United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1991
Strategic Petroleum Reserve Enhancement Act of 1991 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) to establish and implement during FY 1992 a minimum (Strategic Petroleum) Reserve fill rate of 200,000 barrels per day until the quantity of crude oil in storage in the Reserve is at least 1,500,000,000. Prescribes implementation guidelines. Requires the Secretary to assess and collect charges from each person who stores petroleum in the Reserve pursuant to such program.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1991
Prevailing Wage Rate Adjustment Reform Act of 1991 - Requires that Federal prevailing rate employees receive full statutory wage adjustments based on annual local wage surveys of private industries in each wage grade area.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1991
Summer Science Academy Act of 1991 - Directs the National Science Foundation to make grants, contracts, or agreements for at least 20 Summer Science Academies for talented students, particularly economically disadvantaged, minority students, in grades seven through 12, to study mathematics, science, engineering design, and communications. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1991
Chance to Go to College Act - Establishes a program to guarantee certain students from selected high schools with high proportions of disadvantaged students a chance to go to college, through early intervention support programs and additional postsecondary student financial assistance. Makes a high school eligible to apply for program participation if it is located in a school district with more than 75 percent of its total enrollment composed of children counted as disadvantaged for purposes of chapter 1 title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), and if it demonstrates: (1) parental involvement potential; (2) tutoring and supplemental instruction in an academic component; (3) role model relationships or other support group interactions; (4) guidance for selection of college preparatory courses before the start of ninth grade; and (5) assistance with college application processes. Directs the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) to: (1) give special consideration to schools demonstrating private individual or corporate support or current involvement with Upward Bound or specified other special programs for students from disadvantaged backgrounds (TRIO programs) under the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA); and (2) select for program participation, from eligible applicants, 50 high schools representing a broad base of both urban and rural sites. Directs the Secretary to provide financial assistance to such selected high schools to offset their administrative costs of program participation from five percent of program funding. Makes individuals eligible to receive scholarships under the program if they: (1) were a ninth grade student during academic year 1992-1993 in a selected school; (2) are enrolled or accepted at an institution of higher education; and (3) qualify for Pell Grant under HEA to attend such institution. Sets a four-year total maximum and yearly maximum amounts on such individual scholarships. Provides that such scholarship aid shall not be reduced by reason of the individual's receipt of other forms of Federal financial assistance, unless the total of such scholarship and other assistance exceeds the cost of attendance in which case the other assistance must be reduced appropriately. Provides for equitable reduction of scholarship amounts in case of insufficient funding. Directs the Comptroller General to undertake a study to: (1) determine what types of schools have benefitted from such program; (2) evaluate the program's impact on student graduation and matriculation from the selected high schools; and (3) if the study demonstrates significant results, determine what, if any, authorization increases and adjustments should be made to Pell Grants and TRIO programs under HEA and chapter 1 title I programs under ESEA to replicate such results nationwide. Authorizes appropriations in a specified amount to carry out this Act, to remain available for FY 1992 through 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1991
Comprehensive Counter-Terrorism Act of 1991 - Title I: Punishing Domestic and International Terrorist Acts - Subtitle A: Terrorist Death Penalty Act of 1991 - Terrorist Death Penalty Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal criminal code to: (1) make it a Federal offense, punishable by up to life imprisonment, to commit terrorist acts against U.S. nationals abroad; and (2) authorize the imposition of the death penalty where terrorist acts against U.S. nationals result in first degree murder. Sets forth procedures for the imposition of the death penalty, including provisions with respect to notice by the Government that it intends to seek the death penalty if the defendant is convicted, the conduct of the sentencing hearing, a list of mitigating and aggravating factors to be considered, proof of such factors, the return of findings, and procedures for appeal and review of a sentence of death. Prohibits sentencing to death individuals who were under age 18 at the time of the offense, or carrying out a death sentence upon: (1) a woman while she is pregnant; (2) a person who is mentally retarded; or (3) a person who, as a result of mental disability, cannot understand the nature of the pending proceedings, what such person was tried for, or the reason for or nature of the punishment or who lacks the capacity to recognize or understand facts which would make the punishment unjust or unlawful or the ability to convey such information to counsel or to the court. Sets forth provisions: (1) authorizing a U.S. marshal charged with supervising the implementation of a death sentence to use appropriate State or local facilities and employees to carry out such sentence and to pay costs in an amount approved by the Attorney General; and (2) prohibiting requiring any employee of a State department of corrections or the Federal Bureau of Prisons, or an employee providing services to such department or bureau under contract, as a condition of such employment or contractual obligation, to be in attendance at, or to participate in, any execution carried out under this Act. Subtitle B: Terrorist Acts Committed in the United States - Authorizes the imposition of the death penalty for domestic terrorist acts that involve an individual acting as an agent of a foreign power and that result in first degree murder, and up to life imprisonment for acts that result in death that does not constitute first degree murder. Sets forth penalties for attempts or conspiracy to kill (up to life imprisonment) and for engaging in physical violence that results in serious bodily injury (up to ten years imprisonment, a fine, or both.) Specifies that, for purposes of this Act, a person possesses an intent to commit a terrorist act if such person intends to: (1) intimidate or coerce a civilian population; (2) influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or (3) affect the conduct of a government by assassination, kidnapping, or other violent act. Subtitle C: Increasing Penalties for International Terrorist Acts - Increases the penalties for terrorist acts committed against U.S. nationals abroad. Title II: Authorizations to Expand Counter-Terrorist Operations - Authorizes appropriations for counter-terrorist operations and programs.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1991
Drug Rehabilitation and Recovery Program for Prisons Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to create a new part, to be cited as the Drug Rehabilitation and Recovery Program for Prisons Act, directing the Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, to establish a comprehensive drug treatment program in Federal prisons. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to award grants to States to establish drug treatment programs in State prisons and for juvenile criminal offenders. Requires a State, as a part of its application for such a grant, to submit plans for establishing such programs. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to enable plan preparation. Allows the Director to award a grant under these provisions to a State without an application and plan if the State has begun implementing a plan for demonstration prison or juvenile criminal offenders drug treatment programs under specified provisions of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968. Authorizes appropriations. Prohibits the Attorney General and the appropriate State law enforcement official from permitting the early release of inmates convicted of drug offenses unless the inmates have successfully completed a program of treatment or after care under this Act. Sets forth early release requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1991
Kangaroo Protection Act - Provides that any administrative exception made under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 permitting the importation of kangaroos, their parts, and products shall not apply to kangaroos removed from the wild in accordance with an Australian management plan.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1991
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire and manage the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site in Washington, D.C. Establishes the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site Advisory Commission. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1991
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide reduced rates of interest under the Guaranteed Student Loan (Stafford Loan) program to individuals who enter the teaching profession.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to raise from $5,000,000 to $25,000,000 the threshold amount of tax-exempt bonds that a small governmental unit may issue and still remain within the exception from arbitrage rebate requirements. Makes the exception from such rebate for construction bonds effective as if included under the Tax Reform Act of 1986. Permits elections concerning such bonds to be made until 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act. States that any rebates paid shall not be refunded. Increases from $10,000,000 to $25,000,000 the amount of tax-exempt obligations excepted from the pro rata allocation of interest expense of financial institutions to tax-exempt interest for qualified small issuers. Repeals the five percent unrelated and disproportionate private use rules for private activity bonds. Provides that a bond shall not be treated as an arbitrage bond by reason of any failure to meet any requirements of temporary period investments if all earnings which would cause such bond to be an arbitrage bond are paid to the United States by the issuer by the required due dates. Reduces from 100 percent to 90 percent the amount of arbitrage to be rebated to the United States if certain State and local bonds are not to be treated as arbitrage bonds. Provides that an advance refunding bond will not be tax-exempt if it results in amounts becoming available which are invested in substantially guaranteed higher yielding investments pursuant to a contract entered during a certain period before or after issuance of the bond.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1991
NASA Quality Assurance and Contracting Reform Act of 1991 - Prohibits the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) from entering into any contract which waives liability that would otherwise attach to the contractor for defects in material or workmanship or for failure to conform to the contract. Prohibits a person providing articles to NASA under contract from excluding NASA quality assurance personnel from work sites, unless provided in a contract provision submitted by the NASA Administrator to the Congress in advance.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1991
Directs the U.S. Postal Service to ensure that: (1) any changes in the nature of postal service implemented on a nationwide or substantially nationwide basis, beginning after July 27, 1990, and before the enactment of this Act, are rescinded; and (2) any practices, standards, or other related matters (including standards as to the maximum length of time for the delivery of classes or types of mail) which were modified or replaced as a result of those changes are restored.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1991
Allows executive agency employees to take up to five days of leave each year without a reduction in pay or leave to which otherwise entitled in order to donate bone marrow.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1991
Radiation Protection Act of 1991 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to affirm State authority to regulate the disposal of certain low-level radioactive waste for which the Nuclear Regulatory Commission does not require disposal in a licensed facility.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1991
Requires the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs to each submit semiannual reports to the Congress concerning rehabilitative services available to members of the armed forces participating in the Persian Gulf conflict who experience post-traumatic stress disorder.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1991
Persian Gulf Conflict G.I. Bill of Rights Act of 1991 - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to make grants to nonprofit organizations to provide economic assistance to dependents of military personnel deployed in the Persian Gulf who are in need of such assistance because of such deployment. Directs the Secretary to prescribe the purposes for which assistance may be provided, including the provision of food, clothing, mortgage or rental payments, fuel, education, or child care costs. Authorizes appropriations. Provides a service bonus of $10,000 for military personnel serving on active duty for more than 30 days in the Persian Gulf area in connection with the conflict there. Requires such bonus to be paid within 30 days of their separation or release from active duty under honorable conditions. Entitles members of the reserves assigned to active duty in the Persian Gulf to all reemployment rights and benefits currently accruing to veterans of active duty under Federal veterans' benefits provisions. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a program to provide benefits to military personnel who have served in the Persian Gulf area, including housing loan benefits, educational assistance, job counseling and other employment and training benefits and services, drug, alcohol, and family counseling, legal services, and health care for injuries incurred while serving in the Persian Gulf. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1991
Department of Veterans Affairs Physicians' and Dentists' Compensation and Labor-Relations Act of 1991 - Title I: Physicians and Dentists Special Pay - Revises provisions of Federal law relating to special pay for health-care professionals of the Veterans Health Services and Research Administration (HSRA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (Department). Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in order to recruit and retain highly qualified physicians and dentists, to provide special pay upon the execution of a written agreement between the Secretary and the individual involved requiring the individual to serve a period of obligated service within the HSRA. Provides that such an individual is not entitled to such special pay during the first three years of such service, except at the discretion of the Secretary for full-time service. Prohibits the payment of special pay to those physician and dentist positions for which there are no significant recruitment and retention problems. Outlines requirements of a written agreement, including providing for: (1) a covered period of one to four years; (2) refunding of special pay for unfulfilled service; (3) the waiver of such refund requirement due to circumstances beyond the control of the physician or dentist; and (4) submission to the Secretary of agreements where an individual is entering into a second or subsequent agreement for a specified amount of special pay. Authorizes the Secretary to adjust amounts of special pay to reflect changes in the status of a physician or dentist. Requires an agreement to be specifically approved by the Secretary if the special pay, in combination with the basic pay given to such individuals, will be in excess of Level I of the Executive Schedule of the Federal Government. States that such special approval does not apply to any agreement entered into after FY 1994. Directs the Secretary to provide special pay to eligible full-time physicians based upon specified factors, including: (1) tenure within the HSRA; (2) service in a medical specialty for which it is extremely difficult to recruit and retain qualified professionals; (3) service in certain executive positions; (4) specialty or board certifications; (5) service in a geographic location for which there are extraordinary difficulties in the recruitment or retention of qualified personnel; and (6) service within a medical specialty by an individual with exceptional qualifications. Requires the maximum amount of special pay to be paid to the Chief Medical Director (CMD) and the Deputy Chief Medical Director (DCMD). Provides for special pay for part-time eligible physicians based upon similar factors in an amount equal to the proportion of full-time service that a physician performs. Directs the Secretary to provide special pay to eligible full-time and part-time dentists based upon similar factors. Prohibits physicians and dentists provided special pay and serving in certain executive positions from being paid scarce specialty pay (another form of special pay that rewards scarce specialty areas of practice). Requires, with regard to the payment of special pay, determinations: (1) that there are extraordinary difficulties in recruitment or retention; (2) of the amount of special pay based upon the special pay factors for each individual; and (3) of whether there are extraordinary difficulties in a specific geographic location in the recruitment or retention of qualified physicians or dentists. Outlines considerations for determinations with respect to extraordinary recruitment and retention difficulties and the payment of scarce specialty pay for individual medical facilities of the Department. Outlines the manner in which special pay is to be considered for purposes of other benefits laws for Federal employees. States as the policy of the Congress to assure that total pay for HSRA physicians and dentists is comparable to total pay of other Government physicians and dentists and to the income of non-Federal physicians and dentists. Directs the Secretary: (1) in order to assist in implementing such policy, to obtain measures of income of such non-Department physicians and dentists and to define the bases for pay distinctions; (2) to report to the President quadrennially on appropriate amounts of special pay to HSRA physicians and dentists to carry out such policy; and (3) to report to specified congressional committees annually on the use of authorities under this title. Directs the Secretary to reimburse any full-time board-certified physician or dentist appointed in the HSRA for expenses incurred, up to $1,000 per year, for continuing professional education. Allows the Secretary to authorize the CMD to pay allowances and expenses of certain professional health care personnel appointed by the Secretary as additional personnel necessary for the medical care of veterans in the same manner as the Office of Personnel Management is authorized to pay such allowances and expenses to other Federal employees. Provides agreement effective dates and transition provisions to cover agreements already in effect before the enactment of this Act. Title II: Labor-Management Relations - Directs the Secretary to prescribe the hours and conditions of employment and leaves of absence of the following HSRA employees: physicians, dentists, podiatrists, optometrists, nurses, physician assistants, and expanded-duty dental auxiliaries. Provides that the authority of the Secretary to prescribe regulations with regard to such employees is subject to the right of Federal employees to engage in the collective bargaining process with respect to conditions of employment. States that such collective bargaining may not cover, or have any applicability to, any matter or question arising out of: (1) professional conduct or competence; (2) peer review; or (3) the establishment, determination, or adjustment of employee compensation. Requires any HSRA employee who accepts responsibilities for professional services for remuneration other than assigned responsibilities to work a minimum 80-hour biweekly amount. Outlines such outside activities and responsibilities that such person may not engage in or take on while an employee of the Department. Provides that whenever the CMD brings charges against a Department employee based on conduct or performance and, as a result of those charges, an adverse (disciplinary) action is taken against the employee, the employee shall have the right to appeal the action, either through: (1) a Disciplinary Appeals Board; (2) Department procedures; or (3) grievance procedures provided through collective bargaining, depending on the type of action involved. Requires the Secretary to publish in the Federal Register any proposed regulations concerning the collective bargaining or adverse action procedures. States that Disciplinary Appeals Boards shall have exclusive jurisdiction to review any case: (1) which arises out of a question of professional conduct or competence of an employee of the Department employed on a full-time basis under a permanent appointment; and (2) in which a major adverse action was taken (suspension, transfer, reduction in grade or pay, or discharge). Gives employees involved in such a case the right to: (1) advance written notice of the charges and actions that could be taken if the charges are sustained; and (2) an opportunity to be heard both orally and in writing on such charges. Requires a decision on such case by a deciding official within 21 days after the employee's response to the charges. Allows for a delay in a proposed action for up to one year while an employee seeks counseling or treatment for a condition covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Allows the Secretary to require an employee to make a written or oral response to the charges within 30 days of receipt, with extension for good cause shown. Outlines further administrative action to be taken by the Board in a major adverse action appeal procedure, together with time limitations involved in each step. States that the Secretary's execution of the Board's decision shall be the final administrative action in the case, with the affected employee entitled to judicial review of the order or decision. Requires the Secretary to prescribe procedures for the consideration of grievances of Department employees arising from adverse actions in which each action taken either: (1) is not a major adverse action; or (2) does not arise out of a question of professional conduct or competence. States that Disciplinary Appeals Boards shall not have jurisdiction to review such matters other than as part of a mixed case. States that review of an adverse action shall be provided through either Department procedures or through grievance procedures provided through collective bargaining. Outlines the rights of employees under the Department procedures to: (1) a formal review by an impartial examiner within the Department; (2) a prompt report of findings; (3) a prompt review of the examiner's findings by a higher official; and (4) legal or other representation in adverse action reviews under grievance procedures. Requires the Secretary to appoint Disciplinary Appeals Boards to hear appeals of major adverse actions taken against full-time Department employees based on professional conduct or performance. Authorizes the chairman of such a Board to authorize disclosure to the affected employee of records or information to be reviewed during an appeal procedure. Provides for the protection of the privacy of the individuals whose records are involved. Requires the Secretary to periodically designate Department employees qualified to serve on Disciplinary Appeals Boards and to announce that a list of such qualified employees is available to any person requesting such list. Requires the Secretary to provide training in the functions and duties of such Boards and grievance procedures for employees selected to be on the panel. Title III: Miscellaneous - Requires physician assistants and expanded-function dental auxiliaries to be paid in accordance with a Nurse Schedule in effect on August 14, 1990, until the effective date of a determination by the Secretary to convert those occupations to covered positions under provisions enacted by the Department of Veterans Affairs Nurse Pay Act of 1990. Empowers the CMD with the authority to determine the rates of pay with respect to covered Department regional and central office employees in certain grades. Requires the CMD to prescribe regulations for the adjustment of basic pay rates for such employees in order to assure that those rates are sufficient and competitive. Amends the Veterans' Health Care Amendments of 1986 to extend through FY 1991 a required annual report on the furnishing of nonservice-connected health care services to veterans. Allows full-time employees of the HSRA to receive and retain amounts paid for speeches, appearances, or articles so long as no conflict of interest is created by such actions or articles. Allows the same payments to part-time employees under the same conditions. Allows the Secretary to submit an administrative reorganization plan at any time during the year. Requires a 90-day congressional notification period to expire before the Secretary may implement the reorganization. Defines a covered administrative reorganization as one involving a reduction during any fiscal year in the number of full-time equivalent employees by: (1) 15 percent or more (currently, ten); or (2) by a percent which, when added to the percentage reduction in the number of such employees at a covered office or facility for the preceding fiscal year, is 25 percent (currently, 15) or more. Requires a report from the Secretary to the veterans' committees for the reorganization of any unit of the central office of the Department that is the duty station of 30 or more employees (currently, more than 25 but less than 100). Requires judges of the U.S. Court of Veterans Appeals to receive the salary rate received by judges of the U.S. Court of Military Appeals.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1991
Calls on the Soviet Government to cease its military intimidation of the freely-elected Baltic Governments and to respect freedom of speech, assembly, and the press and all internationally-recognized standards of human rights. Urges the President to instruct the U.S. representative to the United Nations (U.N.) to: (1) address the issue in the U.N. Security Council; and (2) raise the issue of human rights violations in the Baltic States and urge the U.N. Commission on Human Rights to take action on this issue during its February 1991 meeting. Calls upon member states of the U.N. to exercise their diplomatic influence with the Soviet Union to bring about a prompt resolution of the Baltic conflict and a restoration of peaceful relations with the Republics of Estonia, Lithuania, and Lativa. Requests the U.N. Secretary General to keep the situation in the Baltic States under constant surveillance and to report to the Security Council and the Commission on Human Rights on further developments.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1991
Makes it unlawful to ship or transport any solid waste generated in a State into another State for treatment or disposal if such shipment or transportation is in violation of the laws of the recipient State. Authorizes States to enact and enforce laws regulating the treatment and disposition of solid waste, including laws regulating the importation of such wastes and laws imposing fees on the disposition of such out-of-State solid wastes. Prescribes penalties for violations of this Act, including up to ten years' imprisonment for subsequent violations. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, by regulation, to require persons transporting or shipping more than 100 pounds of solid waste in interstate commerce to submit annual registration statements. Directs the Administrator, upon request, to make such statements available to the public.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1991
Amends Federal law (commonly known as the National Park Service Concessions Policy Act) with respect to preferential rights to provide new or additional accommodations, facilities, or services to concessioners in areas administered by the National Park Service. Repeals certain provisions of such Act with regard to: (1) right of preference for contract renewal; and (2) possessory interest of such concessioner. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to develop and implement a system for: (1) the renewal and extension of existing contracts and permits; (2) the granting of new contracts and permits on a competitive basis; (3) provision of new or additional services through concessioners in areas of the National Park System; and (4) the limiting of contracts to U.S. persons only. Authorizes the Secretary to terminate any foreign-owned or controlled concessions in the National Park System. Requires the Secretary to review all existing contracts (including the Circle Line Statue of Liberty Inc. contract) to determine if: (1) any of them were awarded outside of the normal procedures of such Act; and (2) any of them can be legally terminated on that basis. Directs the Secretary to review the concession serving the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island to determine if there is sufficient access for the public and if the cost of the ferry service to Ellis Island and Liberty Island is justified. Requires the Secretary to consider providing additional ferry service from additional points of embarkation in New Jersey and New York City to Ellis Island and Liberty Island. Authorizes the Secretary to construct or allow for the construction of a permanent bridge, open to the public for pedestrian use, connecting Liberty State Park and Ellis Island. Allows construction of a facility at a National Park System unit for concession purposes only if: (1) such facility is specifically authorized by a law enacted after the enactment of this Act; and (2) funds are appropriated for such construction.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the targeted jobs credit permanently. Increases the maximum age requirement for economically disadvantaged youth from 23 to 25.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1991
Declares that the House of Representatives commends the U.S. maritime industry and maritime community for their commitment to and cooperation with U.S. military forces in Operation Desert Shield.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1991
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) Israel should take immediate steps to reopen all the universities in the West Bank and Gaza; and (2) such universities should remain open and be regarded and respected by all parties as places of learning.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1991
Condemns Iraq's unprovoked attack on Israel. Expresses sympathy for the loss of life, casualties, and destruction. Declares solidarity with the people of Israel. Commends the citizens of Israel for their perserverance and the Government of Israel for its restraint. Recognizes Israel's right to defend itself. Reaffirms America's continued commitment to provide Israel with the means to maintain her freedom and security.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1991
Condemns the recent violence by Soviet forces in Lithuania. Calls upon President Gorbachev to immediately cease the use of force against the people and the democratically-elected governments of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia and supports President Bush's condemnation of such Soviet actions in Lithuania. Calls upon the President to: (1) make this issue a priority item on the agenda of the upcoming U.S.-Soviet summit or otherwise to convey the message directly to the Soviet Government; (2) review bilateral relations and, in consultation with European allies, consider coordinated economic sanctions if the Soviets continue such actions; and (3) consider other ways to demonstrate the U.S. commitment to nonrecognition of the forcible annexation of the Baltic States by the Soviet Union and to show support for the people of the Baltic States. Calls upon the Soviet Government to: (1) enter into peaceful and meaningful negotiations with Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia on the nature of their future relations; (2) resolve peacefully disputes with all Soviet republics; and (3) abide by its obligations under the Helsinki Final Act, the United Nations Charter, and other international documents to respect human rights and self-determination. Urges that the new conflict resolution mechanisms created within the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe in November 1990 be employed to help resolve this crisis peacefully.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 1991
Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act Amendments of 1991 - Amends the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940 (the Act) to prohibit an eviction or distress from being made during a period of military service with respect to a premise for which the agreed rent does not exceed $1,200 (currently, $150) per month, when such premises is occupied chiefly by the dependents of the person in military service, except upon leave of the court granted upon application or in a proceeding affecting the rights of possession. Extends the power of attorney coverage under the Act to include a power of attorney that by its terms expires after July 31, 1990. Provides professional liability protection for persons ordered to active duty after July 31, 1990, who, prior to such date, were engaged in the furnishing of health care services or other services determined by the Secretary of Defense to be professional services and who had in effect a professional liability insurance policy that does not continue coverage during the period of active duty. Requires an insurance carrier to suspend and to reinstate coverage of such affected person upon receipt of a written request from such person. Requires such person to request reinstatement within 30 days after release from active duty. Provides a minimum period of required coverage by the carrier following reinstatement, without an increase in the insurance premiums charged. Provides for the stay of a civil or administrative action for damages on the basis of professional liability of a person whose insurance has been suspended under these provisions if: (1) the action is based on an act or omission that occurred before the suspension was effective; and (2) the suspended insurance would, on its face, cover the alleged professional misconduct. States that the period of such stay shall not be included in any statute-of-limitations period. Outlines provisions concerning the death of a person whose professional liability insurance has been suspended and the consequences with respect to the suspended insurance coverage on previous or suspended (stayed) claims. Provides that, in the case of employer-offered health insurance, an exclusion or waiting period may not be imposed in connection with coverage of a health or physical condition of a person employed and covered under such policy who goes to active military service or training and returns and is reemployed if: (1) the condition arose before or during a person's training or services in the armed forces; (2) such exclusion or waiting period would not be imposed for the condition during a normal period of coverage; and (3) the condition of such person has not been determined by the Secretary to be service-connected. Provides that any person who, by reason of being ordered to active duty after July 31, 1990, is entitled to the rights and benefits of such Act shall be entitled upon release from such service to reinstatement of any health insurance coverage which: (1) was in effect on the day before such service commenced; and (2) was terminated during the period of such service. Prohibits the imposition of an exclusion or waiting period upon such person under the same conditions previously stated for health insurance reinstatement upon reemployment. Requires a court, upon application, to stay a judicial action or proceeding involving any member of the armed forces serving on active duty outside the State in which the court is located until after June 30, 1991. Provides that an application by a person in military service for a stay, postponement, or suspension of the payment of any tax, fine, penalty, insurance premium, or other civil obligation shall not provide the basis for denial or revocation of, or a change in, credit by creditors, a presumption that such individual cannot pay his or her debts due and owing, or refusal of an insurer to insure such individual. Provides reemployment rights for all reservists (currently, only those serving on active duty for not more than 90 days) upon their return from any active duty other than for training.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 1991
Agent Orange Act of 1991 - Presumes the following diseases to be service-connected and resulting from exposure to dioxins and other herbicide agents during service in Vietnam during the Vietnam era unless there is affirmative evidence to the contrary: (1) non-Hodgkins lymphoma, each soft-tissue sarcoma (with certain exceptions), and chloracne or other consistent acneform diseases becoming manifest to a degree of disability of ten percent or more; and (2) those additional diseases that the Secretary determines warrant such a presumption by reason of having a positive association with a herbicide agent, if they become manifest within the appropriate period. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to prescribe regulations providing that a presumption of service connection is warranted whenever it is determined by the Secretary that a positive association exists between the exposure of humans to a herbicide agent and the occurrence of a disease in humans. Requires the Secretary to take into account reports received from the National Academy of Sciences, as well as other sound medical and scientific information. Outlines procedures to be followed by the Secretary in weighing evidence and report information and making conclusions for or against the positive association and, therefore, the service-connection presumption. Provides for the issuance of final regulations listing the diseases for which positive associations have been found or removing the presumption for a disease. Directs the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) under which NAS shall review and summarize the scientific evidence (and its strength) concerning the association between exposure to a herbicide agent during service in Vietnam and each disease suspected to be associated with such exposure. Provides for NAS: (1) scientific determinations concerning diseases; (2) recommendations for additional studies to resolve areas of uncertainty relating to herbicide exposure; (3) subsequent reviews; and (4) reports, at least biennially, to the Secretary and the Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committees (the veterans' committees). Terminates the agreement ten years after the fiscal year of the first report from NAS. Directs the Secretary to enter into an agreement with another body if the Secretary cannot reach an agreement with NAS within two months after enactment of this Act. Amends the Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 1988 to direct the Secretary to annually furnish updated information on health risks associated with exposure to herbicide agents during service in Vietnam during the Vietnam era. Extends through 1993 the eligibility for hospital, nursing home, or domiciliary care and medical treatment of individuals who served in Vietnam and who have been determined to have been exposed to dioxin or a toxic substance in a herbicide as the result of such service and of veterans exposed to ionizing radiation while serving between September 11, 1945 and July 1, 1946. Directs the Secretary to compile and analyze, on a continuing basis, all clinical data obtained by the Department of Veterans Affairs in connection with examinations and treatment furnished to veterans by the Department after November 3, 1981, for exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam and which is likely to be useful in determining the exposure to such agents and the disabilities suffered. Requires an annual report on such compilations and provides funding. Directs the Secretary, for facilitating research on the effects of exposure to herbicides used in Vietnam, to establish and maintain a system for the collection and storage of voluntarily contributed blood and tissue samples of veterans who served there. Provides for: (1) specimen security; (2) authorized uses; (3) limitations on acceptance of samples; and (4) authority based on specific funding. Directs the Secretary to establish a scientific research feasibility studies program for conducting research on health hazards resulting from: (1) exposure to dioxin; (2) exposure to other toxic agents in herbicides used in Vietnam; and (3) active military service in Vietnam during the Vietnam era. Outlines program and report requirements. Directs the Secretary to consult with NAS. Directs the Secretary, upon the request of a Vietnam veteran who has applied for Department medical care and filed a claim for, or is in receipt of, disability compensation, to obtain a blood sample to conduct a test for the presence of a specified dioxin. Provides for notification to the veteran of test results and requires such blood sample to be maintained as part of the collection of blood and tissue samples required under this Act. Makes conforming amendments and provides for alternative effective dates.
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 1991
Establishes the Manzanar National Historic Site in California to protect historical and cultural resources associated with the relocation of Japanese-Americans during World War II. Establishes the Manzanar National Historic Site Advisory Commission to consult with the Secretary of the Interior on matters relating to the development, management, and interpretation of the site. Terminates the Commission within ten years after the enactment of this Act. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 1991
Directs the Secretary of Defense, upon request, to relieve the following members of the armed forces from performing duty in a region designated as an area of hostile fire or imminent danger: (1) the husband or wife if both are assigned to duty in such region and they have a minor child; and (2) a single parent with a minor child who is assigned to duty in such a region. Directs the Secretary to endeavor to reassign a person relieved of such duty to another assignment which does not require the separation of the member from such minor child. Authorizes the Secretary to delay the date of discharge or retirement of a member so relieved, as appropriate.
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 1991
Adolescent Nutritional Equity Act - Amends the National School Lunch Act to restore eligibility for food supplement benefits under the dependent care food program to adolescent youth 18 years of age or under. Makes children with disabilities eligible for such benefits at any age.
United States · United States Congress · 12 January 1991
Parents as Teachers: the Family Involvement in Education Act of 1991 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) to make grants to States for parents as teachers programs, with special consideration for hard-to-serve populations. Makes eligible for such a grant any State which operates a parents as teachers program associated with the Parents as Teachers National Center in Missouri. Sets forth program requirements, limiting services to families during the period from the last three months of a mother's pregnancy to the child's attaining age three. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a Parents as Teachers National Center for information dissemination and technical and training assistance for States with such programs; and (2) evaluate such programs within four years. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1991
Christopher Columbus Coin and Fellowship Act - Title I: Christopher Columbus Quincentenary Coins - Christopher Columbus Quincentenary Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue not more than a specified number of five-dollar gold coins, one-dollar silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins emblematic of the quincentenary of the discovery of America. Sets forth certain features of such coins and provides for their design, issuance, and sale. Terminates the minting of such coins after June 30, 1993. Requires the Secretary to deposit surcharges from the sale of such coins in the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Fund for use by the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation. Declares that no law governing procurement or public contracts shall be applicable to the procurement of goods and services necessary for carrying out this Act, except that this provision shall not relieve any person from complying with any law relating to equal employment opportunity. Mandates that all amounts received from coin sales be deposited in the coinage profit fund. Title II: Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation - Christopher Columbus Fellowship Act - Establishes the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation to award fellowships to outstanding individuals to encourage new discoveries in all fields of endeavor for the benefit of mankind. Establishes the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Fund. Directs the Foundation to report to the President and to the Congress annually on its operations.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1991
Public Rangelands Fee Act of 1991 - Sets forth a formula, beginning with grazing year 1991, for determining fees for domestic livestock grazing on public rangelands.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1991
Employee Educational Assistance Act of 1991 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the income tax exclusion of amounts paid under employee educational assistance programs. (Under current law the exclusion expires for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1991.)
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1991
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) if the United States is to provide the majority of troops in the multinational force in the Persian Gulf region, the President should wage an intensive campaign to obtain the dollar commitments to support Operation Desert Shield already made by U.S. allies and to obtain pledges from such allies of an increased commitment of funds; and (2) those countries that benefit from the increased deployment of U.S. troops to such region and the increased U.S. commitment of funds to such Operation should honor their current monetary pledges in full and stand ready to pledge additional assistance should war occur.
![Official portrait of Del. de Lugo, Ron [D-VI-At Large]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/d000209_200.jpg)