bill_id,congress,bill_type,bill_number,title,policy_area,introduced_date,latest_action_date,latest_action_text,origin_chamber,sponsor_name,sponsor_state,sponsor_party,sponsor_bioguide_id,cosponsor_count,summary_text,update_date,url
103-hr-5303,103,hr,5303,To make technical corrections in the Satellite Home Viewer Act of 1994.,Commerce,1994-11-29,1994-11-29,Referred to the House Committee on Judiciary.,House,"Rep. Hughes, William J. [D-NJ-2]",NJ,D,H000930,0,Makes technical corrections to the Satellite Home Viewer Act of 1994.,2021-06-02T20:14:20Z,
103-hr-5266,103,hr,5266,Small Business Occupational Safety and Health Compliance Incentive Act,Commerce,1994-10-07,1994-10-26,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Labor Standards, Occupational Health and Safety.",House,"Rep. Hayes, James A. [D-LA-7]",LA,D,H000390,4,"Small Business Occupational Safety and Health Compliance Incentive Act - Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA) to revise provisions relating to small businesses' compliance with such Act. Increases the Federal share of a grant for administration and enforcement for States that demonstrate their meeting State plan requirements.  Requires the State to use such additional amount to carry out a consultation program to:  (1) enable employers to consult with the State or the Secretary of Labor respecting their responsibilities under OSHA; and (2) provide education and training to employers respecting such responsibilities, including methods of hazard identification and mitigation.  Directs the Secretary to provide technical and other assistance to States to establish and operate such consultation programs. Exempts any employer with less than 100 employees from being subject under OSHA to:  (1) any fee, if the employer solicits such consultation services and has not been found in violation of OSHA within the previous 12 months; (2) certain inspections, if the employer requests a consultation visit and the consultant entity later determines that its recommendations have been implemented; or (3) a civil penalty of more than $1,000, if the employer abates a non-willful hazard in what the consultant entity deems a reasonable period of time and if a subsequent inspection finds that any such hazard no longer exists.  Bases the amount of such penalty on the employer's cooperation and due diligence in abating the hazard.",2026-03-23T12:47:58Z,
103-hr-5271,103,hr,5271,Minority Enterprise Development Act of 1994,Commerce,1994-10-07,1994-10-07,Referred to the House Committee on Small Business.,House,"Rep. Mfume, Kweisi [D-MD-7]",MD,D,M000687,5,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Amendments to Minority Small Business and Capital Ownership           Development Program      Title II:  Amendments to Contracting Program Minority Enterprise Development Act of 1994 - Title I:  Amendments to Minority Small Business and Capital Ownership Development Program - Amends the Small Business Act (the Act) to rename the small business and capital ownership development program as the Minority Enterprise Development Program (Program).  Extends certain Program time limitations with respect to small businesses participating in Program activities on the date of enactment of this Act. Provides for a nine-year Phase III period of small business participation in the Program, requiring Program participants to attempt to meet certain business plan goals during the first four years, and again during the last five years, of Phase III.   Prohibits small business forecasts or contract support levels from being used by the Small Business Administration (SBA) to declare a firm ineligible for the award of a contract under the Act. (Sec. 106)  Allows a protest to be brought by various interested parties regarding a self-certification by a business concern of its status as a small business owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.  Requires the SBA's Office of Hearings and Appeals to hear and determine such protests. (Sec. 107)  Allows a Program participant to remain eligible for Program participation after transfer of an ownership interest in the business if ownership and control is retained by the socially and economically disadvantaged individuals upon whom Program eligibility is based. Allows, after certain certification, the continued participation of a tribally owned corporation which does not have a Native American as the firm's chief executive officer. (Sec. 108)  Empowers the Division for Program Certification and Eligibility to make recommendations on requests for reconsideration of denied applications for entry into Phase III of the Program, to make requests for suspension, termination, or graduation proceedings, and to implement such policy directives as may be issued by the Associate Administrator for Minority Enterprise Development. (Sec. 109)  Directs the SBA to segment the Program into three phases:  (1) Phase I, a startup phase; (2) Phase II, a developmental phase; and (3) Phase III, a contracting stage.  Provides time limitations for participation in each phase of two years, three years, and nine years, respectively. (Sec. 111)  Allows an agency with contracting authority, upon the request of a Program participant, to grant an exemption from a surety bond requirement (requiring the participant to obtain a surety performance bond and a bond protecting persons furnishing materials or labor under the contract) if the Program participant provides a certain certification, has otherwise provided for the protection of suppliers and laborers, and the award value of the contract does not exceed $1 million. (Sec. 112)  Allows small businesses that have completed the nine-year Phase III program (Program graduates) to assist current Phase III participants in meeting their developmental goals. (Sec. 113)  Revises the percentage of the outstanding loan balance that will be guaranteed by the SBA to 95 percent when the purpose is to finance government contracts, and to 90 percent when the purpose is for general working capital as a line of credit. Title II:  Amendments to Contracting Program - Directs the SBA to seek the establishment of procurement contract goals which will assure that contracts sufficient to satisfy the contract support levels identified by participants in the Program are designated by the various Federal agencies for award.  Allows the SBA or its designee to enter into sole-source prime contracts with Phase III program participants. Provides, with respect to individual contracting opportunities, for:  (1) the negotiation of contract terms and conditions; (2) the resolution of performance controversies; and (3) appeals of an adverse agency decision regarding the award of a contract. (Sec. 202) Provides that whenever a requirements-type contract is to be awarded, the competition thresholds shall be calculated on the basis of the estimated total contract value. (Sec. 203) Requires the SBA, upon notification that a Federal agency intends to consider a Program participant for award of a procurement contract, to:  (1) notify the agency regarding the participant's eligibility for contract award; and (2)  identify any matters that could render the Program participant ineligible at the time of contract award.  Provides conditions under which a Program participant may be found eligible or ineligible for the awarding of Federal agency procurement contracts.  Requires a determination of ineligibility to be supported by specific findings furnished to both the participant and the agency's appropriate contracting officer. (Sec. 204) Revises provisions regarding the time limitations for requests for waiver of a provision of the Act requiring contract termination when there is a relinquishment of ownership or control of a business, or an incapacity or death occurs, during its performance. (Sec. 205) Allows Program graduates to participate in the competition for a Federal procurement contracting opportunity, under specified conditions.  Terminates such authority as of the end of FY 1997. (Sec. 206) Allows the head of a participating executive agency, for purposes of attaining such agency's goal for the participation in procurement contracts of small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, to enter into contracts using:  (1) less than full and open competition; and (2) a price evaluation preference of up to ten percent when evaluating an offer received from such a small business as the result of an unrestricted solicitation.",2025-08-26T13:50:22Z,
103-s-2515,103,s,2515,Fairness in Musical Licensing Act of 1994,Commerce,1994-10-06,1994-10-06,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.,Senate,"Sen. Brown, Hank [R-CO]",CO,R,B000919,0,"Fairness in Musical Licensing Act of 1994 - Revises Federal copyright law to provide that a communication of a transmission embodying a performance or display of a work by electronic players or by the public reception of a broadcast, cable, or satellite transmission on a receiving apparatus in any commercial establishment, the performance of which is incidental to the main purpose of such establishment, is not an infringement of copyright unless:  (1) an admission charge is made to see or hear the transmission; or (2) any other public performance or display of the works implicated in such transmission are not properly licensed. Specifies that, if a user of music and a performing rights society are unable to agree on the appropriate fee to be paid for the user's past or future performance of music in the performing rights society's repertory, either party shall be entitled to binding arbitration of such disagreement pursuant to the rules of the American Arbitration Association (and the arbitrator in such arbitration shall determine a fair and reasonable fee for the user's past or future performance of the music in such society's repertory). Sets forth provisions regarding:  (1) civil actions for infringements involving nondramatic musical work licensed by a performing rights society; (2) arbitrators' determinations of a fair and reasonable license fee; (3) online computer access to repertoires; and (4) actions that shall be referred to arbitration. Provides that, in any case in which a nondramatic musical work is licensed by a performing rights society, such society shall offer a per programming period license to any radio or television broadcaster on request.  Directs that such license be offered on terms and conditions that provide an economically and administratively viable alternative to blanket licenses.  Sets forth provisions regarding prices of such licenses. Directs that performing rights societies and other organizations authorized to license nondramatic musical works for public performances make available, free of charge, to licenses or those negotiating licenses, online computer access to its entire repertoire, including specified information. Requires the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice to submit annual written reports to the Congress on acitivities of the Department relating to continuing supervision and enforcement of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers and Broadcast Music, Inc., consent decrees.",2025-08-26T13:49:03Z,
103-s-2517,103,s,2517,A bill to amend the Fastener Quality Act.,Commerce,1994-10-06,1994-10-06,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.,Senate,"Sen. Simon, Paul [D-IL]",IL,D,S000423,0,Amends the Fastener Quality Act to set forth an alternative procedure to satisfy certain chemical standards and specifications with respect to fasteners sold in lots.  Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to designate Department of Commerce personnel to conduct investigations to enforce such Act.,2025-01-14T18:51:33Z,
103-hr-5178,103,hr,5178,"To amend the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and for other purposes.",Commerce,1994-10-05,1994-10-08,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking.,House,"Rep. Gonzalez, Henry B. [D-TX-20]",TX,D,G000272,4,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Amendments to Fair Credit Reporting Act      Title II:  Credit Repair Organizations      Title III:  Truth in Lending Act      Title IV:  Disaster Relief Title I:  Amendments to Fair Credit Reporting Act - Consumer Reporting Reform Act of 1994 - Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act (the Act) to specify that the term ""credit transaction which is not initiated by the consumer"" does not include use of a consumer report (CR) by a person with which the consumer has an account for purposes of reviewing or collecting the account. (Sec. 102) Excludes certain communications by employment agencies from the definition of ""consumer report."" (Sec. 103) Allows the furnishing of a CR for:  (1) a legitimate business need in connection with a business transaction that is initiated by the consumer; and (2) employment purposes only if certain disclosures are made, the consumer consents, and the information will not be used in violation of any Federal or State equal employment opportunity law or regulation.  Permits the furnishing or use of a CR for employment purposes only if the employment is expected to require:  (1) a Federal security clearance; (2) an employee to be covered by a fidelity bond; or (3) an employee to have access to substantial amounts of cash or other things of value or to engage in any activity with respect to which the employee has a fiduciary duty. (Sec. 104) Prohibits:  (1) using or obtaining information from a CR unless it is obtained for an authorized purpose and the purpose is certified under certain provisions of the Act; (2) the furnishing of a CR for use in credit transactions not initiated by the consumer; and (3) a credit reporting agency (CRA), in connection with employment or credit transaction purposes, from furnishing, without the consumer's consent, a CR which contains medical information. Requires CRAs to maintain a notification system, including a toll- free telephone number, which permits any consumer to elect to be excluded from lists provided in connection with solicitations of credit not initiated by the consumer. (Sec. 106) Removes exceptions to prohibitions on reporting obsolete information.  (Current law prohibits reporting information which is over a specified number of years old, except for credit transactions, life insurance, or employment involving amounts over specified limits.) Regulates the beginning of the seven-year reporting period for certain types of information. Requires CRAs to include in CRs information that a consumer voluntarily closed an account and to indicate any information that is disputed by a consumer. Includes in CRs and CRA consumer files any information regarding failure of a consumer to make payment on an account that was due in a period during which such consumer was receiving disaster assistance or unemployment compensation if, the consumer requests the inclusion of such information and provides documentation regarding the receipt of such assistance or compensation. (Sec. 107) Prohibits a person who procures a CR from reselling the information unless the identity of the end user and the purpose is disclosed to the CRA. (Sec. 108) Requires a CRA to:  (1) disclose to a consumer all information in the consumer's file, certain information about the recipients of a CR, the permissible purpose for which each recipient procured a CR, a record of inquiries in the last year that identified the consumer in connection with a credit transaction which was not initiated by the consumer, and, with any such disclosures, a summary of the consumer's rights under the Act; and (2) unless the dispute is frivolous or irrelevant to reinvestigate disputed information free of charge or delete the item from the file, to notify the information furnisher, to delete inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable information, and to notify the consumer of the results of the reinvestigation. (Sec. 109) Requires CRAs, upon request of a consumer, to provide at least one free CR to a consumer during the 12-month period after the consumer receives a notification of the deletion of inaccurate or unverifiable information.  Requires certain CRAs to implement automated reinvestigation systems. (Sec. 110) Regulates charges by CRAs for certain disclosures. Provides for certain free disclosures to a consumer if the consumer certifies that he or she is unemployed or is a recipient of public welfare assistance or has reason to believe that the consumer file is inaccurate due to fraud. (Sec. 111) Requires any person who takes an adverse action with respect to a consumer in connection with a transaction initiated by the consumer or an employment determination to notify the consumer, disclose the identity of the CRA furnishing the report, and advise the consumer of certain rights.  Provides for certain notifications and disclosures to consumers in cases where adverse actions are taken by affiliates of users of credit information.  Specifies the duties of persons taking certain actions based on information provided by affiliates. (Sec. 112) Subjects any person (currently, any CRA or user of information) to civil liability for willful or negligent noncompliance with the Act. (Sec. 113) Sets forth:  (1) duties of furnishers of information to CRAs, including a prohibition on furnishing information which the furnisher should have known is incomplete or inaccurate; and (2) provisions regarding investigative consumer reports.  Increases criminal penalties for obtaining information under false pretenses. (Sec. 117) Authorizes State civil actions to enforce the Act, subject to a specified limitation. (Sec. 119) Preempts any State law relating to CR and CRA requirements imposed under this Act with specified exceptions. (Sec. 120) Allows the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to modify or make more stringent certain requirements if found necessary for the protection of consumers. (Sec. 121) Amends the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act to provide exceptions to certain debt collection practices with respect to communications. (Sec. 122) Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to authorize the furnishing of consumer reports to certain officials for purposes relating to child support. (Sec. 123) Requires a CRA to identify financial institutions at which a consumer maintains or has maintained an account for purposes of foreign counterintelligence investigations. Authorizes a court, if requested by the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), to issue an order directing a CRA to furnish a CR to the FBI upon a showing in camera that:  (1) the CR is necessary for an authorized foreign counterintelligence investigation; and (2) there are facts giving reason to believe that the consumer whose CR is sought is a foreign agent and is engaging or has engaged in international terrorism or clandestine intelligence activities that may involve a criminal violation.  Limits the FBI's use of such CRs and sets forth prohibitions on disclosure.  Permits disclosure to the consumer upon completion of the FBI investigation. Makes the FBI or the Department of Justice liable to the consumer for damages for disclosure violations. Terminates court order provisions of this section five years after this Act's enactment. (Sec. 126) Expresses the sense of the Senate that:  (1) individuals should generally be judged on their own credit worthiness and not on the zip code or neighborhood in which they live; and (2) the FTC shall report to the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs on whether and how the location of the residence for unsecured credit is considered by financial institutions in deciding whether to grant credit. Title II:  Credit Repair Organizations - Amends the Consumer Credit Protection Act to provide that specified provisions of that Act may be cited as the Credit Repair Organizations Act. (Sec. 201) Prohibits:  (1) advising any consumer to make an untrue or misleading statement, or to alter the consumer's identification to prevent the display of the consumer's credit record; (2) other fraud or deception; and (3) a credit repair organization (CRO) from charging or receiving valuable consideration for any service before such service is fully performed. Specifies a statement which a CRO must provide to consumers before an agreement is executed regarding the consumer, the CRO, and related rights, powers, and obligations.  Requires written, signed contracts covering specified matters in order for a CRO to provide services. Allows a consumer to cancel a contract with a CRO within three business days of making the contract. Declares void any consumer waiver of any protection under this title.  Makes an attempt to obtain a waiver a violation of this title.  Voids any contract not in compliance with this title. Provides for civil liability for failing to comply with this title, including allowing punitive damages and class actions. Requires enforcement of this title under the Federal Trade Commission Act (FTCA) by the FTC.  Makes:  (1) a violation of this title an unfair or deceptive act or practice in violation of specified provisions of the FTCA; and (2) all functions and powers of the FTC available for enforcement of this title.  Establishes a statute of limitations for actions to enforce liability under this title. Title III:  Truth in Lending Act - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to include certain intangible taxes and delivery fees as finance charges for purposes of consumer credit cost disclosure.  Declares that creditors have no civil or criminal liability, and that consumers have no extended rescission rights, due to a creditor's improper disclosure of such taxes and fees for transactions consummated prior to February 1, 1995. Title IV:  Disaster Relief - Authorizes the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to make exceptions to the Truth in Lending Act and the Expedited Funds Availability Act for transactions within a disaster area resulting from damage related to tropical storm Alberto, if the exceptions can reasonably be expected to alleviate hardships to the public that outweigh possible adverse effects. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Comptroller of the Currency, the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the National Credit Union Administration should encourage depository institutions to meet the financial service needs of their communities and customers located in areas affected by the 1994 flooding in Georgia, Alabama, and Florida resulting from tropical storm Alberto.",2025-01-14T18:20:21Z,
103-s-2503,103,s,2503,Americans with Disabilities Business Development Act of 1993,Commerce,1994-10-05,1994-10-05,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business.,Senate,"Sen. Durenberger, Dave [R-MN]",MN,R,D000566,6,"Americans with Disabilities Business Development Act of 1993 - Amends the Small Business Act to:  (1) substitute the definition of ""severe disability"" (the meaning given such term, by regulation, by the Small Business Administration) for ""handicapped individual""; and (2) include Americans with severe disabilities among those considered to be socially disadvantaged for purposes of such Act.",2025-08-26T13:48:45Z,
103-sconres-79,103,sconres,79,"A concurrent resolution recognizing Belleville, New Jersey, as the birthplace of the industrial revolution in the United States.",Commerce,1994-10-05,1994-10-05,Referred to the Committee on Judiciary.,Senate,"Sen. Lautenberg, Frank R. [D-NJ]",NJ,D,L000123,1,"Recognizes Belleville, New Jersey, as the birthplace of the industrial revolution in the United States.",2025-07-21T19:32:26Z,
103-s-2483,103,s,2483,Minority Small Business Preservation Act of 1994,Commerce,1994-09-30,1994-09-30,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business.,Senate,"Sen. Hutchison, Kay Bailey [R-TX]",TX,R,H001016,1,Minority Small Business Preservation Act of 1994 - Amends the Small Business Act to suspend the termination of participation by certain small and minority businesses in the small business and capital ownership development program until the later of:  (1) the current date of termination (nine years after commencement of participation); or (2) one year after the date on which final regulations are issued establishing appropriate terms for participation in the program by industry sector.,2025-08-26T13:51:56Z,
103-s-2488,103,s,2488,Patent Application Publication Act of 1994,Commerce,1994-09-30,1994-09-30,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.,Senate,"Sen. DeConcini, Dennis [D-AZ]",AZ,D,D000185,0,"Patent Application Publication Act of 1994 - Revises Federal patent law to provide that a person shall not be entitled to a patent if the invention was described in a published patent application by another filed in the United States before the invention thereof by the applicant. Entitles a patent application to claim the benefit of an earlier filing date in a foreign country if a claim therefor and a certified copy of the original foreign application, specification, and drawings upon which it is based are filed in the Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) at any such time during the pendency of the application as is required by the Commissioner of Patents.  Allows the Commissioner to consider the failure of the applicant to file a timely claim for priority as a waiver of any such claim. Authorizes the Commissioner to determine the time period within which an amendment  containing the specific reference to an earlier filed application shall be submitted. Requires each patent application to be published as soon as possible after 18 months from the earliest filing date for which a benefit is sought, except for an application that is no longer pending or one subject to a secrecy order.  Permits earlier publication at the applicant's request.  Prohibits disclosure of information concerning published applications except as determined by the Commissioner. Directs the Commissioner to recover the cost of early publication by adjusting the filing, issue, and maintenance fees by charging a separate publication fee, or by any combination of such fees. Specifies that a patent shall include the right to obtain a reasonable royalty from any person who, during the period from publication of the application until issue of the patent:  (1) makes, uses, or sells in the United States the invention as claimed in the published application or imports such an invention into the United States, or if the invention as claimed in the published application is a process, uses or sells in or imports into the United States products made by that process as claimed in such application; and (2) had actual notice or knowledge of the published patent application.  Makes the right to obtain a reasonable royalty unavailable unless the invention claimed in the patent is substantially identical to that claimed in the published application.",2025-08-26T13:52:07Z,
103-s-2478,103,s,2478,Business Development Opportunity Act of 1994,Commerce,1994-09-29,1994-10-07,Message on Senate action sent to the House.,Senate,"Sen. Kerry, John F. [D-MA]",MA,D,K000148,16,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Amendments to the Minority Small Business and            Capital Ownership Development      Title II:  Contracting Program for Certain Small Business            Concerns      Title III:  Expanding Subcontracting Opportunities      Title IV: Repeals and Technical Amendments      Title V:  Definitions      Title VI:  Regulatory Implementation and Effective Dates Business Development Opportunity Act of 1994 - Title I: Amendments to the Minority Small Business and Capital Ownership Development Program - Part A:  Program Organization and Participation Standards - Amends the Small Business Act to replace certain provisions regarding the minority small business and capital ownership development program with those establishing a Minority Enterprise Development Program. (Sec. 101) Requires the Program to consist of a Business Creation Phase, a Business Development Phase, and a Business Development (Preferential Contracting) Phase.  Provides that only firms participating in the last phase shall be eligible for awards of Federal contracts and refers to such firms as Program participants. Permits firms to participate in the preferential contracting phase for up to nine years. (Sec. 103) Expands the definition of ""socially and economically disadvantaged business concern"" to include all Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations for purposes of such Program. (Currently, such definition only includes economically disadvantaged Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations.) (Sec. 104) Prohibits an applicant from being denied admission into the Program based solely on a determination that the participant has not been in operation for a period of time specified by the Small Business Administration (SBA) if the firm meets specified requirements, including demonstrations of business management and technical expertise, adequate capital, and ability to meet contract requirements. (Sec. 106) Directs the SBA Administrator to develop an action plan for improving participation in the Program by firms across the nation. Part B:  Business Development Assistance - Removes conditions on the use of working capital provided under loan assistance programs for Program participants. (Sec. 113) Revises conditions regarding exemptions from surety bond requirements for Program participants.  Authorizes Federal agencies with contracting authority to grant such an exemption if: (1) the Program participant provides certification that the firm was unable to obtain the requisite bonding from corporate surety bonding firms even with an SBA-issued guarantee; (2) the participant has provided for the protection of persons furnishing materials or labor under the contract pursuant to specified conditions; and (3) the award value of the contract for which the exemption is sought does not exceed $1 million (currently, $3 million).  Terminates such authority after FY 1997. (Sec. 115) Authorizes financial assistance for business executive education programs conducted by institutions of graduate business education for owners or managers of small business concerns owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. (Sec. 116) Establishes a Developmental Teaming Program within the Program to encourage the formation of teaming arrangements and long-term strategic business alliances between firms participating in the Program and Program graduates. Part C:  Improving Access to Equity for Program Graduates - Provides that Program participants shall remain eligible for participating in the Program after a transfer of an ownership interest in the firm if ownership and control is:  (1) retained by the socially and economically disadvantaged individuals upon whom Program eligibility is based; or (2) acquired by a small business owned and controlled by such individuals who have graduated from the Program or exited the Program through a means other than a termination proceeding.  Permits Program participants that are tribally owned corporations to remain eligible for participation with other than a Native American as the firm's chief executive officer if the tribe certifies that it was unable to hire a qualified Native American after conducting national recruitment. Part D:  Contract Award and Eligibility Matters - Removes existing provisions regarding contracts and subcontracts to disadvantaged small businesses. (Sec. 131) Directs the SBA to ensure that contracts sufficient to satisfy the contract support levels identified by Program participants are designated by Federal agencies for award. Requires the award of contracts to be made on a noncompetitive basis and at fair market prices. (Sec. 132) Revises contract eligibility provisions with respect to Program participants. (Sec. 133) Authorizes the Associate Administrator for Minority Enterprise Development to permit the noncompetitive award of contracts to Program participants to exceed certain amounts subject to certain conditions. (Sec. 135) Provides that the forecasts of overall business activity contained in the business plans of Program participants or estimates contained in contract support levels shall not be used by the SBA to determined that a firm is ineligible for a contract. (Sec. 137) Requires the SBA to promulgate regulations to eliminate regulatory limitations on self-marketing by Program participants. Part E:  Tribally Owned Corporations - Authorizes contracts to be awarded to joint ventures owned and controlled by Program participants, notwithstanding the size status of such a joint venture, if the participant:  (1) is owned and controlled by an Indian tribe; (2) owns at least 51 percent of the joint venture; (3) is located and performs most of its activities on the Indian reservation; and (4) employs members of such tribe for at least 50 percent of the work force of the joint venture.  Prohibits such contracts if the tribe owns and controls one or more participants who are currently joint venturers on more than five of such contracts. Part F:  Contract Administration Matters - Directs Federal agencies awarding contracts to disadvantaged small businesses to make reasonable efforts to respond to requests by contracting officers with respect to contract administration matters.  Requires such agency, upon the request of a Program participant, to make alternative dispute resolution available. Part G:  Program Administration - Requires Program participants to report specified information annually (currently, semiannually) to a Business Opportunity Specialist. Title II:  Contracting Program for Certain Small Business Concerns - Part A:  Civilian Agencies Program - Authorizes executive agencies, for purposes of attaining goals for the participating of disadvantaged small businesses, to enter into contracts using:  (1) less than full and open competition by restricting competition for awards to such businesses; and (2) a price evaluation preference, of up to ten percent, when evaluating an offer received from a small business as the result of an unrestricted solicitation. (Sec. 202) Requires the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to be amended to provide uniform implementation of such procedures by such agencies.  Includes within the FAR:  (1) conditions for the use of advance payments; (2) provisions for accelerated payment for contract work and full payment for work performed; (3) guidance on how contracting officers may provide a reasonable advantage to disadvantaged small businesses without eliminating any participation of other small businesses; (4) procedures for a person to request a Federal agency to determine whether the use of competitions restricted to disadvantaged small businesses at a contracting activity has caused a particular industry category to bear a disproportionate share of the contracts awarded to attain the goal established for such activity; and (5) guidance for limiting the use of restricted competitions in cases where such an industry is caused to bear a disproportionate share of the contracts. Part B:  Eligibility Determinations Regarding Status - Authorizes protests to be brought regarding a self-certification by a business regarding its status as a disadvantaged small business in cases where such certification is believed to be false. (Sec. 211) Requires the Office of Hearings and Appeals to hear appeals regarding such status.  Imposes penalties against firms engaged in a pattern of misrepresentation. Title III:  Expanding Subcontracting Opportunities - Sets forth provisions regarding subcontracting by small and disadvantaged small businesses. (Sec. 302) Requires disadvantaged small businesses to negotiate a subcontracting plan for the use of emerging disadvantaged small businesses under certain circumstances. (Sec. 304) Authorizes the publication of notices of subcontracting opportunities in the Commerce Business Daily. Title IV:  Repeals and Technical Amendments - Part A:  Repeals - Repeals specified expired and superseded provisions of the Small Business Act and the Business Opportunity Development Reform Act of 1988. Part B:  Technical Amendments - Revises goals for the percentage of procurement contracts to be awarded to small and disadvantaged small businesses. Title V:  Definitions - Revises specified definitions and defines ""emerging small business concern."" Title VI:  Regulatory Implementation and Effective Dates - Part A:  Assuring Timely Regulatory Implementation - Sets forth deadlines for the issuance of specified amendments to the FAR or SBA regulations. Part B:  Effective Dates - Provides that this Act shall take effect upon enactment, except with respect to provisions requiring the issuance of regulations.",2025-08-26T13:51:17Z,
103-hr-5103,103,hr,5103,"To amend title 31, United States Code, to provide for an Executive Director of the General Accounting Office Personnel Appeals Board, and for other purposes.",Commerce,1994-09-26,1994-10-08,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Governmental Affairs.,House,"Rep. McCloskey, Frank [D-IN-8]",IN,D,M000342,0,Instructs the Comptroller General to appoint as the Executive Director of the General Accounting Office (GAO) Personnel Appeals Board (the Board) an individual that the Chairman of that Board selects. Modifies the pay rate guidelines for the Board's General Counsel. Authorizes the Comptroller General to enter into interagency agreements with the Department of State and other executive agencies to permit GAO to participate in health care programs for Federal employees stationed or performing temporary duty abroad.,2025-01-14T19:03:55Z,
103-hjres-414,103,hjres,414,To authorize and encourage States to adopt interstate compacts for the regulation of interstate insurance.,Commerce,1994-09-23,1994-10-03,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Competitiveness.",House,"Rep. McMillan, J. Alex [R-NC-9]",NC,R,M000566,0,"Encourages and authorizes the States to study and adopt interstate insurance regulatory compacts to address regulatory issues, including the regulation of alien insurers and reinsurers, insurer solvency, rehabilitation and liquidation, guaranty fund  protection, and insurance agent licensing. Declares that the States which have a majority of property and liability insurance premiums paid in the United States should adopt an interstate compact relating to the certification of alien insurers and reinsurers within two years of this Act's enactment.  Requires such compact to establish minimum standards for alien insurers and reinsurers to be certified to do business within such States within three years. Sets forth reporting requirements.",2024-02-05T14:30:09Z,
103-hr-5092,103,hr,5092,Biomaterials Access Assurance Act of 1994,Commerce,1994-09-23,1994-10-04,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Competitiveness.",House,"Rep. Pastor, Ed [D-AZ-2]",AZ,D,P000099,10,"Biomaterials Access Assurance Act of 1994 - Declares that this Act applies to any civil action brought in either State or Federal court against a manufacturer, seller, or biomaterials supplier, or against a licensor of such suppliers for harm caused by an implant. Prescribes procedural guidelines and the burden of proof for actions against biomaterials suppliers for harm caused by an implant. Precludes such actions, except as provided under this Act, against a person who has neither registered with the Secretary of Health and Human Services nor included the implant on a list of devices filed pursuant to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.",2025-08-26T13:49:03Z,
103-hr-5075,103,hr,5075,Insurance Sales and Underwriting Consumer Protection Act of 1994,Commerce,1994-09-22,1994-10-03,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Competitiveness.",House,"Rep. Dingell, John D. [D-MI-16]",MI,D,D000355,2,"Insurance Sales and Underwriting Consumer Protection Act of 1994 - Prohibits selling or soliciting the purchase of insurance without qualifying under and complying with all insurance regulatory requirements applicable in the State in which the sale or solicitation of insurance takes place (including qualifying for and maintaining a license to sell or solicit the purchase of insurance if such license is required by the State insurance regulatory authority and complying with all State consumer protection requirements that apply to the marketing of insurance). Prohibits underwriting insurance without complying with all insurance regulatory requirements applicable in the State in which the insurance is underwritten (including qualifying for and maintaining a license to underwrite insurance if such license is required by the State insurance regulatory authority and complying with all State consumer protection requirements that apply to underwriting insurance and, if a license is not required by such authority, otherwise meeting any applicable financial or other requirements imposed by such State). Specifies that the sales, solicitations, and underwriting covered includes any insurance sold, solicited, underwritten, or reinsured by an entity that operates in interstate commerce or is part of an entity any part of which operates in interstate commerce. Specifies that this Act does not alter or affect the provisions of the Liability Risk Retention Act of 1986. Authorizes the Department of Justice (DOJ) to file a civil action if the appropriate State does not take action against a violation of this Act.  Specifies that:  (1) the determination of whether an act constitutes a violation shall be made pursuant to the insurance laws and regulations of the applicable State; and (2) in such an action, DOJ may ask for either an order prohibiting that person from engaging in the prohibited conduct, a civil fine of up to $1,000 for each violation, or both.",2025-08-26T13:51:57Z,
103-s-2423,103,s,2423,Arts Endowing the Arts Act of 1994,Commerce,1994-08-25,1994-08-25,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.,Senate,"Sen. Dodd, Christopher J. [D-CT]",CT,D,D000388,2,"Arts Endowing the Arts Act of 1994 - Amends copyright law to provide for the auction of certain copyrights to financially support the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities.    Applies such provisions to copyrights in literary works, sound recordings, visual arts works, pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works, and motion pictures. Establishes the Arts and Humanities Copyright Board within the Library of Congress. Sets forth auction procedures, including selection of copyrights for auction, copyright for auction selected upon bidder's initiative, copyrights excluded from auction, notification, and auction copyright bids. Provides for registration and issuance of a certificate for auction copyright in a work for 20 years after the expiration of the term of copyright in the work last held under copyright law other than auction copyright provisions. Prohibits renewal or extension of such auction copyright. Limits U.S. liability.  Provides that such auction shall have no effect on the original copyright. Establishes the National Endowments for the Arts and Humanities Copyright Trust Fund in the Treasury.",2025-08-26T13:52:06Z,
103-s-2419,103,s,2419,Library of Congress Financial Reform Act of 1994,Commerce,1994-08-24,1994-08-24,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules.,Senate,"Sen. Pell, Claiborne [D-RI]",RI,D,P000193,3,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Library of Congress Revolving Fund      Title II:  Cataloging Products and Services      Title III:  Retention of Proceeds of Certain Sales and           Restitution Payments      Title IV:  Amendments Relating to the Library of Congress           Trust Fund Board      Title V:  Support and Reimbursement of Arbitration Panels Library of Congress Financial Reform Act of 1994 - Title I: Library of Congress Revolving Fund - Establishes in the Treasury the Library of Congress Revolving Fund.  Makes such Fund available to the Librarian of Congress for:  (1) preparation of research reports, translations, and analytical studies for Federal agencies; (2) centralized acquisition of publications, information services, and Library materials, and training in library and information services, for federal agencies; (3) decimal classification development; (4) gift shop activities; (5) document location, copying and delivery services, and international interlibrary lending; (6) centralized acquisition activities for libraries participating in the Library's overseas programs; and (7) special events and programs. Authorizes the Librarian to:  (1) establish Fund service units to carry out such activities; and (2) make such library products and services available for purchase through the units at prices that do not exceed levels necessary to recover the production and distribution costs.  Credits to the Fund appropriations for such activities and all amounts received by such units with respect to such activities. Title II:  Cataloging Products and Services - Authorizes the Librarian to make cataloging products and services, created by the Library, available for purchase at prices that do not exceed the distribution costs.  Requires receipts to be deposited in the Treasury and credited to the Library's salaries and expenses appropriation. Title III:  Retention of Proceeds of Certain Sales and Restitution Payments - Authorizes the Librarian to sell personal property that is excess to the collections or the exchange and donation programs of the Library.  Prohibits the sale of:  (1) personal property received by the Library as a gift or otherwise under a written acceptance or other written agreement by the Library that prohibits such sale; (2) audio books and other items for the blind or the physically handicapped; or (3) products of the Congressional Research Service. Authorizes the Librarian to sell copies, phonorecords, or identifying material deposited in the Copyright Office only if:  (1) the articles are sold as scrap for recycling; (2) the Library has owned the articles for at least five years and there is no reasonable likelihood that the later resale or commercial use by the purchaser will materially impair the market value of the work; or (3) the copyright has expired.  Specifies restrictions on the sale of such copyright deposits. Authorizes the Librarian to accept payments for lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed books and other materials from the Library's collection if such payments are:  (1) ordered by any judicial or administrative authority; or (2) received from a borrower or other Library user. Establishes in the Treasury a fund consisting of the proceeds of sales of excess property or copyright deposits and restitution payments described under this title.  Provides that account funds shall be available to the Librarian for the acquisition of books and other materials for the collections of the Library, including the costs of administering the national and international acquisition programs of the Library. Title IV:  Amendments Relating to the Library of Congress Trust Fund Board - Appoints the vice chairman of the Joint Committee on the Library to the Library of Congress Trust Fund Board. Increases the amount that may be on deposit in the Library's permanent loan account in the Treasury to $30 million. Allows gifts or bequests accepted by the Librarian to be invested or reinvested if agreed to by the Librarian and the Board, in the same manner as provided for trust funds given or bequeathed to the Board. Title V:  Support and Reimbursement of Arbitration Panels - Revises the purposes of Copyright Arbitration Royalty Panels to include making determinations concerning the adjustment of copyright royalty fees for secondary transmissions by satellite carriers and network stations. Directs the Librarian to provide by regulation for the reimbursement of arbitrators on the panels.  Requires each arbitrator to be an independent contractor acting on behalf of the United States and to be paid pursuant to a signed agreement between the Library and the arbitrator. Provides that provisions of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1994 that require a personnel reduction by one for each vacancy created by reason of a voluntary separation under such Act (whether by retirement or resignation) shall not apply to Library positions required for the administration of compulsory licensing.",2025-08-26T13:51:30Z,
103-sres-252,103,sres,252,"A resolution to designate the week of March 12-18, 1995 as ""National Manufacturing Week"".",Commerce,1994-08-23,1994-08-23,Referred to the Committee on Judiciary.,Senate,"Sen. D'Amato, Alfonse [R-NY]",NY,R,D000018,1,"Designates the week of March 12, 1995, as National Manufacturing Week.",2025-07-21T19:32:26Z,
103-hr-4995,103,hr,4995,Ticket Fee Disclosure Act of 1994,Commerce,1994-08-19,1994-09-29,Subcommittee Hearings Held.,House,"Rep. Dingell, John D. [D-MI-16]",MI,D,D000355,6,"Ticket Fee Disclosure Act of 1994 - Prohibits any seller or reseller (including any ticket broker) of entertainment or sporting event tickets from failing to:  (1) disclose to a purchaser of such a ticket, prior to purchase, any fee, charge, or assessment (other than a tax or other levy imposed pursuant to Federal, State, or local law) to be imposed in excess of the face amount of the ticket; and (2) have the amount of any such cost imprinted on the ticket or on a receipt evidencing any such ticket sale. Directs that such provision be enforced by the Federal Trade Commission under the Federal Trade Commission Act (FTCA).  Treats any violation of such provision as a violation of a rule under the FTCA regarding unfair or deceptive acts or practices. Authorizes State attorneys general to bring civil actions on behalf of their residents whenever they believe that the interests of such residents have been or are being threatened or adversely affected because of an act or practice in violation of such provision.",2025-08-26T13:48:52Z,
103-s-2402,103,s,2402,Homeowners Insurance Disclosure Act of 1994,Commerce,1994-08-18,1994-08-18,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking.,Senate,"Sen. Riegle, Donald W., Jr. [D-MI]",MI,D,R000249,5,"Homeowners Insurance Disclosure Act of 1994 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to establish annual disclosure requirements for non-commercial insurers (providers of homeowners, dwelling fire, allied lines, and other personal lines of insurance), including:  (1) the availability, affordability and type of insurance coverage by Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), and the region, race, and gender of policyholders; (2) the racial characteristics and location by MSA of the principal place of business of current and terminated insurance agents; and (3) for designated insurers, the total number of policies, exposures, nonrenewals, and racial characteristics of licensed agents, and the aggregate loss experience.  Provides for disclosure requirements for certain non-designated insurers. Directs the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on the availability, affordability, and quality of types of commercial insurance for residential properties and small businesses in urban areas. Instructs the Secretary to establish requirements for insurers to report annually on the availability, affordability, and quality or type of insurance in designated rural areas. Authorizes the Secretary to waive certain disclosure requirements if the States collect equivalent information. Directs the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council to determine the extent to which private mortgage insurers disclose to the public and regulatory agencies information that is equivalent to that required under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1975.  Requires noncompliant insurers to submit the requisite information to the Secretary. Prescribes guidelines for information compilation and maintenance and for a public availability and access system. Prescribes guidelines for disclosures by insurers to applicants and policyholders, stating the reasons that an insurance application was declined.  Authorizes the Secretary to provide immunity to insurers, agents, and brokers regarding their communication of a cancellation, denial, or nonrenewal of insurance. Sets forth enforcement guidelines, including civil penalties and injunctions. Directs the Secretary to establish a task force on insurance agency appointments to report to certain congressional committees on the appointment and retention of inner-city and minority agents representing property and casualty insurers. Instructs the Secretary to study and report to certain congressional committees on insurance industry practices regarding: (1) prescreening of insurance applicants; (2) meeting of the property and casualty insurance needs of the residential and small business community in low- and moderate-income and minority neighborhoods; (3) disparate claims treatment of policyholders based on race, gender, and income level; (4) basing of premium amounts on the territory in which the insured risk is located; and (5) the feasibility of establishing community reinvestment requirements for insurers comparable to those applicable to depository institutions.",2025-08-26T13:49:17Z,
103-s-2406,103,s,2406,Satellite Home Viewer Act of 1994,Commerce,1994-08-18,1994-10-18,Became Public Law No: 103-369.,Senate,"Sen. Hutchison, Kay Bailey [R-TX]",TX,R,H001016,1,"Satellite Home Viewer Act of 1994 - Amends copyright law with respect to satellite carrier compulsory licenses to require the subscriber information list submitted by a satellite carrier that makes secondary transmissions of a primary transmission by a network station to include the names of the subscribers. Provides that in any action relating to the violation of territorial restrictions on statutory license for network stations the satellite carrier shall have the burden of proving that its secondary transmission is for private home viewing to an unserved household. Revises:  (1) the formula used by the satellite carrier to compute the royalty fee to be deposited semiannually with the Register of Copyrights to increase the fees for secondary transmissions subject to statutory licensing; and (2) dates and procedures regarding the adjustment of such royalty fee.  Requires a copyright royalty arbitration panel, in determining such fees, to establish fees for the retransmission of network stations and superstations that most clearly represent the fair market value of secondary transmissions. Directs the panel to base its decision upon economic, competitive, and programming information presented by the parties, including:  (1) the competitive environment in which such programming is distributed, the cost for similar signals in similar private and compulsory license marketplaces, and any special features and conditions of the retransmission marketplace; (2) the economic impact of such fees on copyright owners and satellite carriers; and (3) the impact on the continued availability of secondary transmissions to the public Provides that, upon a challenge by a network station regarding whether a subscriber is an unserved household, a satellite carrier shall terminate service to the household and notify the network station of such termination or conduct a measurement of the signal intensity of the subscribers's household, after notifying the network station, to determine whether the household is unserved and, if so, terminate service.  Requires the challenging station to reimburse a carrier for any signal intensity measurement that indicates the household is an unserved household. Revises the definition of a ""network station"" for purposes of cable and satellite carrier compulsory license provisions to be:  (1) a television broadcast station owned or operated by, or affiliated with, one or more of the U.S. television networks which offer an interconnected program service on a regular basis for 15 or more hours per week to at least 25 of its affiliated television licensees in ten or more States; or (2) any noncommercial educational station.  Revises the definition of:  (1) ""satellite carrier"" to specify that such a carrier operates in the Fixed Satellite Service or the Direct Broadcast Satellite Service; (2) ""cable system"" to include a facility that makes secondary transmissions of broadcast signals by microwave cables; and (3) ""local service area of a primary transmitter"" (in the case of a television broadcast station) to comprise either the area of which such station is entitled to insist upon its signal being retransmitted by a cable system pursuant to the rules, regulations, and authorizations of the Federal Communications Commission in effect on April 15, 1976, such station's television market (as in effect on September 18, 1993), or any subsequent modifications to such television market. (Sec.  4) Terminates the provisions of section 2 of this Act on December 31, 1999.",2021-09-25T05:35:45Z,
103-hjres-402,103,hjres,402,"To designate the week beginning March 12, 1995, as ""National Manufacturing Week"".",Commerce,1994-08-12,1994-08-12,Referred to the House Committee on Post Office and Civil Service.,House,"Rep. Franks, Bob [R-NJ-7]",NJ,R,F000349,45,"Designates the week of March 12, 1995, as National Manufacturing Week.",2024-02-06T20:04:02Z,
103-hr-4945,103,hr,4945,Library of Congress Financial Reform Act of 1994,Commerce,1994-08-12,1994-08-12,Referred to the Subcommittee on Libraries and Memorials.,House,"Rep. Rose, Charlie [D-NC-7]",NC,D,R000436,0,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Library of Congress Revolving Fund      Title II:  Cataloging Products and Services      Title III:  Retention of Proceeds of Certain Sales and           Restitution Payments      Title IV:  Amendments Relating to the Library of Congress           Trust Fund Board      Title V:  Support and Reimbursement of Arbitration Panels Library of Congress Financial Reform Act of 1994 - Title I: Library of Congress Revolving Fund - Establishes in the Treasury the Library of Congress Revolving Fund.  Makes such Fund available to the Librarian of Congress for:  (1) preparation of research report, translations, and analytical studies for Federal agencies; (2) centralized acquisition of publications, information services, and Library materials, and training in library and information services, for Federal agencies; (3) decimal classification development; (4) gift shop activities; (5) document location, copying and delivery services, and international interlibrary lending; (6) centralized acquisition activities for libraries participating in the Library's overseas program; and (7) special events and programs.  Authorizes the Librarian to:  (1) establish Fund service units to carry out such activities; and (2) make such library products and services available for purchase through the units at prices that do not exceed levels necessary to recover the production and distribution costs.  Credits to the Fund appropriations for such activities and all amounts received by such units with respect to such activities. Title II:  Cataloging Products and Services - Authorizes the Librarian to make cataloging products and services, created by the Library, available for purchase at prices that do not exceed the distribution costs.  Requires receipts to be deposited in the Treasury and credited to the Library's salaries and expenses appropriation. Title III:  Retention of Proceeds of Certain Sales and Restitution Payments - Authorizes the Librarian to sell personal property that is excess to the collection or the exchange and donation programs of the Library.  Prohibits the sale of:  (1) personal property received by the Library as a gift or otherwise under a written acceptance or other written agreement by the Library that prohibits such sale; (2) audio books and other items for the blind or the physically handicapped; or (3) products of the Congressional Research Service. Authorizes the Librarian to sell copies, phonorecords, or identifying material deposited in the Copyright Office only if:  (1) the articles are sold as scrap for recycling; (2) the Library has owned the articles for at least five years and there is no reasonable likelihood that the later resale or commercial use by the purchaser will materially impair the market value of the work; or (3) the copyright has expired.  Specifies restrictions on the sale of such copyright deposits. Authorizes the Librarian to accept payments for lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed book and other materials from the Library's collection if such payments are:  (1) ordered by any judicial or administrative authority; or (2) received from a borrower or other Library user. Establishes in the Treasury a fund consisting of the proceeds of sales of excess property or copyright deposits and restitution payments described under this title.  Provides that account funds shall be available to the Librarian for the acquisition for the acquisition of books and other materials for the collections of the Library, including the costs of administering the national and international acquisition programs of the Library. Title IV:  Amendments Relating to the Library of Congress Trust Fund Board - Appoints the vice chairman of the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress Trust Fund Board. Increases the amount that may be on deposit in the Library's permanent loan account in the Treasury to $30 million. Allows gifts or bequests accepted by the Librarian to be invested or reinvested if agreed to by the Librarian and the Board, in the same manner as provided for trust funds given or bequeathed to the Board. Title V:  Support and Reimbursement of Arbitration Panels - Revises the purposes of Copyright Arbitration Royalty Panels to include making determinations concerning the adjustment of copyright royalty fees for secondary transmissions by satellite carriers and network stations. Directs the Librarian to provide by regulation for the reimbursement of arbitrators on the panels.  Requires each arbitrator to be an independent contractor acting on behalf of the United States and to be paid pursuant to a signed agreement between the Library and the arbitrator. Provides that provisions of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1994 that require a personnel reduction by one for each vacancy created by reason of a voluntary separation under such Act (whether by retirement or resignation) shall not apply to Library positions required for the administration of compulsory licensing.",2025-08-26T13:49:47Z,
103-sjres-216,103,sjres,216,"A joint resolution designating the week beginning September 12, 1994, as ""National Hispanic Business Week"".",Commerce,1994-08-12,1994-08-23,Referred to the House Committee on Post Office and Civil Service.,Senate,"Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT]",UT,R,H000338,31,"Designates the week beginning September 12, 1994, as National Hispanic Business Week.",2025-07-21T19:32:26Z,
103-hr-4936,103,hr,4936,Fairness in Musical Licensing Act of 1994,Commerce,1994-08-10,1994-08-15,Referred to the Subcommittee on Intellectual Property and Judicial Administration.,House,"Rep. Reed, Jack [D-RI-2]",RI,D,R000122,33,"Fairness in Musical Licensing Act of 1994 - Exempts from copyright infringement the communication of a performance or work by television or radio sets located in a business establishment, or the performance of a nondramatic musical work by a choral group of a nonprofit educational institution choral group, unless persons are charged to see or hear the performance. Provides that in any civil action for copyright infringement involving a nondramatic musical work that is licensed by a performing rights society or other organization authorized to license public performances of such works, if the defendant admits liability but contests the amount of the license fee charged by such society or organization, the dispute may, if requested by either party, be submitted to arbitration under the Federal judicial code. Requires such societies or organizations to make available, free of charge, to licensees or those negotiating licenses, on-line computer access to their entire repertoire, including information regarding the title of the work, the name, address, and telephone number of the author and the copyright owner (if different), and the names of any artists known to have performed the work.",2025-08-26T13:50:14Z,
103-hr-4894,103,hr,4894,General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade Copyright Act of 1994,Commerce,1994-08-03,1994-08-12,"Joint Hearings Held by the Subcommittee on Intellectual Property and Judicial Administration and by the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Patents, Copyrights and Trademarks.",House,"Rep. Hughes, William J. [D-NJ-2]",NJ,D,H000930,0,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Federal Anti-Bootleg Provisions      Title II:  Copyright in Restored Works General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade Copyright Act of 1994 - Amends the Computer Software Rental Amendments Act of 1990 to repeal the termination date of a prohibition on unauthorized commercial rental or leasing of computer programs. Title I:  Federal Anti-Bootleg Provisions - Federal Anti-Bootleg Act of 1994 - Amends the Federal criminal code to impose monetary and imprisonment penalties on persons who, without the consent of a featured performer, knowingly and for purposes of commercial advantage or private financial gain:  (1) fix the sound or images of a live musical performance in a copy or phonorecord or reproduce phonorecords or copies of such a performance from an unauthorized fixation; (2) communicate to the public the sounds or images of such a performance; or (3) distribute, sell, rent, or traffic (or offer to engage in such activities) any copy or phonorecord fixed without such consent. (Sec. 102) Applies this Act to the following acts that occur one year after the entry into force of the World Trade Organization Agreement:  (1) live musical performances fixed without the consent of a featured performer; (2) distributions, sales, rentals, or trafficking (or offers thereof) in any copy or phonorecord fixed without such consent; and (3) communications to the public of sounds or images of a live musical performance without such consent. Title II:  Copyright in Restored Works - Berne and GATT Retroactivity Act of 1994 - Amends Federal copyright law to replace provisions regarding copyright in certain motion pictures with those concerning copyright in restored works. (Sec. 202) Declares that copyright subsists in restored works and vests automatically on the date of restoration.  Requires copyright in:   (1) restored works published or registered with the Copyright Office before 1978 to endure for a term of 75 years from the date of first publication or registration; and (2) works created on or after January 1, 1978, to endure for terms of protection established in existing provisions (the life of the author and fifty years after the author's death, with exceptions). Provides that no work in which the copyright was ever owned or administered by the Alien Property Custodian and in which the restored copyright would be owned by a government or instrumentality thereof shall be a restored work.  Declares that a restored work vests initially in the author of the work as determined according to the law of its source country. Authorizes any person owning copyright in a restored work to file a notice of intent to enforce that copyright against reliance parties with the Copyright Office.  Defines a ""reliance party"" as any person who, prior to the date the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade becomes effective with respect to the United States, or who, prior to the date of adherence of a source country which became an eligible country after this Act's enactment:  (1) engaged in acts which would have violated exclusive rights in copyrighted works if the restored work had been subject to copyright protection and continued to engaged in such acts after the Agreement became effective; or (2) made substantial monetary investments in a creation of a work which incorporates material portions of a restored work. Sets forth remedies for infringement of copyrights in restored works.",2025-08-26T13:50:59Z,
103-hjres-397,103,hjres,397,"Designating the week beginning September 12, 1994, as ""National Hispanic Business Week"".",Commerce,1994-08-02,1994-08-02,Referred to the House Committee on Post Office and Civil Service.,House,"Rep. Torres, Esteban Edward [D-CA-34]",CA,D,T000316,81,"Designates the week beginning September 12, 1994, as National Hispanic Business Week.",2024-02-06T20:04:02Z,
103-hr-4874,103,hr,4874,To amend the White House Conference on Small Business Authorization Act to require the final report of the National Conference to be published in the Federal Register and distributed through the regional offices of the Small Business Administration.,Commerce,1994-08-01,1994-08-03,Referred to the Subcommittee on SBA Legislation and the General Economy.,House,"Rep. McHale, Paul [D-PA-15]",PA,D,M000466,3,Amends the White House Conference on Small Business Authorization Act to require the final report of the National White House Conference on Small Business to be published in the Federal Register and distributed through the regional offices of the Small Business Administration.,2024-02-07T15:46:26Z,
103-hr-4875,103,hr,4875,Minority Business Development Act of 1994,Commerce,1994-08-01,1994-08-03,Referred to the Subcommittee on SBA Legislation and the General Economy.,House,"Rep. McHale, Paul [D-PA-15]",PA,D,M000466,4,"Minority Business Development Act of 1994 - Amends the Small Business Act to provide that the Small Business Administration shall not prohibit the owner of a small business concern from qualifying as an economically disadvantaged individual for purposes of receiving contract awards solely on the basis of personal net worth unless such net worth exceeds $350,000.",2025-08-26T13:50:17Z,
103-hr-4857,103,hr,4857,"To make small business concerns eligible to participate in the health benefits program under chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code.",Commerce,1994-07-29,1994-09-16,Referred to the Subcommittee on Labor-Management Relations.,House,"Rep. Istook, Ernest J., Jr. [R-OK-5]",OK,R,I000047,7,Makes employees of small business concerns eligible to participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) as provided in this Act. Requires the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to transmit to the Congress a plan providing for the transition of FEHBP to carry out this Act as well as recommendations for legislation to carry out the plan. Requires the plan to include provisions under which:  (1) small business concerns with 50 or fewer employees are required to form groups of at least 50 employees as a condition of eligibility; and (2) additional administrative expenses resulting from implementation of the plan are borne by such businesses and their employees.,2026-03-23T12:41:21Z,
103-s-2341,103,s,2341,Patent Reexamination Reform Act of 1994,Commerce,1994-07-29,1994-10-11,Referred to the Subcommittee on Intellectual Property and Judicial Administration.,Senate,"Sen. DeConcini, Dennis [D-AZ]",AZ,D,D000185,0,"Patent Reexamination Reform Act of 1994 - Amends Federal patent law to expand reexamination request authority to authorize the filing of such requests by any person on the basis of patent specification requirements except for the best mode requirement.  (Current law permits reexamination requests only on the basis of prior art.) Establishes procedures for reexamination proceedings based upon third-party (persons who are not the patent owner) requests.  Requires documents filed in such proceedings, other than the request, to be served on all parties.  Authorizes third-party requesters to file written comments within a reasonable period if the patent owner files a response to any Patent and Trademark Office action on the merits of reexamination. Grants third-party requesters the right to appeal final reexamination decisions on the same basis such right is available to patent owners. Estops a third-party requester who files a notice of appeal or who participates as a party to an appeal from later asserting the invalidity of any claim determined to be patentable on appeal on any ground which was or could have been raised during reexamination. Bars patent owners and third-party requesters, once an order for reexamination has been issued, from filing a subsequent reexamination request until a reexamination certificate is published. Prohibits a party, once a final decision has been entered in a civil action that the party has not sustained the burden of proving the invalidity of a patent claim, from requesting reexamination on issues that were or could have been raised in the civil action. Requires the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences to review adverse decisions of examiners in reexamination proceedings and authorizes appeals to the Board by patent owners and third-party requesters with respect to reexamination decisions.  Permits appeals of Board decisions to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.",2025-07-21T19:32:26Z,
103-hr-4801,103,hr,4801,Small Business Reauthorization and Amendment Act of 1994,Commerce,1994-07-20,1994-09-21,Laid on the table. See S. 2060 for further action.,House,"Rep. LaFalce, John J. [D-NY-29]",NY,D,L000556,10,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:     Title I:  Authorizations     Title II:  Financial Assistance Programs     Title III:  Size Standards and Bond Guarantees     Title IV:  Management Assistance     Title V:  Relief from FFB Debenture Prepayment Penalties     Title VI:  Development of Women-Owned Businesses     Title VII:  Miscellaneous Amendments Small Business Reauthorization and Amendment Act of 1994 - Title I:  Authorizations - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize appropriations for specified programs under such Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958. Title II:  Financial Assistance Programs - Revises provisions regarding the microloan program to authorize the Small Business Administration (SBA), during FY 1995 through 1997 and in lieu of making direct loans to intermediaries, to participate on a deferred basis of up to 100 percent on loans made to intermediaries by for-profit or non-profit entities.  Limits financing on a deferred basis to ten intermediaries in urban and rural areas, respectively, per year.  Limits loans to ten-year terms. (Sec. 202) Repeals specified State limitations with respect to the microloan demonstration program. (Sec. 203) Increases to 240 the number of microloan demonstration programs authorized to be funded by the SBA. (Sec. 206) Removes a limitation on the term of financing provided to enable small businesses to develop foreign markets. (Sec. 209) Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to authorize SBA to establish an Accredited Lenders Program for qualified State and local development companies that:   (1) have been active participants in the development company program for at least the last 12 months; (2) have qualified personnel who are knowledgeable in SBA's lending policies and procedures for such program; (3) have the ability to process, close, and service financing for plant and equipment; (4) have a loss rate on their debentures that is acceptable to the SBA; (5) have a history of submitting complete and accurate debenture guarantee application packages; and (6) have demonstrated the ability to serve small business credit needs for financing plant and equipment. Requires the SBA to expedite the processing of loan applications or servicing actions submitted by a qualified State or local development company that has been designated as an accredited lender. Suspends or revokes such designations for failures to meet the eligibility criteria or for violations of SBA regulations. (Sec. 210) Authorizes the SBA to establish a Premier Lenders Program for certified development companies which meet requirements of this section.  Authorizes the SBA to designate a participant in the accredited lenders program as a premier lender if such company:  (1) has been an active participant in the accredited lenders program for at least the last 12 months (authorizes a waiver of such requirement prior to January 1, 1996, if the applicant is qualified to participate in the program); (2) has a history of submitting adequately analyzed debenture guarantee application packages to the SBA; and (3) agrees to assume and reimburse the SBA for five percent of any loss substained on account of default by the company in the payment on a debenture issued by the company and guaranteed by the SBA. Authorizes the SBA, upon designation of a company as a premier lender, to permit a lender to approve loans to be funded with the proceeds of and to authorize the guarantee of a debenture issued by such company. Suspends or revokes designations of State or local development companies as premier lenders for failures to meet this section's requirements or SBA regulations. (Sec. 211) Directs the SBA Administrator to appoint an Investment Advisory Council for the Specialized Small Business Investment Company Program.  Requires the Council to report on the venture capital needs of socially or economically disadvantaged small business concerns and needed Federal incentives to assist the private sector in meeting such needs. (Sec. 212) Reserves 50 percent of the annual program level of participating securities for funding small business investment companies (SBICs) with private capital of less than $20 million. (Sec. 213) Directs the SBA to report on the status and disposition of SBICs and provide a complete accounting of their assets, loss rates, and valuation of the SBIC program investments. Title III:  Size Standards and Bond Guarantees - Revises size standard criteria for purposes of determining whether a business is a small business concern. (Sec. 303) Extends the SBA's authority to authorize sureties to issue, monitor, and service bonds subject to the SBA's guarantee until September 30, 1997. (Sec. 304) Requires the SBA to carry out a pilot program to provide procurement opportunities to very small business concerns. Title IV:  Management Assistance - Authorizes Small Business Development Centers to enter into contracts with Federal agencies to provide specific assistance to small business concerns if the contract is approved in advance by the Deputy Associate Administrator of the Small Business Development Center program. (Sec. 404) Extends the authorization of appropriations for the Central European enterprise development program. (Sec. 405) Authorizes the Administrator to carry out a mobile resource pilot program to use vehicles to provide technical assistance and other services to traditionally underserved populations. Authorizes appropriations. Title V:  Relief from FFB Debenture Prepayment Penalties - Small Business Prepayment Penalty Relief Act of 1994 - Authorizes the SBA, upon the request of the issuer and the concurrence of the borrower, to transfer to the Federal Financing Bank such sums as necessary to reduce the interest rate on a debenture issued by a certified development company.  Requires the Bank, upon receipt of such payment, to modify the interest rate for such debentures. Permits debentures authorized under provisions of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 regarding private debenture sales and pooling to be used to refinance debentures issued by State or local development companies if the amount of the new financing is limited to amounts necessary to repay the existing debenture, including any prepayment penalty imposed by the Bank. (Sec. 503) Authorizes the SBA, upon the request of the issuer, to transfer to the Bank such sums as necessary to reduce the interest rate on a debenture issued by a SBIC under title III of such Act. Requires the Bank, upon receipt of such payment, to modify the interest rate for such debentures. (Sec. 504) Authorizes the SBA, upon the request of the issuer, to modify the interest rate on a debenture issued by an SBIC financing disadvantaged small business concerns. (Sec. 505) Requires the SBA, upon enactment of an appropriations Act providing funds to carry out this Act, to evaluate the outstanding portfolio of debentures which are eligible for interest rate relief under this Act. Authorizes appropriations. Title VI:  Development of Women-Owned Businesses - Amends the Women's Business Ownership Act of 1988 to establish an Interagency Committee on Women's Business Enterprise. (Sec. 606) Extends the SBA's authority to provide financial assistance to women's small business demonstration projects. (Sec. 607) Establishes an Office of Women's Business Ownership within the SBA. (Sec. 609) Authorizes appropriations for the development of women's business enterprises. Title VII:  Miscellaneous Amendments - Permits small business contracts awarded to the handicapped to be extended for up to two additional years. (Sec. 705) Authorizes the Administrator to carry out a manufacturing modernization pilot program for promoting the award of Federal procurement contracts to small business concerns that participate in certified manufacturing application and education centers.  Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 706) Denies small business assistance to individuals who are not lawfully within the United States. (Sec. 708) Directs the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the SBA to study and report to the Congress on the impact of Federal regulatory paperwork and tax requirements on small business. (Sec. 709) Requires each applicant for financial assistance under the Small Business Act to certify, as a condition of receiving such assistance, that they are not in violation of any child support obligations.",2024-02-07T15:46:26Z,
103-sres-243,103,sres,243,A resolution recognizing the REALTORS Land Institute on the occasion of its 50th Anniversary.,Commerce,1994-07-14,1994-10-08,Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S15028),Senate,"Sen. Lott, Trent [R-MS]",MS,R,L000447,8,Recognizes the 50th anniversary of the Realtors Land Institute.,2025-01-14T18:20:21Z,
103-hr-4723,103,hr,4723,To authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to establish an Accredited Lenders Program for qualified State and local development companies.,Commerce,1994-07-12,1994-07-12,Referred to the House Committee on Small Business.,House,"Rep. Poshard, Glenn [D-IL-19]",IL,D,P000452,0,"Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to authorize the Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish an Accredited Lenders Program for qualified State and local development companies that:  (1) have been active participants in the development company program for the 12-month period preceding the designation; (2) have qualified personnel who are knowledgeable in the SBA's lending policies and procedures for such program; (3) have the ability to process, close, and service financing for plant and equipment; (4) have a loss rate on their debentures that is acceptable to the SBA; (5) have consistently submitted complete and accurate debenture guarantee application packages; and (6) have demonstrated the ability to serve small business credit needs for financing plant and equipment. Requires the SBA to expedite the processing of all loan applications and servicing actions submitted by a qualified State or local development company that has been designated as an accredited lender. Suspends or revokes such designations for failures to meet the requirements of this Act or for violations of SBA regulations.",2024-02-07T15:46:26Z,
103-s-2272,103,s,2272,Patent Prior User Rights Act of 1994,Commerce,1994-07-01,1994-11-29,Referred to the House Committee on Judiciary.,Senate,"Sen. DeConcini, Dennis [D-AZ]",AZ,D,D000185,2,"Patent Prior User Rights Act of 1994 - Provides that a person may not be liable as a patent infringer with respect to any subject matter claimed in the patent that such person had commercially used in the United States or made effective and serious preparation therefor in the United States before the effective filing date of the patent application.  Declares that a person who purchases in good faith a product that results directly from such a use or preparation shall not be liable as an infringer for continuing the use of the product purchased or for selling such product to another person.  Provides that rights based on prior use are not a general license under all claims of the patent but extend only to the claimed subject matter that the person asserting the prior use defense had commercially used or made effective and serious preparation therefor before the effective filing date of the patent application. Includes within rights based on prior use the right to vary quantities or volumes or to make improvements that do not infringe claims other than those claims that would have been infringed as of the effective filing of the patent application. Provides that rights based on prior use are personal and may not be licensed, assigned, or transferred to another except in connection with the assignment or transfer of the entire business or enterprise to which the rights relate. Bars claims of rights based on prior use if the activity under which the person claims the rights was:  (1) based on information derived from the patentee; or (2) abandoned on or after the effective filing date.  (Permits such claims only for the period of activity that occurred before abandonment.) Provides that the burden of proof for establishing the defense shall be on the person claiming rights based on prior use. Establishes conditions under which this Act applies to actions for infringement in cases where the effective filing date of the patent application is before this Act's enactment date.  Authorizes the court to grant equitable compensation to the patentee in such cases, subject to certain conditions.",2025-07-21T19:32:26Z,
103-hr-4685,103,hr,4685,Premier Lenders Program Authorization Act of 1994,Commerce,1994-06-30,1994-06-30,Referred to the House Committee on Small Business.,House,"Rep. LaFalce, John J. [D-NY-29]",NY,D,L000556,0,"Premier Lenders Program Authorization Act of 1994 - Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to authorize the Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish a Premier Lenders Program for certified development companies which meet requirements under this Act. Authorizes the SBA to designate a participant in an accelerated lenders program as a premier lender if such company: (1) has been an active participant in the accelerated lenders program for at least the last 12 months (waives such requirement if, prior to January 1, 1996, the applicant is qualified to participate in the program); (2) has a history of submitting adequately analyzed debenture guaranty application packages to the SBA; and (3) agrees to assume and reimburse the SBA for five percent of any loss sustained on account of default by the company in the payment on a debenture issued by the company and guaranteed by the SBA. Requires certified development companies, upon approval of an applicant as a premier lender, to establish a loss reserve in an amount equal to the anticipated losses to the company based on the historic loss rate on debentures or three percent of the aggregate principal amount of debentures issued by the company, whichever is greater. Authorizes the SBA, upon designation of a company as a premier lender, to permit a lender to approve loans to be funded with the proceeds of and to authorize the guaranty of a debenture issued by such company. Suspends or revokes designations of State or local development companies as premier lenders for failures to meet this Act's requirements or SBA regulations.",2025-08-26T13:50:45Z,
103-hr-4686,103,hr,4686,Small Business Prepayment Penalty Relief Act of 1994,Commerce,1994-06-30,1994-06-30,Referred to the House Committee on Small Business.,House,"Rep. LaFalce, John J. [D-NY-29]",NY,D,L000556,0,"Small Business Prepayment Penalty Relief Act of 1994 - Authorizes the Small Business Administration (SBA), upon the request of the issuer and the concurrence of the borrower, to transfer to the Federal Financing Bank such sums as necessary to reduce the interest rate on a debenture issued by a certified development company. Requires the Bank, upon receipt of such payment, to modify the interest rate for such debentures. Permits debentures authorized under provisions of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (the Act) regarding private debenture sales and pooling to be used to refinance debentures issued by State or local development companies if the amount of the new financing is limited to amounts necessary to repay the existing debentures, including any prepayment penalty imposed by the Bank. Authorizes the SBA, upon the request of the issuer, to transfer to the Bank such sums as necessary to reduce the interest rate on a debenture issued by a small business investment company under title III of the Act.  Requires the Bank, upon receipt of such payment, to modify the interest rate for such debentures. Authorizes the SBA, upon the request of the issuer, to modify the interest rate on a debenture issued by a small business investment company financing disadvantaged small business concerns. Requires the SBA, upon enactment of an appropriations Act providing funds to carry out this Act, to evaluate the outstanding portfolio of debentures which are eligible for interest rate relief under this Act. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-26T13:49:29Z,
103-hr-4673,103,hr,4673,"To establish a United States Design Council as an advisory committee within the Department of Commerce to promote understanding of the importance of design in the development of products and systems, and for other purposes.",Commerce,1994-06-29,1994-07-22,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Competitiveness.",House,"Rep. Brown, George E., Jr. [D-CA-42]",CA,D,B000918,5,"Establishes a United States Design Council as an advisory committee within the Department of Commerce to promote excellence and innovation in the design of U.S. products and systems in order to enhance U.S. competitiveness, trade, and economic opportunities.",2024-02-07T15:21:41Z,
103-hr-4658,103,hr,4658,Truth in Tobacco Labeling Act,Commerce,1994-06-27,1994-07-26,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and the Environment.,House,"Rep. Shepherd, Karen [D-UT-2]",UT,D,S000332,14,"Truth in Tobacco Labeling Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require tobacco product manufacturers to provide to consumers, through labeling, advertising, and promotion:  (1) information on additives and constituents in tobacco products and smoke; (2) information on adverse effects; (3) warnings and directions for use; (4) contraindications; (5) warnings against use in pathological conditions; and (6) any other information deemed necessary by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Amends the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act to remove trade secret and confidentiality requirements from provisions regarding a report to the Congress on tobacco additives.",2025-08-26T13:51:56Z,
103-s-2235,103,s,2235,A bill to authorize the establishment of an Accredited Lenders Program for qualified State or local development companies under the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 and an Accredited Loan Packagers Pilot Program for loan packagers under the Small Business Act.,Commerce,1994-06-23,1994-06-23,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business.,Senate,"Sen. Wellstone, Paul D. [D-MN]",MN,D,W000288,0,"Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to direct the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish an Accredited Lenders Program which designates a State or local development company as an accredited lender if it demonstrates:  (1) adequate knowledge of the SBA guaranteed loan program; and (2) proficiency in meeting the requirements of such program and any other applicable requirements.  Authorizes the Administrator to expedite the processing of any loan application or servicing action submitted by a development company so designated. Suspends or revokes such designation upon certain determinations by the Administrator. Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Administrator to establish an Accredited Loan Packagers Pilot Program under which loan packagers shall be designated as accredited loan packagers upon meeting certain requirements with respect to loan packaging under the SBA guaranteed loan program.  Requires at least ten but no more than 15 loan packagers to be so designated.  Authorizes the Administrator, during a three-year period, to expedite the processing of any loan application or servicing action prepared by a loan packager so designated.  Suspends or revokes such designation upon certain determinations by the Administrator.",2025-01-14T17:16:56Z,
103-hr-4629,103,hr,4629,To amend the Truth in Lending Act to impose a civil penalty on a creditor under an open end consumer credit plan that engages in a pattern of unlawfully billing any obligor under the plan.,Commerce,1994-06-22,1994-07-01,Referred to the Subcommittee on Consumer Credit and Insurance.,House,"Rep. Kildee, Dale E. [D-MI-9]",MI,D,K000172,0,Amends the Truth in Lending Act to subject to a civil penalty a creditor under an open end consumer credit plan that engages in a pattern of unlawfully billing an obligor.,2024-02-06T19:38:08Z,
103-hr-4608,103,hr,4608,Patent and Trademark Office Authorization Act of 1994,Commerce,1994-06-21,1994-10-03,Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.,House,"Rep. Hughes, William J. [D-NJ-2]",NJ,D,H000930,1,"Patent and Trademark Office Authorization Act of 1994 - Authorizes appropriations to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for FY 1995. Prohibits a reduction in the number of full-time equivalent employees in the Office during the five-year period beginning on October 1, 1994, unless:  (1) a law is enacted that specifically requires reductions in personnel or positions in such Office; or (2) the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks determines that such reduction is in the best interests of the Office and the public. Exempts the Office, during such five-year period, from any law imposing a restriction on hiring by the executive agencies or reductions in force by executive agencies to achieve reductions in the Federal work force. Changes the status of the Commissioner from an Assistant Secretary of Commerce to an Under Secretary of Commerce (thereby allowing the Commissioner to be compensated at the same rate as Under Secretaries of Commerce).",2025-01-16T12:12:20Z,
103-s-2215,103,s,2215,Biomaterials Access Assurance Act of 1994,Commerce,1994-06-20,1994-06-20,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.,Senate,"Sen. Lieberman, Joseph I. [D-CT]",CT,D,L000304,6,"Biomaterials Access Assurance Act of 1994 - Declares that this Act applies to any civil action brought in either State or Federal court against a manufacturer, seller, or biomaterials supplier, or against a licensor of such suppliers for harm caused by an implant. Prescribes procedural guidelines and the burden of proof for actions against biomaterials suppliers for harm caused by an implant. Precludes such actions, except as provided under this Act, against a person who has neither registered with the Secretary of Health and Human Services nor included the implant on a list of devices filed pursuant to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.",2025-08-26T13:52:32Z,
103-hr-4505,103,hr,4505,Patent Term Amendment Act of 1994,Commerce,1994-05-26,1994-06-01,Referred to the Subcommittee on Intellectual Property and Judicial Administration.,House,"Rep. Hughes, William J. [D-NJ-2]",NJ,D,H000930,0,"Patent Term Amendment Act of 1994 - Revises Federal patent law to establish a 20-year patent term from the date of filing.  Provides that, where the issuance of an original patent is delayed because of a proceeding regarding situations where a patent application would interfere with a pending application or with an unexpired patent, the term of the patent shall be extended for the period of delay up to five years. Sets forth provisions with respect to the filing of a provisional application for a patent.  Specifies that a provisional application shall not be entitled to the right of priority of any other application or the benefit of an earlier filing date in the United States. Directs the Commissioner of the Patent and Trademark Office to charge a $150 filing fee on each provisional application for an original patent.",2025-08-26T13:49:02Z,
103-hr-4518,103,hr,4518,FTC Order Review Procedure Act of 1994,Commerce,1994-05-26,1994-06-27,Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation and Hazardous Materials.,House,"Rep. Kopetski, Mike [D-OR-5]",OR,D,K000312,3,"FTC Order Review Procedure Act of 1994 - Amends the Federal Trade Commission Act to require the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), each January, to publish in the Federal Register a list of all final FTC antitrust and consumer protection orders issued that are in effect and that have been final orders of the FTC for a period of ten years or more. Requires that any FTC order which has been final for more than ten years be set aside in response to an FTC petition for a proceeding for its termination unless the FTC determines, based on a preponderance of the evidence, that the continuation of the relevant market conditions or conduct following entry of the order require it to remain in effect. Makes exceptions where such order enjoins conduct subject to per se condemnation under the Sherman Act or is issued to protect the public from fraudulent conduct, or is based on an FTC finding based on a preponderance of the evidence that there is a high probability that the kind of conduct which resulted in the FTC issuing the order is likely to recur.  Requires any FTC order issued after the date of enactment of this Act to include a provision which terminates the order ten years after it becomes final, unless it is an order which enjoins such conduct or is based on such a finding. Requires that, after the date of enactment, any court ruling that enforces, amends, or supplements an FTC order that has been terminated pursuant to this Act be vacated upon the filing of a petition in the relevant court which truthfully asserts that the related FTC order has been terminated and which requests that the court ruling be vacated.",2025-08-26T13:51:15Z,
103-hr-4353,103,hr,4353,Consumer Information Privacy Act,Commerce,1994-05-05,1994-08-03,Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1524),House,"Rep. Gallo, Dean A. [R-NJ-11]",NJ,R,G000025,4,Consumer Information Privacy Act - Requires businesses that compile consumer lists for sale to other businesses to notify such consumers of the sale of such lists.  Declares that violations of this Act constitute an unfair or deceptive act or practice subject to enforcement under the Federal Trade Commission Act.,2025-08-26T13:50:39Z,
103-hr-4366,103,hr,4366,To amend the Small Business Act to establish a minority graduate mentor program.,Commerce,1994-05-05,1994-07-20,Referred to the Subcommittee on SBA Legislation and the General Economy.,House,"Rep. Wynn, Albert Russell [D-MD-4]",MD,D,W000784,13,"Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to establish a minority graduate mentor program under which a small business concern that is a graduate of the small business and capital ownership development program (graduate concern) may serve as a mentor to small business concerns that are in the developmental stage of such program (developmental stage concern). Makes a participating graduate concern eligible to receive certain contracts upon agreeing to subcontract between 20 and 49 percent of the value of the contract to one or more developmental stage concerns. Requires program regulations to contain, at a minimum:  (1) application requirements; (2) selection criteria; (3) procedures for establishing partnerships between graduate concerns and developmental stage concerns; (4) a description of the types of assistance that a graduate concern will provide to a developmental stage concern; (5) monitoring methods to be used by the Administrator to prevent abuse, including a requirement that all participants submit a financial capability statement at least every two years; and (6) procedures to permit a graduate concern and a developmental stage concern to terminate their partnership upon the completion of a contract.",2024-02-07T15:46:26Z,
103-s-2060,103,s,2060,Small Business Administration Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 1994,Commerce,1994-05-03,1994-10-22,Became Public Law No: 103-403.,Senate,"Sen. Bumpers, Dale [D-AR]",AR,D,B001057,10,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Authorizations      Title II:  Financial Assistance Programs      Title III:  Size Standards and Bond Guarantees      Title IV:  Business Development Assistance           Subtitle A:  General Provisions           Subtitle B:  Development of Woman-Owned Businesses      Title V:  Relief from Debenture Prepayment Penalties      Title VI:  Miscellaneous Amendments Small Business Administration Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 1994 - Title I:  Authorizations - Amends the Small Business Act (the Act) to extend through FY 1997 the authorization of appropriations for small business program loans and for programs of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958.  Provides program level funding within each such fiscal year. Title II:  Financial Assistance Programs - Authorizes the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA), in lieu of making loans to intermediaries under the Microloan Demonstration Program (Program), to participate on a pilot program basis during FY 1995 through 1997 on a deferred basis of at least 90 and up to 100 percent on loans made to intermediaries by a profit or nonprofit entity or by an alliance of such entities, subject to specified loan conditions.  Authorizes agencies or nonprofit entities established by a Native American tribal government to be Microloan intermediaries.  Extends the Program through FY 1996. (Sec. 204) Increases the authorized number of microloan programs (to 200) and per State funding limits under the Program.   Directs the SBA, in approving Program applicants, to select such intermediaries that will further microloan availability for small businesses in all industries throughout each State, but especially those located in urban and rural areas. (Sec. 206) Increases from $1.25 million to $2.5 million the loan limit after the first year for participating intermediaries under the Program.  Allows each intermediary to expend up to 15 percent of grant funds to provide information and technical assistance to small businesses that are prospective borrowers under the Program.   Provides technical assistance grants for intermediaries providing loans to small businesses located in economically distressed areas. (Sec. 209) Authorizes the SBA to provide extensions of credit and other financing to enable small business concerns, including export concerns, to develop foreign markets.  Increases loan limits with respect to working capital international trade loans. (Sec. 212) Amends the Business Investment Act of 1958 to authorize the SBA to establish an Accredited Lenders Program for qualified State and local business development companies that meet specified requirements, including active participation in the Development Company Program authorized under such Act.  Provides for:  (1) the expedited processing of loan applications; (2) the suspension or revocation of designation as a qualified development company; (3) necessary regulations; and (4) required biennial reports from the Administrator to the congressional small business committees. (Sec. 213) Amends the Small Business Administration Reauthorization and Amendment Act of 1988 to repeal a provision limiting the interest rate authorized to be charged on certified development company loans. (Sec. 214) Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to: (1) require certification by a small business receiving assistance from a small business investment company that it meets the eligibility requirements of the Small Business Investment Company or Specialized Small Business Investment Company Program; and (2) reserve 50 percent of the annual program level of participating securities for small business investment companies to fund companies with private capital of less than $20 million. (Sec. 216) Requires a report from the SBA to the small business committees on the status and disposition of all small business investment companies participating in the Small Business Investment Company Program of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958. (Sec. 217) Authorizes the SBA Administrator to establish a Premier Certified Lenders Program for not more than 15 certified development companies (CDCs) which meet requirements of this section.  Authorizes the SBA to designate a CDC as a premier certified lender if such company:  (1) has been an active participant in the accredited lenders program for at least the last 12 months (authorizes a waiver of such requirement prior to January 1, 1996, if the applicant is qualified to participate in such program); (2) has a history of submitting adequately analyzed debenture guarantee application packages to the SBA; and (3) agrees to assume and reimburse the SBA for ten percent of any loss sustained on account of default by the company in the payment of principal and interest on a debenture issued by the company and guaranteed by the SBA.  Requires companies so designated to establish a loss reserve for financings approved under this section.  Empowers such certified lenders with loan approval authority under terms and conditions established by the SBA, subject to SBA review.  Provides for suspension or revocation of such designation in appropriate circumstances.  Requires annual reports on the implementation of this section. Terminates this section as of October 1, 1997. Title III:  Size Standards and Bond Guarantees - Amends the Act to provide additional criteria to determine whether a business may be considered a small business for purposes of that or any other Act. (Sec. 302) Amends the Small Business Administration Reauthorization and Amendment Act of 1988 to extend through FY 1995 the preferred surety bond guarantee program. (Sec. 303) Directs the SBA to promote the award of Federal manufacturing contracts to small businesses that participate in manufacturing application and education centers by working with the Department of Commerce and other agencies to identify components and subsystems that are both critical and currently foreign-sourced.  Outlines qualifications.  Terminates the SBA's authority as of September 30, 1997.  Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 304) Directs the Administrator to establish and carry out a pilot program to provide improved access to Federal contract opportunities for very small businesses (businesses with 15 or fewer employees and gross annual receipts of $1 million or less).  Directs the Administrator to establish a preauthorization program for such businesses for the purpose of receiving financial assistance under the Act.  Requires a report to the Congress. Requires program implementation by August 30, 1995, and termination by September 30, 1998. (Sec. 305) Amends the Act to allow public or private organizations for the handicapped to participate during FY 1995 in small business set-aside contracts under the Act in an aggregate amount not to exceed $40 million. Title IV:  Business Development Assistance - Subtitle A:  General Provisions - Repeals specified amendments made under the Small Business Computer Security and Education Act of 1984 which authorize assistance to small businesses by the SBA through cooperation with a profit-making concern, with conditions. (Sec. 402) Amends provisions concerning the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Program to:  (1) require matching funds provided by non-Federal sources under the program to be comprised of not less than 50 percent cash and not more than 50 percent in-kind contributions; (2) provide FY 1995 grant limits for each State recipient; (3) allow an SBDC to contract with a Federal department or agency to provide specific assistance to small businesses (requiring certain contract approval under specified criteria); and (4) require the SBA to develop and implement a biennial programmatic and financial examination of each SBDC established. (Sec. 405) Extends through FY 1995 the authorization of appropriations for the Central European enterprise development program. (Sec. 406) Authorizes the Administrator to carry out a mobile resources pilot program to provide technical assistance, information, and other services from the SBA to traditionally underserved populations.  Requires a report. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 407) Requires information concerning the benefits and risks of franchising to be included among information provided to small business. Subtitle B:  Development of Woman-Owned Businesses - Amends the Act to:  (1) extend through October 1, 1997, the provision of financial assistance for the conduct of demonstration projects for the benefit of small businesses owned and controlled by women; and (2) establish within the SBA an Office of Women's Business Ownership to be responsible for the administration of SBA programs for the development of women's business enterprises. (Sec. 413) Establishes the Interagency Committee on Women's Business Enterprise to monitor, coordinate, and promote the plans, programs, and operations of Federal departments and agencies that may contribute to the establishment and growth of women's business enterprise.  Requires Committee meetings at least biannually.  Requires appropriate consultation with the National Women's Business Council (established under this section).  Requires annual Committee reports to the President and the small business committees. Establishes the National Women's Business Council to advise and consult with the Committee on matters relating to Committee activities, functions, and policies.  Directs the President to appoint an individual to serve as chairperson of the Council, in consultation with the Administrator. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1997 to carry out this subtitle. Provides:  (1) transitional reimbursement for interim salaries and expenses of Council members and staff; and (2) authority to accept gifts for activities authorized under the Women's Business Ownership Act of 1988.  Title V:  Relief from Debenture Prepayment Penalties - Small Business Prepayment Penalty Relief Act of 1994 - Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to authorize an issuer of a debenture purchased by the Federal Financing Bank and guaranteed by the SBA to prepay such debenture at the election of the borrower whose loan secures such debenture (or the issuer in the case of a small business investment company), and with SBA approval. Provides prepayment procedures and terms.  Prohibits the imposition of prepayment fees or penalties.  Provides debenture refinancing limitations, allowing a loan processing fee for such refinancing. Authorizes the issuance of new debentures in order to prepay existing debentures, as long as certain notice requirements are met.  Authorizes appropriations. Title VI:  Miscellaneous Amendments - Amends the Act to require the SBA to deposit annually into the Treasury the actual interest collected during that fiscal year on all financings made under the Act. (Sec. 602) Empowers the SBA to impose, retain, and use fees which are specifically authorized by law or which are in effect as of September 30, 1994.  Allows for the collection of certain additional fees. (Sec. 603) Directs the SBA to develop procedures to ensure that financial assistance is used for projects which have the greatest potential for:  (1) creating new jobs for individuals whose employment is involuntarily terminated due to reduction in defense expenditures; or (2) preventing the loss of jobs by employees of small businesses affected by such reductions. (Sec. 604) Requires the SBA to transfer seven percent of its annual appropriations for loan guarantees (currently, only loans) in order to provide technical assistance grants to microlending organizations. (Sec. 606) Directs the SBA Administrator to conduct a study of: (1) the Guaranteed Business Loan program under the Act; and (2) the Development Company program under the Small Business Investment Act of 1958.  Requires an evaluation of each such program.  Requires study completion by the end of FY 1995. (Sec. 607) Requires vendors to be selected under small business innovation research programs using competitive, merit-based procedures and to serve a three-year term. (Sec. 608) Amends the Business Opportunity Development Reform Act of 1988 to extend through FY 1997 the authority for joint ventures to provide assistance to disadvantaged small business concerns. (Sec. 609) Prohibits funds made available under the Act from being used to provide benefits or assistance to individuals not lawfully within the United States. (Sec. 610) Allows the SBA's Office of Advocacy to:  (1) hire staff without consultation and approval from the SBA Administrator; and (2) hire up to 14 (currently, 10) individuals. (Sec. 611) Prohibits the SBA from providing any financial or other assistance to a business or person engaged in the production or distribution of a product or service that has been determined by a court to be obscene. (Sec. 612) Requires each applicant for financial assistance under the Act to certify that he or she is not more than 60 days delinquent under any child support obligations.  Provides enforcement procedures. (Sec. 613) Directs the SBA's Chief Counsel for Advocacy to study and report to the Congress on the impact of Federal regulatory paperwork and tax requirements on small businesses.",2025-01-14T17:16:56Z,
103-s-2061,103,s,2061,A bill to amend the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to permit prepayment of debentures issued by State and local development companies.,Commerce,1994-05-03,1994-05-17,Committee on Small Business. Hearings held.,Senate,"Sen. Bumpers, Dale [D-AR]",AR,D,B001057,4,"Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to permit a qualified State or local development company that issues a debenture purchased by the Federal Financing Bank and guaranteed by the Small Business Administration, at the election of the small business borrower whose loan secures such debenture and with the Administrators approval, to prepay the debenture by payment to the Bank of the unpaid principal balance, accrued interest, and repurchase premium amount (as determined under this Act). Prohibits any fees or penalties from being imposed against the issuer, borrower, or the Administration as a condition of prepayment under this Act. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-01-14T17:16:56Z,
103-hr-4322,103,hr,4322,"To amend the Small Business Act to increase the authorization for the development company program, and for other purposes.",Commerce,1994-05-02,1994-07-22,Became Public Law No: 103-282.,House,"Rep. LaFalce, John J. [D-NY-29]",NY,D,L000556,1,Amends the Small Business Act to:  (1) increase from $1.2 billion to $1.5 billion the authorization of appropriations for the development company program administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA); (2) increase by a corresponding amount the total amount authorized generally for SBA loans; and (3) authorize the SBA Administrator to extend for an additional six months the authorized period for payment of travel expenses of SBA personnel performing disaster loan-making activities.,2024-02-07T15:46:26Z,
103-hr-4307,103,hr,4307,"To amend title 35, United States Code, with respect to applications for process patents.",Commerce,1994-04-28,1994-10-07,Message on Senate action sent to the House.,House,"Rep. Hughes, William J. [D-NJ-2]",NJ,D,H000930,7,"Provides that, upon timely election by the applicant for patent to proceed, a ""biotechnological process"" using or resulting in a composition of matter that is novel and nonobvious shall be considered nonobvious if:  (1) claims to the process and the composition of matter are contained in either the same application for patent or in separate applications having the same effective date; and (2) the composition of matter and the process at the time it was invented were owned by the same person or subject to an obligation of assignment to the same person. Specifies that a patent issued on such a process shall:  (1) contain the claims to the composition of matter used in or made by that process; or (2) if such composition of matter is claimed in another patent, be set to expire on the same date as such other patent. Provides that, if a claim to a composition of matter is held invalid and that claim was the basis of a determination of nonobviousness under this title, the process shall no longer be considered nonobvious solely on the basis of provisions of this title. Confers jurisdiction upon the U.S. Court of Federal Claims to hear, determine, and render conclusions sufficient to inform the Congress of the amount, if any, legally or equitably due upon the claims of Inslaw, Inc., and William and Nancy Hamilton against the United States, arising out of the furnishing of computer software and services to the U.S. Department of Justice.  Sets guidelines for the submission of a report to the Congress on that subject.  Waives sovereign immunity for purposes of such report.",2025-01-16T12:12:20Z,
103-hr-4297,103,hr,4297,Small Business Administration Amendments of 1994,Commerce,1994-04-25,1994-05-25,Committee Hearings Held.,House,"Rep. LaFalce, John J. [D-NY-29]",NY,D,L000556,0,"Small Business Administration Amendments of 1994 - Title I: Amends the Small Business Act (the Act) to:  (1) allow the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA), under the microloan demonstration program, to make up to 100 percent deferred participation loans to ten small business intermediaries located in urban areas and ten intermediaries located in rural areas; (2) revise the authorized number of microloan programs for fiscal years after 1992; (3) increase from $1.5 to $5 million the annual microloan limits to a State; (4) increase from $1.25 to $1.75 million the total outstanding loan limit authorized for each intermediary; and (5) revise microloan repayment requirements. Title II:  Revises provisions concerning the participatory amount of the SBA in small business loans provided on a deferred basis. Increases from $250,000 to $750,000 the authorized outstanding loan amounts for small businesses engaged in or adversely affected by international trade. Title III:  Allows the SBA Administrator to inventory the productive facilities and capacities of business (currently, only small businesses) as part of a business loan process. Title IV:  Establishes within the SBA an Office of Women's Business Ownership to administer the women's demonstration projects (projects providing financial assistance to businesses owned and controlled by women) created under the Act. Title V:  Amends the Act and the Small Business Investment Act to provide that the authority of the SBA to make loans under such Acts shall remain available until expressly repealed. (Sec. 503) Removes a six-month limitation on the payment of transportation expenses of SBA employees in connection with any disaster loan assistance. (Sec. 505) Establishes in the Treasury one Loan Liquidation Fund, replacing various revolving funds, a disaster loan fund, and a business and investment loan fund under the Act.  Provides for repayment of all such loans to the Fund.  Requires a report from the SBA Administrator to specified congressional committees concerning Fund activities. (Sec. 507) Authorizes the SBA Administrator to specify detailed definitions or standards by which a business shall be recognized as a small business for purposes of the Act, with certain requirements such as an opportunity for public hearing. (Sec. 508) Empowers the SBA Administrator to impose reasonable fees in connection with assistance provided and information compiled and disseminated under the Act and the Small Business Investment Act. Title VI:  Authorizes specified program funding levels for FY 1995 through 1997 for loans and other programs, as well as salaries and expenses, as provided or required under the Act and the Small Business Investment Act.",2025-08-26T13:48:53Z,
103-hr-4298,103,hr,4298,To amend the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to permit prepayment of debentures issued by State and local development companies.,Commerce,1994-04-25,1994-05-25,Committee Hearings Held.,House,"Rep. LaFalce, John J. [D-NY-29]",NY,D,L000556,1,"Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to permit a qualified State or local development company that issues a debenture purchased by the Federal Financing Bank and guaranteed by the Small Business Administration, at the election of the small business borrower whose loan secures such debenture and with the Administration's approval, to repay the debenture by payment to the Bank of the unpaid principal balance, accrued interest, and repurchase premium amount (as determined under this Act). Prohibits any fees or penalties from being imposed against the issuer, borrower, or the Administration as a condition of prepayment under this Act. Authorizes appropriations.",2024-02-07T15:46:26Z,
103-hr-4279,103,hr,4279,Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Studies Act of 1994,Commerce,1994-04-21,1994-04-26,Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation and Hazardous Materials.,House,"Rep. Roybal-Allard, Lucille [D-CA-33]",CA,D,R000486,37,Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Studies Act of 1994 - Directs the Federal Trade Commission to study and report to the Congress on specified aspects of tobacco advertising and promotion targeted at women and certain ethnic groups.,2025-08-26T13:50:14Z,
103-hr-4263,103,hr,4263,Small Business and Minority Small Business Procurement Opportunities Act of 1994,Commerce,1994-04-20,1994-08-12,"Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 383.",House,"Rep. LaFalce, John J. [D-NY-29]",NY,D,L000556,1,"Small Business and Minority Small Business Procurement Opportunities Act of 1994 - Amends the Small Business Act (the Act) to direct the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to:  (1) develop plans to coordinate and promote the use of the Federal Acquisition Computer Network by small businesses that incorporate outreach efforts by various agencies and organizations; (2) inform and provide consistent and comprehensive training on the Network for small businesses; and (3) provide Minority Business Development Centers and other Department of Commerce minority assistance programs information on procurement opportunities and access to the Network. (Sec. 2) Requires each Federal contract for the procurement of goods and services not in excess of $100,000 or the simplified acquisition threshold, whichever is higher, to be reserved exclusively for small businesses unless the contracting officer is unable to obtain competitive offers from two or more small businesses. (Sec. 5) Revises provisions regarding contract goals for small businesses and small businesses owned by socially disadvantaged individuals.  Expands such program to include small businesses owned by women. Increases the percentage goal for small business participation to at least 25 (currently, 20) percent of the total value of all prime contract awards in a fiscal year.  Sets a minimum goal of five percent of the total value of all prime contract and subcontract awards in a fiscal year for participation by small businesses owned by women. Requires all executive agencies to establish a goal of at least five percent of contract and subcontract dollars per year to be expended through small businesses owned by socially disadvantaged individuals for fiscal years 1994 through 2000.  Outlines administrative procedures with respect to the attainment of such goals, including the provision of appropriate technical assistance. Authorizes the use of advance payments and less than full and open competitive procedures when determined appropriate and in furtherance of the attainment of the contract goals.  Requires appropriate regulations by the Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy.  Provides civil and criminal penalties for the misrepresentation of a business as a business owned by socially disadvantaged individuals.  Requires an agency head, upon request, to determine whether the use of small disadvantaged business set asides by a contracting activity of such agency has caused a particular industry category to bear a disproportionate share of the contracts awarded to attain the goal established for such contracting activity.  Requires appropriate corrective action upon a positive finding. (Sec. 8) Requires procuring activities, until October 1, 1999, to report procurement awards with a dollar value between $10,000 and $100,000 in conformity with the procedures or the reporting of a contract award in excess of $25,000 that were in effect on October 1, 1992. Directs the SBA Administrator to propose a modification to the Federal Acquisition Regulation that provides for the use of specified fast payment terms. (Sec. 9) Provides deadlines for responses to requests by small businesses regarding contract administration matters. (Sec. 10) Prohibits contracting procurement agencies from using any market acceptance criterion that would preclude small businesses from being eligible for a contract award solely on the basis of being unable to supply a quantity of product when the same amount of product could be obtained from a number of small business suppliers. (Sec. 12) Requires the President to report annually to the Congress on the progress that small businesses owned by socially disadvantaged individuals and women are making in obtaining Federal procurement dollars. (Sec. 13) Makes certain requirements regarding the participation of small businesses and small businesses owned by socially disadvantaged individuals in contracts and subcontracts applicable to small businesses owned by women as well.",2025-02-04T16:54:13Z,
103-hr-4248,103,hr,4248,Library of Congress Book Protection Act of 1994,Commerce,1994-04-19,1994-04-21,Referred to the Subcommittee on Libraries and Memorials.,House,"Rep. Fields, Jack [R-TX-8]",TX,R,F000111,1,"Library of Congress Book Protection Act of 1994 - Requires the Librarian of Congress to promulgate regulations to:  (1) establish a schedule of late fines for any borrower who has a book on loan for more than 70 days; (2) assess a late fine on such borrower; (3) suspend his or her loan privileges and that of all borrowers on his or her office loan account if the borrower has not returned a book after such period; (4) reinstate the loan privileges of any borrower after the return of the book and the payment of all late fines; and (5) provide for waivers, at the discretion of the Librarian, with regard to all or any part of an assessed late fine and the suspension of all or any part of the borrower's loan privileges. Requires the Librarian to establish a Late Book Fine Fund to be available to the Librarian without fiscal year limitation for general operating expenses of the Library of Congress and the replacement of lost or stolen books. Prohibits Federal funds from being used to pay the assessed late fine.  Imposes a fine for such violation. Requires the Librarian to include in the annual report submitted to the Congress:  (1) the estimated number of books that are missing from the Library due to borrowers who have had loan privileges suspended; (2) the name of any office with an office loan account that includes any borrower who has had loan privileges suspended and has been assessed late fines that have not been paid for more than one month; (3) the total amount of such fines assessed to each named office; (4) all monies deposited in the Fund; and (5) the amounts and uses of expenditures from the Fund.",2025-08-26T13:52:07Z,
103-hr-4227,103,hr,4227,"To amend title 5, United States Code, to provide that the mandatory retirement age for members of the Capitol Police be made the same as the age applicable to law enforcement officers.",Commerce,1994-04-14,1994-04-21,Referred to the Subcommittee on Personnel and Police.,House,"Rep. Manton, Thomas J. [D-NY-7]",NY,D,M000117,2,Amends Federal law to raise the mandatory retirement age for members of the Capitol Police from 55 to 57.,2024-02-07T11:39:48Z,
103-hr-4172,103,hr,4172,To amend the Small Business Act to increase authorization levels for the small business development center program.,Commerce,1994-04-12,1994-04-26,Referred to the Subcommittee on SBA Legislation and the General Economy.,House,"Rep. Machtley, Ronald K. [R-RI-1]",RI,R,M000015,7,"Amends the Small Business Act to increase, for each of FY 1994 through 1999, the authorization levels for the small business development center program.",2024-02-07T15:46:26Z,
103-hr-4173,103,hr,4173,To amend the Small Business Act to provide for expanded participation in the microloan demonstration program.,Commerce,1994-04-12,1994-04-26,Referred to the Subcommittee on SBA Legislation and the General Economy.,House,"Rep. Machtley, Ronald K. [R-RI-1]",RI,R,M000015,2,"Amends the Small Business Act with respect to the microloan demonstration program (the provision of business loans to certain small businesses and women, low-income, and minority entrepreneurs) to: (1) authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to make guaranteed loans under such program on an immediate or deferred basis; and (2) allow agencies or instrumentalities of a municipal government to be considered quasi-governmental economic development entities under the Act and therefore able to act as microloan intermediaries.",2024-02-07T15:46:26Z,
103-hr-4174,103,hr,4174,Small Business Defense Conversion Guaranteed Loan Act of 1994,Commerce,1994-04-12,1994-04-12,Referred to the House Committee on Small Business.,House,"Rep. Machtley, Ronald K. [R-RI-1]",RI,R,M000015,0,"Small Business Defense Conversion Guaranteed Loan Act of 1994 - Amends the Small Business Act to:  (1) authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make loans on a guaranteed basis (currently, authorized but not guaranteed) to small businesses adversely affected by the closure of military bases or reductions or terminations of defense contracts; (2) allow such loans to small businesses that experience a substantial reduction in revenues due to such factors; and (3) authorize the SBA to make no more than $2 billion in deferred participation loans to such small businesses for each of FY 1995 and 1996.",2025-08-26T13:50:48Z,
103-hr-4175,103,hr,4175,To amend the Small Business Act to provide financial assistance to small businesses operating in urban empowerment zones and enterprise communities and to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow individuals an exclusion for capital gain from new investments in those small businesses.,Commerce,1994-04-12,1994-04-26,Referred to the Subcommittee on SBA Legislation and the General Economy.,House,"Rep. Machtley, Ronald K. [R-RI-1]",RI,R,M000015,0,"Amends the Small Business Act to earmark specified funds to be expended after FY 1994 for small businesses operating in urban empowerment zones or enterprise communities (urban tax enterprise zones). Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income qualified capital gain recognized on the sale or exchange of an urban tax enterprise zone asset held for more than five years.  Describes such assets as enterprise zone stock, business property, and partnership interests.",2024-02-07T16:32:33Z,
103-s-1989,103,s,1989,Insurance Policy Transfer Act,Commerce,1994-03-25,1994-05-26,Committee on Commerce. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 103-660.,Senate,"Sen. Metzenbaum, Howard M. [D-OH]",OH,D,M000678,1,"Insurance Policy Transfer Act - Requires an insurer to notify a policyholder before the insurer enters into a transfer agreement or transfers the policyholder's insurance contract to another insurer, provided that such requirement shall not apply to:  (1) a transfer agreement or transaction in which the transferring insurer continues to remain directly liable for its insurance obligations, risks, or both, under the insurance contracts subject to the transfer agreement; (2) the substitution of one insurer for another upon the expiration of insurance coverage pursuant to statutory or contractual requirements and the issuance of a new insurance contract by another insurer; (3) the transfer of insurance contracts pursuant to mergers or consolidations of two or more insurers to the extent that those transactions are regulated by the laws of the affected State or States; and (4) an insurer subject to a judicial order of liquidation or rehabilitation.  Sets forth provisions regarding the form and content of such notice. Requires the written consent of the policyholder or a beneficiary before an insurer can enter into a transfer agreement or transfer an insurance contract pursuant to a transfer agreement unless:  (1) the transferring insurer and the assuming insurer are rated by the same three insurance company rating organizations for each of the three years immediately preceding the transfer; (2) such rating is the highest possible rating or is a higher rating than the transferring insurer; and (3) the policyholder or beneficiary has been provided with the required notice between February 28 and May 1 of each of the three years immediately preceding the transfer and has not responded to the notice with an objection to the transfer or transaction within 90 days after the third notice is sent. Allows the policyholder or the Attorney General to bring an action for relief in the appropriate United States district court if an insurer violates this Act. Empowers the district court to grant such relief as is necessary or appropriate to redress a violation of this Act, including permanent or temporary injunctive relief, compensatory damages, punitive damages, and costs, including reasonable attorney's fees.",2025-08-26T13:49:49Z,
103-hr-4132,103,hr,4132,Credit Card Interest Rate Cap Act of 1994,Commerce,1994-03-24,1994-04-07,Referred to the Subcommittee on Consumer Credit and Insurance.,House,"Rep. Gejdenson, Sam [D-CT-2]",CT,D,G000120,7,Credit Card Interest Rate Cap Act of 1994 - Expresses the sense of the Congress that:  (1) low interest rates have reduced interest rates for consumer loans; (2) such low rates have not led to corresponding steep reductions in credit card interest rates; and (3) consumers are therefore paying credit card interest rates far in excess of what is warranted by economic conditions. Amends the Truth in Lending Act to prescribe a formula for a maximum credit card interest rate.,2025-08-26T13:51:40Z,
103-hr-4151,103,hr,4151,Essential Pharmaceuticals Act of 1994,Commerce,1994-03-24,1994-03-31,Referred to the Subcommittee on Intellectual Property and Judicial Administration.,House,"Rep. Nadler, Jerrold [D-NY-8]",NY,D,N000002,0,"Essential Pharmaceuticals Act of 1994 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to notify the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks if the Secretary determines that the owner of a patent which claims a product or a method of using or manufacturing a product and which may be extended has not taken all reasonable steps toward the commercial marketing or use of that product whose availability to the public is of vital importance to the public health or welfare.  Requires the Commissioner to provide for the compulsory licensing of all patents relating to that product. Allows an individual aggrieved by a decision of:  (1) the Commissioner under this Act to appeal that decision to the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences, after paying the fee for such appeal; and (2) the Board to appeal that decision to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.",2025-08-26T13:50:51Z,
103-s-1956,103,s,1956,Rental-Purchase Reform Act of 1994,Commerce,1994-03-22,1994-03-22,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking.,Senate,"Sen. Shelby, Richard C. [D-AL]",AL,D,S000320,5,Rental-Purchase Reform Act of 1994 - Amends the Consumer Credit Protection Act to set forth information required to be disclosed by merchants to consumers under rental-purchase agreements.  Regulates the collection and advertising practices of such merchants. Authorizes consumers to bring civil charges in any U.S.  district court for violations of this Act.,2025-08-26T13:49:50Z,
103-hr-4026,103,hr,4026,Small Business Defense Conversion Loan Guarantee Act of 1994,Commerce,1994-03-11,1994-03-11,Referred to the House Committee on Small Business.,House,"Rep. Dixon, Julian C. [D-CA-32]",CA,D,D000373,15,"Small Business Defense Conversion Loan Guarantee Act of 1994 - Amends the Small Business Act to:  (1) authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make loans on a guaranteed basis (currently, authorized but not guaranteed) to small businesses adversely affected by the closure of military bases or reductions or terminations of defense contracts; (2) allow such loans to small businesses that experience a substantial reduction in revenues due to such factors; and (3) authorize the SBA to make no more than $4 billion in deferred participation loans to such small businesses for each of FY 1995 and 1996.",2025-08-26T13:48:47Z,
103-s-1917,103,s,1917,Anti-Redlining in Insurance Disclosure Act of 1994,Commerce,1994-03-10,1994-03-11,Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S2867-2868),Senate,"Sen. Feingold, Russell D. [D-WI]",WI,D,F000061,2,"Anti-Redlining in Insurance Disclosure Act of 1994 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to establish annual disclosure requirements for non-commercial insurers (providers of homeowners, dwelling fire, allied lines, and other personal lines of insurance), including:  (1) the availability, affordability and type of insurance coverage by Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), and the region, race, and gender of policyholders; (2) the racial characteristics and location by MSA of the principal place of business of current and terminated insurance agents; and (3) for designated insurers, the total number of policies, exposures, nonrenewals, and racial characteristics of licensed agents, and the aggregate loss experience.  Provides for disclosure requirements for certain commercial insurers. Directs the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on the availability, affordability, and quality of types of commercial insurance for residential properties and small businesses in urban areas. Instructs the Secretary to establish requirements for insurers to report annually on the availability, affordability, and quality or type of insurance in designated rural areas. Authorizes the Secretary to waive certain disclosure requirements if the States collect equivalent information. Directs the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council to determine the extent to which private mortgage insurers disclose to the public and regulatory agencies information that is equivalent to that required under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1975.  Requires noncompliant insurers to submit the requisite information to the Secretary. Prescribes guidelines for information compilation and maintenance and for a public availability and access system. Prescribes guidelines for disclosures by insurers to applicants and policyholders, stating the reasons that an insurance application was declined.  Authorizes the Secretary to provide immunity to insurers, agents, and brokers regarding their communication of a cancellation, denial, or nonrenewal of insurance. Sets forth enforcement guidelines, including civil penalties and injunctions. Directs the Secretary to establish a task force on insurance agency appointments to report to certain congressional committees on the appointment and retention of inner-city and minority agents representing property and casualty insurers. Instructs the Secretary to study and report to certain congressional committees on insurance industry practices regarding: (1) prescreening of insurance applicants; (2) meeting of the property and casualty insurance needs of the residential and small business community in low- and moderate-income and minority neighborhoods; (3) disparate claims treatment of policyholders based on race, gender, and income level; (4) basing of premium amounts on the territory in which the insured risk is located; and (5) the feasibility of establishing community reinvestment requirements for insurers comparable to those applicable to depository institutions.",2025-08-26T13:50:21Z,
103-s-1900,103,s,1900,Library of Congress Book Protection Act of 1994,Commerce,1994-03-08,1994-07-14,Committee on Rules. Hearings held.,Senate,"Sen. McCain, John [R-AZ]",AZ,R,M000303,0,"Library of Congress Book Protection Act of 1994 - Requires the Librarian of Congress to promulgate regulations to:  (1) establish a schedule of late fines for any borrower who has a book on loan for more than 70 days; (2) assess a late fine on such borrower; (3) suspend his or her loan privileges and that of all borrowers on his or her office loan account if the borrower has not returned a book after such period; (4) reinstate the loan privileges of any borrower after the return of the book and the payment of all late fines; and (5) provide for waivers, at the discretion of the Librarian, with regard to all or any part of an assessed late fine and the suspension of all or any part of the borrower's loan privileges. Requires the Librarian to establish a Late Book Fine Fund to be available to the Librarian without fiscal year limitation for general operating expenses of the Library of Congress and the replacement of lost or stolen books. Prohibits Federal funds from being used to pay the assessed late fine.  Imposes a fine for such violation. Requires the Librarian to include in the annual report submitted to the Congress:  (1) the estimated number of books that are missing from the Library due to borrowers who have had loan privileges suspended; (2) the name of any office with an office loan account that includes any borrower who has had loan privileges suspended and has been assessed late fines that have not been paid for more than one month; (3) the total amount of such fines assessed to each named office; (4) all monies deposited in the Fund; and (5) the amounts and uses of expenditures from the Fund.",2025-08-26T13:52:00Z,
103-hr-3881,103,hr,3881,To amend the Small Business Act to eliminate restrictions on providing financial assistance to small business concerns engaged in media-related industries.,Commerce,1994-02-23,1994-04-26,Referred to the Subcommittee on SBA Legislation and the General Economy.,House,"Rep. Duncan, John J., Jr. [R-TN-2]",TN,R,D000533,0,Amends the Small Business Act to state that a small business shall not be considered ineligible for financial assistance under such Act solely on the basis of being engaged in media-related industries. Directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to: (1) issue regulations repealing a provision of the Code of Federal Regulations which prohibits assistance to such small businesses; and (2) take any other appropriate action in such regard.,2024-02-07T15:46:26Z,
103-hr-3885,103,hr,3885,Fire Safe Cigarette Act of 1994,Commerce,1994-02-23,1994-04-20,Subcommittee Hearings Held.,House,"Rep. Moakley, John Joseph [D-MA-9]",MA,D,M000834,40,Fire Safe Cigarette Act of 1994 - Directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to issue by rule a fire safety standard for cigarettes.  Prohibits stockpiling of cigarettes between the issuing and effective dates of the standard.  Provides for judicial review of the standard.  Prohibits manufacture or importing of cigarettes unless in compliance with such standard.  States that this Act and the standard issued under it does not preempt any law of a State which prescribes a more stringent fire safety standard for cigarettes.,2025-08-26T13:52:41Z,
103-s-1854,103,s,1854,Patent Term and Publication Reform Act of 1994,Commerce,1994-02-11,1994-03-25,"Referred to Subcommittee on Patents, Copyrights and Trademarks.",Senate,"Sen. DeConcini, Dennis [D-AZ]",AZ,D,D000185,0,"Patent Term and Publication Reform Act of 1994 - Provides for a 20-year patent term, beginning from the date that the application is filed.  (Under current law, a patent term runs for 17 years from the date the patent is granted.) Provides for the publication of a patent application 18 months after its filing. Specifies that patents for designs may be granted for terms of three years and six months, seven years, or 17 (currently, 14) years, as the applicant elects in the application.",2025-08-26T13:52:40Z,
103-s-1830,103,s,1830,Small Business Defense Conversion Assistance Act of 1994,Commerce,1994-02-04,1994-06-14,Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 462.,Senate,"Sen. Feinstein, Dianne [D-CA]",CA,D,F000062,13,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Small Business Defense Conversion Loan Guarantee           Program      Title II:  Miscellaneous Small Business Administration           Authorities Small Business Defense Conversion Assistance Act of 1994 -Title I: Small Business Defense Conversion Loan Guarantee Program - Amends the Small Business Act (the Act) to authorize the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make up to $4 billion in guaranteed loans for the small business defense conversion program (a program aiding small businesses adversely affected by military base closures or defense program terminations).  Adds to small businesses eligible for such loans those experiencing substantial revenue reduction because of an overall reduction in economic activity in a community due to such closures or terminations. Requires such defense conversion loans to be funded through appropriations that are separate and distinct from funds appropriated for general business loans under the Act. Title II:  Miscellaneous Small Business Administration Authorities - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1995 through 1997 under the Small Business Development Center Program for the defense conversion assistance program.  Requires 50 percent of such grant amounts to be provided by non-Federal sources.  Prohibits any such amounts from being included in the calculation of the amount of SBA assistance to the Development Center Program. Directs the SBA to develop procedures to ensure that assistance is provided for projects that have the greatest potential for creating new jobs in areas experiencing terminations or reductions due to reductions in defense spending or for preventing job loss by small business employees, and that have substantial potential for stimulating new economic activity in communities most impacted by reductions in defense spending. Increases the amount authorized for the Small Business Development Company loan program. Authorizes the SBA Administrator to pay transportation expenses and per diem for up to 12 months (currently six) for SBA employees rendering temporary services in connection with disaster assistance.",2025-01-14T17:16:56Z,
103-hr-3777,103,hr,3777,Office of Technology Assessment Termination Act,Commerce,1994-02-02,1994-02-02,Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.,House,"Rep. Inglis, Bob [R-SC-4]",SC,R,I000023,3,Office of Technology Assessment Termination Act - Terminates funding for the Office of Technology Assessment beginning in FY 1995.,2025-08-26T13:49:23Z,
103-hr-3741,103,hr,3741,Collision Damage Waiver Act,Commerce,1994-01-26,1994-02-09,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Competitiveness.",House,"Rep. Collins, Cardiss [D-IL-7]",IL,D,C000634,0,"Collision Damage Waiver Act - Prohibits rental car companies, in rental agreements of 30 continuous days or less, from holding any authorized driver liable for any damage, except in any case in which: (1) the damage is caused intentionally by an authorized driver or as a result of such driver's willful and wanton misconduct, operation of the vehicle while legally intoxicated or under the influence of an illegal drug, while engaged in a criminal act, or in the course of any speed contest; (2) the rental transaction is based on information the renter supplied with intent to defraud the rental car company; (3) damage arises out of the use of the vehicle to carry individuals or property for hire; or (4) the damage arises out of the use of the vehicle outside the United States or Canada (unless specifically authorized by the rental agreement).  Prohibits waiver of these exceptions. Prohibits a rental car company, during the rental period or pending resolution of any dispute, from requiring or requesting a damage security deposit in any form. Sets forth civil penalties for violation of this Act.",2025-08-26T13:49:23Z,
103-hr-3614,103,hr,3614,Tobacco Education and Child Protection Act,Commerce,1993-11-22,1994-02-10,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and the Environment.,House,"Rep. Waxman, Henry A. [D-CA-29]",CA,D,W000215,26,"Tobacco Education and Child Protection Act - Declares it to be unlawful to manufacture, package, distribute for sale, or advertise tobacco products without specified health warning labels. Repeals the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act and the Comprehensive Smokeless Tobacco Health Education Act of 1986 one year after the effective date of this Act.",2025-08-26T13:50:18Z,
103-hr-3655,103,hr,3655,Small Business Prepayment Penalty Relief Act of 1993,Commerce,1993-11-22,1993-11-22,Referred to the House Committee on Small Business.,House,"Rep. LaFalce, John J. [D-NY-29]",NY,D,L000556,0,"Small Business Prepayment Penalty Relief Act of 1993 - Title II (sic) - Authorizes the Small Business Administration (SBA), upon the request of the issuer, to annually buy-down the interest rate on any debenture purchased by the Federal Financing Bank which has been issued by a development company or a small business investment company (SBIC) pursuant to appropriate provisions of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958.  Allows such buy-down to reduce such interest rate to 7.5 percent annually. Title III - Directs the SBA, after the appropriations Act for each year has been enacted, to calculate the amount needed to carry out the buy-downs authorized in title II.  Allows the SBA, after such determination, to notify the debenture issuers that it will receive offers from any interested issuer to prepay the debenture in full. Requires a prioritization of such offers based on the amount of prepayment penalty an issuer offers to pay.  Prohibits the imposition against the issuer, the borrower, or the SBA of fees or penalties (with exceptions) as a condition of such prepayment. Allows regular and specialized SBICs which are the issuer of a debenture purchased by the SBA under such Act to offer to prepay the debenture under prior provisions of this Act, subject to specified conditions, and with the same prohibition against the imposition of fees or penalties for such prepayment. Title IV - Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-26T13:51:19Z,
103-hr-3682,103,hr,3682,Bucket Drowning Prevention Act of 1993,Commerce,1993-11-22,1993-12-20,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Competitiveness.",House,"Rep. Pallone, Frank, Jr. [D-NJ-6]",NJ,D,P000034,0,"Bucket Drowning Prevention Act of 1993 - Establishes a consumer product safety standard requiring four- to six-gallon buckets to bear a warning label that includes a picture of a child falling into a bucket and the words, in English and Spanish:  ""WARNING.  Children Can Fall into Bucket and Drown.  Keep Children Away From Buckets With Even a Small Amount of Liquid."" Exempts buckets manufactured or imported before the effective date of this labeling standard.  Requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission to prohibit a manufacturer, filler, distributor, and retailer from stockpiling such buckets. Requires the Commission to conduct a study to determine:  (1) consumer use patterns of new and used four- to six-gallon steel and metal buckets; and (2) the prevalence of incidents of death or injury to children associated with their use.  Exempts metal containers from the labeling requirements of this Act during the pendency of the study and in the absence of any regulation of four- to six-gallon containers by the Commission thereafter. Requires the Commission, upon the review of the results of the study, to decide whether to continue this exemption, to require compliance by metal containers, or to consider a further study.",2025-08-26T13:51:37Z,
103-s-1737,103,s,1737,General Accounting Office Oversight and Improvement Act of 1993,Commerce,1993-11-20,1993-11-20,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Governmental Affairs.,Senate,"Sen. McCain, John [R-AZ]",AZ,R,M000303,1,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Inspector General of the General Accounting Office      Title II:  General Accounting Office Final Reports and           Congressional Requests for Reports      Title III:  General Accounting Office Peer Review Committee General Accounting Office Oversight and Improvement Act of 1993 - Title I:  Inspector General of the General Accounting Office - Amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 and other Federal law to: (1) establish an Office of Inspector General in the General Accounting Office (GAO); (2) require the GAO Inspector General (IG) to be appointed jointly by the Speaker and the Minority Leader of the House and the leadership of the Senate; (3) allow removal only for cause; and (4) set the IG's annual salary. (Sec. 104) Authorizes the Comptroller General (CG) to make changes with regard to GAO's Office of Special Investigations that are consistent with this title. Title II: General Accounting Office Final Reports and Congressional Requests for Reports - Amends Federal law to require the CG to:  (1) provide an agency of the Federal Government or the District of Columbia government relevant to a report an opportunity to review any finding of GAO in such report before it is final and released; (2) include a summary of the post-review agency response in the final report; and (3) include, to the greatest extent practicable, a list of all organizational contacts and informational sources used in each final report. (Sec. 201) Authorizes the CG to release a final report no earlier than seven days after receiving a Member of Congress' request to withhold such release. Prohibits release of a final report unless the CG includes in it a written determination that GAO has complied with all internal quality control procedures. Sets forth procedures for releasing or preparing a report upon request by committee chairmen, ranking minority members, or individual Members.  Requires CG to treat all requests from committee chairmen and ranking members on an equal basis. Title III:  General Accounting Office Peer Review Committee - Establishes the General Accounting Office Peer Review Committee.  Lists Committee functions, which include recommending a formal process and standards for review under which agencies, and affected parties, may appeal to GAO for correction of factual errors and for reconsideration of study, audit, investigation, and report findings based on erroneous or unconsidered information. (Sec. 304) Requires the CG to implement Committee recommendations to the greatest extent practicable consistent with applicable law.",2025-08-26T13:52:41Z,
103-hr-3550,103,hr,3550,Federal Technology Commercialization and Credit Enhancement Act of 1993,Commerce,1993-11-19,1993-12-16,Referred to the Subcommittee on Intellectual Property and Judicial Administration.,House,"Rep. Kanjorski, Paul E. [D-PA-11]",PA,D,K000008,52,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Consolidation of Information on Technologies      Title II:  Technology Transfer and Commercialization Financing           Corporation      Title III:  Commercialization Financing      Title IV:  Alternative Minimum Tax on Corporations Importing           Products Into the United States      Title V:  Miscellaneous Provisions Federal Technology Commercialization and Credit Enhancement Act of 1993 - Title I:  Consolidation of Information on Technologies - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a standardized, accessible data base describing all patents, licenses, technologies, and processes owned in whole or in part by the Federal Government. Provides for data base access by:  (1) the Technology Transfer and Commercialization Financing Corporation (established by this Act); and (2) the public. Directs the Secretary to review current Federal technology transfer efforts. Title II:  Technology Transfer and Commercialization Financing Corporation - Establishes a public/private Technology Transfer and Commercialization Financing Corporation (Corporation) to foster U.S. economic growth by providing credit for businesses and facilitating the transfer and commercialization of federally owned or developed patents, licenses, processes, and technologies. Title III:  Commercialization Financing - Establishes in the Treasury the Technology Transfer Investment Fund.  Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Corporation to provide outreach activities to areas that:  (1) have a depressed economy or chronically high unemployment; (2) have been adversely affected by the North American Free Trade Agreement; or (3) are designated as Federal empowerment zones or enterprise communities. Title IV:  Alternative Minimum Tax on Corporation's Importing Products into the United States - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an alternative minimum tax on certain corporations importing products into the United States. Title V:  Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth effective date and separability provisions.",2025-08-26T13:52:08Z,
103-hr-3579,103,hr,3579,To renew and extend patents relating to certain devices that aid in the acceleration of bodily tissue healing and the reduction of pain.,Commerce,1993-11-19,1993-11-19,Referred to the House Committee on Judiciary.,House,"Rep. Ackerman, Gary L. [D-NY-5]",NY,D,A000022,0,"Directs the Secretary of Commerce to extend for ten years a specified patent relating to an apparatus for maintaining the negative potential of human, animal, and plant cells. Directs the Secretary to renew and extend for ten years specified patents relating to: (1) an ultra-short wave athermapeutic apparatus; (2) an electrothermapeutic apparatus and treatment head and the method for tuning the treatment head; (3) a power meter for an athermapeutic apparatus; (4) an athermapeutic apparatus; and (5) a treatment head for an athermapeutic apparatus.",2021-06-02T19:51:22Z,
103-sjres-155,103,sjres,155,"A joint resolution to designate the week beginning March 13, 1994 as ""National Manufacturing Week"".",Commerce,1993-11-19,1993-11-19,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.,Senate,"Sen. D'Amato, Alfonse [R-NY]",NY,R,D000018,1,"Designates the week beginning March 13, 1994, as National Manufacturing Week.",2025-07-21T19:32:26Z,
103-s-1671,103,s,1671,Cigarette Promotional Product Labeling Act,Commerce,1993-11-18,1993-11-18,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.,Senate,"Sen. Cohen, William S. [R-ME]",ME,R,C000598,0,Cigarette Promotional Product Labeling Act - Amends the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act to require that promotional products for cigarettes carry one of four specified warnings of health dangers of smoking.,2025-08-26T13:52:35Z,
103-s-1665,103,s,1665,Library of Congress Retention of Proceeds Act,Commerce,1993-11-17,1993-11-17,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules.,Senate,"Sen. Pell, Claiborne [D-RI]",RI,D,P000193,0,"Library of Congress Retention of Proceeds Act - Authorizes the Librarian of Congress to sell personal property, including books, periodicals, and other materials, determined to be excess to the collections or the exchange and donation programs of the Library, except for:  (1) copies of unpublished works that became the property of the United States pursuant to copyright registration; (2) copies of materials received by the Library under written deeds of gift or other contractual agreements which expressly preclude the transfer of ownership or possession by the Library; (3) materials distributed by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped; or (4) products of the Congressional Research Service. Authorizes the Librarian to accept payment or restitution for lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed books, periodicals, newspapers, or other materials from the Library's collection if such sums are:  (1) ordered by any judicial or administrative authority to be paid to the Library; or (2) received from a borrower. Establishes in the Treasury an account consisting of the proceeds of any sale of excess materials or any payment or restitution described under this Act.  Provides that account funds shall be available to the Librarian, to the extent provided in appropriations Acts, until expended, for the acquisition of books, periodicals, and other materials, including the costs of administering the national and international acquisition programs of the Library.",2025-08-26T13:50:40Z,
103-sconres-51,103,sconres,51,"A concurrent resolution to express the sense of Congress in support of consumer labeling utilizing an American and foreign flag program, labeling all goods and services.",Commerce,1993-11-05,1993-11-05,Referred to the Committee on Commerce.,Senate,"Sen. Pressler, Larry [R-SD]",SD,R,P000513,0,Declares that the Congress supports consumer labeling using an American and foreign flag program for labeling all goods and services.,2025-01-14T18:51:33Z,
103-s-1619,103,s,1619,Insurance Protection Act of 1993,Commerce,1993-11-04,1993-11-04,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.,Senate,"Sen. Metzenbaum, Howard M. [D-OH]",OH,D,M000678,0,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Insurance Regulatory Commission      Title II:  Federal Minimum Standards      Title III:  Reinsurance      Title IV:  National Insurance Guaranty Corporation      Title V:  Liquidation of Member Insurers      Title VI:  Criminal and Civil Penalties Insurance Protection Act of 1993 - Title I:  Insurance Regulatory Commission - Establishes the Insurance Regulatory Commission (the Commission) to:  (1) prescribe State insurance accreditation standards; and (2) grant certification to those States which meet and implement them.  Permits a State so certified to issue an interstate insurance license to an insurer domiciled in that State.  Prohibits an insurer domiciled in a non-certified State from conducting the business of insurance in interstate commerce. (Sec. 113) Requires the Commission to:  (1) maintain a central depository for insurance data; and (2) make certain depository data available to the public. (Sec. 115) Requires the Commission to establish a Securities Valuation Office (SVO) to:  (1) value and establish quality ratings for assets owned by insurers; and (2) publish a Valuations of Securities Manual containing the market prices and SVO quality ratings for all securities owned by insurers. Directs the Commission to promulgate rules and regulations to:  (1) provide a source for uniform prices and quality ratings of assets held by insurers; (2) require life insurers and fraternal benefits societies to maintain a mandatory reserve for all assets based on SVO values and quality ratings; and (3) establish minimum standards for banks that issue letters of credit for reinsurance purposes. Title II:  Federal Minimum Standards - Directs the Commission to: (1) establish standards for implementation by accredited State Insurance Departments; (2) require all insurers to maintain minimum capital and surplus amounts; (3) prescribe accounting procedures and practices for insurers; (4) establish standards for State Insurance Departments to use in identifying insurers deemed to be in hazardous financial condition; (5) establish regulatory requirements for insurance holding company systems; (6) prescribe risk limitations for property and liability companies; (7) require diversified investment portfolios for all insurers; (8) prescribe admissible assets for insurers' financial statements; (9) prescribe requirements for liabilities and reserves resulting from the issuance of insurance contracts; (10) require annual audits of all insurers by independent certified public accountants; and (11) require annual actuarial analyses for all insurers. (Sec. 212) Prescribes guidelines for policies transferred under an assumption reinsurance agreement.  Sets restrictions on the ownership and control of an insurer.  Mandates:  (1) certain disclosures by an insurer to a consumer prior to an insurance purchase; and (2) certain consumer protections provided by State Insurance Departments. (Sec. 216) Prescribes guidelines for:  (1) valuations of real estate assets held by insurers; (2) reinsurance transactions; (3) the use of surplus financial notes; and (4) State insurance department resources. (Sec. 221) Establishes the Insurance Advisory Committee to investigate and report to the President and the Congress on issues regarding Federal regulation of insurance and reinsurance. Title III:  Reinsurance - Grants the Commission licensing authority over reinsurance transactions.  Establishes the Office of Reinsurance Regulation, administered by a Director, to implement Commission licensing and regulatory powers over such transactions.  Prescribes separate regulatory frameworks for professional reinsurers and for other providers of reinsurance. (Sec. 308D) Cites conditions under which a federally certified or a State regulated insurer may count reinsurance as an asset or deduction from liabilities.  Grants the Commission exclusive jurisdiction to regulate reinsurance credit.  Prescribes reporting, auditing, and full-scope examination requirements for reinsurers.  Mandates Federal licensing of reinsurance intermediaries. (Sec. 315) Prescribes procedural guidelines for the Director to act as receiver for federally-licensed, insolvent domestic or foreign insurers and reinsurers. Title IV:  National Insurance Guaranty Corporation - Establishes the National Insurance Guaranty Corporation (NIGC) to provide:  (1) a payment program for covered claims under certain insurance policies; and (2) a uniform national system of administration for the liquidation of insolvent member insurers.  Establishes the National Insurance Guaranty Fund to implement the payment system. Title V:  Liquidation of Member Insurers - Declares that the NIGC shall act as receiver of an insolvent member insurer for liquidation purposes. Title VI:  Criminal and Civil Penalties - Insurance Fraud Prevention Act of 1993 - Amends Federal criminal law to establish civil and criminal penalties for fraudulent acts affecting insurance activities in interstate commerce.",2025-08-26T13:50:02Z,
103-hjres-285,103,hjres,285,"To designate the week beginning March 13, 1994, as ""National Manufacturing Week"".",Commerce,1993-10-28,1993-10-28,Referred to the House Committee on Post Office and Civil Service.,House,"Rep. Valentine, Tim [D-NC-2]",NC,D,V000006,18,"Designates the week beginning March 13, 1994, as National Manufacturing Week.",2024-02-06T20:04:02Z,
103-hr-3379,103,hr,3379,"To amend section 156 of title 35, United States Code, to provide for the interim extension of patents subject to that section.",Commerce,1993-10-27,1993-12-03,See H.R.2632.,House,"Rep. Hughes, William J. [D-NJ-2]",NJ,D,H000930,0,"Authorizes the owner of record of a product patent who expects that the applicable regulatory review period for the product may extend beyond the patent term to submit, during the period beginning six months and ending 30 days before the term is due to expire, an application to the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks for an interim extension.  Permits up to four subsequent interim extensions. Requires any interim extension to terminate at the end of the 60-day period beginning on the date on which the product involved receives permission for commercial marketing or use unless the applicant submits specified additional information not previously contained in the interim extension application in which case the patent shall be extended for up to five years from the expiration date of the original patent term.",2025-01-16T12:12:20Z,
103-hr-3342,103,hr,3342,To establish a toll free number in the Department of Commerce to assist consumers in determining if products are American-made.,Commerce,1993-10-21,1994-08-09,Received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.,House,"Rep. Traficant, James A., Jr. [D-OH-17]",OH,D,T000350,234,"Directs the Secretary of Commerce, upon determining on the basis of comments submitted in rulemaking under this Act that interest among manufacturers is sufficient to warrant the establishment of a three-year toll free number pilot program and manufacturers will provide fees so that the program will operate without cost to the Federal Government, to:  (1) establish such program solely to help inform consumers whether a product is made in America or the equivalent thereof; and (2) publish the toll-free number in the Federal Register. Requires:  (1) the Secretary to contract for the establishment and operation of such pilot program and the registration of products; and (2) such number to be used solely to inform consumers as to whether products are American made.  Requires consumers to be informed that such registration does not mean that:  (1) the product is endorsed or approved by the Government; (2) the Secretary has conducted any investigation to confirm that the product meets the definition of American made; or (3) the product contains 100 percent U.S. content. (Sec. 2)  Directs the Secretary to propose regulations to:  (1) establish a procedure under which the manufacturer of a product may voluntarily register such product as complying with such definition and have such product included in the information available through the toll free number; (2) establish, assess, and collect a fee to cover all costs of registering products and including registered products in information provided under the number; (3) establish the pilot program; and (4) solicit views from the private sector concerning the level of interest of manufacturers in registering products.  Requires the Secretary to promulgate such regulations if the pilot program and product registration is determined to be warranted. Sets forth provisions regarding:  (1) registration fees; and (2) penalties for manufacturers who knowingly register a product which is not American made.",2025-01-14T18:51:33Z,
103-s-1566,103,s,1566,Rent-To-Own Consumer Credit Protection Act of 1993,Commerce,1993-10-19,1993-10-19,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking.,Senate,"Sen. Metzenbaum, Howard M. [D-OH]",OH,D,M000678,2,"Rent-To-Own Consumer Credit Protection Act of 1993 - Amends the Consumer Credit Protection Act to prohibit a seller in a rent-to-own transaction from taking, receiving, or assessing any interest, finance charge, or other fee for the transaction in excess of that which may be charged under State law which establishes in connection with a credit or retail installment sale for the same or a similar item:  (1) a maximum rate or amount of interest, finance charge, or time-price differential that may be charged; (2) the types and maximum amount of fees that a seller may charge; or (3) the types of credit insurance and the maximum amount of premiums that can be charged for credit insurance. Sets forth requirements regarding:  (1) termination, recovery, and other fees; (2) the effect of termination; and (3) guarantees and warranties. Makes the following Federal laws applicable to rent-to-own transactions:  (1) the Truth in Lending Act; (2) the Equal Credit Opportunity Act; (3) the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act; and (4) the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Requires a seller to include the following information on each item in the seller's place of business that is available for purchase pursuant to a rent-to-own transaction:  (1) the cash price; (2) an itemization of services offered and the price of each service; (3) the annual percentage rate; (4) any applicable periodic payment and the number of payments; (5) the total number of payments required to acquire ownership; and (6) whether the item is new or used.  Requires a seller to provide such information to a consumer in writing at the time the parties enter into the contract. Prohibits a seller under a rent-to-own contract with a consumer from taking specified actions, such as using threats or coercion to collect amounts alleged due, or unreasonably disclosing information to third parties regarding amounts owed by the consumer. Makes compliance with the requirements of this Act enforceable by the Federal Trade Commission.  Deems a violation of this Act to be an unfair or deceptive act or practice in violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act. Subjects sellers who violate the requirements of this Act to civil liability.",2025-08-26T13:50:13Z,
103-hr-3288,103,hr,3288,Public Accommodations Exception Act of 1993,Commerce,1993-10-14,1993-10-19,Referred to the Subcommittee on Intellectual Property and Judicial Administration.,House,"Rep. Thomas, Craig [R-WY-At Large]",WY,R,T000162,38,"Public Accommodations Exception Act of 1993 - Exempts from consideration as copyright infringement communication of a transmission by radio or television embodying a performance or display of a work by the public reception of the transmission on a receiving or recording apparatus in a restaurant, tavern, or other commercial establishment serving food or drink, the performance of which is incidental to the main purpose of such establishment, unless a direct charge is made to see or hear the transmission.",2025-08-26T13:52:40Z,
103-hr-3169,103,hr,3169,Insurance Disclosure Act,Commerce,1993-09-29,1993-10-18,Referred to the Subcommittee on Consumer Credit and Insurance.,House,"Rep. Kennedy, Joseph P., II [D-MA-8]",MA,D,K000110,1,"Insurance Disclosure Act - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (the Secretary) to establish requirements for insurers to compile and submit information to the Secretary for each annual reporting period concerning the affordability and availability of insurance coverage for:  (1) noncommercial insurance; (2) commercial insurance for residential properties and small businesses in urban areas; (3) bid, performance, and payment bonds for small businesses; and (4) insurance in designated rural areas. Authorizes the Secretary to waive such disclosure requirements if the State within which the insurer transacts business has an equivalent disclosure mechanism in place. Directs the Financial Institutions Examination Council to determine the extent to which private mortgage insurers make available to the public and to regulatory agencies the mortgage information required to be reported under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1975. Provides for contracting out such data collection or submission of such data through statistical agents. Directs the Secretary to set forth specified annual disclosure requirements for loans and investments made by designated insurers in a designated metropolitan statistical area. Prescribes guidelines for:  (1) the compilation and public accessibility of the disclosures mandated by this Act; and (2) written notification by an insurer to applicants and policyholders regarding the reasons that coverage was denied. Sets forth civil penalties for insurers in violation of this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish a task force to report to certain congressional committees on insurance agency appointments affecting inner city and minority agents. Requires the Secretary to conduct studies and report to certain congressional committees on:  (1) prescreening of insurance applicants; (2) insurer practices affecting the insurance needs of low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, minority neighborhoods, and small businesses located in such neighborhoods; (3) disparate treatment of policyholders by insurers based upon sex, race, or income level; (4) the disparate impact upon policyholders of basing insurance premiums upon the territory in which the insured risk is located; and (5) community reinvestment requirements for insurers that are comparable to those for depository institutions.",2025-08-26T13:50:05Z,
103-hr-3136,103,hr,3136,Rent-To-Own Reform Act of 1993,Commerce,1993-09-27,1993-10-18,Referred to the Subcommittee on Consumer Credit and Insurance.,House,"Rep. Gonzalez, Henry B. [D-TX-20]",TX,D,G000272,14,"Rent-To-Own Reform Act of 1993 - Amends the Consumer Credit Protection Act to designate a new title X as the Rent-To-Own Protection Act to prohibit a seller in a rent-to-own transaction from taking, receiving, or assessing any interest, finance charge, or other fee for the transaction in excess of that which may be charged under State law which establishes in connection with a credit or retail installment sale for the same or a similar item:  (1) a maximum rate or amount of interest, finance charge, or time-price differential that may be charged; (2) the types and maximum amount of fees that a seller may charge; or (3) the types of credit insurance and the maximum amount of premiums that can be charged for credit insurance. Sets forth requirements regarding:  (1) termination, recovery, and other fees; (2) the effect of termination; and (3) guarantees and warranties. Makes the following Federal laws applicable to rent-to-own transactions:  (1) the Truth in Lending Act; (2) the Equal Credit Opportunity Act; (3) the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act; and (4) the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Requires a seller to include the following information on each item in the seller's place of business that is available for purchase pursuant to a rent-to-own transaction:  (1) the cash price; (2) an itemization of services offered and the price of each service; (3) the annual percentage rate; (4) any applicable periodic payment and the number of payments; (5) the total number of payments required to acquire ownership; and (6) whether the item is new or used.  Requires a seller to provide such information to a consumer in writing at the time the parties enter into the contract. Prohibits a seller under a rent-to-own contract with a consumer from taking specified actions, such as using threats or coercion to collect amounts alleged due, or unreasonably disclosing information to third parties regarding amounts owed by the consumer. Makes compliance with the requirements of this Act enforceable by the Federal Trade Commission.  Deems a violation of this Act to be an unfair or deceptive act or practice in violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act. Subjects sellers who violate the requirements of this Act to civil liability.",2025-08-26T13:51:28Z,
103-s-1485,103,s,1485,Satellite Compulsory License Extension Act of 1994,Commerce,1993-09-22,1994-10-07,By Senator Biden from Committee on Judiciary filed written report. Report No. 103-407.,Senate,"Sen. DeConcini, Dennis [D-AZ]",AZ,D,D000185,11,"Satellite Home Viewer Act of 1994 - Amends copyright law with respect to satellite carrier compulsory licenses to require the subscriber information list submitted by a satellite carrier that makes secondary transmissions of a primary transmission by a network station to include the names of the subscribers. (Sec. 2) Provides that in any action relating to the violation of territorial restrictions on statutory license for network stations the satellite carrier shall have the burden of proving that its secondary transmission is for private home viewing to an unserved household. Revises:  (1) the formula used by the satellite carrier to compute the royalty fee to be deposited semiannually with the Register of Copyrights to increase the fees for secondary transmissions subject to statutory licensing; and (2) dates and procedures regarding the adjustment of such royalty fee.  Requires a copyright royalty arbitration panel, in determining such fees, to establish a rate for the secondary transmission of network stations and superstations that reflects the fair market value of such transmissions.  Directs the panel to base its decision upon economic, competitive, and programming information presented by the parties and to take into account the competitive environment in which such programming is distributed. Provides that, upon a challenge by a network station regarding whether a subscriber is an unserved household, a satellite carrier shall terminate service to the household and notify the network station of such termination or conduct a measurement of the signal intensity of the subscribers's household to determine whether the household is unserved and, if so, terminate service.  Requires the challenging station to reimburse a carrier for any signal intensity measurement that indicates the household is an unserved household. Revises the definition of a ""network station"" for purposes of cable and satellite carrier compulsory license provisions to be:  (1) a television broadcast station owned or operated by, or affiliated with, one or more of the U.S. television networks which offer an interconnected program service on a regular basis for 15 or more hours per week to at least 25 of its affiliated television licensees in ten or more States; or (2) any noncommercial educational station.  Revises the definition of:  (1) ""satellite carrier"" to specify that such a carrier operates in the Fixed Satellite Service or the Direct Broadcast Satellite Service; (2) ""cable system"" to include a facility that makes secondary transmissions of broadcast signals by microwave cables; and (3) ""local service area of a primary transmitter"" (in the case of a television broadcast station) to comprise either the area of which such station is entitled to insist upon its signal being retransmitted by a cable system pursuant to the rules, regulations, and authorizations of the Federal Communications Commission in effect on April 15, 1976, such station's television market (as in effect on September 18, 1993), or any subsequent modifications to such television market. (Sec. 4) Terminates the provisions of section 2 of this Act on December 31, 1999.",2025-07-21T19:32:26Z,
103-hr-3102,103,hr,3102,"To amend the Truth in Lending Act, Truth in Savings Act, and Consumer Leasing Act to modify certain disclosure requirements.",Commerce,1993-09-21,1993-10-18,Referred to the Subcommittee on Consumer Credit and Insurance.,House,"Rep. LaRocco, Larry [D-ID-1]",ID,D,L000098,60,"Amends the Truth in Lending Act of 1968, Truth in Savings Act of 1991, and Consumer Leasing Act of 1976 to declare that radio broadcast advertisements satisfy statutory consumer disclosure requirements if they include toll-free telephone numbers providing consumers with disclosure information prior to engaging in the transactions specified.",2024-02-06T19:38:08Z,
103-s-1447,103,s,1447,Radio Consumer Information Act of 1993,Commerce,1993-09-10,1993-09-10,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.,Senate,"Sen. Bryan, Richard H. [D-NV]",NV,D,B000993,22,"Radio Consumer Information Act of 1993 - Amends the Consumer Leasing Act of 1976, the Truth in Lending Act of 1968, and the Truth in Savings Act of 1991 regarding disclosures in connection with advertisements, announcements, or solicitations made through radio.",2025-08-26T13:52:19Z,
103-hr-3041,103,hr,3041,To eliminate deception in product labelling or marking with regard to the country of origin of merchandise and merchandise parts.,Commerce,1993-09-09,1993-09-22,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Competitiveness.",House,"Rep. Klink, Ron [D-PA-4]",PA,D,K000270,27,Prohibits a label on a product stating that the product was made in America unless:  (1) the product is registered with the Department of Commerce as required by this Act; (2) at least 60 percent of the product was manufactured in the United States; and (3) final assembly took place in this country. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to require products to provide additional information to consumers regarding the foreign content of imported articles. Requires any product manufactured in this country and which is assembled with a part from a foreign country to state on its label: (1) the country of origin of such part; and (2) the proportion of the cost of such product which is accounted for by such part. Sets forth penalties for violating provisions of this Act.,2024-02-07T16:32:33Z,
103-hr-3025,103,hr,3025,Smokeless Tobacco Distribution Control Act of 1993,Commerce,1993-09-08,1993-10-05,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and the Environment.,House,"Rep. Schroeder, Patricia [D-CO-1]",CO,D,S000142,15,Smokeless Tobacco Distribution Control Act of 1993 - Prohibits the distribution of free samples of smokeless tobacco products. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to monitor compliance.,2025-08-26T13:50:15Z,
103-sres-142,103,sres,142,A resolution to express the sense of the Senate to recognize and commend the American Business Women's Association.,Commerce,1993-09-07,1993-09-07,Referred to the Committee on Labor and Human Resources.,Senate,"Sen. Coverdell, Paul [R-GA]",GA,R,C000813,0,Commends the American Business Women's Association.,2025-04-21T12:24:17Z,
103-hr-2946,103,hr,2946,"To amend title 5, United States Code, to provide that the mandatory-separation age for members of the Capitol Police be conformed to the mandatory-separation age for Federal law enforcement officers.",Commerce,1993-08-06,1993-08-12,Referred to the Subcommittee on Compensation and Employee Benefits.,House,"Rep. Hoyer, Steny H. [D-MD-5]",MD,D,H000874,0,Changes the mandatory separation age from 55 to 57 for a member of the Capitol Police who is eligible for immediate retirement.,2024-02-07T11:39:48Z,
103-hr-2960,103,hr,2960,"To amend the Competitiveness Policy Council Act to provide for reauthorization, to rename the Council, and for other purposes.",Commerce,1993-08-06,1993-11-23,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.,House,"Rep. LaFalce, John J. [D-NY-29]",NY,D,L000556,0,"Amends the Competitiveness Policy Council Act to rename it and to: (1) change the name of the Competitiveness Policy Council to the National Competitiveness Commission (Commission); and (2) reauthorize and extend the Commission. Amends the National Competitiveness Commission Act (as renamed) to make technical changes with respect to Commission duties, powers, staff, and reporting requirements.",2025-01-14T18:51:33Z,