Government stations as necessary to adjust to such withdrawal or limitation of assignments; and (4) publish in the Federal Register a notice and description of all such actions taken. Authorizes the President to substitute alternative frequencies in the interest of national security, important Governmental needs, public health or safety, or Federal financial considerations. Provides for the reimbursement to non-Government licensees, or non-Government entities operating on behalf of a Government licensee, for the incremental costs directly attributable to the loss of the use of the frequency reassigned or otherwise limited under this Act. Authorizes appropriations to provide such reimbursements. Directs the FCC, at specified intervals, to: (1) complete a public notice and comment proceeding regarding the allocation of the initial spectrum to be reassigned, and to formulate a plan to assign such spectrum pursuant to competitive bidding procedures; and (2) complete a public notice and comment proceeding, and prepare and report to the President a plan for the distribution under the Act, of the frequency bands reallocated pursuant to this Act. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to officially authorize the FCC to assign the frequencies reallocated from Government to non-Government use under this Act. Makes certain frequency reassignments available only to the extent provided in appropriations Act. Authorizes the President to reclaim reassigned frequencies for reassignment to Government stations. Sets forth procedures for reclaiming frequencies. Directs the FCC to use competitive bidding procedures during spectrum reallocation pursuant to this Act. Outlines other procedures to be followed by the FCC with regard to permits and licenses relating to such frequency reallocation awards. Outlines specified instances when competitive bidding procedures shall not be required. Title XXXIV: Enterprise for the Americas Act of 1992 - Enterprise for the Americas Initiative Act of 1991 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to contribute a grant to the Enterprise for the Americas Investment Fund to be administered by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Fund to: (1) provide grants to advance market-oriented policy initiatives and reforms to encourage investment in Latin America and the Caribbean; and (2) finance technical assistance for privatizing government-owned industries, enterprise development and business infrastructure, and worker training and education programs. Permits the Secretary to seek contributions to the Fund from other countries. Establishes in the Department of the Treasury the Enterprise for the Americas Facility to support improvement in the lives of the people of Latin America and the Caribbean through market-oriented reforms and economic growth with actions to promote debt reduction, investment reforms, trade liberalization, and community based conservation and sustainable use of the environment. Makes eligible for Facility benefits Latin American or Caribbean countries that: (1) have in effect, received approval for, or are making progress toward, specified International Monetary Fund arrangements and structural or sectoral adjustment loans from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development or the International Development Association; (2) have put in place major investment reforms in conjunction with an IDB loan or are implementing or making progress toward an open investment regime; and (3) have agreed with commercial bank lenders on a financing program for debt or debt service reduction. Authorizes the President to reduce the amount owed to the United States (as a result of concessional loans made pursuant to the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 or predecessor foreign economic assistance legislation) by any country eligible for Facility benefits. Declares that this title may be exercised notwithstanding provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the International Development and Food Assistance Act of 1975 concerning repayments of loans outstanding after September 19, 1966, and the settlement of debts owed to the United States. Sets forth requirements with respect to the exchange of obligations, repayment of principal, and interest on new obligations issued by beneficiary countries. Requires beneficiary countries that enter into Environmental Framework Agreements to establish Enterprise for the Americas Environmental Funds. Authorizes the President to enter into Environmental Framework Agreements concerning the operation and use of Environmental Funds with countries eligible for Facility benefits. Directs administering bodies in each beneficiary country to administer the Environmental Funds and to make grants for environmental activities. Requires grants from the Funds to be used for activities that link the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources with local community development. Subjects grants of more than $100,000 to veto by the U.S. Government or the government of the beneficiary country. Establishes an Environment for the Americas Board to: (1) advise the Secretary on the negotiations of Environmental Framework Agreements; (2) ensure that a suitable administering body is identified for each Environmental Fund; and (3) review the programs, operations, and fiscal audits of administering bodies. Declares that the President should: (1) encourage other official creditors of beneficiary countries whose debt is reduced under this Act to provide debt reduction to such countries; and (2) ensure that Environmental Funds are able to receive donations from private and public entities and private creditors of beneficiary countries. Authorizes the President to: (1) sell to any eligible purchaser any loan of an eligible country made pursuant to the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945; (2) sell to any eligible purchaser any asset acquired by the Commodity Credit Corporation in connection with export sales to an eligible country or specified export credit guarantee programs; and (3) reduce or cancel any loans or assets made or acquired before 1991 upon receipt of payment from an eligible purchaser. Permits loans or assets to be sold only to purchasers who present plans to the President for using such loans or assets to engage in debt-for-equity, debt-for-development, or debt-for-nature swaps. Authorizes loans or assets to be reduced or canceled only for purposes of facilitating such swaps. Directs the President to report annually to the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate on the Facility. Title XXXV: Repeal the Trade Adjustment Assistance Program - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to terminate worker trade adjustment assistance under the Act's trade adjustment assistance program after September 30, 1992. Title XXXVI: VA Medical Care Cost Recovery Amendment of 1992 - Medical Care Cost Recovery Amendment of 1992 - Amends Federal provisions which authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to recover from a third party insurer the cost of care and services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs to a veteran for a non-service-connected disability for which such third party would otherwise have been responsible to provide to eliminate the October 1, 1993, delimiting date by which such care and services must have been received in order to be recovered by the Department, in the case of a veteran who also has a service-connected disability and is entitled to care under a health-plan contract. Title XXXVII: Veterans' Home Loan Improvement Act of 1992 - Veterans' Home Loan Improvement Act of 1992 - Revises the loan fee required to be paid by a veteran to the Department of Veterans Affairs in the case of a loan made, guaranteed, or insured by the Department to set such fee at the following percentages of the total amount of the loan: (1) two percent, in the case of loans made for the purchase of manufactured homes and lots; and (2) two and one-half percent, in the case of a veteran who has previously obtained a guaranteed loan, without respect to the loan purpose or the amount of down payment. Waives the two and one-half percent fee in some instances. Waives a specified percentage increase in the amount of such loan fee for loans closed between November 1, 1990, and September 30, 1991. Reduces from 95 to 90 percent of the total purchase price of the property securing the loan the amount which will be guaranteed by the Department in the case of loans made for the purchase of manufactured homes and lots. Makes such guaranteed loan amount also 90 percent of the reasonable value of the dwelling or farm residence in the case of a veteran who has previously obtained a guaranteed loan without respect to the loan purpose or the amount of down payment. Waives the later 90-percent limitation in some instances. Title XXXVIII: Permanent Extension of Certain Veterans-Related Income Verification and Pension Provisions in the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize the Secretary of Veterans to permanently (currently ends September 30, 1992) utilize Internal Revenue Service and Social Security Administration data for income verification purposes. Makes permanent (also currently expires on such date) the authority to obtain such information from the Secretaries of the Treasury or Health and Human Services. Makes permanent (currently expires on September 30, 1992) the $90 maximum monthly pension authorized for a veteran having neither spouse nor child and being furnished domiciliary care by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Title XXXIX: Target Entitlement for Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits to Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities Rated 30 Percent or More; and Adjust Military Pay Reduction for Montgomery GI Bill Participants - Entitles a veteran to a veterans' rehabilitation program if such veteran has a service-connected disability rated at 30 (currently, 20) percent or more and which was incurred in service after September 16, 1940. Provides that certain reductions from basic pay taken to allow for coverage of basic educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill shall include only those individuals who first entered onto active duty before October 1, 1992 (currently, such reduction applies to all service members). Makes identical changes with regard to entitlement for reserve personnel and for certain active-duty personnel enrolling in the basic education assistance program before being involuntarily separated from service. Title XL: Retirement Modification Act of 1992 - Retirement Modification Act of 1992 - Increases Federal employee contributions to the Civil Service Retirement System by one percent on January 1, 1993, and by an additional one percent on January 1, 1994. Repeals provisions under the Civil Service Retirement System, Federal Employees' Retirement System, Foreign Service Act of 1980, and Central Intelligence Agency Retirement Act of 1964 for Certain Employees providing for alternative forms of annuities. Title XLI: Conform the Definition of Compensation Under the Railroad Retirement Tax Act to That Under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to conform the definition of employee compensation under the Railroad Retirement Tax Act and the Railroad Retirement Act to that under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act. Title XLII: Extend the Duration of the Patent and Trademark Office User Fee Surcharge Through 1997 - Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 to extend from 1995 to 1997 the authority of the Patent and Trademark Office to impose user fee surcharges. Sets forth permissible surcharge revisions for FY 1996 and 1997. Title XLIII: Expanding Existing Army Corps of Engineers User Fees for Use of Developed Recreation Sites - Amends the Flood Control Act of 1968 to authorize the Secretary of the Army to charge fees for use of developed recreation sites and facilities, including, but not limited to, campsites, swimming beaches, and boat launching ramps. (Current law prohibits fees for such sites and facilities.) Prohibits the Secretary from charging fees for use or provision of drinking water, wayside exhibits, general purpose roads, overlook sites, toilet facilities, or general visitor information. Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to repeal the requirement that at lakes or reservoirs under jurisdiction of the Corps of Engineers where camping is permitted, at least one primitive campground be provided free of charge (thus permitting user fees for all such campsites and facilities). Title XLIV: Extend Authority to Collect Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fees - Amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to extend from 1995 to 1997 the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to collect abandoned mine reclamation fees. Title XLV: FCC User Fees - Federal Communications Commission User Fee Act of 1992 - Directs the Federal Communications Commission, in FY 1993 and thereafter, to collect user fees from users of Commission services to recover the total nonapplication processing operational costs of the Commission. Title XLVI: Limitation on Mandatory Spending - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to set forth limitations on direct spending. Requires an offsetting sequestration whenever any increase in the annual amount of direct spending exceeds the amount resulting from the increase in beneficiary population, and changes in the consumer price index, plus 2.5 percent per year (1.6 percent after enactment of comprehensive health reform). Requires any amount required to be sequestered to be obtained from direct spending accounts. Requires the use of the special reconciliation process whenever an update report indicates that a sequester would be necessary. Title XLVII: Extension of Budget Enforcement Act and Application to Credit Programs - Amends the Congressional Budget Act to set forth the maximum deficit amounts for FY 1996 and 1997. Revises the discretionary spending limits for FY 1994 and 1995 and sets forth such amounts in the defense, international, and budget categories. Establishes such amounts for FY 1996 and 1997. Declares that such amounts reflect adjustments through the OMB FY 1993 sequestration preview report in the President's FY 1993 Budget. Sets forth aggregate credit limits for subsidy costs, direct loan obligations, and loan guarantee commitments for FY 1993 through FY 1997. Extends certain pay-as-you-go provisions through FY 1997. Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to extend enforcement authorities until 1997. Title XLVIII: Congressional Budget Reform Act of 1992 - Congressional Budget Reform Act of 1992 - Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to change concurrent budget resolutions into joint budget resolutions. Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Rules of the House of Representatives and the Deficit Control Act of 1985. Title XLIX: Legislative Line Item Veto Act of 1992 - Legislative Line Item Veto Act of 1992 - Amends the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to grant the President line item veto rescission authority. Establishes congressional procedure for consideration of such rescissions.
Bill· HRH.R. 4207 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1992
Repeals penalties for noncompliance by States with a program requiring the use of safety belts and motorcycle helmets.
Bill· HRH.R. 4195 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1992
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to implement a certain highway project in the vicinity of Dothan, Alabama. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· SS. 2204 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1992
Repeals penalties for noncompliance by States with a program requiring the use of safety belts and motorcycle helmets.
Bill· SS. 2190 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1992
Trade Enforcement Act of 1992 - Title I: Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Laws - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to revise the method of determining the exporter's sales price, for purposes of assessing antidumping duties, to include reduction for reasonable profits from selling the particular merchandise under investigation. Prohibits the administering authority from deducting indirect selling expenses (as an offset of the exporter's expenses) from foreign market value. Revises the authority of the administering authority and the International Trade Commission (ITC) to make proprietary information available to interested parties to antidumping duty or countervailing duty investigations under a protective order. Authorizes an interested party to apply to the U.S. Customs Court for an order directing the ITC to make such information available to the party if the ITC denies its request for information about the domestic price or cost of production of a like product. Declares that "downstream dumping" means a course of conduct in which a product is routinely used as a significant part in the manufacture of merchandise subject to an antidumping duty investigation and such product is purchased at a price that: (1) is lower than the generally available price of the product in the country of manufacture; or (2) is lower than the price at which the product would be generally available in the country of manufacture but for the artificial depression of such generally available price by reason of any subsidy or other sales at below foreign market value. Requires the administering authority to include the amount attributable to the downstream dumping in calculating the amount of any antidumping duty on such merchandise. Requires the administering authority to consider, when deciding whether to impose an antidumping duty on imported merchandise, any determination that an industry producing a product used in the manufacture of such merchandise has been materially injured or threatened with material injury, or the establishment of such an industry in the United States has been materially retarded. Redefines "interested party" to include manufacturers of the product that is used in the manufacture or production of a like product. States that a "resource input subsidy" exists if: (1) (a) a product is provided or sold by a government-regulated entity for input use within such country at a domestic price that is lower than the fair market value of the input product and is not freely available to U.S. producers; and (b) a product would, if sold at the fair market value, constitute a significant portion of the total cost of the merchandise in or for which the input product is used; or (2) under specified circumstances, the right to remove such product is provided by that country's government. Sets forth the method of calculating the amount of a resource input subsidy. Requires injury determinations by the ITC to be made in all countervailing duty investigations relating to the existence of resource input subsidies. Includes in the definition of "subsidy" (for antidumping and countervailing duty purposes) any resource input subsidy. Requires benefits that would constitute a countervailable subsidy to be treated as a subsidy if provided to an enterprise or industry, or group of enterprises or industries, in a nonmarket economy country. Sets forth the method for determining the amount of such subsidy. Revises factors to be considered by the ITC with respect to imports subject to an antidumping duty or countervailing duty investigation. Revises provisions regarding mechandise that is assembled in the United States or other foreign country with foreign imported parts which is the subject of an antidumping or countervailing duty order. Amends such antidumping provision of the Unfair Competition Act of 1916 to allow any person who is injured in her or his property or business by the sale or importation of an article made in a foreign country to bring a civil action against the manufacturer, exporter, or related importer of such article if: (1) the article is imported or sold in the United States at less than its foreign market or constructed value; and (2) such sale or importation causes or threatens material injury to U.S. industry or labor or prevents the establishment or modernization of U.S. industry. (Currently, the cause of such an action is predicated on the intent of the importer to injure or prevent the establishment of U.S. industry or to monopolize trade.) Restricts the court jurisdiction of such an action to the district court of the District of Columbia or the Court of International Trade. Entitles a prevailing plaintiff in such an action to appropriate equitable relief or, if such relief is inadequate, to compensatory damages, and legal expenses (currently, treble damages and legal expenses). Declares that the standard of proof in such an action is a preponderance of the evidence. Places the burden of proof for rebutting a prima facie case on the defendant. Includes within the meaning of prima facie case a finding by the ITC that dumping exists. Authorizes the court to: (1) issue subpoenas to be enforced in any judicial district; (2) enjoin importation of articles allegedly dumped pending the defendant's compliance with any court order; (3) review, in camera, confidential or privileged material; (4) accept material under seal; and (5) disclose such material. Requires expedited treatment of such actions. Sets a four-year statute of limitations for actions under this Act. Requires the foreign market value or constructed value of an article to include the amount of any subsidy provided to the manufacturer, producer, or exporter of the article. Allows any person who is injured in his or her business or property by the fraudulent, grossly negligent, or negligent entry or introduction of merchandise into U.S. commerce to bring a civil action in the district court of the District of Columbia or the Court of International Trade, without respect to the amount in controversy. Entitles a person prevailing in such an action to appropriate equitable relief or, if such relief is inadequate, compensatory damages, and legal expenses. Permits the United States to intervene in an action under this Act as a matter of right. Requires the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) to report annually to the Congress on the antidumping and countervailing duty program. Prescribes the contents of such report. Title II: Adjustment to Import Competition - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to authorize a petitioner for import relief to consult with the ITC (currently, the United States Trade Representative (USTR)) before submitting to it a plan to facilitate positive adjustment to import competition. Revises the method by which the ITC makes "substantial cause" and "affected domestic injury" determinations to add other specified factors that it must consider with respect to whether an article is being imported in such increased quantities as to be a substantial cause or threat of serious injury to a domestic industry. Revises factors the ITC must take into account when recommending action to relieve the industry from such injury and help it make a positive adjustment to import competition. Prohibits an investigation for import relief from being initiated with respect to articles that have been given relief under an orderly marketing agreement. Directs the President to take necessary (currently, "appropriate and feasible") action to implement ITC recommendations and determinations with respect to facilitating efforts by a domestic industry to make a positive adjustment to import competition. Eliminates a specified presidential report to the Congress. Eliminates the requirement of congressional approval by joint resolution for implementation of action recommended by the ITC in cases where the President takes action different from that recommended by it, or where no action will be taken with respect to the domestic industry. Authorizes the ITC (currently, President) to negotiate orderly marketing agreements with foreign countries, and, after such agreements take effect, suspend or terminate any action it had previously taken. Makes similar changes with respect to the reduction, modification, and termination of import relief action. Amends the Trade Agreements Act of 1979 to require the President (who is currently, merely authorized) to sell import licenses at public auctions, when taking action to facilitate efforts of an affected domestic industry to make a positive adjustment to import competition. Title III: Unfair International Trade Practices - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to require the ITC (currently, USTR) to make certain determinations and take certain actions to enforce U.S. rights being denied under any trade agreement, and to eliminate any act, policy, or practice of a foreign country that is unreasonable, or discriminatory to U.S. commerce. Requires the USTR to report the results of consultations with foreign countries under investigation to the ITC. Requires the ITC (currently, USTR) to consult with interested persons, including holding a public hearing if requested, and to obtain advice from appropriate advisory committees before making such determinations. Requires the ITC (currently, the USTR) to publish such determinations in the Federal Register. Requires the ITC to transmit notice of such determinations to the President. Requires the President, upon an affirmative determination with respect to a foreign country, to impose duties or other import restrictions on the goods of, and fees or restrictions on the services of, such foreign country. Directs the President (currently, USTR) to implement action the ITC (currently, USTR) determines to take to enforce U.S. rights under a trade agreement, or to eliminate an unfair trade act, policy, or practice of a foreign country. Requires the ITC (currently, the USTR) to take specified actions if it makes an affirmative determination with respect to export targeting by a foreign country. Requires the ITC (currently, USTR) to monitor implementation of each measure taken, or agreement entered into, by a foreign country to enforce U.S. rights under a trade agreement, or to eliminate an unfair trade act, policy, or practice of a foreign country. Requires the ITC (currently, USTR) to determine what further action it shall recommend to be taken (currently, what action to take) if, on the basis of such monitoring, it considers that a foreign country is not satisfactorily implementing such measure or agreement. Authorizes the ITC (currently, USTR) to modify or terminate trade relief action if the burden or restriction on U.S. commerce of the denial of rights under a trade agreement, or of the acts, policies, and practices of a foreign country, that are the subject of such action has increased or decreased. Requires the ITC (currently, USTR), upon the request of any person, to make available to such person information (other than confidential information) concerning: (1) the nature of the unfair trade practice or policy of the foreign country involved; (2) U.S. rights under any trade agreement and the remedies which may be available under such agreement and under the U.S. laws; and (3) past and present domestic and international proceedings with respect to such policy or practice. Directs the ITC (currently, USTR) to issue regulations concerning the filing of petitions and the conduct of investigations and hearings with respect to actions for trade relief under this section. Requires the USTR to identify U.S. trade liberalization priorities no later than September 30 of each calendar year (currently, no later than 30 days after a specified report is to be submitted to appropriate congressional committees in calendar years 1989 and 1990). Adds the Committees on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, and on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committees on Energy and Commerce, on Banking, Finance and Urban Affairs, and on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives as committees that the USTR must report to about such priorities. Requires any of a specified number of congressional committees to file a petition with respect to import barriers and market distorting practices of foreign countries whenever that committee determines (by adopting a resolution) that an investigation should be initiated. Requires the ITC to take specified trade relief action if it determines that a priority practice constitutes an act, policy, or practice of a foreign country that is unreasonable or discriminatory and burdens or restricts U.S. commerce. Requires the USTR to provide an explanation in cases where an estimate of barriers to foreign market access (National Trade Estimates) is not feasible. Authorizes an interested person to file with the USTR a request for a review to determine whether a foreign country is in compliance with any trade agreement it has with the United States. Requires the USTR to make certain determinations and to take specified actions with respect to a foreign country's noncompliance with an agreement. Title IV: Provisions Relating to Imports - Authorizes any interested party to file with the United States Committee for Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA) a petition to correct market disruption. Requires CITA, upon receiving a petition, to determine whether to commence an investigation to determine whether a product subject to such petition has been or is being imported in such quantities as to cause a market disruption. Requires CITA, if it decides to commence an investigation, to notify the USTR and the Congress. Requires CITA, if a call for consultation is issued about the article concerned, to correct the market disruption by imposing quotas on the importation of such product unless the USTR has negotiated an appropriate bilateral agreement with the exporting country. Directs the Customs Service to monitor all imports covered by such agreement and to deny entry to any that exceed the limits set in it. Prohibits an article from being entered or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption in a U.S. customs territory unless an import license has been issued by the Customs Service. Specifies exceptions to such prohibition. Urges the President to propose to the United Nations Economic and Social Rights Committee that the Convention for the Rights of the Child, which is to be submitted to the General Assembly of the United Nations, include a worldwide ban on trade in products of child labor (employment of children under 15). Requires the Secretary of Labor to make periodic reviews to identify any foreign country that: (1) is not enforcing prohibitions against the use of child labor in the production of products within such country; and (2) is on a continuing basis exporting such products to the United States. Authorizes any person to file a petition with the Secretary of Labor requesting that a particular foreign country be so identified. Prohibits the Secretary of the Treasury from permitting the entry of any product from such country during the effective identification period. Specifies exceptions to such prohibition. Makes it unlawful for any person during such period to attempt to enter any product from such country. Sets forth civil penalties. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to set forth congressional findings and policies with respect to the manufacture of products by forced labor in foreign countries. Prohibits: (1) the transport of such products (except products vital to national security) in interstate commerce; and (2) U.S. nationals from investing in, or making loans to, a foreign joint venture involving the use of forced labor. Sets forth civil penalties. Authorizes any person to whom prohibited products have been offered for purchase, or in reasonable likelihood will be offered for purchase, or any public interest group or human rights organization, to commence a civil suit in U.S. district court to: (1) enjoin any persons, including the U.S. Government or any other governmental entity, from violating such prohibitions; or (2) compel the Secretary of the Treasury to enforce such prohibitions. Authorizes actions to be brought in district court for the award of treble damages as a result of such violations. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should terminate the bilateral textile agreement between the United States and China, prohibit further imports of textiles and apparel from there, and redistribute to Mexico and Caribbean Basin Initiative beneficiary countries China's textile and apparel quota entitlements. Directs the President to negotiate limits on automobile imports from Japan equivalent to the limits set by the European Community with respect to automobile imports from Japan. Title V: Negotiating Authority - Amends the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 to repeal provisions authorizing the President to proclaim modification or continuance of existing duties, continuance of existing duty-free or excise treatment, or such additional duties with respect to the negotiation of trade agreements regarding unfair trade barriers by foreign countries. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to repeal provisions relating to congressional procedures with respect to bills implementing trade agreements on nontariff barriers and resolutions approving commercial agreements with Communist countries. Amends the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 to repeal provisions relating to: (1) congressional "fast track" procedures with respect to the implementation of trade agreements regarding tariff and nontariff barriers; and (2) bilateral trade agreements regarding such barriers. Establishes in the Executive Office of the President the National Trade Council which shall advise the President with respect to the integration of national and international policies relating to trade so that the President and Federal agencies can cooperate more effectively in matters involving international trade. Requires the Council to appoint specified advisory committees. Amends the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to require Federal agencies to include an environmental impact statement in every recommendation or report on proposals for legislation and other major Federal actions significantly affecting bilateral and multilateral negotiations with other countries on trade or other matters. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to require the inclusion of representatives of environmental, consumer, and health and safety interests on the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations, specified general policy advisory committees, and certain sectoral or functional advisory committees. Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Secretary to prohibit for three years any multiple customs law offender from: (1) introducing or attempting to introduce foreign goods into U.S. commerce; and (2) engaging or attempting to engage any other person to introduce, on such offender's behalf, foreign goods into U.S. commerce. Provides for identifying such multiple offenders. Sets the penalty for violations of such prohibition. Amends the Foreign Trade Zones Act to prohibit the Board from establishing manufacturing subzones unless it finds that establishment of such a subzone will result in: (1) significant net public benefits, taking into account significant adverse effects; (2) additional substantial exports from the United States; (3) the encouragement of activity related to import displacement or substitution; (4) the generation of employment and investment in the United States; (5) no negative effect on a remedial action or program instituted by the United States to counter an international unfair trade practice; and (6) no material harm to an existing U.S. industry. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to prohibit the President from designating any article as eligible for duty-free treatment under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) if such article is determined by the ITC (currently, President) to be import-sensitive in the context of the GSP. Amends the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 to require the President or the head of a Federal agency to include in every recommendation or report made to the Congress on legislation a statement of the impact of such legislation on U.S. competitiveness in foreign or domestic markets. (Currently, such statement is required only on legislation which may affect the ability of U.S. firms to compete in domestic and international commerce.) Amends the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to repeal a provision relating to congressional disapproval of presidential action to adjust imports of petroleum that threaten to impair national security. Amends the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938 to provide that a foreign principal shall be considered to control a person in major part if such principal holds at least 50 percent equitable ownership in such person. Replaces references to: (1) "agent" with "representative"; and (2) "propaganda" with "promotional material." Requires representatives of foreign principals engaging in private and nonpolitical activities who are relying on exemptions to registration requirements to notify the Attorney General. Prescribes civil penalties for violations with respect to registration statements. Establishes within the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice a section to enforce the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, provisions of the Federal criminal code added by this Act, and all other laws relating to lobbying activities in the United States. Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the President, Vice President, specified Federal officials, members of the uniformed services, and Members of the Congress, for specified time periods after such persons' service as officials has ceased, to act as agents or attorneys for compensation, in matters in which the United States is a party or has a direct and substantial interest for: (1) a foreign government or political party; (2) a person outside of the United States, unless such person is a U.S. citizen; or (3) a combination of persons organized under the laws of, or having its principal place of business in, a foreign country. Makes such prohibition inapplicable to the extent such official is engaging only in: (1) the soliciting or collecting of funds to be used for specified humanitarian assistance; (2) activities in furtherance of religious, charitable, scholastic, or scientific pursuits or of the fine arts; or (3) activities in furtherance of an international organization of which the United States is a member. Prescribes criminal penalties for violations of this title. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to require the President to implement the ITC's recommendations for trade relief in response to an affirmative determination of market disruption from imports of a foreign country. (Currently, authorizes the President to take such action only with respect to imports from countries to which such determination has been made.) Repeals provisions relating to: (1) market disruption from imports from Communist countries; and (2) the filing of petitions requesting the President to initiate consultations under bilateral commercial agreements providing for nondiscriminatory treatment to products of countries that have been denied such treatment because of a finding of market disruption. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to include the Committees on Energy and Commerce, on Banking, Finance and Urban Affairs, and on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Committees on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, and on Foreign Relations of the Senate as committees to which the ITC, when requested, must make available certain information, investigations, and reports with respect to unfair trade practices by foreign countries. Adds specified factors to be considered in determining the "transaction value" and "computed value" of imported merchandise with regard to the imposition of customs duties on such products.
Bill· HRH.R. 4189 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1992
Transfers funds from amounts appropriated for foreign operations, export financing, and related programs for each fiscal year beginning with FY 1992 (excluding funds allotted for international narcotics control) to: (1) the Department of the Treasury for restoration of the general revenue sharing program; and (2) to the Department of Education for distribution to local educational agencies on a per student basis, or a weighted average basis for certain urban areas. Requires education funds to be used for instructional and educational purposes, unless a certificate of need has been approved for capital or infrastructure improvements. Requires local educational agencies, in order to be eligible for such funds, to have a substance abuse prevention program available to students in kindergarten through 12th grades and an education program on substance abuse available to parents. Declares that, for purposes of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act), all funds transferred shall continue to be counted in the international category of discretionary appropriations and not be counted against spending limits for the domestic category.
Bill· HRH.R. 4175 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1992
Anti-Recession Infrastructure Jobs Act of 1992 - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Economic Development Administration, to make grants to State and local governments for infrastructure projects in distressed areas. Provides for direct grants for construction and improvement and for completion of planning. Provides for supplemental grants for other Federal grant programs and for State and local programs. Prohibits the use of grants to acquire real property or to cover maintenance costs. Requires assurance that on-site labor can begin within 90 days of project approval. Requires: (1) contracting out construction or improvement work on grant projects; (2) competitive bidding; (3) acceptance of the lowest responsive bid; (4) advertised specifications covering all requirements or obligations preceding contract award; (5) Buy American conditions; (6) minority participation; and (7) applicability of specified Federal laws regarding individuals with disabilities. Directs the Secretary, in carrying out this Act, to prescribe rules, regulations, and procedures that assure adequate consideration is given to the relative needs of various sections of the country, including consideration of these factors in proposed project areas: (1) severity and duration of unemployment; (2) income levels and extent of underemployment; (3) extent of proposed project contribution to reducing unemployment; and (4) amount of unemployment or underemployment in the construction and construction-related industries. Requires a final determination on each grant application within 60 days after the Secretary receives it (or else the grant will be deemed approved). Sets forth formulas for allocation of funds. Sets aside two and one-half percent for Indian tribes and Alaska Native villages. Sets minimum and maximum allocation limits for any one State and for specified U.S. territories. Requires the Secretary, in making such grants, to give priority and preference to public works: (1) projects of local governments; (2) projects requested by a State or special purpose unit of local government and endorsed by a general purpose local government; and (3) projects requested by school districts. Requires the Secretary, if the average national unemployment rate is six percent or above for the most recent 12 consecutive months, to: (1) expedite and give priority to applications from State or local governments with rates for that period above the national rate; and (2) give priority thereafter to those from any State or local governments having rates for that period above six percent but below the national rate. Requires State and local prioritization of applications. Requires (if the applicant so requests) that the local government's unemployment rate be based on the rate of any community or neighborhood within such local government's jurisdiction. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 4172 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1992
Community Infrastructure Assistance Act of 1992 - Makes supplemental appropriations from the Mass Transit Account (and other than the Mass Transit Account) of the Highway Trust Fund for the Department of Transportation for FY 1992 for: (1) urban transportation formula grants and operating assistance; (2) major capital investment programs, including assistance to grantees in meeting requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the purchase and repair of bus equipment, and modernization of fixed guideway systems that meet certain criteria; (3) surface transportation programs; (4) congestion mitigation and air quality improvement programs; and (5) bridge replacement and rehabilitation programs. Makes supplemental appropriations for FY 1992 for housing and urban development under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974.
Bill· HRH.R. 4156 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1992
Federal Maritime Commission Authorization Act of 1992 - Authorizes appropriations for the Federal Maritime Commission, including a separate authorization for Commission relocation expenses.
Bill· HRH.R. 4150 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1992
Economic Growth Act of 1992 - Title I: Enhanced Economic Recovery Act of 1992 - Enhanced Economic Recovery Act of 1992 - Subtitle A: Provisions Relating to Capital Gains - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a capital gains deduction for noncorporate taxpayers for assets held from one to three years. Provides special rules for the gain or loss from the sale or exchange of collectibles and sales of interest in partnerships. Disallows such deduction in computing the alternative minimum tax, except with respect to gains realized on the sale, exchange, or other disposition of a direct or indirect interest in real estate or in closely held business. Revises the formula for determining gain from the dispositions of certain depreciable realty to take into account depreciation adjustments (adjustments allowed or allowable for exhaustion, wear and tear, obsolescence, or certain amortization). Subtitle B: Provisions Relating to Passive Losses and Depreciation - Treats the real estate development activity of a taxpayer as a single trade or business activity that is not a rental activity. Allows an additional depreciation allowance for the purchase of new equipment as investment property after February 1, 1992, and placed in service before July 1, 1993. Reduces the basis adjustment of such property by the amount of the additional allowance. Requires application of such allowance in determining the alternative minimum tax. Restricts the determination of adjusted current earnings for purposes of computing alternative minimum taxable income to property placed in service after 1989 and prior to February 1, 1992. Subtitle C: Provisions Relating to Real Estate Investments by Pension Funds - Modifies exceptions to the meaning of acquisition indebtedness. Makes certain exceptions inapplicable to sales out of foreclosure by a financial institution. Makes exceptions to acquisition indebtedness inapplicable to certain large partnerships where the principal purpose of partnership allocations is not tax avoidance. Repeals the special rule for publicly traded partnerships under provisions concerning unrelated business taxable income. Subtitle D: Provisions Affecting Homebuyers - Allows a tax credit to a first-time homebuyer who purchase a principal residence of ten percent of the purchase price, not to exceed $5,000. Limits such credit to one residence and requires acquisition on or after February 1, 1992, and January 1, 1993. Allow such credit to be carried forward for up to five years. Allows penalty-free withdrawals from individual retirement plans for a first-home purchase. Limits such distribution to $10,000, or other applicable amount if previous distributions have been made. Title II: Tax Relief for Families - Tax Relief for Families Act of 1992 - Subtitle A: Provisions Relating to Education and Savings - Allows a deduction for interest on education loans for the taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, or child. Requires such loans to be for tuition and related expenses at certain higher education institutions. Reduces such deduction by any amount excludable from gross income by reason of the redemption of U.S. bonds for higher education expenses. Coordinates such deduction with the home equity indebtedness provision. Provides that investment interest does not include qualified educational interest. Requires persons who receive interest payments to report such information on an information return, and to furnish written statements to the payors on receipt of such payments. Allows the establishment of flexible individual retirement accounts (FIRA) for the exclusive benefit of an individual and the individual's beneficiaries. Limits annual contributions to the lesser of $2,500, or the compensation includable in the individual's gross income. Prohibits contributions to FIRAs maintained for a taxpayer if the taxpayer's adjusted gross income exceeds: (1) $120,000, in the case of a joint return; (2) $100,000, in the case of a surviving spouse or head of household; and (3) $60,000, in any other case. Prohibits the establishment of FIRAs for dependents. Makes FIRAs exempt from taxation, except the tax on unrelated business income of charitable, etc. organizations. Allows pooling arrangements for such accounts. Excludes from gross income distributions out of a FIRA held for at least seven years. Imposes the ten-percent additional penalty tax on distributions made during the first three years. Allows the use of FIRA as security for a loan. Provides for the transfer from individual retirement plans to FIRAs. Allows penalty-free withdrawals from qualified retirement plans for qualified higher education expenses and financially devastating medical expenses. Subtitle B: Other Provisions - Allows a deduction for loss incurred from the sale of a principal residence. Provides for an increase in the basis of a new principal residence purchased by a taxpayer who realized a loss on the sale of the old residence. Increases the personal exemption for a child who has not attained aged 19. Extends the deduction for health insurance cost for self-employed individuals from June 30, 1992, to December 31, 1993. Allows a deduction for qualified adoption expenses of up to $3,000. Denies the use of such deduction for any expense for which a deduction or credit is already allowable and for which reimbursements have been made. Defines qualified adoption expenses as those: (1) directly related to the legal adoption of a child with special needs; (2) that are not incurred in violation of State or Federal law; and (3) that are of a type eligible for reimbursement under the adoption assistance program under title IV of the Social Security Act (Grants to States for Aid and Services to Needy Families with Children and for Child-Welfare Services. Allows such deduction whether or not the taxpayer itemizes deductions. Includes as a working condition fringe excluded from gross income any passes, tokens, fare cards, tickets or similar instruments for commuting by public transit provided to an employee at a discount by the employer, or reimbursements by the employer to cover all or part of the costs of such instruments, to the extent that such amounts do not exceed $60 per month. Title III: Long Term Growth - Long Term Growth Act of 1992 - Subtitle A: Extension of Expiring Provisions - Makes permanent the tax credit for increasing research activities and for clinical testing expenses for certain drugs for rare diseases or conditions. Extends the termination dates of the following provisions: (1) the rules of allocating research and experimental expenditures; (2) the low-income housing credit; (3) the targeted jobs credit; and (4) the solar and geothermal investment credit. Extends the authority to issue qualified small issue bonds to finance farm property. Extends the authority to issue qualified mortgage bonds and mortgage credit certificates. Subtitle B: Provisions Relating to Enterprise Zones - Enterprise Zone-Jobs Creation Act of 1992 - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (Secretary) to designate enterprise zones for purposes of providing tax and regulatory relief and improving local services. Limits choices to areas nominated by States and local governments. Limits the total number of areas that may be designated, and the time period of the designation. Authorizes the Secretary to designate a zone only if the area meets certain locational, demographic, unemployment, and poverty criteria. Requires nominating local governments, as a condition of the Secretary's designation, to agree in writing to follow a course of action that may include reducing tax rates, improving local services, simplifying or streamlining regulation of business, and providing job training to area residents. Describes areas to which the Secretary must give preference in selecting areas for designation. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress every four years on the effects of such enterprise zones' designation in accomplishing the purposes of this Act. Allows a nonrefundable income tax credit to enterprise zone employees for five percent of any wages earned do not exceed specified amount. Phase-out such credit. Provides for the nonrecognition of capital gain on the sale of enterprise zone property. Allows a taxpayer a deduction on the aggregate amount paid for the purchase of enterprise stock on its original issue by a qualified issuer. Requires any gain from the disposition of the stock to be treated as ordinary income. Amends Federal law to revise the definition of small entity for purposes of the analysis of regulatory functions to include qualified business, government, and nonprofit enterprises operating within enterprise zones. Authorizes Federal agencies, upon request by a nominating government to waive or modify rules and regulation pertaining to the implementation of projects or activities within an enterprise zone. Requires agencies to approve the request if the resulting benefits of job creation, community development, or economic revitalization outweigh the public interest in retaining the rule unchanged. Disallows waiver or modification of a rule that would directly violate a statutory requirement or present a danger to the public health and safety. Requires the Foreign-Trade Zone Board to consider on a priority basis and to expedite the processing of applications for the establishment of foreign-trade zones within enterprise zones. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to give priority to, and expedite the processing of applications for, the establishment of ports of entry necessary to establish such zones. Subtitle C: Excise Tax Provisions - Repeals the luxury excise tax on boats and aircraft. Repeals the exemption from the tax on diesel fuel and boats, unless such boats are used in a boat business. Retains excise taxes for diesel fuels used in pleasure boats shall be retained in the General Treasury. (Current law requires transfer of such amounts to the Highway Trust Fund and the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund.) Subjects certain digital data transmissions to the communications excise tax. Repeals the exemption of certain coin-operated telephone services from such tax. Subtitle D: Provisions Related to Retirement Savings and Pension Distributions - Allows distributions from qualified pension plan to be rolled over tax-free to an individual retirement account or another qualified plan or annuity. Repeals: (1) the $5,000 limitation on the exclusion from gross income of employees' death benefits; (2) the five-year forward income averaging for lump-sum distributions; and (3) the exclusion of net unrealized appreciation in employer securities. Establishes a method of taxing annuity payments by taking into account the investment in the contract and the number of anticipated payments. Requires qualified plans to allow participants to elect to have distributions transferred directly to another qualified plan. Establishes a simplified employee pension plan that allows salary reduction arrangements for employers of fewer than 100 employees. Prohibits State and local governments from participating in cash or deferred arrangements. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury, as a condition of sponsorship, to prescribe rules defining the duties and responsibilities of certain master and prototype retirement plans. Replaces the two-part nondiscrimination test for elective contributions under cash or deferred arrangements with a single test of whether: (1) the actual deferral percentage of highly compensated employees exceeds 200 percent of the average deferral percentage of nonhighly compensated employees for a plan year; and (2) the actual deferral percentage of such employees exceeds the average deferral percentage of nonhighly compensated employees for the preceding plan year by more than three percentage points. Redefines the term "compensated employee" for pension, profit sharing, stock bonus plan, etc. purposes. Makes such an employee one who is five-percent owner or compensation from the employer in excess of $50,000. Provides a special rule where no employees are treated as highly compensated. Eliminates the rule requiring ten years of service for employees subject to collective bargaining agreements under multiemployer plans. Subtitle E: Other Provisions - Repeals the appreciated property charitable deduction. Requires a charitable contribution allowable as a deduction in computing taxable income to be allocated and apportioned solely to gross income from sources within the United States. Requires the donee of any large charitable donation to make an information return relating to such donation. Provides for the application of the Medicare hospital insurance tax to State and local employees. Amends the Social Security Act to provide for the entitlement of such employees to hospital insurance benefits. Requires dealers in stock or securities to use the mark to market inventory accounting method. Disallows interest deduction on corporate owned life insurance. Prohibits a deduction for certain losses on the disposition of property to the extent that the taxpayer has a right to be reimbursed for the loss with assistance from the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation (FSLIC). Limits the tax exemption for credit unions to small credit unions with assets of less than $50,000,000. Restricts the deduction for dividends paid on deposits and the deduction for additions to reserves for bad debts to credit unions that are not small credit unions. Provides that certain life insurance contracts will be treated as annuity contracts only if the purchaser irrevocably chooses as a settlement option a series of substantially equal periodic payments made for the life of the annuitant or the joint lives of the annuitants. Expands the 45-day interest-free period for refunding tax overpayments in case the right to the refund arises other than pursuant to the original filing of a tax return. Title IV: Financial Institutions Safety and Consumer Choice Act of 1992 - Financial Institutions Safety and Consumer Choice Act of 1992 - Subtitle A: Financial Services Modernization - Chapter 1: Financial Services Holding Companies - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act to define financial services holding companies and diversified holding companies. Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to specify additional financial entities prohibited from acquiring control or ownership of certain financial services organizations. Prohibits any insured depository institution (except foreign banks with insured branches in the United States) from becoming a financial services holding company or a diversified holding company. Sets forth expedited procedures for acquisition of additional banks by well capitalized financial services holding companies. Sets forth guidelines for acquisitions involving diversified holding companies. Provides that financial services holding companies (except certain foreign banks) cannot be banks. Modifies the guidelines for ownership interests in nonbanking organizations. Replaces the current "closely related" standard for permissible activities with a "financial nature" standard. Sets forth the permissible parameters for insurance and securities affiliates. Sets a deadline by which a financial services holding company must notify the appropriate Federal banking agency with respect to its ownership or control of the shares of a company engaged in qualified financial activities. Outlines permissible nonbanking activities and acquisitions for well capitalized financial services holding companies. Sets forth additional capital requirements for a financial services holding company that intends to engage in, or acquire, or retain the shares of a company engaged in a new financial activity. Sets forth certain restrictions on the activities of financial services holding companies. Prescribes guidelines for acquisition activities by diversified holding companies and their affiliates. Sets forth Federal administrative procedures for financial services holding companies and diversified holding companies (including their subsidiaries and affiliates). Prohibits the States from preventing or impeding certain acquisition or affiliation activities undertaken by: (1) insured depository institutions; (2) diversified holding companies; and (3) financial services holding companies. Amends the Bank Holding Company Act Amendments of 1970 to prohibit a financial services holding company or a diversified holding company from: (1) engaging in certain tying arrangements; or (2) transacting insider loans. Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act to exempt from its coverage financial services holding companies and diversified holding companies. Chapter 2: Financial Activities of National Banks - Amends the Banking Act of 1933 to provide that its limitations and restrictions with respect to certain securities activities conducted by a national bank for its own account shall not apply to the distribution of securities issued by investment companies if the association is not an affiliate of a securities affiliate. Amends the Banking Act of 1933 to repeal the proscription against: (1) the affiliation of member banks with organizations engaged principally in securities; and (2) member bank personnel serving simultaneously as employees or officers of securities organizations. Authorizes national banking associations located in certain small-sized population areas to sell insurance to residents of the State in which the association is located. Amends the Federal Reserve Act to: (1) set forth conditions under which a loan or extension of credit by a member bank shall not be deemed to be made to an affiliate; (2) require prior notification to the appropriate Federal banking agency before a financial services holding company may permit an insured depository institution under its control to engage in a covered transaction which exceeds five percent of its capital stock and surplus; and (3) revise definitions related to affiliates of member banks. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to require customer disclosure by an insured depository institution with respect to the non-insured status of its non-banking products. Chapter 3: Non-Banking Activities of Foreign Banks in the United States - Amends the International Banking Act of 1978 to set forth circumstances under which a foreign bank that maintains a branch or agency in the United States (or owns or controls a commercial lending company organized under State law) shall be subject to the provisions of this Act. Chapter 4: Amendments to the Securities Acts - Amends the Securities Act of 1933 to: (1) subject to its provisions certain bank-issued securities and certain savings association-issued securities; (2) exempt from its provisions certain bank and savings association instruments functioning as securities in a secured transaction; (3) exempt from its provisions equity securities transactions with respect to bank acquisition by a financial services holding company, or acquisition of a financial services holding company by a diversified holding company. Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to: (1) revise definitions relating to bank broker activities and bank dealer activities; (2) prohibit any bank from acting as broker or dealer except in the course of an exclusively intrastate business; and (3) prohibit certain securities transactions, with specified exceptions, taking place on bank premises which are commonly accessible to the general public for deposit-making purposes. Repeals the Federal agency administration provisions with respect to disclosure requirements for securities issued by insured depository institutions. Amends the Investment Company Act of 1940 to mandate that the custody of investment company assets or unit investment trusts by affiliates of either the registered management company or the registered unit investment trust must be in accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rules prescribed for investor protection. Prohibits a registered investment company from having a majority of its board of directors consisting of personnel of any one bank and its subsidiaries, or any one financial services holding company and its affiliates and subsidiaries. Grants the SEC additional rulemaking authority regarding bank affiliated mutual funds. Prohibits registered investment company securities from being represented as: (1) guaranteed, sponsored, recommended or approved by any Federal agency; (2) insured by the FDIC; or (3) guaranteed or an obligation of any bank or insured institution. Provides that any person issuing or selling securities of an investment company whose name is similar to that of a bank may be required to disclose prominently that the investment company and its securities are neither FDIC-insured, nor guaranteed by an affiliated bank or insured institution, nor otherwise an obligation of such bank or insured institution. Authorizes the SEC to determine by order that use of a name similar to a bank is deceptive and misleading, and to take action accordingly. Amends the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 to include within the meaning of "investment adviser" any bank or financial services holding company which acts an investment adviser to a registered investment company (unless it performs such services through a separately identifiable division). Requires the SEC to give notice to the appropriate Federal banking agency prior to initiating any investigative or enforcement proceedings against a financial services holding company bank, or bank division acting as registered investment adviser. Amends the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the Investment Company Act of 1940 to exempt certain bank common trust funds from their coverage. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the transfer to a regulated investment company of all or substantially all of the assets of a common trust fund shall not result in a gain or loss to the common trust fund participants if the transfer is the result of a merger, conversion, reorganization, transfer or similar transaction. (Thus, if a bank were to transfer a common trust fund to a mutual fund, such transfer per se would not be considered a taxable event for the fund participants). Directs the SEC to examine and report to the Congress on the appropriate treatment of: (1) bank collective investment funds and separate accounts under the securities laws and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA); and (2) common trust funds under the securities laws. Chapter 5: Amendments to Prompt Corrective Action - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to set forth: (1) definitional guidelines; and (2) permissible activities for banks within various capital levels including financial services holding companies). Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, the Bank Conservation Act, the Federal Reserve Act, and the Home Owners' Loan Act to set forth additional grounds for appointing conservators and receivers for specified undercapitalized depository institutions. Chapter 6: Nationwide Banking and Branching - Amends the Financial Services Holding Company Act to authorize nationwide banking, notwithstanding certain State laws, by: (1) a diversified holding company; (2) a financial services holding company; or (3) a foreign bank. Amends Federal banking law to permit a national banking association to establish and operate new branches at an initial location within any State in which a financial services holding company or State bank having the same home State (or chartered in the same home State as such association) could establish a branch. Provides for the interstate consolidation or merger of national banks, or State banks with national banks, and for the subsequent retention of pre-existing branches subject to regulatory approval. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to prohibit State proscription against interstate branching by State banks. Permits a host State to determine compliance by interstate branches with its regulations, and to coordinate regulatory supervision with other State bank authorities regarding branches of State-chartered banks. Amends the International Banking Act of 1978 to provide that during the three-year period starting on the date of enactment of this Act the Director may authorize foreign banks to establish and operate federally-chartered branches in the United States if such establishment is not prohibited by the law of the relevant State. Revises the limitations placed upon interstate branching by foreign banks to more closely conform with the limitations placed upon interstate branching by domestic banks. Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act to authorize approval by the appropriate Federal banking agency for a savings and loan holding company or a foreign bank to acquire interstate interests in savings associations. Permits the consummation of such approved acquisitions even though State law would otherwise prohibit or limit them. Subtitle B: Miscellaneous Provisions - Chapter I: Reduction in Regulatory Burden - Prohibits an appropriate Federal banking agency from requiring any institution under it jurisdiction to prepare or maintain data to comply with the Fair Housing Act, other than the data prescribed pursuant to the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act. Chapter 2: Expedited Funds Availability - Amends the Expedited Funds Availability Act with respect to the frequency of notices when funds will be held beyond statutory schedules to provide that no further notice is required after the required notice has been furnished until one year later or such other time as the exception for which the notice was provided ceases to apply, whichever is earlier. Subtitle C: Technical and Conforming Amendments - Chapter I: Severability; Transition References - Sets forth severability and transition provisions. Chapter 2: Technical and Conforming Amendments - Makes technical and conforming amendments to specified Federal Acts. Chapter 3: Repeal of Obsolete Provisions of Law - Repeals specified provisions of Federal law. Chapter 4: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date of amendments made by this title. Title V: Pension Security Act - Pension Security Act of 1992 - Subtitle A: Amendments to Pension Plan Funding Requirements - Part 1: Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the additional funding requirements for pension plans that are not multiemployer plans to provide for an underfunding reduction requirement and a solvency maintenance requirement. Part 2: Amendments to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to revise the additional funding requirements pension plans that are not multiemployer plans to provide for an underfunding reduction requirement and a solvency maintenance requirement. Subtitle B: Amendments to Title IV of ERISA - Amends title IV (Plan Termination Insurance) of ERISA to set forth limitations on the benefits guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC). Revises provisions relating to: (1) enforcement of minimum funding requirements; (2) definition of contributing sponsor; (3) recovery ratio payable under PBGC guaranty; (4) distress termination criteria for banking institutions; and (5) variable rate premium exemption. Eliminates a specified seventh revolving fund and transfer its assets and liabilities to the first revolving fund (i.e. the single-employer basic benefits guaranty fund). Subtitle C: Employer Liability, Lien and Priority - Part 1: Amendments to Title IV of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 - Amends title IV of ERISA to revise limitations on employer liability liens and priority amounts. Provides that, in the case of plan terminations initiated on or after January 1, 1992, the lien of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) for employer liability shall be determined according to a specified formula. Makes similar revisions relating to the amount of liability to the PBGC which is entitled to priority treatment in insolvency and bankruptcy cases. Amends the Pension Protection Act with respect to bankruptcy and insolvency claims. Provides that specified amendments under this Act shall be effective as if included under the Single-Employer Pension Plan Amendments of 1986 and the Pension Protection Act. Amends ERISA to provide for liability upon liquidation of a contributing sponsor of a single-employer plan. Makes such sponsor liable as though the plan had terminated in a distress termination, even if the sponsor's controlled group remains a contributing sponsor of the plan or is liable for payment of specified contributions or installments. Directs the PBGC to transfer such liability payments to the ongoing plans. Part 2: Amendments to Title 11, United States Code - Amends the Federal bankruptcy code to permit the PBGC to be a member of an unsecured creditors' committee. Revises priority payment provisions with respect to: (1) unpaid contributions to pension plans under ERISA; and (2) certain liability arising from pension plan terminations under ERISA. (Classifies these priorities as expenses arising before, or administrative expenses arising after, the commencement of the case, depending on whether such unpaid contributions are attributable, or such plan termination occurs, before or after the filing of the petition for bankruptcy.) Amends one of specified Bankruptcy Rules to require the bankruptcy court to give the PBGC notice of a bankruptcy petition filed (and all other notices required to be served on creditors and interested parties), in any case in which the debtor or an affiliate maintains a pension plan to which title IV of ERISA applies. Title VI: Federal Insurance Accounting Act of 1992 - Federal Insurance Accounting Act of 1992 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require accrual accounting to measure the cost of Federal insurance programs. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Director of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to coordinate the development of methods of estimating the costs of Federal insurance programs. Provides for the budgetary treatment of such programs. Prohibits the modification of an insurance program in a manner that increases its accrual cost unless budget authority for such additional cost is appropriated in advance, or is available out of existing appropriations or from other budgetary resources. Provides for the display of administrative expenses as distinct and separately identified subaccounts within the insurance program account. Authorizes appropriations as necessary to each Federal agency authorized to conduct insurance programs to pay associated accrued and accrual costs. Authorizes the President, in order to implement this subtitle, to establish non-budgetary accounts as appropriate. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make transactions as necessary for non-budget insurance financing accounts. Declares that the changes made by this subtitle are to be considered changes in budget concepts and definitions for purposes of the Balanced Budget And Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). Title VII: Medicare Premium Equity Amendments of 1992 - Medicare Premium Equity Amendments of 1992 - Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to increase the monthly part B premium in the case of: (1) an individual with an adjusted gross income in excess of $125,000 who is married and files a joint income tax return or is a surviving spouse or a head of household; (2) an individual with an adjusted gross income in excess of $62,500 who is married but does not file a joint income tax return; and (3) any other individual with an adjusted gross income in excess of $100,000. Title VIII: Medicare Budget Amendments of 1992 - Medicare Budget Amendments of 1992 - Amends Medicare part B to: (1) provide that payment under part B for anesthesia physicians' services, when a separate charge (on a fee schedule basis) is also made for the services of a certified registered nurse anesthetist, may not, when added to the payment made for the services of the nurse anesthetist, exceed the amount that would be paid for the anesthesia physicians' services if a separate payment were not made for the services of the nurse anesthetist; (2) revise payment rates for medically and non-medically directed certified registered nurse anesthetists to change the conversion factors used for services furnished starting in 1993; (3) redefine "covered item update" as used with respect to payments after 1992 for durable medical equipment and "applicable percentage increase" as used with respect to payments after 1992 for prosthetic devices, orthotics, and prosthetics (items) as a percentage change (or no change), which may be different for different kinds of equipment or items, as determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services after taking into consideration market factors and technological change; (4) set the payment limitation amount for a clinical diagnostic laboratory test performed after September 30, 1992, at 76 percent of the median of all the fee schedules established for that test for that laboratory setting; (5) provide similar Secretarial discretion with respect to determining annual updates in payments for clinical diagnostic laboratory tests; (6) move the prospective payment system hospital update to January 1 of each year; and (7) set the annual update for other hospitals in FY 1993 at 75 percent of the market basket percentage increase, and the updates for subsequent fiscal years at the market basket percentage increase. Title IX: Aid To Families With Dependent Children Savings Set-Aside Amendments of 1992 - AFDC Saving Set-Aside Amendments of 1992 - Amends part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) (AFDC) of title IV of the Social Security Act to modify State plan provisions to give States the option of disregarding, with respect to a family already receiving AFDC benefits, resources the value of which do not exceed $10,000, but only if the State plan provides that: (1) the State agency will determine that any such disregarded resources are being retained for later expenditure for a purpose directly related to improving the education, training, or employability of a family member or for the purchase of a home for the family; (2) the value of any resources so disregarded will not be taken into consideration for purposes of determining eligibility for food stamp benefits; and (3) the State agency will not disregard any resource (or interest therein) owned by a family member within the preceding 12 months, if such resource (or interest) was disposed of at less than fair market value for the purpose of establishing eligibility for AFDC benefits. Allows AFDC employability plans, at the option of the State, to provide for the retention and set-aside of such amounts of income and resources as the State agency determines necessary for carrying out an approved plan which includes self-employment as its employment goal. Requires that the State agency must find that the specific form of self-employment for which the set-aside is intended is practical and attainable in light of all surrounding circumstances. Title X: Food Stamp Amendments of 1992 - Food Stamp Amendments of 1992 - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to require the parent of a minor child with an absent parent to cooperate with State child support enforcement agencies in order to participate in the food stamp program (program). Makes permanent: (1) the 25 percent Federal cost-sharing of State administrative program costs. (Current law authorizes 25 percent through FY 1995 and 50 percent thereafter); and (2) the ten percent State fund retention (Current law authorizes ten percent through FY 1995 and 25 percent thereafter). Title XI: Child Support Enforcement Amendments of 1992 - Child Support Enforcement Amendments of 1992 - Amends the Child Support Enforcement Act (the Act, which is part D of title IV of the Social Security Act) to provide that certain support collection and paternity determination application fees and collection services fees shall be set at $25 each (but gives the State an option to set such fees at $50 each, in which case no fee may be charged to individuals for such applications, for to families for such services, if their income is not more than 185 percent of the poverty line). Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish a schedule of performance-based incentive payments to encourage and reward States for activities to increase paternity establishment and lead to increased child support collections; and (2) determine the amount of such payments with respect to specified categories of performance. Limits the amount of any such payment to a State for a fiscal year to not more than ten percent of the State's total child support collections for such year with respect to children receiving aid to families with dependent children (AFDC) under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act. Revises the formula for certain other incentive payments (to States for cost-effective and efficient performance) to reduce their amount. Requires that incentive payments to States be used to improve or protect the welfare of children within the State. Requires States to provide paternity determination and child support collection services for recipients of certain need-based Federal or federally assisted programs. Title XII: Incentives for Families with Absent Parents to Cooperate with State Agencies under the Social Security Act in Securing Child Support for Dependents - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to provide, for purposes of public housing, that any family (with an absent parent) that has failed, without good cause, to cooperate in securing support for the dependent member of the family with the State agency administering the program for collection of child and spousal support may: (1) have certain spousal support imputed to its income; and (2) be ineligible for certain exclusions from its income. (Applies such provisions also to public housing under the Indian Housing Authority.) Title XIII: Purposes and Duration of Emergency Assistance Under The Aid to Families With Dependent Children Program - Amends the AFDC program to limit AFDC emergency assistance to one period of 30 consecutive days in any 12-month period. Provides that such emergency assistance may include amounts necessary to: (1) satisfy shelter and utility arrearages for no more than three months in order to prevent evictions and utility shut-offs; and (2) pay an initial month's shelter charges and security deposit necessary to secure permanent housing for homeless families. Requires any such amounts to be authorized by the State agency during the single 30-day period described above. Title XIV: Enhance Health Insurance Coverage For Children Under the Aid To Families With Dependent Children Program - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require State plans to provide satisfactory assurances that the State has in effect laws applicable to health insurers and insurance policies or programs subject to the laws of the State that: (1) require insurers to permit enrollment at any time under the health insurance of a non-custodial parent of any child for whom such parent is required to provide support; and (2) in any case where a child is covered under the non-custodial parent's health insurance, require insurers, at the option of the custodial parent, to permit such parent to submit claims for covered services without the non-custodial parent's approval and to make payment on such claims submitted directly to the custodial parent or service provider. Requires plan assurances that State laws authorize garnishment of the employment income of, and withholding of amounts from State tax refunds to, any person who is required by court or administrative order to cover a Medicaid-eligible individual's medical costs and has received, but not used for appropriate reimbursement, payment from a third party for the costs of medical services to such individual, to the extent necessary to reimburse the State for expenditures for such costs. Title XV: Child Nutrition Amendments of 1992 - Child Nutrition Amendments of 1992- Subtitle A: Budget-Related Provisions - Amends the National School Lunch Act to provide for increased cash subsidies for reduced price meals in the national school lunch program. Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (CNA) to provide for increased cash subsidies for reduced price meals in the school breakfast program. Amends CNA to provide for increased research funds under the special supplemental food program for women, infants, and children (WIC) to determine such program's effect on children. Subtitle B: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective dates of various provisions of this title. Title XVI: Social Security Cross Program Recovery Amendments of 1992 - Social Security Act Cross Program Recovery Amendments of 1992 - Amends title XI of the Social Security Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to recover overpayments made under the Supplemental Security Income Program (SSI) under title XVI of the Social Security Act from any amounts payable under the Federal Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance Program under title II of that Act if the Secretary is unable to recover such overpayments through the means currently provided under SSI. Provides that in any case in which the Secretary takes action to recover such an overpayment from any person, neither that person, nor any individual whose eligibility or benefit amount is based on that person's income, shall, as a result of such action, become eligible for SSI benefits or, if already so eligible, become eligible for increased SSI benefits. Title XVII: America 2000 Excellence in Education Act - AMERICA 2000 Excellence in Education Act - Part A: New American Schools - Authorizes financial assistance for creating New American Schools (NAS) in communities that have been designated AMERICA 2000 Communities (A2Cs). Provides that such NAS shall reflect the best thinking about teaching and learning, employ the highest-quality instructional materials and technologies, and be designed to meet the National Educational Goals as well as the particular needs of their students and communities. Directs the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) to reserve certain funds for a national program evaluation. Directs the Secretary to allocate the remaining funds among the States (and specified territories) in proportion to their respective numbers of members of Congress. Directs the Governor to nominate A2Cs to create NAS, for at least as many communities as there are members in the State's congressional delegation and at least one community in each congressional district of the State. Requires the Governor's nominations to be based on criteria established by the Secretary on the basis of expert panel advice, including: (1) the community's level of commitment and activity in the A2C initiative; (2) the community's schools' need for new and innovative educational programs; and (3) the quality of their application to the Governor. Sets forth conditions for the Secretary's approval, and for alternative nominations. Directs the Secretary to make NAS grants to selected agencies, organizations, and institutions on behalf of the selected communities. Limits any award to $1,000,000. Encourages grantees to adapt and implement one or more NAS designs developed by research and development teams funded by the NAS Development Corporation. Restricts use of such grant funds to certain special start-up costs associated with the creation and establishment of a NAS. Prohibits the use of such funds for construction or for the grantee's general administrative expenses. Requires each NAS to have obtained necessary State recognition or accreditation and to be fully operating by the start of the 1996-97 school year. Directs the Secretary, within 90 days, to convene an expert panel of educators, representatives of private business, and public representatives to advise on NAS program administration, including criteria for nomination of communities. Directs the Secretary to use reserved funds to conduct a national evaluation of NAS program impact on schools and communities and on education generally. Requires reports to the President and the Congress. Authorizes appropriations. Part B: Merit Schools - Authorizes appropriations for Merit School awards to reward public and private elementary and secondary schools and faculties that make documented progress in attaining the National Education Goals, particularly the goal of increasing students' mastery of the core academic subjects. Directs the Secretary to allocate specified funds among the States on the same basis as allocations for education of disadvantaged children under title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (the ESEA chapter 1 program). Requires Governors to submit State grant applications for a three-year period, which may be followed by an application for a two-year period. Makes specified provisions of the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) inapplicable to this title. Specifies State use of funds for administrative costs (five percent) and Merit School awards (95 percent), with at least 20 percent of the latter earmarked for schools that demonstrate exceptional progress in improving students' performance in mathematics and science. Requires each Governor to: (1) establish a State review panel to assist in selection of Merit Schools; (2) submit annual program reports to the Secretary; and (3) apply specified national and State criteria in selecting schools. Requires each Merit School to use its award for activities to further its educational program, including special programs, equipment and materials acquisition, staff bonus payments, college scholarships for secondary school students, special programs, equipment and materials, parental involvement, community outreach, and program replication. Prohibits State or local reduction of other assistance to the Merit School or its local educational agency. Part C: Teachers and School Leaders - Subpart 1: Governor's Academies for Teachers - Directs the Secretary, to make a one-time, five-year grant to each State to establish and operate Governor's Academies for Teachers and to recognize outstanding teachers. Requires a Governor to use the State's grant to make competitive awards to the State educational agency (SEA), local education agencies (LEAs), institutions of higher education, and other public and private organizations or consortia, to establish and operate such Academies. Allows such Academies to be operated in cooperation or consortium with those of other States. Requires each Academy to conduct a program of intensive instruction for current elementary and secondary school teachers, during the summer or the school year, focusing on the core academic disciplines of English, mathematics, science, history, and geography. Directs the Governor to allocate to each Academy funds for a program of cash awards and recognition to outstanding teachers in the core academic subject or subjects covered by the Academy program. Requires Academies to select such teachers from nominations received from various groups. Limits any such award to $5,000, but allows the recipient to choose how to use it. Authorizes appropriations. Subpart 2: Governors' Academies for School Leaders - Directs the Secretary to make a one-time, five-year grant to each State to establish and operate a Governor's Academy for School Leaders. Requires the Governor to make competitive awards to the SEA, LEAs, institutions of higher education, and other public and private organizations or consortia, to establish and operate such an Academy. Allows such academies to be operated in cooperation or consortium with those of other States. Directs each Academy to carry out specified activities relating to school leadership training and development. Authorizes appropriations. Subpart 3: Alternative Certification of Teachers and Principals - Authorizes appropriations to assist States to develop and implement alternative certification requirements to improve the supply of well-qualified elementary and secondary school teachers and principals. Makes certain GEPA provisions inapplicable to this part. Requires States to use such funds to support programs, projects, or activities that develop and implement new, or expand and improve existing, alternative teacher and principal certification requirements. Authorizes States to do so directly, through contracts, or through subgrants to LEAs, intermediate educational agencies, institutions of higher education, or consortia of such agencies. Part D: Educational Reform and Flexibility - Subpart 1: Educational Reform Through Flexibility and Accountability - Amends the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) to establish a program for flexibility and accountability in education and related services. Directs the Secretary to assist projects for elementary and secondary schools and other service providers to improve achievement of all students and other participants, but particularly disadvantaged individuals, by authorizing waivers by which Governors, SEAs, LEAs, and other service providers can improve performance of schools and programs by increasing their flexibility in use of resources while holding them accountable for achieving educational gains. Authorizes the Secretary, in support of such projects, to waive, with specified exceptions, any statutory or regulatory requirement applicable to any program administered by the Department of Education that may impede a school or service provider from meeting the special needs of such students and other individuals. Authorizes other Federal agency heads, with the Secretary's agreement, to make similar waivers for their programs. Limits duration of projects and associated waivers to a maximum of three years; but authorizes the Secretary to extend a project and any associated waivers for an additional two years if it is making substantial progress in meeting its goals. Requires the Secretary to terminate a project and its associated waivers at any time if acceptable progress is not being made. Grants other Federal agency heads authority to determine extension or termination of their waivers. Grants the Secretary exclusive authority to extend or terminate a project. Requires each project that involves elementary or secondary schools to include participation of an SEA and at least one LEA and two schools. Requires, to the extent possible, project participation by each grade and academic program, including ESEA chapter 1 programs, in a participating school. Prohibits unreasonable concentration of available resources in participating schools, if fewer than all schools in an LEA participate. Requires each project that does not involve elementary or secondary schools to involve at least two programs, at least one of which is administered by the Secretary. Prohibits waiver of requirements: (1) in awarding new competitive grants to agencies participating in such projects; (2) relating to maintenance of effort, comparability, or equitable participation of private school students; and (3) under specified provisions of GEPA, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Sets forth requirements for reports and evaluations. Provides for the budget neutrality of such program. Subpart 2: Amendments to Chapter 2 - Amends chapter 2 (Federal, State, and Local Partnership for Educational Improvement) of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA chapter 2) to provide that part A funding for educational reform and improvement shall be divided equally between State and local programs (50 percent to each, while the current allocation formula requires at least 80 percent to go to local programs and not more than 20 percent to State programs). Reduces the portions of such State-level funds which: (1) may be used for State administration (from 25 to ten percent); and (2) must be used for the effective schools programs (from 20 to eight percent). Revises State application requirements to require approval by the Governor before submission to the Secretary. Includes educational choice programs among local targeted assistance programs of SEAs and LEAs. Includes, among authorized activities of such programs, any activities or expenses directly related to planning, implementing, operating, evaluating, and disseminating information about the LEA's educational choice program, including expenses of parents and children resulting from their program participation. Part E: Parental Choice of Schools - Subpart 1: Findings - Sets forth congressional findings relating to parental choice in education. Subpart 2: Parental Choice and Chapter 1 - Amends chapter 1 (Financial Assistance to Meet Special Educational Needs of Children) of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA chapter 1) to provide for chapter 1 services for children participating in educational choice programs. Requires the LEA to provide such services in the form of: (1) supplementary compensatory education services; or (2) if that is not feasible or efficient, payment to parents of a per-child share of the LEA's basic chapter 1 grant. Allows parents to use such funds only for: (1) purchase of supplementary compensatory education services that meet the child's special educational needs from any elementary or secondary school, or any other public or private agency, organization, or institution that the LEA designates; and/or (2) transportation costs related to the child's participation in the educational choice program. Excludes such payments from the gross income of parents for Federal income tax purposes. Allows an LEA to use chapter 1 funds for the additional transportation costs of children receiving chapter 1 services who are in an educational choice program. Requires that LEAs with educational choice programs to explain to parents of chapter 1 participating children: (1) the availability of compensatory education services under various available options; and (2) options available under the educational choice program and the chapter 1 program. Subpart 3: Assistance for Parental Choice Programs - Directs the Secretary to make one-year grants to LEAs that carry out educational choice programs. Authorizes appropriations. Makes an LEA eligible for such a grant if it: (1) will carry out an educational choice program during the year for which assistance is sought; and (2) carried out such a program during the preceding year. Defines an educational choice program, as one adopted by a State or an LEA under which: (1) parents select the school, including private schools, in which their children will be enrolled; and (2) sufficient financial support is provided to enable a significant number or percentage of parents to enroll their children in a variety of schools and educational programs, including private schools. Requires LEAs to use grant funds only for student educational services and parental involvement activities in addition to those that would otherwise be provided from State or local funds. Prohibits use of grant funds for LEA general administrative expenses. Subpart 4: Parental Choice Programs of National Significance - Directs the Secretary to make five-year grants to SEAs, LEAs, and other agencies, institutions, and organizations to conduct and demonstrate nationally significant model programs of educational choice. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary, in any fiscal year for which funds are available to make new awards, to announce the approaches to educational choice that will be considered in the competition for such funding. Requires grant recipients to use such funds only for activities directly related to planning, implementing, operating and evaluating, and disseminating information about, the educational choice demonstration program. Allows such funds to be used to meet expenses of parents and children resulting from their participation in such program. Part F: National Assessment of Educational Progress - Amends the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) to extend through FY 1996 the authorization of appropriations for the National Center for Educational Statistics and its programs, including the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Requires the NAEP to collect representative data on a national and State basis for those States that choose to participate. Repeals a requirement for data collection on a regional basis. Requires the NAEP to collect and report data: (1) at least once every four years in the core academic areas of reading, writing, mathematics, science, history, and geography; and (2) annually on students at specified ages and in specified grade levels. (Current law varies such deadlines for the different academic subjects and sets a biennial deadline for the age and grade levels.) Removes a confidentiality restriction on NAEP information with respect to individual schools. Removes a prohibition against use of NAEP test items and data to rank, compare, or otherwise evaluate individual students, schools, or school districts. Requires States which choose to enter NAEP agreements to conduct such Assessment at the school level for all schools in the State sample and coordinate within the State, subject to a minimum State contribution of $100,000. Directs the Secretary to pay the State a certain amount for the costs of conducting such Assessment in excess of the minimum State contribution. Part G: National Commission on Time, Study, Learning, and Teaching - Establishes a National Education Commission on Time, Study, Learning, and Teaching (the Commission). Requires the Commission to examine the quality and adequacy of the study and learning time of U.S. elementary and secondary students in an era when World Class Standards of achievement need to be met, including issues regarding: (1) the length of the school day and year; (2) the extent and role of homework; (3) how time is currently being used for academic subjects (especially the five core subjects of English, mathematics, science, history, and geography); (4) year-round professional opportunities for teachers; and (5) the use of school facilities for extended learning programs. Directs the Commission, within one year after it concludes its first meeting, to subject a final report to the Congress and the President. Requires such report, in addition to the primary issues, to analyze and make recommendations about: (1) use of incentives for students to increase educational achievement in available instructional time; (2) how children spend time outside school; and (3) if appropriate, a model plan for adopting a longer academic day and year for U.S. elementary and secondary schools by the end of this decade, including mechanisms to assist in such transition. Terminates the Commission 90 days after it submits its final report. Authorizes appropriations. Part H: Regional Literacy Resource Centers - Amends the Adult Education Act to direct the Secretary to make grants or contracts for operation of regional literacy resource centers in appropriate regions. Makes eligible for such grants or contracts SEAs, LEAs, State literacy offices, volunteer-organizations, community-based, organizations, institutions of higher education, or other nonprofit entities. Provides that the Federal share of activity costs shall decline over a five-year period from a maximum of 80 percent to 60 percent. Authorizes appropriations. Part I: General Provisions - Sets forth definitions for this title. Makes specified provisions of Federal law permitting consolidation of grants to the Insular Areas inapplicable to funds received by such an area under this title. Title XVIII: Student Financial Assistance Improvements Act of 1992 - Student Financial Assistance Improvements Act of 1992 - Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to extend Pell Grant program authority through FY 1993. Revises requirements for the amount of Pell Grants. Sets the amount of an award to a student at the lesser of: (1) the specified maximum award less the expected family contribution; or (2) the percentage (based on family-income level) of the amount of the student's need for financial assistance (i.e. cost of attendance minus expected family contribution). Increases the maximum award amount to $3,700 for 1992-3 and the four succeeding award years. Sets forth a table of percentages of student need for award computation. Revises the period of eligibility for Pell Grants. Limits such period to the full-time equivalent of three academic years in the aggregate in the case of all undergraduate degree or certificate programs normally requiring two years or less. Specifies that longer eligibility periods for longer programs are cumulative and include periods for which the student received a Pell Grant under shorter programs. Repeals specified provisions for a separate need analysis formula for Pell grants. Extends the period for specified limitations on amounts of student loans covered by Federal insurance. Increases the annual and aggregate loan limits under the Stafford loan and the Supplemental Loans for Students (SLS) programs. Requires lenders to offer Stafford loan borrowers the option of repaying such loans on a graduated repayment schedule under specified conditions. Eliminates a provision which allowed an institution to refuse to certify a student's eligibility for a loan, or allowed it to certify a lesser amount, under specified conditions. Revises loan deferment provisions. Retains deferment while the borrower is in specified courses of study. Replaces the various current categorical deferments with a hardship deferment of up to three years in the aggregate. Requires the lender to grant specified forbearance if the borrower is a Peace Corps or VISTA volunteer does not qualify for such hardship deferment. Revises provisions for Federal reinsurance coverage. Revises the period in which guaranty agencies must file reinsurance claims. Revises requirements for calculation and payment of such reinsurance. Requires a 60-day delayed disbursement of Stafford or SLS loans to first-year undergraduates at institutions with default rates of 30 percent or greater. (Retains the current 30-day delayed disbursement for first-year undergraduates at institutions with default rates less than 30 percent.) Revises provisions for eligibility limitations, suspensions, terminations, other hearing procedures, and fines for lenders or institutions that violate program requirements. Sets forth conflict-of-interest restrictions on guaranty agency officers and employers. Prohibits any guaranty agency from permitting any of its officers or employees, or any member of their immediate families, to have a direct financial interest in, or serve as an officer or employee of, any lender, secondary market, contractor, or servicer with which the guaranty agency does business. Includes financial information among the information the Secretary may reasonably require from a guaranty agency to carry out the student loan programs and protect the U.S. financial interest. Revises the administrative cost and collection retention allowances for guaranty agencies. Revises provisions for oversight of guaranty agencies. Authorizes the Secretary to require a guaranty agency to submit and implement a management plan if the ratio of its reserve funds to outstanding guarantees is less than a set level, or if its administrative or financial condition jeopardizes its continued ability to perform its responsibilities under its guaranty agreement. Authorizes the Secretary to terminate the guaranty agreement with any agency that fails to submit an acceptable management plan or fails to improve substantially its condition in accordance with such a plan. Authorizes the Secretary to assume guaranty agency functions of agencies whose agreements are terminated by the Secretary or themselves. Limits the Secretary's liability for any outstanding liabilities of a guaranty agency, the functions of which the Secretary has assumed, to the fair market value of assets assigned by the agency to the Secretary, minus any necessary liquidation or administrative costs. Requires State backing of designated guaranty agencies. Requires each State to guarantee, with its full faith and credit or the equivalent, all student loans guaranteed by the guaranty agency designated for that State for borrowers attending eligible institutions in that State. Provides that a State may elect to guarantee, in addition, student loans guaranteed by any other guarantee agency for borrowers who are attending eligible institutions in that State. Requires the State, if such a guaranty agency backed by the State is unable to discharge its insurance obligation, to be responsible for discharging them, as well as administrative costs associated with transferring the guaranty agency's operations to another entity. Directs the Secretary, if a State discharges such insurance obligations, to pay the State the amount the guaranty agency would otherwise have received as reimbursement. Directs the Secretary, unless a State demonstrates by January 1, 1994, that it is backing the designated guaranty agency, to assess institutions of higher education participating in the student loan program that are located in that State a fee based on the risk of financial loss to the Federal Government that the State would otherwise assume. Requires such fees to be deposited in the student loan insurance fund. Requires State to pay a share of default costs in specified circumstances. Allows a State to charge a fee to an institution of higher education in the State participating in the loan program, to an approved fee structure based on the institution's cohort default rate and the State's risk of loss under such requirement Eliminates the student loan program eligibility of foreign institutions (but not of study abroad that is part of the curriculum of U.S. institutions). Revises the definition of cohort default rate. Reduces the special allowance rates for holders of loans for which the cohort default rate exceeds 20 percent. Revises provisions for need analysis to apply them to all need-based student assistance programs, including Pell Grants (which currently have a separate need analysis system). Revises the definitions of cost of attendance and family contribution, as well as provisions for data elements used in determining expected family contribution. Revises the formula for calculation of the expected family contribution for a dependent student to eliminate references to the students' spouse. Allows application of any parents' negative available income: (1) to reduce the parents' income supplement amount from assets; and (2) if there is any negative amount remaining after that is reduced to zero, to increase the allowances against the dependent student's income. Revises the minimum dependent student contribution to be the greater of: (1) specified amounts that vary according to family total income; or (2) 70 percent of the student's total income, minus the adjustment to student income. Eliminates certain exceptions to the general need analysis calculation for dislocated workers and displaced homemakers. Revises the tables for determination of standard maintenance allowance, employment expense allowance, adjusted net worth of business and of farm, asset protection allowance, and parents' assessment from available income. Revises the asset protection allowance to provide for consideration of the average age of both parents. Revises provisions for family contribution for married or single independent students without dependents (including various revisions similar to those described for dependent students). Includes married, as well as unmarried, students under this category of independent students without dependents. Revises provisions for minimum student contribution under this category. Revises tables for determining various allowances and other factors. Revises provisions relating to the family contribution for married or single independent students with dependents (including provisions similar to those in other categories). Revises tables for determining various allowances and other factors. Eliminates certain restrictions on the Secretary's authority to prescribe regulations to carry out need analysis requirements. Revises provisions relating to development of revised tables of assessment rates for purposes of such need analysis. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe regulations specifying situations in which the data elements considered in determining a student's expected family contribution may be modified to accommodate the special circumstances of the student. Provides a special rule for the determination of the net value of the principal place of residence. Makes ineligible for student assistance program participation for specified periods any institution whose cohort default rate equals or exceeds a specified threshold percentage. Revises provisions for proprietary institutions of higher education. Authorizes the Secretary, if a particular category of proprietary institution does not meet specified student assistance program requirements because there is no nationally recognized accrediting agency or association qualified to accredit such institutions, to: (1) appoint an advisory committee to recommend qualifying standards; and (2) determine whether the particular schools meet them. Provides for reduction of student assistance loan award maximums for short-term programs. Requires students, in order to remain eligible for assistance, to satisfy specified minimum academic achievement standards. Directs the Secretary to implement a system of verification of immigration status. Eliminates certain provisions for training in financial aid and student support services. Requires any institution participating in any student assistance program to have in effect a fair and equitable refund policy and to provide a written statement of it, with examples, to prospective students. Revises provisions for student assistance program participation agreements. Requires the institution to acknowledge the authority of the Secretary, guaranty agencies, accrediting agencies, and State licensing bodies to share with each other any information pertaining to the institution's eligibility to participate in such programs. Eliminates the requirement that hearings be on the record, with respect to program participation limitation, suspension, or termination procedures. Provides for data matching. Authorizes the Secretary to obtain from Federal or State agencies specified information relating to an individual for student loan collection purposes. Directs the Secretary of Labor to enter into an agreement to provide prompt access for the Secretary to wage and unemployment compensation claims information and data maintained by or for the Department of Labor or State employment security agencies. Amends the Higher Education Technical Amendments of 1991 (Public Law 102-26) to make permanent the elimination of limitations on actions to collect defaulted student loans or grant overpayments. Revises the HEA definition of institution of higher education. Requires such institutions, in order to be eligible to participate in HEA programs, to comply with such minimum State licensing standards as the Secretary may prescribe by regulation and which the relevant State licensing body is to impose upon institutions it licenses. Revises the alternative accreditation process. Authorizes the Secretary, if a particular category of institutions is not accredited because no nationally recognized accrediting agency or association is qualified to do so, to appoint an advisory committee to: (1) recommend standards to qualify institutions in such category to participate in HEA programs; and (2) review whether particular institutions meet such standards. Includes as an institution of higher education for HEA title IV student assistance programs any institution that provides programs of at least six months (or 600 clock hours) that prepare students for gainful employment in recognized occupations, and that has been in existence for at least two years. Requires an institution, if it is accredited by more than one accrediting body, to designate, for HEA eligibility purposes, one such body as it primary accreditor, on either an institution-wide or program basis. Deems such an institution no longer accredited for purposes of HEA eligibility for a 24-month period if its accreditation is terminated for cause by the primary accreditor, or if it withdraws from such accreditation voluntarily under a show cause or suspension order, unless such accreditation is restored by the same accreditor during such 24-month period. Provides for sharing of institutional eligibility information by the Secretary, guaranty agencies, accrediting agencies, and State licensing bodies. Makes ineligible for any HEA assistance any individual who is in default on any loan made, insured, or guaranteed by the Federal Government, unless satisfactory repayment arrangements are made. Title XIX: National Energy Strategy Act - Subtitle A: Residential, Commercial, and Federal Energy Use - Part 1: Consumer and Commercial Products - Amends the Energy Policy Conservation Act to expand the list of commercial products covered by the Act. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to prescribe labeling rules for such products. Prohibits the Secretary of Energy from prescribing energy conservation standards for certain electric lights or commercial products listed in the Act. Part 2: Federal Energy Management - Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to authorize Federal agency participation in private sector energy demand management or application of conservation measures to Federal buildings. Subtitle B: Natural Gas - Part I: Natural Gas Pipeline Regulatory Reform - Amends the Natural Gas Act to authorize the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to direct a natural-gas entity (pipeline) to interconnect physically with other facilities at the applicants expense, in order to receive natural gas from the other facilities for transportation in the pipeline. Declares that for purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, a FERC certification of public convenience and necessity with respect to a natural gas facility is the only major Federal action requiring a detailed environmental impact statement. Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978: (1) to authorize an interstate pipeline to construct facilities incidental to transportation service upon 30 days notice to the affected State commission; and (2) require FERC to authorize any interstate pipeline to transport natural gas on behalf of any person. Amends the Natural Gas Act to declare that a mutually agreed-upon natural gas transportation rate between a natural-gas company and its customer is deemed just and reasonable, and in compliance with such Act. Sets forth expedited certification procedures for natural gas transportation and related facilities construction. Provides for the construction and operation of natural gas transportation facilities with an option not to obtain a certificate of public convenience and necessity (thus taking such facility out of the Act's jurisdiction). Authorizes FERC to issue an order finding that if a natural-gas company's market is competitive and its transportation or sales services charges are not unduly discriminatory such charges are not subject to its jurisdiction. Part 2: Natural Gas Import/Export Deregulation - States that neither FERC nor a State may prohibit or condition the importation or exportation of natural gas or treat exported or imported natural gas differently from any other natural gas while it is within the United States. Authorizes the President to: (1) waive any law relating to natural gas importation or exportation upon finding that the national interest requires it; or (2) specify when such natural gas importation or exportation law is considered satisfied if the appropriate Federal or State agency has not taken final action. Part 3: Structural Reform of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission - Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to abolish FERC and establish within the Department of Energy the Natural Gas and Electricity Administration to be headed by an Administrator appointed by the President. Transfers of the Secretary of Energy the functions of the Federal Power Commission and FERC. Sets forth rulemaking procedures for rates and charges with respect to natural gas and electricity. Subtitle C: Oil - Part I: Naval Petroleum Reserve Leasing - Naval Petroleum Reserve Leasing Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) to lease Naval Petroleum Reserve Numbered 1 (California) if it is not necessary for national defense purposes. Sets forth leasing and antitrust guidelines. Mandates the use of competitive leasing procedures, minimum royalty payments, and crude oil set asides for sale to small refiners by Reserve lessees. Authorizes the Secretary to take certain steps to arrange and conduct a leasing action. Authorizes the Secretary to acquire privately owned lands or physical improvements within a Naval Petroleum Reserve if a lease of Naval Petroleum Reserve Numbered 1 cannot be arranged. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to authorize the Secretary to store within the Strategic Petroleum Reserve a Defense Petroleum Inventory of petroleum products (in addition to any other acquisition and storage for such Reserve required by law). Directs the Secretary to obligate the United States share of funds available in the Naval Petroleum Reserve Lease Proceeds Special Account (created by this Act) for the acquisition of 10,000,000 barrels of crude oil for the Defense Petroleum Inventory. Declares that upon request of the Secretary of Defense: (1) crude oil acquired for or dedicated to the Defense Petroleum Inventory shall be drawn down and distributed by the Secretary of Energy for the Department of Defense for use, sale, or exchange; and (2) the Secretary of Energy shall replace in the Defense Petroleum Inventory crude oil drawn down on behalf of the Department of Defense. Requires the Department of Defense to reimburse the Department of Energy for services rendered under this Act. Establishes the Naval Petroleum Reserve Lease Proceeds Special Account in the Treasury to implement this Act. Funds such Special Account with amounts realized from the lease of any United States interest in Naval Petroleum Reserve Numbered 1. Sets forth a payment scheme under which lease proceeds shall be used to make payments to the State of California. Declares that: (1) the authority to lease under this Act extends to specified sections within Naval Petroleum Reserve Numbered 1; and (2) this Act does not affect the withdrawal of lands provided for in certain school land grants. Part 2: Oil Pipeline Deregulation - Oil Pipeline Regulatory Reform Act - Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to terminate FERC jurisdiction over oil and other pipelines except the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Authorizes the Attorney General to petition the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) for an adjudication of whether FERC rate regulation of an existing pipeline in any market is in the public interest. Prescribes adjudication guidelines. Provides that pipeline rates for service to markets which are not identified in a mandatory published adjudications list will no longer be subject to FERC regulatory jurisdiction. Prescribes adjudication guidelines under which the Secretary shall find that regulation of a pipeline is in the public interest only if it is demonstrated that such regulation is necessary to constrain the exercise of substantial market power in the supply and demand of products transported by the pipeline in that market. States that new pipelines shall not be subject to existing Commission regulatory jurisdiction or rate regulation, but shall be subject to common carrier regulation under such Act. States that Commission rate regulation shall be prospective only. Prohibits terminated Commission regulatory jurisdiction from reverting to any other Federal agency. Confers exclusive, original jurisdiction over any petition for judicial review upon the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Precludes from such judicial review any action of the Attorney General under this Act, including adjudication petitions. Outlines the parameters within which pipelines are required to operate as common carriers. Requires pipelines to file terms of carriage schedules (except carriage rates) with the Commission. Sets forth guidelines for maximum FERC rates on a market by market basis, subject to price cap regulation based on base rates and cumulative changes in a Competitive Pipeline Price Index. Precludes a pipeline from conditioning its services upon entering into other transactions or on taking or refraining from any action. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress regarding the results of this Act five years after the conclusion of all adjudications. Retains the applicability of antitrust laws to pipeline transportation of crude oil or refined oil products. Subtitle D: Electricity Generation and Use - Sets forth regulatory guidelines for exempt wholesale generators and qualifying facilities. Subtitle E: Nuclear Power - Part I: Licensing Reform - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to provide procedural guidelines for issuance by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) of a combined construction and operating license. Mandates that such combined license applications include a State, local, or utility emergency plan. Requires the NRC to propose implementing regulations under this Act within one year of its enactment. Part 2: Nuclear Waste Management - Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to declare that, for purposes of site characterization activities, the appropriate Federal agency shall administer the pertinent rules and regulations without regard to whether such administration has been or could be, delegated to a State or superseded by comparable State law. Declares State, local or tribal laws inapplicable to site characterization activities under this Act. Directs the Secretary to implement site characterization activities in spite of any refusal by either State, local or tribal authorities to act upon requested authorizations to proceed with related site characterization activities. Sets forth a 60-day deadline within which actions to contest the constitutionality of this Act must be brought. Prohibits a court from enjoining site characterization activities in such actions except as part of a final judgment. Subtitle F: Renewable Energy - Part I: PURPA Size Cap and Co-Firing Reform - Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA) to direct FERC to prescribe rules requiring electric utilities to offer to purchase electric capacity from alternative power production facilities only through competitive acquisition. Makes alternative power production facilities eligible for exemptions from PURPA, the Federal Power Act, and State law if they meet certain requirements. Part 2: Hydroelectric Power Regulatory Reform - Amends the Federal Power Act to include as part of the hydroelectric power licensing procedure an applicant's plan concerning studies to be undertaken in connection with the licensing process, and a summary of the applicant's consultation activities with Federal and State agencies and Indian tribes. Sets forth guidelines for additional licensing procedures. Directs FERC to coordinate a single, consolidated licensing review (including review under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969) of a hydropower project license application that is subject to Federal, State, or Indian tribal review. Removes from FERC jurisdiction hydropower projects with installed capacities of five megawatts or less that have not received a license by the date of enactment of this Act. Subtitle G: Alternative Fuel - Part I: Alternative and Dual Fuel Vehicle Credits - Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to eliminate limits on the credit toward complying with the corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards available to manufacturers for the production of light duty alternative fuel vehicles and certain dual fuel vehicles. Part 2: Alternative Transportation Fuels - Sets forth acquisition and credit allocation guidelines for alternative fuel vehicles. Requires persons who own or otherwise control a fleet of motor vehicles of different types and sizes to make a specified percentage of annual vehicle acquisitions alternative fuel vehicles. Prescribes civil and administrative penalties for noncompliance with this Act. Subtitle H: Innovation and Technology Transfer - Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to allow each Federal agency to: (1) secure copyright on behalf of the United States in any computer software prepared in whole or in part by U.S. employees under a cooperative research and development agreement or other authority, notwithstanding provisions of Federal copyright law; and (2) grant in advance to a collaborating party licenses or assignments for the copyrights, or options thereto, retaining specified rights. Adds references to software and its author to provisions governing the distribution of royalties received by Federal agencies. Subtitle I: Tax Incentives - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: extend the time period for the energy investment tax credit is from June 30, 1992 to December 31, 1993; and (2) make permanent the research activities tax credit. Mandates that certain oil and gas revenues be deposited into: (1) the miscellaneous receipts of the Treasury; and (2) a special Treasury fund for immediate availability without fiscal year limitation to the State of Alaska. Title XX: Arctic Coastal Plain Competitive Oil and Gas Leasing Act - Subtitle A: Short Title and Statement of Purpose - Arctic Coastal Plain Competitive Oil and Gas Leasing Act - Declares the purpose of this Act is to authorize competitive oil and gas leasing and development on the Coastal Plain in manner consistent with environmental concerns and the interests of the area's subsistence users. Subtitle B: Definitions - Sets forth definitions used in this Act. Subtitle C: Coastal Plain Competitive Leasing Program - Directs the Secretary of the Interior (the Secretary) to establish and implement a competitive oil and gas leasing program on the Coastal Plain. Declares that this Act is the Secretary's sole legislative authority for authorizing and conducting such a program (whether competitive or noncompetitive). Requires the Secretary to issue regulations encompassing environmental protection of the Coastal Plain. Declares that the Department of the Interior's Legislative Environmental Impact statement is compatible and consistent with the major purposes and policies of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and therefore no further environmental analysis or documentation is required for the issuance of regulations. Prescribes procedural guidelines for land lease sales on the Coastal Plain, and for exploration, development and production plans. Sets forth bonding requirements, and lease suspension and cancellation guidelines. Directs the Secretary to require lessees to unite with each other in collectively adopting and operating under a unit plan of development, including the construction of a common carrier pipeline to transport oil and gas to the exterior boundary of the Coastal Plan. Requires lessees and permittees to provide the Secretary with certain geological and geophysical data obtained from exploration or development activities. Sets forth remedies and penalties for violations of this Act. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Congress about the leasing program. Repeals certain limitations applicable to subsurface interests owned by certain Alaskan corporations. Provides for expedited judicial consideration of any claims for relief by them. Subtitle D: Coastal Plain Environmental Protection - Directs the Secretary to promulgate environmental protection regulations which ensure that Coastal Plain activities will avoid significant adverse effects on fish and wildlife, their habitat, and the environment. Requires site-specific assessment and mitigation. Designates the Sadlerochit Spring Special Area as a special area for wildlife conservation and environmental protection. Authorizes the Secretary to exclude such area from leasing and to designate other Coastal Plain areas as special areas requiring protection. Directs the Secretary to prepare and periodically update a facilities construction and siting plan for oil and gas development and transportation. Authorizes the Secretary to grant rights-of-way and easements across the Coastal Plain in a manner that does not adversely affect fish, wildlife, and the environment. Requires the Secretary to conduct additional studies to monitor the human, marine, and coastal environments. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations providing for bi-annual facility inspections for compliance with environmental and safety regulations. Subtitle E: Land Reclamation and Reclamation Liability Fund - Makes leaseholders fully responsible and liable for land reclamation within the Coastal Plan and other Federal lands adversely affected by lease activities. Requires establishment of the Coastal Plan Liability and Reclamation Fund within six months of a commercial discovery within the Coastal Plain. Subtitle F: Disposition of Oil and Gas Revenues - Prescribes revenue collection and expenditure procedures. Mandates that oil and gas revenues be deposited into the Treasury. Title XXI: Coastal Communities Impact Assistance Act of 1992 - Coastal Communities Impact Assistance Act of 1992 - Establishes the Coastal Communities Impact Assistance Fund to provide impact assistance to eligible coastal States and counties for infrastructure, services, competing uses, and natural resources from revenues derived from proximate Outer Continental Shelf natural gas and oil production activities. Title XXII: Alaska Power Administration Sale Authorization Act - Alaska Power Administration Sale Authorization Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to sell: (1) the Snettisham Hydroelectric Project to the State of Alaska Power Authority; and (2) the Eklutna Hydroelectric Project to the Municipality of Anchorage. Directs the Secretary to deposit sale proceeds into the miscellaneous receipts of the Treasury. Declares that both Projects shall continue to be exempt from Federal Power Act requirements (subject to a certain Memorandum of Agreement). Grants the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska jurisdiction to review and enforce such Memorandum, (including the remedy of specific performance). Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) issue rights-of-way with respect to certain Eklutna lands to the Alaska Power Administration for subsequent reassignment to the Eklutna Purchasers (SIC); and (2) convey to the State of Alaska (with respect to certain Snettisham lands) improved lands under certain statutory selection entitlements. Title XXIII: Access to Justice Act of 1992 - Access to Justice Act of 1992 - Amends the Federal judicial code to provide that, in determining whether a matter in controversy exceeds the sum or value of $50,000 for purposes of Federal diversity of citizenship jurisdiction, the amount of damages for pain and suffering or mental anguish, punitive or exemplary damages, and attorneys' fees or costs shall not be included. Requires that on February 1 of each year the threshold amount for diversity jurisdiction (currently, $50,000) be adjusted to the nearest thousand dollars to reflect change in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, United States City Average, All Items, under its current official reference based as designated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor (CPI-U). Entitles the prevailing party in a diversity action to attorneys fees only to the extent that such party prevails on any position or claim advanced during the litigation. Specifies that the sum of entitled attorneys' fees shall be paid by the nonprevailing party but shall not exceed the attorneys' fees of the nonprevailing party with regard to such position or claim; and that, if the nonprevailing party with receives services under a contingent fee agreement, the sum of the entitled attorneys' fees shall not exceed the reasonable value of such services. Requires counsel of record in any such action to maintain accurate, complete records of hours worked on the matter regardless of the fee arrangement with his client. Authorizes the court to limit fees recovered if it finds special circumstances that make payment of such fees unjust. Makes provisions of this Act (with respect to attorneys' fees in diversity cases) inapplicable to actions removed from State court or to the United States or any State, agency of the United States or any State, or any official, officer, or employee of a Federal or State agency. Amends the Equal Access to Justice Act to bar the award of attorney fees in excess of $75 per hour unless the court determines that an increase in the cost of living, as reflected by the change in the CPI-U (currently, unless the court determines that such an increase, or a special factor, such as the limited availability of qualified attorneys for the proceedings involved) justifies a higher fee. Sets forth provisions with respect to the calculation of the cost of living adjustment in such cases. Amends the Federal judicial code to require a claimant, at least 30 days before filing suit, to transmit written notice to the intended defendant or defendants: (1) of the specific claims involved, including the amount of actual damages and expenses incurred and to be incurred; and (2) at an address reasonably calculated to provide actual notice to each such party. Requires that a certificate of service evidencing compliance with such provision be filed with the court at the commencement of the action. Provides for a 30-day extension of any applicable statute of limitations (SL), in the event that such SL would expire during the period of such notice. Makes the requirements of this provision inapplicable under specified circumstances, such as in bankruptcy proceedings and where the defendant (or the assets that are the subject of the action or would satisfy the judgement) is subject to flight. Specifies that in the event that the district court finds that such requirements have not been fulfilled by the claimant, and such defect is asserted by the defendant within 60 days of service of the summons or complaint upon such defendant, the claim shall be dismissed without prejudice and the costs of such action, including attorneys fees, shall be imposed upon the claimant. Permits the claimant, under such circumstances, to refile such claim within 60 days after dismissal regardless of any statutory limitations period if, during the 60 days after dismissal, notice is effected as provided by this Act, and the original action was timely filed. Authorizes the United States, except as otherwise specifically provided by statute, to enter into an agreement which provides that attorneys fees may be awarded against the United States or any other party to the litigation: (1) where the United States commenced the suit; (2) in civil litigation involving disputes pursuant to the Contract Disputes Act of 1978; or (3) where the United States and another party have agreed to use outcome-determinative mediation, subject to specified requirements. Sets forth further requirements with respect to the award of attorneys' fees, including the handling of such awards received by Federal agencies. Directs: (1) the chief judge of each Federal judicial circuit (other than the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit) to designate one district within the circuit to be a pilot Multi-Door Courthouse (MDC) district; and (2) the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit to designate the U.S. Claims Court to be a pilot MDC. Specifies that such designation, and the program established by this provision, shall terminate at the expiration of a three-year period following such designation, unless renewed by an Act of the Congress. Requires every court which has been designated as a MDC, within six months, to establish an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) plan, including: (1) procedures for limited discovery; (2) confidentiality of proceedings as to possible subsequent pretrial and trial actions; and (3) the selection, use, and payment of nonjudicial personnel who may be selected to conduct ADR procedures. Specifies that such plan shall also establish standards for determining which cases are appropriate for ADR, considering such factors as whether factual issues predominate over legal issues, whether the case involves complex or novel legal issues requiring judicial action, and any other factors the court considers relevant. Requires that each plan: (1) provide that each Federal judge or, in a case assigned to a magistrate judge, magistrate judge in a MDC conduct a conference with counsel within 120 days after a complaint is filed to review nonbinding, voluntary ADR procedures that may be used in lieu of litigation to resolve the claims in controversy; and (2) authorize the parties, if they agree, to utilize nonbinding ADR procedures that may be used in lieu of litigation to resolve the claims in controversy, such as early neutral evaluation, traditional mediation, outcome-determinative mediation, minitrials, summary jury trials, and arbitration. Sets forth additional plan requirements. Authorizes: (1) the district courts, in carrying out their plans, to use the volunteer services of nonjudicial personnel to conduct ADR procedures; and (2) the courts to establish and pay, subject to limits set by the Judicial Conference of the United States, the amount of compensation, if any, that each neutral shall receive for services rendered in each case. Authorizes the Chief Justice of the United States to designate and assign temporarily a district judge of one circuit for service in another circuit, either in a district court or court of appeals, whenever the business of that court so requires (under current law, upon presentation of a certificate of necessity by the chief judge or circuit justice of the circuit wherein the need arises). Includes among the duties of the Director of the Administrative Office of U.S. Courts to secure information as the courts' need for temporary judicial resources to ease overcrowded dockets (including information on delays being encountered in the maintenance of civil suits) and prepare and transmit annually to the Chief Justice, the chief judges of the circuits, the Congress, and the Attorney General, statistical data, reports, and recommendations summarizing the results of this inquiry. Provides that: (1) no State judicial officer shall be held liable for any costs, including attorneys' fees, in any proceeding in vindication of civil rights brought against such officer for an act or omission taken in an official capacity (act); and (2) in any civil action for deprivation of rights brought against a judicial officer for such an act committed in such officer's official capacity, injunctive relief shall not be granted unless a declaratory decree was violated or declaratory relief was unavailable. Amends the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act to provide that, in actions brought by any adult convicted of a crime confined in any jail, prison, or other correctional facility, the court shall (under current law, if the court believes that such a requirement would be appropriate and in the interests of justice) continue such case for a period not to exceed 180 (currently, 90) days in order to require exhaustion of remedies. Requires the Attorney General, upon request of a State or local corrections agency, to provide such agency with technical advice and assistance in establishing plain, speedy, and effective administrative remedies for inmate grievances. Amends the Federal judicial code to authorize the court, with regard, to proceedings in forma pauperis, to dismiss the case if satisfied that the action fails to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. Directs the Board of the Federal Judicial Center to study and determine ways in which case and docket management (including ADR) techniques may be applied to improve the cost-effectiveness of litigation and to eliminate unjustified expense and delay, and include in the annual report of the activities of the Center details of the results of the studies and determinations made pursuant to this provision. Provides that a court en banc shall consist of all circuit judges in regular service (currently, or such number as may be prescribed in accordance with P.L. 95-486 (regarding appointments of district and circuit judges)), with exceptions. Repeals a provision of P.L. 95-486 which authorizes any court of appeals having more than 15 active judges to perform its en banc function by such number of members of its en banc courts as may be prescribed by rule of the court of appeals. Title XXIV: Health Care Liability Reform and Quality of Care Improvement Act - Health Care Liability Reform and Quality of Care Improvement Act of 1992 - Subtitle A: Findings and Purpose - Sets forth: (1) findings regarding this title and (2) the purpose of this title. Subtitle B: Health Care Liability Reforms - Requires, in order to be eligible to participate in the incentive program provided for in this subtitle, that States have in effect the health care liability reforms set forth in this subtitle. Requires, in any health care liability action, the liability of each defendant for non-economic damages to be several and not joint, with each defendant liable only for the proportion of that defendant's fault and a separate judgment against that defendant in that amount. Prohibits awarding non-economic damages over a certain dollar amount in any health care liability action, subject to waiver. Reduces the total damages received by a plaintiff by the amount of any collateral source benefits. Allows: (1) future economic damage awards to be paid periodically based on when the damages are likely to occur or at the time the damages accrue; and (2) in certain circumstances, the court to require the health care provider to purchase an annuity or fund a reversionary trust to make such periodic payments. Prohibits reopening a judgment awarding periodic payments to contest, amend, or modify the schedule or amount in the absence of fraud or any ground permitting relief after entry of a final judgment. Declares it U.S. policy to encourage alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Requires a State to establish at least one ADR mechanism. Requires a State to: (1) cooperate with Federal research efforts regarding patient outcomes, clinical effectiveness, and clinical practice guidelines; (2) collect, analyze, and supply the Secretary of Health and Human Services with information regarding the performance of State medical boards; and (3) impose continuing education requirements on a disciplined physician. Allows alternatives to these requirements regarding medical boards and continuing education if the Secretary finds the alternatives at least as effective in reducing the incidence of negligence as compliance with the requirements. Allows States three years from the adoption of this title to enact, adopt, or otherwise comply with the requirements of this subtitle. Requires withholding two percent of payments to States computed under specified provisions of title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act and one percent of payments to hospitals computed under specified provisions of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act and redistribution of the withheld funds to those States and hospitals which have complied with the provisions of this subtitle. Allows waiver of the requirements of this title for any experimental, pilot, or demonstration project which is likely to assist in promoting the objectives of this title. Subtitle C: Federal Implementation of Health Care Liability Reforms - Amends Federal law to prohibit, in a health care liability action, finding the United States jointly and severally liable for non-economic damages. Allows liability only for those non-economic damages directly attributable to its pro rata share of fault. Reduces damages paid by the United States by the amount of any collateral source benefits. Prohibits awarding non-economic damages, in an action against the United States, over a certain dollar amount. Requires, at the request of the United States when future economic damages are awarded in excess of a specified amount, an order that such damages be paid by periodic payments based on when the damages are likely to occur. Allows the United States, in such cases, to pay the judgment periodically or purchase an annuity or fund a reversionary trust. Prohibits reopening the judgment to contest, amend, or modify the schedule or amount in the absence of fraud or any ground permitting relief after entry of a final judgment. Subtitle D: Construction of Provisions - Provides for construction of this title, severability, and the effective date of this title. Title XXV: Product Liability Fairness Act - Subtitle A - Product Liability Fairness Act - Declares that this title governs any product liability action brought against a manufacturer or product seller, on any theory, for harm caused by a product. States that a civil action brought against a manufacturer or product seller for loss or damage to a product itself or commercial loss shall be governed by applicable commercial or contract law. Supersedes any inconsistent State law regarding recovery in such actions. Lists specific laws not superseded, including: (1) defense of sovereign immunity asserted by any State or by the United States; (2) any Federal law (except the Federal Employees Compensation Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act); (3) the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act of 1976; (4) State choice-of-law rules; (5) the right of any court to transfer venue or to apply the law of a foreign nation or to dismiss a claim of a foreign nation or citizen on the ground of inconvenient forum; and (6) any statutory or common law cause of action, including an action to abate a nuisance, that authorizes a State or person to institute an action for civil damages or civil penalties, clean up costs, injunctions, restitution, cost recovery, punitive damages, or any other form of relief from contamination or pollution of the environment or the threat of it. Declares that U.S. district courts shall not have jurisdiction over any civil action under this title, based on specified provisions of Federal law relating to district court jurisdiction. Declares that, if any provision of this title would shorten the period during which a manufacturer or seller would otherwise be exposed to liability, the claimant may, notwithstanding that period, bring any civil action under this title within one year after the effective date of this title. Subtitle B - Allows any claimant to bring a civil action for damages against a person for harm caused by a product under applicable State law, except to the extent such law is superseded by this title. Sets forth expedited settlement measures, including: (1) an option to include an offer of settlement, for a specific dollar amount, by the plaintiff in the complaint and by the defendant in a responsive pleading; and (2) awarding attorney's fees and costs, in certain circumstances, to the prevailing party if the other party does not accept the settlement offer. Sets forth alternative dispute resolution procedures, including: (1) an option, in lieu of or in addition to a settlement offer, for a claimant or a defendant to offer to proceed under any voluntary alternative dispute resolution procedure established or recognized under the law of the State in which the action is brought or maintained; and (2) awarding of attorney's fees and costs to the offering party if the court determines that a refusal to so proceed was unreasonable or not in good faith. Creates a rebuttable presumption that a refusal to so proceed was unreasonable, or not in good faith, if a verdict is rendered in favor of the offeror. Subtitle C - Allows a person seeking to recover for harm caused by a product to bring a civil action against the manufacturer or seller under applicable State or Federal law, except to the extent such law is superseded by this title. Establishes a standard of product seller liability for proximate causes of harm, established by a preponderance of the evidence, which fall under the categories of negligence or express warranty. Allows the trier of facts, in a negligence action, to consider the conduct of the seller with respect to: (1) the construction, inspection, or condition of the product; and (2) failure to pass on warnings or instructions from the manufacturer. Deems the seller not liable for failure to provide warnings or instructions unless the claimant establishes that the seller failed to: (1) provide warnings or instructions received while the product was in the seller's possession and control; or (2) make reasonable efforts to provide users with warnings and instructions which it received after the product left its possession and control. Deems a seller not liable except for breach of warranty where there was no opportunity to inspect the product in a manner which would or should, in the exercise of reasonable care, have revealed the aspect which allegedly caused the harm. Declares that the seller shall be treated as the manufacturer and be liable for harm caused by a product as if it were the manufacturer if: (1) the manufacturer is not subject to service of process in any State in which the action might have been brought; or (2) the court determines that the claimant would be unable to enforce a judgment against the manufacturer. Allows punitive damages, if otherwise permitted by applicable law, to be awarded in any civil action under this subtitle to any claimant who establishes by clear and convincing evidence that the harm suffered was the result of conduct manifesting a manufacturer's or product seller's conscious, flagrant indifference to the safety of those persons who might be harmed by a product. Declares that a failure to exercise reasonable care in choosing among alternative product designs, formulations, instructions, or warnings is not of itself such conduct. Prohibits awarding punitive damages in the absence of a compensatory award, subject to exception. Prohibits punitive damages against a manufacturer or seller of a drug or medical device where: (1) the drug or device was subject to pre-market approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); or (2) the drug is generally recognized as safe and effective under conditions established by the FDA. Prohibits punitive damages against a manufacturer of an aircraft where: (1) the aircraft was subject to pre-market certification by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); and (2) the manufacturer complied, after delivery, with FAA requirements and obligations with respect to continuing airworthiness. Provides for separate proceedings, if requested by the manufacturer or seller, with regard to punitive damages. Lists factors the trier of fact is allowed to consider in determining the amount of punitive damages. Bars any civil action under this subtitle: (1) unless filed within two years after the claimant discovered or should have discovered the harm and its cause, subject to exception; and (2) if the product involved is a capital good that is alleged to have caused harm which is not a toxic harm unless filed within twenty-five years after delivery of the product, provided the claimant has received or would be eligible for State or Federal workers' compensation. Excludes a motor vehicle, vessel, aircraft, or railroad used primarily to transport passengers for hire from these time limitations. States that nothing in these provisions affects the right of any person who is subject to liability under this title to obtain contribution or indemnity from any other person who is responsible for the harm. Requires reduction in the damages awarded by the sum of all State or Federal workers' compensation benefits to which the employee is or would be entitled. Requires a claimant in a civil action under this subtitle who is or may be eligible to receive State or Federal workers' compensation to notify the claimant's employer of the civil action. Requires an action to be stayed, at the sole discretion of the claimant, until a final determination is made on the amount payable as workers' compensation benefits. Declares that, unless the manufacturer or seller has expressly agreed to indemnify or hold an employer harmless, neither the employer nor the workers' compensation insurance carrier shall have a right of subrogation, contribution, or implied indemnity against the manufacturer or seller or a lien against the claimant's recovery, except if the claimant's harm was not in any way caused by the fault of the claimant's employer or co-employees. Allows the employer or workers' compensation insurer to intervene in the action to prove that fact. Prohibits a third party tortfeasor, where workers' compensation is involved, from maintaining any action for implied indemnity or contribution against the employer, any coemployee, or the exclusive representative of the injured person. Prohibits, for a person who is or would have been entitled to receive workers' compensation, any other action, unless a State or Federal workers' compensation law permits recovery based on a claim of an intentional tort. Makes these provisions inapplicable and declares that applicable State law shall control if the employer or the workers' compensation insurer asserts a right of subrogation, contribution, or implied indemnity against the manufacturer or seller or a lien against the claimant's recovery. Declares that, in any product liability action, the liability of each defendant for noneconomic damages shall be several and not joint. Requires the trier of fact to determine the proportion of responsibility of each party for the claimant's harm. Establishes a complete defense, in any civil action under this title in which all defendants are manufacturers or sellers, that the claimant was under the influence of alcohol or any drug and that, as a result, the claimant was more than 50 percent responsible for the event which resulted in the harm. Defines "drug" to mean any non-over-the-counter drug which has not been prescribed by a physician. Title XXVI: Civil Liberties Act Amendments of 1992 - Civil Liberties Act Amendments of 1992 - Amends the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 to increase the authorization of appropriations to the Civil Liberties Public Education Fund. Includes non-Japanese spouses and parents who were interned with their spouses or children during World War II in the definition of the term "of Japanese ancestry." Modifies requirements regarding payments made in the case of deceased persons. Regulates judicial review of denial of compensation. Alters the maximum termination date for the Fund. Removes provisions requiring any refused payment to remain in the Fund. Removes provisions establishing and generally providing for the Fund's Board of Directors. Title XXVII: Federal Credit and Debt Management Act of 1992 - Federal Credit and Debt Management Act of 1992 - Amends Federal law to provide that for certain collections procedures "a person" includes an individual and a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, non-profit organization, or other form of business association. Requires the head of an executive or legislative agency to take all appropriate and cost-effective actions to collect aggressively all claims of the U.S. Government. Expands agency debt-collection authorities. Prohibits any person from obtaining any Federal financial assistance in the form of a loan (except for a Commodity Credit Corporation price support loan) or loan guarantee if such person has an outstanding debt with an executive agency which is in a delinquent status. Allows the agency head to waive such prohibition. Requires persons doing business with the Federal Government in any loan program, as grant recipients, insurance or license recipients, or contractors to furnish their taxpayer identifying number. Requires agency disclosure on the use of such number to include the intent to use it for purposes of collecting or reporting on delinquent amounts arising out of the persons' relationship with the Federal Government. Sets forth requirements for the head of each Federal agency guaranteeing or insuring loans with respect to program management. Requires the charge of a late fee, in addition to scheduled principal and interest, on claims that are in delinquent status. Requires the assessment, in addition to the late fee, of any amounts necessary to cover the charges levied by another agency or private collector for collecting delinquent claims through Federal salary offset, tax refund offset, private debt collection contractors, or other such explicit fees or charges. Authorizes agencies to retain one-half of collected fees to be used for specified purposes. Sets forth requirements for agency disclosures of information to credit reporting agencies. Removes restrictions on legal fees charged for contracts for collection services in cases of claims of indebtedness owed to the United States. Title XXVIII: Reduce Certain Commodity Credit Corporation Subsidies of Those with Off-Farm Income of $100,000 or More - Prohibits specified Commodity Credit Corporation payments to persons with off-farm adjusted gross income of $100,000 or more. Reduces payments to an entity in proportion to the ownership interest of any such person. Title XXIX: Farm Credit System Financial Assistance Corporation Repayment Act of 1992 - Farm Credit System Financial Assistance Corporation Repayment Act of 1992 - Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to require each Farm Credit System (FCS) bank to make annual payments to the Financial Assistance Corporation (Corporation) in order to maintain specified capital levels. Requires the Corporation (currently each FCS institution) to repay Treasury-paid interest. Title XXX: Recover Costs of Carrying Out Federal Marketing Agreements and Orders - Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1933 to provide for Federal marketing order cost recovery through handler fees. Title XXXI: Eliminate Provisions for Permanent Annual Appropriations to Support Land Grant Universities - Amends Federal law (the "Second Morrill Act") to replace permanent annual appropriation provisions with permanent annual authorization of appropriation provisions with regard to land grant university funding. Title XXXII: Power Marketing Administration Timely Payment Act - Power Marketing Administration Timely Payment Act - Mandates that each power marketing administration provide for timely repayment to the Treasury of principal and interest for power investments. Prescribes repayment guidelines. Title XXXIII: Emerging Telecommunications Technologies Act of 1992 - Emerging Telecommunications Technologies Act of 1992 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce and the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), at least semiannually, to conduct joint spectrum planning meetings with respect to : (1) future spectrum needs; (2) the spectrum allocations necessary to accommodate those needs; and (3) actions necessary to promote the efficient use of the spectrum. Directs the Secretary and the Chairman to report annually to the President on the joint spectrum planning meetings and any resulting recommendations. Directs the Secretary to submit to the President a report identifying bands of frequencies that: (1) are allocated on a primary basis for Federal Government use and eligible for licensing pursuant to the Communications Act of 1934 (the Act); (2) are not required for the present or identifiable future needs of the Government; (3) can feasibly be made available during the next fifteen years for use under the Act for non-Government users; (4) will not result in excessive losses to the Government in relation to benefits that may be obtained through non-Government users; and (5) are likely to have significant value for non-Government users under the Act. Sets forth criteria for identifying, and recommending for reassignment, such frequencies. Requires the Secretary to submit to the President a report which makes a preliminary identification of reallocable bands of frequencies. Directs the Secretary to convene a private sector advisory committee to: (1) revises the bands of frequencies identified in the preliminary report; (2) advise the Secretary with respect to the bands of frequencies which should be included in the final report; (3) receive public comment on the reports; and (4) prepare and submit such report. Directs the advisory committee to submit to the Secretary, the FCC, and specified congressional committees recommendations for the reform of the process of allocating the electromagnetic spectrum between Federal and non-Federal use. Directs the Secretary, as part of the final report, include a time-table for the effective dates by which the President shall, within 15 years, withdraw or limit assignments on frequencies specified in the report. Directs the President, after receiving the final report from the Secretary, to: (1) withdraw or limit the assignment to a Government station of any frequency which such report recommends for reallocation; (2) withdraw or limit the assignment to a Government station of any frequency which such report recommends to be reallocated or made available for mixed use; (3) assign or reassign other frequencies to Government stations as necessary to adjust to such withdrawal or limitation of assignments; and (4) publish in the Federal Register a notice and description of all such actions taken. Authorizes the President to substitute alternative frequencies in the interest of national security, important Governmental needs, public health or safety, or Federal financial considerations. Provides for the reimbursement to non-Government licensees, or non-Government entities operating on behalf of a Government licensee, for the incremental costs directly attributable to the loss of the use of the frequency reassigned or otherwise limited under this Act. Authorizes appropriations to provide such reimbursements. Directs the FCC, at specified intervals, to: (1) complete a public notice and comment proceeding regarding the allocation of the initial spectrum to be reassigned, and to formulate a plan to assign such spectrum pursuant to competitive bidding procedures; and (2) complete a public complete notice and comment proceeding, and prepare and report to the President a plan for the distribution under the Act, of the frequency bands reallocated pursuant to this Act. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to officially authorize the FCC to assign the frequencies reallocated from Government to non-Government use under this Act. Makes certain frequency reassignments available only to the extent provided in appropriations Act. Authorizes the President to reclaim reassigned frequencies for reassignment to Government stations. Sets forth procedures for reclaiming frequencies. Directs the FCC to use competitive bidding procedures during spectrum reallocation pursuant to this Act. Outlines other procedures to be followed by the FCC with regard to permits and licenses relating to such frequency reallocation awards. Outlines specified instances when competitive bidding procedures shall not be required. Title XXXIV: Enterprise for the Americas Act of 1992 - Enterprise for the Americas Initiative Act of 1991 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to contribute a grant to the Enterprise for the Americas Investment Fund to be administered by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Fund to: (1) provide grants to advance market-oriented policy initiatives and reforms to encourage investment in Latin America and the Caribbean; and (2) finance technical assistance for privatizing government-owned industries, enterprise development and business infrastructure, and worker training and education programs. Permits the Secretary to seek contributions to the Fund from other countries. Establishes in the Department of the Treasury the Enterprise for the Americas Facility to support improvement in the lives of the people of Latin America and the Caribbean through market-oriented reforms and economic growth with actions to promote debt reduction, investment reforms, trade liberalization, and community based conservation and sustainable use of the environment. Makes eligible for Facility benefits Latin American or Caribbean countries that: (1) have in effect, received approval for, or are making progress toward, specified International Monetary Fund arrangements and structural or sectoral adjustment loans from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development or the International Development Association; (2) have put in place major investment reforms in conjunction with an IDB loan or are implementing or making progress toward an open investment regime; and (3) have agreed with commercial bank lenders on a financing program for debt or debt service reduction. Authorizes the President to reduce the amount owed to the United States (as a result of concessional loans made pursuant to the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 or predecessor foreign economic assistance legislation) by any country eligible for Facility benefits. Declares that this title may be exercised notwithstanding provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the International Development and Food Assistance Act of 1975 concerning repayments of loans outstanding after September 19, 1966, and the settlement of debts owed to the United States. Sets forth requirements with respect to the exchange of obligations, repayment of principal, and interest on new obligations issued by beneficiary countries. Requires beneficiary countries that enter into Environmental Framework Agreements to establish Enterprise for the Americas Environmental Funds. Authorizes the President to enter into Environmental Framework Agreements concerning the operation and use of Environmental Funds with countries eligible for Facility benefits. Directs administering bodies in each beneficiary country to administer the Environmental Funds and to make grants for environmental activities. Requires grants from the Funds to be used for activities that link the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources with local community development. Subjects grants of more than $100,000 to veto by the U.S. Government or the government of the beneficiary country. Establishes an Environment for the Americas Board to: (1) advise the Secretary on the negotiations of Environmental Framework Agreements; (2) ensure that a suitable administering body is identified for each Environmental Fund; and (3) review the programs, operations, and fiscal audits of administering bodies. Declares that the President should: (1) encourage other official creditors of beneficiary countries whose debt is reduced under this Act to provide debt reduction to such countries; and (2) ensure that Environmental Funds are able to receive donations from private and public entities and private creditors of beneficiary countries. Authorizes the President to: (1) sell to any eligible purchaser any loan of an eligible country made pursuant to the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945; (2) sell to any eligible purchaser any asset acquired by the Commodity Credit Corporation in connection with export sales to an eligible country or specified export credit guarantee programs; and (3) reduce or cancel any loans or assets made or acquired before 1991 upon receipt of payment from an eligible purchaser. Permits loans or assets to be sold only to purchasers who present plans to the President for using such loans or assets to engage in debt-for-equity, debt-for-development, or debt-for-nature swaps. Authorizes loans or assets to be reduced or canceled only for purposes of facilitating such swaps. Directs the President to report annually to the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate on the Facility. Title XXXV: Repeal the Trade Adjustment Assistance Program - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to terminate worker trade adjustment assistance under the Act's trade adjustment assistance program after September 30, 1992. Title XXXVI: VA Medical Care Cost Recovery Amendment of 1992 - Medical Care Cost Recovery Amendment of 1992 - Amends Federal provisions which authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to recover from a third party insurer the cost of care and services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs to a veteran for a non-service-connected disability for which such third party would otherwise have been responsible to provide to eliminate the October 1, 1993, delimiting date by which such care and services must have been received in ordered to be recovered by the Department, in the case of a veteran who also has a service-connected disability and is entitled to care under a health-plan contract. Title XXXVII: Veterans' Home Loan Improvement Act of 1992 - Veterans' Home Loan Improvement Act of 1992 - Revises the loan fee required to be paid by a veteran to the Department of Veterans Affairs in the case of a loan made, guaranteed, or insured by the Department to set such fee at the following percentages of the total amount of the loan: (1) two percent, in the case of loans made for the purchase of manufactured homes and lots; and (2) two and one-half percent, in the case of a veteran who has previously obtained a guaranteed loan, without respect to the loan purpose or the amount of down payment. Waives the two and one-half percent fee in some instances. Waives a specified percentage increase in the amount of such loan fee for loans closed between November 1, 1990, and September 30, 1991. Reduces from 95 to 90 percent of the total purchase price of the property securing the loan the amount which will be guaranteed by the Department in the case of loans made for the purchase of manufactured homes and lots. Makes such guaranteed loan amount also 90 percent of the reasonable value of the dwelling or farm residence in the case of a veteran who has previously obtained a guaranteed loan without respect to the loan purpose or the amount of down payment. Waives the later 90-percent limitation in some instances. Title XXXVIII: Permanent Extension of Certain Veterans-Related Income Verification and Pension Provisions in the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize the Secretary of Veterans to permanently (currently ends September 30, 1992) utilize Internal Revenue Service and Social Security Administration data for income verification purposes. Makes permanent (also currently expires on such date) the authority to obtain such information from the Secretaries of the Treasury or Health and Human Services. Makes permanent (currently expires on September 30, 1992) the $90 maximum monthly pension authorized for a veteran having neither spouse nor child and being furnished domiciliary care by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Title XXXIX: Target Entitlement for Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits to Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities Rated 30 Percent or More; and Adjust Military Pay Reduction for Montgomery GI Bill Participants - Entitles a veteran to a veterans' rehabilitation program if such veteran has a service-connected disability rated at 30 (currently, 20) percent or more and which was incurred in service after September 16, 1940. Provides that certain reductions from basic pay taken to allow for coverage of basic educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill shall include only those individuals who first entered onto active duty before October 1, 1992 (currently, such reduction applies to all service members). Makes identical changes with regard to entitlement for reserve personnel and for certain active-duty personnel enrolling in the basic education assistance program before being involuntarily separated from service. Title XL - Retirement Modification Act of 1992 - Retirement Modification Act of 1992 - Increases Federal employee contributions to the Civil Service Retirement System by one percent on January 1, 1993, and by an additional one percent on January 1, 1994. Repeals provisions under the Civil Service Retirement System, Federal Employees' Retirement System, Foreign Service Act of 1980, and Central Intelligence Agency Retirement Act of 1964 for Certain Employees providing for alternative forms of annuities. Title XLI: Conform the Definition of Compensation Under the Railroad Retirement Tax Act to That Under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to conform the definition of employee compensation under the Railroad Retirement Tax Act and the Railroad Retirement Act to that under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act. Title XLII - Extend the Duration of the Patent and Trademark Office User Fee Surcharge Through 1997 - Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 to extend from 1995 to 1997 the authority of the Patent and Trademark Office to impose user fee surcharges. Sets forth permissible surcharge revisions for FY 1996 and 1997. Title XLIII: Expanding Existing Army Corps of Engineers User Fees for Use of Developed Recreation Sites - Amends the Flood Control Act of 1968 to authorize the Secretary of the Army to charge fees for use of developed recreation sites and facilities, including, but not limited to, campsites, swimming beaches, and boat launching ramps. (Current law prohibits fees for such sites and facilities.) Prohibits the Secretary from charging fees for use or provision of drinking water, wayside exhibits, general purpose roads, overlook sites, toilet facilities, or general visitor information. Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to repeal the requirement that at lakes or reservoirs under jurisdiction of the Corps of Engineers where camping is permitted, at least one primitive campground be provided free of charge. (Thus permitting user fees for all such campsites and facilities. Title XLIV - Extend Authority to Collect Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fees - Amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to extend from 1995 to 1997 the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to collect abandoned mine reclamation fees. Title XLV: FCC User Fees - Federal Communications Commission User Fee Act of 1992 - Directs the Federal Communications Commission, in FY 1993 and thereafter, to collect user fees from users of Commission services to recover the total nonapplication processing operational costs of the Commission. Title XLVI: Limitation on Mandatory Spending - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm Rudman-Hollings Act) to set forth limitations on direct spending. Requires an offsetting sequestration whenever any increase in the annual amount of direct spending exceeds the amount resulting from the increase in beneficiary population, and changes in the consumer price index, plus 2.5 percent per year (1.6 percent after enactment of comprehensive health reform). Requires any amount required to be sequestered to be obtained from direct spending accounts. Requires the use of the special reconciliation process whenever an update report indicates that a sequester would be necessary. Title XLVII: Extension of Budget Enforcement Act and Application to Credit Programs - Amends the Congressional Budget Act to sets forth the maximum deficit amounts for FY 1996 and 1997. Revises the discretionary spending limits for FY 1994 and 1995 and sets forth such amounts in the defense, international, and budget categories. Establishes such amounts for FY 1996 and 1997. Declares that such amounts reflect adjustments through the OMB FY 1993 sequestration preview report in the President's FY 1993 Budget. Sets forth aggregate credit limits for subsidy costs, direct loan obligations, and loan guarantee commitments for FY 1993 through FY 1997. Extends certain pay-as-you-go provisions through FY 1997. Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to extend enforcement authorities until 1997. Title XLVIII: Congressional Budget Reform Act of 1992 - Congressional Budget Reform Act of 1992 - Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to change concurrent budget resolutions into joint budget resolutions. Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Rules of the House of Representatives and the Deficit Control Act of 1985. Title XLIX: Legislative Line Item Veto Act of 1992 - Legislative Line Item Veto Act of 1992 - Amends the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to grant the President line item veto rescission authority. Establishes congressional procedure for consideration of such rescissions.
Bill· HRH.R. 4152 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1992
Amends the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations to make a State eligible for basic and supplemental grants (for the testing of persons who operate commercial motor vehicles) and highway funds regardless of whether or not the State allows such a person to operate a public works vehicle without first taking and passing a written and driving test.
Bill· HRH.R. 4163 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1992
SS United States Preservation Act of 1992 - Declares it to be U.S. policy to provide temporary assistance to efforts by private and governmental entities to convert the SS United States (the vessel) to a maritime museum, requiring all Federal agencies to assist in implementing the policy. Prohibits the foreign sale or documentation of the vessel. Provides for anchorage and maintenance at Federal expense if there is a substantial likelihood that, during the five years after enactment of this Act, the vessel will be purchased and used as a maritime museum.
Bill· SS. 2175 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1992
Coastal Communities Impact Assistance Act of 1992 - Establishes the Coastal Communities Impact Assistance Fund to provide impact assistance (from revenues derived from neighboring Outer Continental Shelf natural gas and oil production activities) to eligible coastal States and counties for: (1) infrastructure; (2) services; (3) competing uses; and (4) natural resources.
Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 245 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1992
Designates February 1 through 7, 1992, as Travel Agent Appreciation Week.
Bill· SS. 2166 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1992
National Energy Security Act of 1991 - Title I: Finding and Purposes - Subtitle A: Findings and Purposes - Sets forth the energy efficiency and development purposes of this Act. Subtitle B: Goals, Least-Cost Energy Strategy, and Director of Climate Protection - Enumerates the goals of this Act, including establishment in 1992 of an international framework convention on global climate change and international commitment to such convention. Requires the first National Energy Policy Plan submitted by the President to the Congress to include a least-cost energy strategy prepared by the Secretary of Energy according to specified guidelines. Directs the Secretary to appoint a Director of Climate Protection, who shall participate annually in the formulation of such strategy. Title II: Definitions - Sets forth definitions used in this Act. Title IV (sic): Fleets and Alternative Fuels - Subtitle A: Alternative Fuel Fleets - Sets forth a schedule according to which Federal agencies, when buying, leasing, or otherwise acquiring vehicles for a Federal fleet, must increase the percentage of alternative fuel vehicles in such fleet from ten percent in 1995 up to 90 percent in 2000 and each year following. Directs the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) to work with the Administrator of General Services and each Federal agency head to plan effective coordination of such acquisitions. Authorizes appropriations. Mandates State acquisition of alternative fuel vehicles according to the same schedule if specified circumstances prevail. Sets forth a different schedule for private and municipal fleets, rising from 30 percent in 1998 to 70 percent in 2000 and after. Provides for exemptions from such requirements in specified circumstances. Requires the Secretary to allocate credits to States or private persons for any vehicles acquired in excess of requirements. Sets forth civil penalties for violations of this subtitle. Authorizes the Secretary to request the Attorney General to bring civil actions to enforce it. Authorizes the Secretary to delegate administration and enforcement of this subtitle within any State to its Governor if a State program exists. Authorizes appropriations to provide financial assistance to States to which the Secretary delegates such authority. Subtitle B: Electric and Electric-Hybrid Vehicle Demonstration, Infrastructure, Development, and Conforming Amendments - Part A: Electric and Electric-Hybrid Vehicle Demonstration - Electric and Electric-Hybrid Vehicle Demonstration Act - Directs the Secretary to conduct a program to demonstrate electric vehicles, electric-hybrid vehicles, and their assorted equipment. Provides for solicitation and selection of proposals to negotiate up to ten cooperative agreements to receive financial assistance to conduct such demonstrations. Provides for discount payments to reimburse proposers for giving discounts to vehicle purchasers or lessees. Requires 50 percent of the costs of a cooperative agreement to be provided from non-Federal sources. Authorizes appropriations. Part B: Electric and Electric-Hybrid Vehicle Infrastructure Development - Electric Vehicle and Electric-Hybrid Infrastructure Development Act - Directs the Secretary to establish a program for the collection and dissemination of information and data which would be useful to persons seeking to manufacture, sell, lease, own or operate electric and electric-hybrid vehicles. Requires the Secretary to issue guidelines for States and local governmental entities to use in developing comprehensive infrastructure plans to support the deployment of such vehicles. Requires the Secretary to offer State Governors the opportunity to request and receive technical and financial assistance in formulating comprehensive State infrastructure plans. Directs the Secretary to undertake cooperative agreements with non-Federal persons, including fleet operators, to provide the infrastructure necessary to support the use of such vehicles. Requires at least 50 percent of costs to be provided from non-Federal sources. Authorizes appropriations. Part C: Amendment to the Alternative Motor Fuels Act - Makes conforming amendments to the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) and the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act. Subtitle C: Alternative Fuels - Replacement and Alternative Fuels Act of 1991 - Directs the Secretary to establish a program to promote the development and use of domestically produced replacement and alternative fuels (including liquefied petroleum gas, natural gas, "neat" alcohol, hydrogen, coal-derived liquid fuels, and electricity) to replace conventional petroleum motor fuels. Requires the Secretary to study and determine the feasibility of domestically producing enough such fuels by the year 2010 to replace at least 30 percent of the projected consumption of motor fuel in the United States for that year. Requires annual demand estimates of the number and geographic distribution of each type of alternative fuel vehicle and the amount of each type of alternative fuel needed. Requires the Secretary to obtain voluntary commitments from providers of domestic replacement and alternative fuels to produce and offer for public sale sufficient amounts of such fuels to meet demand. Requires the Secretary to: (1) notify the Congress if the amount of such fuels in any area of the United States is insufficient to meet demand; and (2) submit a plan of action to require such providers to make adequate supplies available. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle D: Mass Transit and Training - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to enter into cooperative agreements and joint ventures with local or regional transit authorities in urban areas of over 100,000 population to demonstrate the feasibility and safety of using natural gas or other alternative fuels for mass transit. Mandates that as a prerequisite to such a cooperative agreement or joint venture at least 25 percent of the demonstration costs be borne by the local or regional transit authority. Authorizes the Secretary to grant priority to any entity that demonstrates that the use of alternative fuels for mass transit would have a significant effect on the ability of an air quality region to comply with regulations governing ambient air quality. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary of the Department of Labor to implement a technician training and certification program for the vehicle installation of equipment that converts gasoline or diesel-fueled vehicles to run solely on alternative fuels. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Renewable Energy - Subtitle A: CORECT and COEECT - Amends the EPCA to name certain interagency working groups the Committee on Renewable Energy Commerce and Trade (CORECT) and the Committee on Energy Efficiency Commerce and Trade (COEECT). Requires: (1) CORECT to promote the development and application in lesser-developed countries of renewable energy resource products and technologies that promote the use of hybrid fossil-renewable energy systems; (2) COEECT to promote the development and application in such countries of energy efficiency resource products and technologies; and (3) both organizations to provide in-country technical training and financial assistance. Authorizes CORECT and COEECT to establish renewable energy and energy efficiency industry outreach offices in the Pacific Rim and in the Caribbean Basin. Requires the Secretary to report biennially to the Congress on the range of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies available to meet the energy needs of developing countries. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Renewable Energy Initiatives - Amends the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technology Competitiveness Act of 1989 (REEETCA) to direct the Secretary to solicit proposals and provide financial assistance for joint ventures with respect to: (1) oil and diesel fuel displacement using specified renewable energy sources; and (2) training individuals from developing countries in the United States in the operation and maintenance of renewable energy equipment and energy efficiency equipment. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to solicit proposals and provide financial assistance for at least one joint venture for a utility-scale photovoltaic project of at least ten megawatts. Amends REEETCA to direct the Secretary to enter into buy-down agreements with private lenders to pay the Federal share of the interest on loans to certain qualified borrowers to finance the manufacture, construction, or acquisition of equipment that principally utilizes a renewable energy technology. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to report to certain congressional committees an evaluation of opportunities to minimize waste from processes in the U.S. industries. Establishes certain facilities and equipment located at Keahole Point, Hawaii as the Spark M. Matsunaga Renewable Energy and Ocean Technology Center to carry out research, development, and technology transfer activities on solar and renewable energy, energy storage, and related matters. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) a program to reward outstanding achievements in specified renewable energy technologies with awards of up to $5,000,000; and (2) a milestone for technical achievement for the year 2010 for each such technology. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Hydropower - Amends the Federal Power Act to eliminate certain mandatory conditioning powers of Federal land mangers with respect to Government dams. Requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to give hydroelectric license applicants earliest practicable notice of studies that will be required to accompany a license application. Provides for a single consolidated review of project licensing under the National Environmental Protection Act of 1969 (NEPA). Makes FERC the lead agency for NEPA compliance activities associated with hydroelectric licensing. Grants States exclusive authority to license hydropower projects of five megawatts or less, under certain conditions. Requires the Secretary to study and report to certain congressional committees on cost-effective opportunities to increase hydropower production at existing federally-owned or -operated water regulations, storage, and conveyance facilities. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to study and implement water use efficiency measures at Federal reclamation projects in order to increase hydropower production, make more efficient use of project power, and provide more water for fish and wildlife. Removes Federal licensing jurisdiction over: (1) hydroelectric projects on fresh waters in Hawaii; and (2) two specified hydroelectric projects in Alaska. Extends the time for project development for two specified hydropower projects in Arkansas. Title VI: Energy Efficiency - Subtitle A: Industrial, Commercial and Residential - Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act (ECPA) to require the Secretary of Energy to issue a Federal building code to assure that all new Federal buildings and buildings receiving Federal mortgages include energy efficiency measures that are technologically feasible and economically justified. Requires the Secretary to support the upgrading of an industry voluntary building energy code for new residential and commercial buildings. Directs the Secretary to provide incentive funding to States which adopt building energy codes at least as stringent as those of the industry voluntary building codes. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act (NECPA) to direct the Secretary to issue voluntary guidelines for use by States, local organizations and others to develop energy rating systems for residential buildings. Requires the Secretary to provide technical assistance to State and local organizations to encourage adoption of residential energy efficiency rating systems based on such guidelines. Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to provide for notifying homebuyers of the availability of energy efficient mortgages providing financial incentives for the purchase of energy efficient homes at the time of mortgage application. Requires the Secretary to assess the energy performance of manufactured housing and make recommendations to the National Commission on Manufactured Housing about thermal insulation and technically feasible and economically justified energy efficiency improvements applicable to such housing. Requires the Commission to make its own recommendations to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Requires the Secretary of Energy to test the performance and cost-effectiveness of manufactured housing built according to established energy efficiency standards. Directs the Secretary to pursue a research and development program and a joint venture program to improve efficiency in energy-intensive industries and industrial processes. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary to make triennial reports to the Congress evaluating energy efficiency policy options and their potential to decrease overall U.S. energy use and oil consumption per unit of GNP. Directs the Secretary to establish voluntary guidelines for the conduct of energy audits and the installation of insulation to achieve cost-effective increases in energy efficiency in industrial facilities. Authorizes appropriations for a program of education and technical assistance to promote the use of such guidelines. Requires the Secretary to provide financial and technical assistance to support the voluntary development of a national window rating program to establish energy efficiency ratings for windows and window systems. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Information Administration to expand the scope and frequency of data collection under the National Energy Information System in order to improve the ability to evaluate the effectiveness of energy efficiency policies and programs. Directs the Secretary to provide financial and technical assistance to support voluntary development of a national energy efficiency rating program for lamps and luminaires. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to prescribe labeling rules for them. Authorizes appropriations. Adds lamps, commercial air conditioning and heating equipment, and utility distribution transformers to the appliance efficiency program. Requires the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on the practicability and cost-effectiveness of upgrading utility distribution transformers at the time of their routine maintenance. Directs: (1) the Secretary to support the development of a voluntary labeling system for commercial office equipment; or (2) the Federal Trade Commission to develop such a program if one is not developed voluntarily within two years. Authorizes appropriations. Amends EPCA to establish a specified standard for showerheads manufactured after July 1, 1992, unless the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) publishes a different standard before March 1, 1992, in which case the ANSI standard shall apply. Preempts State and local showerhead flow rate standards and labeling requirements. Subtitle B: Federal Energy Management - Amends NECPA to prescribe energy management requirements for energy conservation and efficiency in Federal buildings. Directs the Administrator of the General Services Administration: (1) to conduct an analysis of significant energy consuming products in the Federal Supply Schedule; and (2) to develop a method to identify products which offer cost-effective opportunities to reduce energy consumption and costs. Requires the Administrator of the General Services Administration to consider fuel efficiency and cost savings when evaluating bids for the purchase of passenger vehicles and light trucks. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on: (1) the funding of Federal energy efficiency projects; and (2) a biennially updated demonstration plan for energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies in Federal-owned facilities. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to establish a financial bonus program, not to exceed $5,000 per award, to reward facility energy managers for outstanding energy savings in Federal agencies. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary to submit to the Congress a plan for demonstrating in Federal facilities, or by Federal agencies, energy efficiency technologies that have received Federal assistance for research and development and are now ready for commercialization. Requires the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on the potential of using Federal purchasing power to encourage the development and commercialization of new energy efficiency products. Subtitle C: Utilities - Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to permit State-regulated electric utilities to charge rates that will make their investments in energy efficiency and conservation measures as profitable as their investments in new facilities construction. Requires the Secretary to report to the President and the Congress on: (1) the extent to which State-regulated electric utility rates reflect least-cost planning; (2) specified effects of least-cost planning; and (3) the extent to which ratemaking methodologies implementing least-cost planning take into account the impact of such measures upon electric utilities' rate of return on investment. Prescribes guidelines for conservation grants to State regulatory authorities. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Southwestern Power Administration (SWPA) and the Southeastern Power Administration (SEPA) (known collectively as PMAs) to consider, as a condition of any future power contract with a nonregulated utility customer, to require such a customer to implement integrated resource planning. Requires the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to employ integrated resource planning in exercising its functions. Subtitle E (sic): State, Local Insular, and Tribal Energy Assistance - Sets forth guidelines for Federal financial assistance to Insular area governments for renewable energy and energy and energy efficiency measures to reduce their dependence on imported fuels. Amends EPCA to authorize the Secretary to provide up to $1,000,000 to States to capitalize a State revolving fund to undertake energy efficiency projects in State and local government buildings in those States which have demonstrated a commitment to improve building energy codes. Amends ECPA to authorize the Secretary to provide supplemental grants to Weatherization Program grant recipients to cover: (1) the costs of arranging private sector contributions to the program; and (2) the costs of evaluating performance measures, producing and exchanging information, and conducting training programs (technical transfer grants). Authorizes appropriations. Amends EPCA to authorize existing State Energy Conservation Programs to use Federal funds to assist in training building designers and contractors in energy system, energy efficiency, and renewable energy technologies. Authorizes the Secretary to make competitive supplemental grants under the existing State Energy Conservation Programs to increase public understanding of energy issues or to provide teacher training in energy education. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to grant financial assistance to tribal governments to plan and implement energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Amends EPCA to require State Energy Conservation Plans to provide for vehicles to turn left from a one-way street into a one-way street at a red light as a condition for receipt of Federal funding. Subtitle F: LIHEAP Options Pilot Program - Energy Options Study Act of 1991 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to study and report to the Congress on the advantages and disadvantages of using futures and options contracts for fuel as a means of protecting funds under the Low-Income Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (LIHEAP funds) from large price increases in fuels. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct: (1) a pilot program in cooperation with one or more governmental or tribal fund recipients in which the recipient uses futures and futures options in its fuel assistance program; and (2) a pilot program to educate governmental entities and consumer cooperatives on the prudent and effective use of such futures and futures options to increase their protection against unexpected fuel price surges. Authorizes appropriations. Title VIII (sic): Advanced Nuclear Reactor Commercialization - Civilian Advanced Nuclear Reactor Commercialization Act of 1991 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to implement a comprehensive advanced nuclear reactor research, development, and demonstration program that will lead to commercialization of advanced reactor technologies after 1996. Requires the Secretary of Energy to submit to the Congress a detailed five-year plan to carry out such program. Directs the Secretary to conduct a program of technical and financial assistance to encourage the development and submission for certification of advanced light water reactor designs which can be certified by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) by the end of 1995. Provides for cooperative and cost-sharing agreements with private parties which seek such certification. Requires annual progress reports to the Congress from the Secretary and the NRC. Requires the Secretary to solicit proposals to carry out the preliminary engineering design of one or more prototype advanced nuclear reactor technologies (other than an advanced light water reactor) necessary to support a decision on whether to recommend construction of a full-scale prototype demonstration using such a technology. Requires the Secretary to make a recommendation by January 31, 1996, on whether to build such a prototype demonstration reactor. Authorizes the Secretary to solicit proposals to implement such recommendation 180 days following its submission to the Congress. Title IX: Nuclear Reactor Licensing - Nuclear Reactor Licensing Act of 1991 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to require the NRC to hold a hearing before granting a combined license to construct and operate a nuclear reactor. Requires a combined license to set forth all the inspections, tests, analyses, and acceptance criteria necessary to establish that the plant, once built, is safe to operate. Requires the NRC to ensure that all such requirements are satisfied. Provides for post-construction hearings on combined licenses to determine whether requirements have been met. Authorizes the NRC to allow a plant to operate under a combined licensed pending a post-construction hearing unless it appears unsafe to do so. Requires post-construction hearings to be informal unless the NRC determines formal proceedings are necessary to resolve factual disputes. Authorizes the NRC to amend a combined license and permit a plant to operate pending a hearing on the amended license if the amendment does not raise significant safety issues. Title X: Uranium - Subtitle A: Uranium Enrichment - Uranium Enrichment Act of 1991 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to repeal the existing statutory contracting requirements applicable to uranium enrichment enterprises. Establishes the United States Enrichment Corporation as a wholly-owned Government corporation to conduct uranium marketing and enrichment activities as a commercial, profitable, self-financing enterprise. Sets forth the Corporation's corporate office and powers and vests its management in an Administrator (appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate). Grants the Secretary of Energy general supervision over such Administrator only with respect to national security and health and environmental concerns. Establishes a Corporate Board whose members shall be appointed by the President, and who shall advise the Administrator and the Secretary regarding Corporation matters. Prescribes guidelines for: (1) Corporation personnel; (2) certain property transfers from the Department of Energy; (3) the Corporation's capital structure; and (4) Corporation pricing policies, including user charges for decommissioning, decontamination, and remedial activities. Requires the Corporation to make annual status reports to certain congressional committees, the President, and the Secretary. Prescribes licensing and taxation guidelines for the Corporation. Sets guidelines for payments in lieu of taxes by the Corporation to States and local governments. Requires the Administrator to make recommendations to the President and the Congress by specified dates regarding the transfer of the Corporation's functions and assets to private ownership. Establishes the Uranium Enrichment Decontamination and Decommissioning Fund to cover the Corporation's decommission and decontamination expenses. Applies Federal environmental and occupational safety and health law to the Corporation as though it were privately owned. Exempts the Corporation from sequestration because the maximum deficit amount has been exceeded under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). Prohibits the Corporation's total FY 1991 expenditures from exceeding its total FY 1991 receipts. Subtitle B: Uranium - Part 1: Short Title, Findings and Purpose, Definitions - Uranium Security and Tailings Reclamation Act of 1991 - Sets forth findings, purposes, and definitions of this title. Part 2: Uranium Revitalization - Directs the Corporation to establish for a minimum five-year period a voluntary overfeeding program to be made available to its enrichment services customers. ("Overfeeding" means the use of uranium in the enrichment process in excess of the amount required at the transactional tails assay, thus reducing customers' power costs). Provides that the resultant savings shall be credited to such customers. Establishes the National Strategic Uranium Reserve, consisting of 50,000,000 pounds of natural uranium, to be restricted to military purposes and Government research under the control of the Secretary. Confers continuing responsibility upon the Secretary for promotion of the domestic uranium industry, but without using any supervisory authority over the Corporation. Directs the Secretary to develop recommendations and implement Government programs promoting domestic uranium exports. Restricts all uranium purchases by Federal entities to uranium purchased from domestic producers. Exempts the Tennessee Valley Authority from such restriction. Part 3: Remedial Action for Active Processing Sites - Provides that remedial action costs such as decontamination, decommissioning, and reclamation at an active uranium or thorium processing site shall be borne by specified licensees for any activity resulting in byproduct material. Sets forth a reimbursement schedule for: (1) individual active site uranium licenses; (2) all active site uranium licensees; and (3) thorium licensees. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations governing such reimbursement. Authorizes appropriations. Part 4: Import of Uranium, Enriched Uranium, and Uranium Enrichment Services - Directs the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) to investigate and report to the President and the Congress on whether non-market economy countries are exporting uranium, enriched uranium, or offering uranium enrichment services at prices below the cost of production or provision. Requires the President, if the investigation results are positive, to report to the Congress on what actions the Federal Government is taking to discourage or end such pricing practices. Requires the owner or operator of any civilian nuclear power reactor to report annually to the Secretary on the country of origin and the seller of any uranium, enriched uranium, or enrichment services such owner or operator has imported or purchased during the previous fiscal year. Requires such information to be made available to specified congressional committees. Directs the Secretary to encourage States and utility regulatory authorities to consider the objectives of this part, including the national need to avoid dependence on imports, when considering whether to allow electric power plant owners or operators to recover in customer rates and charges any cost of domestic uranium, enriched uranium, or enrichment services from a non-affiliated seller greater than the cost of such items from non-domestic sources. Authorizes the Secretary or the United States Enrichment Corporation to buy enriched uranium from other sources of enriched uranium at prices below, respectively, Department of Energy or Corporation production costs if such purchases are necessary to reduce production costs and maintain competitive prices. Title XI: Natural Gas - Amends the Natural Gas Act to authorize an optional certificate (OC) of public convenience and necessity procedure for the construction and operation of interstate natural gas pipelines. Directs FERC to issue OCs without a hearing if applicants are willing to accept terms and conditions attached to the certificate, including a prohibition on the recovery of OC facility costs in the rates for other facilities or services. Replaces the ordinary rate review procedure with a special complaint procedure in such instances. Requires FERC to conduct a hearing on the record about a proposed OC construction if such construction would result in the displacement of sales or transportation service provided by a local distribution company (LDC). Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to authorize FERC to permit: (1) any interstate pipeline to transport natural gas; and (2) the construction of natural gas transportation facilities for interstate commerce. Outlines administrative procedures for FERC compliance with the requirements of the NEPA with respect to natural gas transportation. Requires FERC to conduct a hearing on the record about a proposed OC construction if such construction would result in the displacement of sales or transportation service provided by a local distribution company (LDC). Declares that FERC issuance of a construction certificate is the only Federal action that may be considered a major Federal action requiring a detailed environmental impact statement (EIS). Requires FERC to permit contractors or consultants selected from a FERC-approved list, and paid by the certificate applicant to prepare such required EISs and related documents. Sets forth administrative procedures for rates and charges, utilization of rulemaking procedures, and review of FERC orders. Declares that the formation or operation of an independent producer cooperative shall only be an illegal antitrust law violation if anticompetitive effects substantially outweigh the procompetitive effects. Declares that certain activities related to the sale and distribution of vehicular natural gas (VNG) shall not bring currently exempt entities under the the jurisdiction of the Natural Gas Act. Provides that persons not otherwise public utilities may sell or transport VNG without becoming subject to the jurisdiction of State laws in effect before January 1, 1989. States that VNG activities alone shall not subject a company to regulation under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 (PUHCA) or change the status of companies already registered as gas utility companies. Provides for streamlining of the certificate issuance procedure, especially with respect to repair and replacement facilities, unopposed applications, evidence of need and of certificate applications. Authorizes FERC to order an interstate pipeline to interconnect with a production or gathering facility, or an intrastate or OC pipeline in the production area. Authorizes FERC, after a hearing, to exempt the natural gas cost component of a pipeline's rates from regulation after finding that the pipeline provided comparable transportation service and served a competitive market. Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to provide that general policy discussions by all members of FERC do not constitute a meeting for Sunshine Act purposes. Title XII: Outer Continental Shelf - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to add a new title: the "Coastal State and Community Outer Continental Shelf Impact Assistance Act". Establishes the Coastal State and Community Outer Continental Shelf Impact Assistance Fund, to be funded by a specified percentage of all new revenue attributable to an Outer Continental Shelf lease any part of which is within 200 geographical miles of the coast line. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to transmit impact assistance from such Fund annually to coastal States according to prescribed guidelines. Requires a recipient coastal State to prioritize allocation of such revenue among its subdivisions which are socially or economically impacted by Outer Continental Shelf mineral development. Directs the Secretary to report to certain congressional committees on the availability of Outer Continental Shelf areas for oil and gas leasing, development and production. Title XIII: Research, Development, Demonstration and Commercialization Activities - Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish priorities according to prescribed criteria for energy research and development and commercialization; and (2) submit to the Congress an accompanying management plan which shall be revised biennially. Requires the Secretary to implement a program: (1) promoting the development and commercialization of new and advanced natural gas utilization technologies; (2) of research and development to increase the recoverable natural gas resource base; (3) of research, development, and commercialization of specified high efficiency heat engines; (4) of research and development of oil shale; (5) of research on extracting oil from western oil shales (including, if appropriate, establishment of at least one field testing center); and (6) of research, development, and demonstration of a high-temperature superconducting electric power system. Authorizes appropriations. Amends REEETCA to repeal the authorization limitations for: (1) renewable energy research and development programs; and (2) energy efficiency research and development programs. Directs the Secretary to expand or institute programs of research, development, and demonstration for: (1) natural gas and electric heating and cooling technologies for residential and commercial buildings; (2) fusion energy that leads to electricity production after the year 2010; (3) techniques related to improving electric vehicles, electric-hybrid vehicles, and battery technology; and (4) increased economic recoverability of domestic oil resources including both advanced secondary oil recovery and tertiary oil recovery. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on: (1) the development potential of domestic tar sands sources; (2) the potential costs and benefits of telecommuting; (3) the potential for minimizing the volume and toxic lifetime of nuclear waste; and (4) the adequacy of current programs and plans of nuclear waste management. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to enter into agreements with qualified entities to provide post-secondary science and mathematics education programs for low-income and first generation college students. Authorizes appropriations. Title XIV: Coal, Coal Technology, and Electricity - Subtitle A: Coal and Coal Technology - Requires the Secretary to conduct: (1) an advanced coal-based technology research and development program aimed at controlling sulfur and nitrogen oxides at greater proficiency levels (and report periodically to the Congress on the program's status); (2) a research and development program on technologies for non-fuel use of coal (after first submitting a plan to the Congress); (3) a research, development, demonstration, and commercialization program for coal refining technologies; (4) a research, development, and demonstration program for underground coal gasification technology for in-situ conversion of coal to a cleaner burning, easily transportable gaseous fuel; (5) a low-rank coal research and development program; (6) a proof-of-concept program in magnetohydrodynamics; and (7) a research, development, and demonstration program for using ultra-clean coal-water slurry in diesel locomotive engines. Requires the Secretary to submit to certain congressional committees a plan for the export of U.S. coal. Establishes the Clean Coal Technology Export Coordinating Council (Council) to: (1) expand the export and use of clean coal technologies (especially in lesser developed countries); and (2) develop a comprehensive data base and information dissemination system regarding their potential need and availability. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary to report to certain congressional committees regarding the status of technologies for combining coal with other materials, such as oil and water fuel mixtures. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a national clearing-house for the exchange and dissemination of technical information on technology relating to coal and coal-derived fuels; and (2) study and report to the Congress on the institutional, legal, and regulatory barriers to increased use of coal combustion byproducts by potential governmental and commercial users. Authorizes appropriations for the clearinghouse. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a data-base containing all transportation rates for specified modes of transporting domestic coal for a certain period; (2) study the rates and distribution patterns of domestic coal to determine the impact of Federal policies upon such patterns; and (3) report the data-base and study results to the Congress. Subtitle B: Electricity - Requires the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on physical impediments to the transfer of excess electrical energy from regions with surplus electrical energy to regions experiencing shortages. Declares that State regulatory authorities are not required to base calculations of avoided cost under the Public Utility Policies Act (PURPA), on the rates for, or the costs of, demonstration projects under the Federal clean coal technology program. Directs FERC to complete a rulemaking to establish a demonstration program for regulatory incentives to promote the development of clean coal technologies and other innovative control technologies that limit power plant emissions. Requires FERC to establish a process for negotiating with potential developers of such technology projects to agree upon cost caps for future projects and preapproval of the prudence of expenses for those projects if the expenses fall within the agreed-upon cap. Encourages States to provide additional incentives for the implementation of clean coal technologies, and requires FERC to give priority in incentive rate treatment to units located in States with incentive programs. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on progress in encouraging State regulatory authorities to provide such incentives. Title XV: Public Utility Holding Company Act Reform - Defines an "exempt wholesale generator" (EWG) as a corporate entity: (1) engaged exclusively in the business of owning or operating all or part of one or more eligible facilities and selling electric energy at wholesale; and (2) exempt from corporate organizational restrictions under PUHCA. Permits registered utility holding companies, exempt utility holding companies, non-utilities, and other companies not currently subject to PUHCA to own EWGs without limitation. Declares that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) shall continue to have jurisdiction over: (1) the issuance of securities by a registered utility holding company in order to finance the acquisition of an EWG; (2) the guarantee of securities of an EWG by such a holding company; and (3) service, sales and construction contracts between an EWG and such a holding company, including the creation or maintenance of any other relationship (except ownership). Prohibits FERC from approving a rate or charge for the sale of electricity by EWGs: (1) where a State commission would use the purchase of such electricity as the basis for not permitting recovery of existing capital investment by the purchasing utility (stranded investment); or (2) where the wholesale purchaser is merely a broker interposed for purposes of making an indirect sale to an industrial or other retail customer (sham wholesale transaction, also known as "cherry picking"). Declares that any rate or charge for the wholesale sale of electricity in interstate commerce by an EWG shall not be considered just and reasonable if it allows the EWG to receive undue advantage resulting from the fact that the purchaser is an affiliate or associate company of the EWG. Amends the Federal Power Act to grant State commissions in accordance with State law the authority to review the prudence of wholesale electricity purchases by utilities under their jurisdiction, except in certain instances involving allocation of power costs within registered utility holding company systems. Extends such authority even within such systems in instances involving purchase of power from EWGs. Amends PURPA to require State commissions to analyze the effects on reliability and utility purchasers of the use of leveraged capital structures by wholesale sellers of power (including ERGs) and the adequacy of fuel supplies employed by such sellers. Requires State commissions to consider reflecting the results of such analysis in approving or disapproving wholesale electricity purchases. Requires EWGs to make their books and records available to State commissions. Title XVI: Strategic Petroleum Reserve - Amends EPCA to add the Strategic Petroleum Reserve Enhancement Act of 1991. Directs the President to enlarge the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to 1,000,000,000 barrels as rapidly as possible. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to create a 10,000,000 barrel Defense Petroleum Inventory (DPI). Authorizes the President, acting through the Secretary, to: (1) acquire petroleum products for storage in the SPR or the DPI from foreign governments without competitive procurement; and (2) contract, without regard to certain provisions of EPCA and other Federal law, for storage in the SPR or the DPI of petroleum products owned by foreign governments.
Bill· HRH.R. 4136 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1992
American Rail Industry Competitiveness Act of 1992 - Sets forth congressional findings and purposes with respect to revitalization of the American rail car industry. Directs the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to establish, through the making of grants and loans, a program of financial assistance to private and public entities to promote research and development (R and D) in the domestic rail car industry, to facilitate growth in the engineering and design capabilities of domestic rail car companies, and in general to promote the competitiveness of the American rail car industry. Sets forth specified requirements with respect to such grants and loans. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to require the Secretary, through the establishment of a new Cooperative Research Center or utilization of an existing Center, to promote the development of U.S. rail car technology. Amends the Federal Transit Act to require the Secretary to designate one university transportation center with responsibility for R and D relating to rail car technology. Requires the Secretary to provide additional grants to such center to conduct R and D, training, and technology transfers with respect to such technology in order to promote the growth and development of the American rail car industry. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the corporate capital gains tax for rail industry stock held for more than three years by a domestic rail car company. Establishes alternative rates for capital gains on rail industry stock held by noncorporate taxpayers. Allows, until January 1, 1998, domestic rail car companies a special tax credit for R and D activities. Allows a rail industry start-up credit of ten percent of qualified rail start-up expenditures incurred until December 31, 1998. Provides for the treatment of the rail tax incentives in computing the alternative minimum tax. Classifies rail car property as five-year property for purposes of determining depreciation under the accelerated cost recovery system. Amends the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act to require the Secretary, with respect to the award of grants to States for business-labor-education partnership training programs, to give priority to projects that are specifically targeted to the training of skilled workers and technicians in high technology aspects of the domestic rail car industry. Requires the Secretary to select one State for the establishment of a pilot vocational educational program designed to promote high technology training (including the retraining of individuals employed or previously employed in industries with declining labor demand) in the rail car supply industry. Directs the Secretary of Education to report to the Congress on progress made to promote vocational education and training in the American rail car industry. Amends the Federal Transit Act to direct the Secretary to require each mass transportation assistance grantee that operates a rail transit system to submit, by October 1 of each year, a ten-year and 20-year schedule setting forth anticipated rail car acquisitions (by timing and volume) during the upcoming ten- and 20- year periods. Requires the Secretary to develop, and annually update, ten- and 20-year projections of such acquisitions. Requires the Secretary to submit to the Congress a plan under which the Federal Transit Administration will: (1) develop more precise rail car procurement forecasting; and (2) manage the timing of the award of Federal grants to assure a stable national rail car replacement plan and provide regular and reliable cycles of rail car procurement. Requires the Secretary to establish a Federal Clearinghouse to serve as a source of the data on the domestic rail car industry.
Bill· HRH.R. 4141 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1992
Economic Revitalization and Federal Excess and Surplus Property Utilization Improvement Act of 1992 - Title I: Findings and Purposes - Sets forth the purposes of this Act involving the utilization of excess and surplus Government heavy equipment and construction materials infrastructure and development. Title II: Definitions - Sets forth the definitions of terms used in this Act. Title III: Disposal of Defense Articles - Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to require the Secretary of Defense to: (1) evaluate inventories of heavy equipment and construction materials and ensure that those items which are not needed for an identifiable military mission will be classified as excess and disposed of; (2) declare as excess those inventory items which cost over a certain amount to store, maintain, and repair; (3) develop a cost-effective plan for returning excess items to the United States for disposal; (4) report to specified congressional committees on the status of, and disposal plans for, such inventory items; and (5) annually review and evaluate the utilization by recipients of excess nonlethal supplies and excess defense articles pursuant to programs administered by the Department of Defense in order to ensure that such items are being utilized accordingly. Requires the heads of Federal agencies overseeing Federal laboratories to evaluate their inventories of scientific equipment. Requires all such equipment not needed for current or anticipated Federal purposes to be disposed of. Requires appropriate reports to specified congressional committees. Directs the Administrator (Administrator) of the General Services Administration (GSA) to make available excess heavy equipment and construction materials to a Federal agency based on the agency's ability to use such items for official business. Prohibits Federal agencies receiving excess heavy equipment and construction materials from transferring such equipment to other Federal or non-Federal agencies or organizations. Requires excess heavy equipment and construction materials received by a Federal agency to be returned to GSA if the Administrator determines that the equipment is not being efficiently used or if the official business of the agency for which the equipment is being used has been completed. Excludes heavy equipment and construction materials from the definition of "nonlethal excess supplies" used under armed forces provisions, and from the definition of various terms used for excess property in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Title IV: Distribution Of Excess And Surplus Heavy Equipment And Construction Materials - Gives the Administrator authority over the disposal of all excess and surplus heavy equipment and construction materials. Requires such disposal to be done pursuant to this Act. Requires the Administrator to make all excess and surplus heavy equipment and construction materials available to the States after such items have been disposed of to Federal agencies. Requires the Administrator, after providing actual notice to the States of the availability of excess heavy equipment and construction materials, to deliver such items requested by the States on a fair and equitable basis according to public need and efficiency of utilization. Requires the Administrator to make the equipment and materials available without cost, except that if transportation is requested by the State, the Administrator may assess fees for transportation costs. States that for no less than 12 months after original delivery, the Administrator shall retain all right, title, and interest in heavy equipment and construction materials which have an acquisition cost greater than $10,000. Provides that if a State can show that the equipment or materials were well maintained and were efficiently used in the furtherance of public purposes and that the equipment can reasonably be expected to be maintained and used in the furtherance of public purposes, the Administrator shall transfer to the State all right, title, and interest in the equipment or materials. Requires States, within 12 months after regulations to implement this paragraph have been issued, to establish a program under which equipment and construction materials are allocated to eligible users in order to continue to be eligible to receive excess heavy equipment and construction materials. Allows such a program to be operated by the State or by State-Certified Equipment Centers. Requires the Administrator to offer grants for the establishment of such Centers. Sets forth provisions providing for disposals under specified conditions of urgency, such as when the President certifies that a foreign nation has dire need for particular pieces of heavy equipment and construction materials. States that Indian tribes and historically black colleges shall have equal standing with the States in acquiring excess heavy equipment and construction materials. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to authorize the use of community development block grant funds to establish such Centers and to establish State infrastructure and economic development plans. Authorizes appropriations for GSA grants to establish such Centers. Title V: State And Community Infrastructure And Economic Development - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to require the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (Secretary) to establish a computerized database and standardized forms which States shall use to develop infrastructure and economic development plans utilizing priority lists of anticipated needs submitted to the States by counties and other units of local government, and which also utilize State-Certified Equipment Centers and advanced planning techniques. Requires the Secretary to make grants to States that want to establish such a plan, with priority to States with high long-term unemployment rates and pressing infrastructure needs. Requires the Secretary to establish a national infrastructure and economic development strategy to help States implement their plans to encourage cooperation among the States, and to coordinate Federal infrastructure and economic development programs and resources. Requires the Secretary to update such strategy every two years and to transmit a document containing such strategy to specified congressional committees. Authorizes appropriations for grants to States that want to establish such a plan. Title VI: Effective Date And Applicability - Specifies the effective dates of this Act and requirements for the promulgation of regulations.
Bill· HRH.R. 4128 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1992
Coastal Communities Impact Assistance Act of 1992 - Establishes the Coastal Communities Impact Assistance Fund to provide impact assistance (from revenues derived from neighboring Outer Continental Shelf natural gas and oil production activities) to eligible coastal States and counties for: (1) infrastructure; (2) services; (3) competing uses; and (4) natural resources.
Bill· HRH.R. 4122 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1992
Infrastructure Improvement and Job Opportunity Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary) to make grants to assist local job projects that: (1) may include renovation or rehabilitation of public buildings or facilities with commercial, industrial, public, service, housing, historic, or other value; and (2) provide employment to eligible participants. Requires eligible areas that desire such funds to establish District Executive Councils (DECs) to receive such grants. Allows the private industry council in any eligible area that is substantially the same as a service delivery area under the Job Training Partnership Act to petition the Governor to be designated a DEC if it meets specified requirements. Requires DECs to select projects to be assisted under the Secretary's criteria and to submit project plans and annual reports on their activities. Limits use of grant funds for administrative expenses to ten percent. Requires an eligible area to: (1) be a county or comparable general local government unit; and (2) have no more than 300,000 population, unless granted a waiver by the Secretary. Makes eligible for job project participation individuals who: (1) have a high school diploma or equivalent or are at least 18 years of age; (2) have resided in the eligible area for at least 30 days; (3) have been unemployed for 35 days prior to determination of employment for an assisted job project; (4) are U.S. citizens or nationals, lawfully admitted permanent resident aliens, refugees and parolees, or persons otherwise authorized by the Attorney General to work in the United States; (5) had an earned income in the year preceding the determination, and a family income in the year in which the determination is made, respectively, of less than $17,000; (6) work for not more than 16 hours per week in any compensated job other than the assisted project job; (7) demonstrate to the project manager that they sought private sector employment during the 35 days prior to their application for and will continue to do so during their period of assisted employment; and (8) are not eligible for retirement benefits. Limits a household to no more than two eligible participants. Requires testing for basic reading and writing competence prior to a job project employment. Requires that counseling and instruction be furnished to participants who fail to pass such basic competency test. Requires participants who have not received a high school diploma or equivalent to maintain satisfactory progress toward receiving one in order to continue employment. Allows participants with limited English-speaking ability to be furnished with instruction the DEC considers appropriate. Sets forth requirements for job projects. Prohibits selection of a project if an objection is filed by two DEC members appointed by the State Governor or Mayor, of the largest municipality or two appointed by the chief executives of local governments in the eligible area. Prohibits selection of DEC managers, officers, or employees or project participants on the basis of political affiliation (and limits the number of specified types of DEC members who may be from the same political party). Sets limits on job project: (1) expenses for transportation and equipment (ten percent); (2) number of supervisors (one-to-ten ratio); (3) individual workweek (32 hours); and (4) project duration (18 months). Requires project managers to submit monthly progress reports to the DEC. Requires participants to receive wages equal to the higher of: (1) the minimum wage under specified provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938; (2) the minimum wage established under the applicable State or local minimum wage law; or (3) the amount the participant receives in assistance under the State plan approved under Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) or in unemployment compensation, plus ten percent of that amount. Requires that participants be furnished benefits and employment conditions comparable to those of employees in similar occupations employed by a comparable employer, but prohibits any participant from being eligible for unemployment compensation during or on the basis of project employment. Requires participants to be eligible for supportive services necessary for participation. Requires DECs to establish for the eligible area, job clubs to assist participants to prepare resumes, develop interviewing techniques, and evaluate individual job search activities. Sets forth labor standards for job projects, including appropriate conditions of employment and training and health and safety. Prohibits the use of funds for contributions on behalf of any participant to retirement systems or plans. Sets forth displacement rules. Prohibits: (1) any displacing of current employees; (2) impairing of existing contracts or collective bargaining agreements; (3) filling of openings created by related layoffs or terminations; or (4) infringing on promotional opportunities of current employees. Requires that labor organizations representing a substantial number of employees engaged in similar work or training in the same area as that proposed to be funded be given an opportunity to comment on the project proposal at least 30 days before the project is approved. Applies Davis-Bacon Act wage rules to all laborers and mechanics employed by contractors and subcontractors for federally assisted construction and repair work, except with respect to eligible participants in projects assisted under this Act. Sets forth nondiscrimination provisions. Requires DECs to establish and maintain evaluation files for each individual employed on a project assisted under this Act, to be made available to the participant monthly but to no other person without the participant's consent. Provides for allotments to States and substate allocations to DECs for eligible areas. Authorizes the Secretary to waive the following program requirements: (1) testing, for individuals with handicaps; (2) participant maintenance of satisfactory progress toward a high school diploma or equivalent; and (3) the 32-hour per week individual maximum for project employment (for unusual circumstances, subject to a two-thirds vote of each DEC). Requires the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on administration of this Act, with program summaries and recommendations. Provides for auditing by the General Accounting Office. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 4119 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1992
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to carry out a highway construction project to replace or repair the Fuller Warren Bridge in Jacksonville, Florida. Authorizes appropriations. Provides that the Federal share of the cost of the project shall be 80 percent.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 392 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1992
Designates February 1 through 7, 1992, as Travel Agent Appreciation Week.
Bill· SS. 2154 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1992
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to carry out a highway project to construct a bridge to replace the Fuller Warren Bridge in Jacksonville, Florida. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· SS. 2156 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1992
Amends the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 to increase for FY 1992 through 1994 and decrease for FY 1995 through 1997 the total Federal obligations for Federal-aid highways and highway safety construction programs.
Bill· SS. 2145 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1992
Title I: Short Title, Findings, and Definitions - Trade Enhancement Act of 1992 - Sets forth congressional findings and purposes with respect to access to Japanese markets by U.S. manufacturers of motor vehicles and motor vehicle parts. Title II: Merchandise Trade Deficit Reduction - Sets forth annual merchandise trade deficit reduction targets with respect to Japan's trade deficit with the United States. Requires the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) to compute annually whether the target has been met for each year, and if it has not, to publish in the Federal Register the import and production restriction implementation period for such year. Authorizes the Secretary to impose temporary quantitative import restrictions on Japanese or Japanese-related motor vehicles (foreign motor vehicles) entered during the first three months of the calendar year following the year for which such computation is made. Requires the Secretary to submit a report to the Congress. Expresses the sense of the Congress that representatives of the United States and Japan should continue discussions regarding measures, to be selected by the Japanese Government, to achieve the merchandise trade deficit reduction targets. Urges the United States Trade Representative (USTR) during such discussions to address market access priorities for U.S. exports to Japan. Title III: Import and Production Restrictions to Be Implemented If Trade Deficit Reduction Target Not Met - Directs the Secretary to compute for calendar years 1993 through 1999 quantitative import restrictions on foreign motor vehicles and domestic motor vehicle production restrictions for transplanted Japanese-related auto manufacturers, except such computations are not required for calendar years 1997 through 1999 if trade deficit reduction targets for calendar years 1992 through 1996 are met. Sets forth civil penalties. Requires each person that has one or more motor vehicle or motor vehicle parts manufacturing facilities within the United States to certify to the Secretary whether it is a domestic vehicle or parts manufacturer or a transplanted Japanese-related vehicle manufacturer. Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) the Secretary's authority to obtain information and data; and (2) enforcement of this Act. Sets forth civil penalties. Sets forth provisions with respect to the enforcement and judicial review of such penalties. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on implementation of this Act. Title IV: 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 multilateral agreements that rationalize world-wide market access and 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 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 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 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. Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to classify for the purposes of tariff treatment certain light trucks as motor vehicles for the transport of goods.
Bill· HRH.R. 4100 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1992
Title I: Short Title, Findings, and Definitions - Trade Enhancement Act of 1992 - Sets forth congressional findings and purposes with respect to access to Japanese markets by U.S. manufacturers of motor vehicles and motor vehicle parts. Title II: Merchandise Trade Deficit Reduction - Sets forth annual merchandise trade deficit reduction targets with respect to Japan's trade deficit with the United States. Requires the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) to compute annually whether the target has been met for each year, and if it has not, to publish in the Federal Register the import and production restriction implementation period for such year. Authorizes the Secretary to impose temporary quantitative import restrictions on Japanese or Japanese-related motor vehicles (foreign motor vehicles) entered during the first three months of the calendar year following the year for which such computation is made. Requires the Secretary to submit a report to the Congress. Expresses the sense of the Congress that representatives of the United States and Japan should continue discussions regarding measures, to be selected by the Japanese Government, to achieve the merchandise trade deficit reduction targets. Urges the United States Trade Representative (USTR) during such discussions to address market access priorities for U.S. exports to Japan. Title III: Import and Production Restrictions to Be Implemented If Trade Deficit Reduction Target Not Met - Directs the Secretary to compute for calendar years 1993 through 1999 quantitative import restrictions on foreign motor vehicles and domestic motor vehicle production restrictions for transplanted Japanese-related auto manufacturers, except such computations are not required for calendar years 1997 through 1999 if trade deficit reduction targets for calendar years 1992 through 1996 are met. Sets forth civil penalties. Requires each person that has one or more motor vehicle or motor vehicle parts manufacturing facilities within the United States to certify to the Secretary whether it is a domestic vehicle or parts manufacturer or a transplanted Japanese-related vehicle manufacturer. Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) the Secretary's authority to obtain information and data; and (2) enforcement of this Act. Sets forth civil penalties. Sets forth provisions with respect to the enforcement and judicial review of such penalties. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on implementation of this Act. Title IV: 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) eliminate 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 multilateral agreements that rationalize world-wide market access and 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 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 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 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. Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to classify for the purposes of tariff treatment certain light trucks as motor vehicles for the transport of goods.
Bill· HRH.R. 4083 (102nd)open
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1992
Amends the Railroad Retirement Solvency Act of 1983 to make permanent the transfer to the Railroad Retirement Account of income tax revenues attributable to the taxation of tier II railroad retirement benefits.
Bill· HRH.R. 4075 (102nd)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1992
Fair Practices in Automotive Products Act - Sets forth automotive minimum domestic content ratios for model years beginning with 1992. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to set rules for allocating automotive products among manufacturers. Requires specified manufacturers beginning with the 1993 model year to maintain automotive product records. Directs the Secretary to make domestic content information available to the public beginning with the 1993 model year. Makes it unlawful for a manufacturer to fail to meet applicable domestic content requirements. Sets forth administrative and civil measures for such failure and for related violations. Directs the Secretary and the Federal Trade Commission jointly to undertake a study of, and report to the Congress regarding, discriminatory practices which motor vehicle manufacturers use to persuade dealers to favor foreign made automotive parts over domestically-produced parts.