United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1990
Antarctic Environmental Protection, Clean-Up, and Liability Act of 1990 - Amends the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978 to require the Director of the National Science Foundation to: (1) prepare and annually update a waste management plan for wastes produced or disposed of in Antarctica by U.S. citizens; and (2) issue regulations requiring U.S. citizens engaged in activities in Antarctica to comply with specified waste disposal practices. Requires the Director to establish a long-term program for the removal of specified wastes produced or disposed of in Antarctica by U.S. citizens. Directs the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to issue regulations: (1) requiring all vessels engaged in U.S. activities in Antarctica, including tourist expeditions, to be equipped with compaction, storage, and incineration facilities (or stockpiling facilities for vessels not capable of being fitted with waste disposal facilities); and (2) prohibiting U.S. citizens from employing any vessel in Antarctica unless such vessel contains such facilities. Makes it unlawful for any individual in charge of a vessel or any U.S. citizen employing a vessel in Antarctica to: (1) intentionally discharge oil or dispose of plastic in the Antarctic marine environment; (2) dispose of dunnage, lining, or packing materials less than 25 nautical miles from the closest land or ice shelf; (3) dispose of food waste or other garbage less than 12 nautical miles from the closest land or ice shelf; or (4) discharge sewage within 12 nautical miles of the closest land or ice shelf. Prescribes civil penalties for disposal violations or for violations of waste disposal facility requirements. Makes vessels committing disposal violations or violations concerning compliance with specified international shipping conventions liable in rem for such penalties. Requires all vessels supporting U.S. activities in Antarctica to comply with specified international conventions relating to pollution prevention and ship safety. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations requiring all vessels supporting U.S. activities in Antarctica and all U.S. facilities in Antarctica where oil is stored to have contingency plans and the capability and equipment to respond, prevent, and clean up oil spills. Makes such parties liable for the removal of oil and for the restoration of any natural resources, specially-protected areas, or sites of special scientific interest. Prescribes civil penalties if such restoration is not feasible. Requires the President to direct the Secretary of State to initiate actions within the International Maritime Organization to secure designation of the waters south of 60 degrees south latitude as a special area under the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution From Ships, 1973 and the Protocol of 1978 Relating Thereto. Directs the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to develop and implement an environmental monitoring program for Antarctica. Requires regulations promulgated pursuant to the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978 to include requirements for specially-protected areas. Requires the Director to issue regulations designating as a pollutant any substance which is liable, if introduced into Antarctica, to: (1) create health hazards or harm living resources; or (2) damage amenities or interfere with other legitimate uses of Antarctica. Provides for the issuance of permits to regulate the discharge of such pollutants into the Antarctic environment by U.S. citizens. Applies the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to all Federal activities in Antarctica. Requires the Secretary of State, before submitting the Convention on the Regulation of Antarctic Mineral Resource Activities to the Senate for ratification, to prepare an environmental impact statement on the Convention and alternative regimes for protecting the Antarctic environment. Sets forth provisions concerning citizen suits. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1990
Amends provisions of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 relating to Federal Government employment to allow a court to grant the prevailing party, other than the United States, a reasonable attorney's fee as part of costs. Makes the United States liable for costs the same as a private person. Requires that, when an individual has filed a timely complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, any civil action brought be commenced within a specified time.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1990
Expresses the sense of the Congress that foreign language instruction should begin at the elementary school level. Urges State and local educational agencies to initiate programs of foreign language instruction in elementary schools. Supports the statements of: (1) the National Governors' Association calling for such programs; and (2) the Follow-Up Committee to the Wingspread Consultation on Elementary School Foreign Languages, calling for establishment of a Blue Ribbon Commission to address the national agenda for foreign language instruction in elementary schools.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1990
Pesticide Export Reform Act of 1990 - Title I: Exported Pesticides - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to require pesticide producers operating registered establishments to inform the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency of: (1) the types and quantities of pesticides and active ingredients used in producing pesticides for export to a foreign country; and (2) the date of export and quantity of such materials exported to each foreign country to which the producer has exported during the past 360-day period. Provides that specified information on exported pesticides shall not be entitled to confidential trade secret treatment. Makes it unlawful to knowingly or recklessly export a pesticide, device, or active ingredient in violation of FIFRA export requirements. Prohibits the exportation of pesticides, devices, or active ingredients unless: (1) such materials are prepared and packaged according to the specifications of the foreign purchaser and the legal requirements of the country of use; and (2) the producers or exporters meet specified FIFRA requirements. Prohibits the exportation of unregistered pesticides. Waives certain requirements to permit the export of pesticides not meeting FIFRA requirements to prevent or arrest the spread of a communicable disease if the Administrator makes specified determinations. Prohibits the exportation of specified pesticides (including restricted use pesticides and pesticides subject to suspension or cancellation proceedings) unless: (1) the exporter provides specified information on the pesticide to the Administrator; (2) the country of use consents to the import and is included on a list of approved countries; and (3) the pesticide is manufactured, stored, and packaged in accordance with standards of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. Requires the Administrator to maintain a list of approved countries of use. Sets forth labeling requirements for exported pesticides. Permits the export of pesticides for experimental use in foreign countries if specified conditions are met. Requires the Administrator to notify foreign countries and the International Registry of Potentially Toxic Chemicals whenever regulatory action is taken with respect to a pesticide. Directs the Administrator to: (1) convene meetings with foreign governments and other interested parties to promote the implementation of improved research and regulatory programs for pest management and strategies for sustainable agriculture; (2) provide foreign countries with technical assistance to develop pesticide regulatory programs; (3) transmit triennial studies to the Congress on countries that import U.S. pesticides and from which the United States imports agricultural commodities to ascertain such countries' management of pesticides and whether the United States is able to test effectively for pesticide residues; and (4) convene meetings with foreign governments and other interested parties to encourage the adoption of a multilateral convention requiring standard notice and export control measures for pesticides. Title II: Tolerances for Agricultural Commodities - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Administrator, if registrations for a pesticide chemical under FIFRA have been cancelled, suspended, withdrawn, or modified to eliminate the use of such chemical on a raw agricultural commodity, to publish a notice in the Federal Register announcing: (1) the revocation of any tolerance for an agricultural use; or (2) an exemption for the use of such chemical on such commodity. Provides for temporary waivers from revocations for the purpose of distributing in commerce commodities that contain residues resulting from the application of pesticides before this Act's enactment or residual environmental contamination. Permits the Administrator to issue such waivers only if such waivers do not: (1) pose a dietary health risk; and (2) cause significant economic hardship for domestic producers of a commodity attributable to competition from foreign producers in countries in which the use of the pesticide is permitted. Prohibits, with specified exceptions, the establishment or continuation of a tolerance unless the Administrator determines that a practical method for detecting and measuring pesticide residues exists. Prohibits the importation of food into U.S. customs territory unless the commodity importer files with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of the Treasury a document identifying each pesticide chemical used in connection with the commodity. Requires such importers, if unreported pesticides are detected in such commodities, to submit residue analyses for such pesticides. Waives reporting requirements for unreported pesticides if the presence of such pesticides is attributable to long-term environmental persistence and does not pose a health risk. Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the Poultry Products Inspection Act, and the Egg Products Inspection Act to apply such requirements to importers of meat, poultry, and eggs. Title III: Effective Dates - Sets forth the effective dates for provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1990
Amends the Federal judicial code to allow Federal judges who have attained the age of 62 and completed 25 years of service to retire on salary from regular active service.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1990
Condemns the recent violence against unarmed civilians in Nimba County, Liberia. Calls upon all parties to the conflict to comply with provisions of the Geneva Convention which establish the right of noncombatants to humane treatment. Urges the President to: (1) convey to the Government of Liberia U.S. concerns about human rights abuses in Liberia since 1980; (2) urge such Government to quickly resolve the conflict in a manner which permits Liberian refugees to return to their homes; (3) support efforts to meet humanitarian needs of such refugees in neighboring countries; (4) bar U.S. military advisors from accompanying Liberian troops in fighting the insurgency in Nimba County; and (5) consider recent events in such County in making the assessment related to human rights required under the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1990. Sets forth conditions for resumption of military assistance to Liberia in the event that the suspension of foreign assistance is no longer required under provisions restricting assistance to countries in default on foreign assistance loans. Calls on the Liberian Government to honor its commitment to hold scheduled elections in 1991 and to ensure a free and fair election process.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1990
Designates the week of July 22 to July 29, 1990, as National Week of Recognition and Remembrance for Those Who Served in the Korean War. Authorizes and requests the President to urge that the American flag be flown at half staff on July 27, 1990, in honor of those Americans who died as a result of their service in Korea.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1990
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) an authoritative reaffirmation of the present border between Germany and Poland should be part of the process leading to the reunification of Germany and should not be postponed; (2) Poland should participate with the other powers when its security and borders are debated and decided during the talks on German reunification; (3) the U.S. Government should continue to support the existing borders in such talks; and (4) it is vital for peace and security in Europe that the concerned States give assurances that they abide by the international agreements ratifying existing borders.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1990
Urges the President and the United States Trade Representative: (1) not to include civil air transport services under the General Agreement on Trade in Services that is being negotiated under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade; nor (2) to require future negotiations to include such services under such Agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1990
Welcomes the positive political changes in South Africa. Commends: (1) President de Klerk for the release of Nelson Mandela and the unbanning of the African National Congress; and (2) Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, and others for their perseverance in the struggle for a nonracial democracy. Urges de Klerk to initiate the dismantling of apartheid, move rapidly to meet the conditions necessary for the opening of negotiations, and meet the terms of the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986 for the relaxation of sanctions. Supports: (1) the maintenance of sanctions against the South African Government until conditions under such Act for the suspension, modification, or termination of sanctions have been met; and (2) assistance to the victims of apartheid as an important and necessary complement to U.S. sanctions.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1990
Human Services Reauthorization Act of 1990 - Extends authorized appropriations from FY 1991 through 1994 to carry out programs under the following Acts: (1) the Head Start Act; (2) the Follow Through Act; (3) the State Dependent Care Development Grants Act; (4) the Community Services Block Grant Act; (5) the Child Development Associate Scholarship Assistance Act; and (6) the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981. Amends the Human Services Reauthorization Act of 1986 to extend authorized appropriations from FY 1991 through 1994 to carry out the grant program relating to demonstration partnership agreements addressing the needs of the poor.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1990
Black Lung Benefits Equity Act - Amends the Black Lung Benefits Act to provide that, when benefits are paid for at least two years after an initial determination of eligibility, repayment of such benefits will not be required even upon a final determination of ineligibility.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1990
Office of Inspector General Law Enforcement Act of 1990 - Amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 to grant criminal investigators of the Offices of Inspector General who perform any duty of a law enforcement officer the authority to: (1) obtain and execute search and arrest warrants and serve subpoenas and summonses; (2) make felony arrests and arrests without warrant for offenses against the United States committed in their presence; and (3) carry and use firearms.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1990
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the 25th anniversary of the enactment of the Older Americans Act of 1965 and its successful implementation should be recognized; (2) contributions at all levels of the aging network should be acknowledged and commended; and (3) support for the Act and its primary goal should be reaffirmed.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1990
Urges that: (1) Federal support for local drug enforcement be substantially increased; and (2) a funding mechanism be developed to provide Federal drug enforcement funds directly to local governments to enable a quick response to critical drug enforcement needs.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1990
Global Elementary Education Act of 1990 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) to make matching grants to States, through their State educational agencies, for foreign language institutes for professional development and retraining of elementary and secondary school teachers for elementary school teaching of foreign languages and cultures, geography, and international studies. Requires such institutes to allow teachers from other fields to retrain as foreign language teachers. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to institutions of higher education to develop innovative and model program in preservice elementary teacher education in the areas of foreign language and culture, geography, and international studies. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to make competitive grants to State and local educational agencies, institutions of higher education, nonprofit international exchange organizations, nonprofit educational associations, or consortia thereof, for reciprocal elementary teacher exchange programs. Requires that preference be given to nontraditional language study sites and to programs providing exchanges for teachers who have never been abroad. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to assign to the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education responsibility for: (1) coordinating development and dissemination of foreign language and culture instructional material; and (2) expanding use of technology in teaching foreign languages and culture in elementary school. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1990
Tire Recycling Incentives Act of 1990 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require tire producers or importers to recycle an amount of scrap tires equal to at least the amount determined by multiplying the amount of tires produced or imported that year by the recycling percentage established by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Authorizes compliance by: (1) recycling scrap tires through reintroducing the reclaimed rubber into a manufacturing process to produce new tires or retread old tire casings; or (2) purchasing recycling credits under this Act. Requires such individuals to report annually to the Administrator on the amount of tires produced or imported. Directs the Administrator to establish a recycling percentage that is five percentage points higher than the existing recycling rate for tires. Provides for increases in such percentage of five points annually in the ten years following the date of enactment of this Act. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations allowing recyclers to create credits for tire recycling and tire producers or importers to purchase such credits. Sets forth: (1) specified recordkeeping requirements for owners or operators of tire sale and installation facilities and tire producers and importers; and (2) the amount of credits allowed for scrap tires. Directs the Attorney General to determine the effects of the credit system on competition within the tire and scrap tire recycling industries and to report annually to the Congress. Sets the recycling percentage at 60 percent if the Administrator fails to promulgate regulations. Directs the Administrator to: (1) publish in the Federal Register minimum requirements for State scrap tire management and procedures under which such requirements shall be incorporated into State solid waste management plans; (2) provide for expedited review of State plans which include specified scrap tire recycling measures; and (3) establish standards to minimize health and environmental damages from the improper disposal and storage of tires. Requires such standards to provide for: (1) bans on the disposal of tires in land disposal facilities; (2) State inventories of scrap tire collection facilities, tire advisory boards, and scrap tire abatement plans; (3) agreements between facilities which distribute more than 1,000 tires annually and licensed tire haulers for the exclusive hauling of scrap tires by licensed haulers; and (4) prohibitions on the transportation of scrap tires by transporters without transportation identification numbers, with specified exceptions. Directs the Administrator to publish guidelines for States for the issuance of permits to scrap tire storage, processing, transfer, and recycling facilities. Provides for: (1) limits on the size of scrap tire piles at such facilities; (2) bans on open burning within 50 feet of a scrap tire pile; (3) regulations on vegetation, rodent, and mosquito control at such facilities; and (4) different requirements for collection and storage facilities located in 100-year flood plains or other areas where water resources are critical. Requires the Administrator to promulgate guidelines for States for facility emergency plans. Directs facility owners or operators to maintain and update emergency preparedness manuals. Requires facility operators to notify the State immediately in the event of an emergency with potential offsite impacts. Sets forth specified emergency and operational recordkeeping, reporting, and inspection requirements. Requires all regulated facilities to have appropriate financial responsibility or insurance to maintain the facility for at least five years after closure. Exempts specified persons from permitting requirements. Requires the Secretary of the Interior, together with the heads of agencies responsible for public lands or military installations, to implement a plan to remediate tire piles. Applies plan requirements to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation. Directs the Administrator to develop a guideline for procuring goods that make use of scrap or used tires. Permits States to: (1) enter into consent orders with owners and operators of scrap tire collection facilities for proper management and abatement of scrap tires; and (2) levy fines on facilities for noncompliance. Imposes fines on tire facilities and landfills for specified violations of this Act. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1990
Twenty-First Century Teachers Act - Title I: Loans Incentives for Teaching - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to establish a separate fund for teachers under the National Direct Student Loan (NDSL) program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1995 for the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) to make separate capital contributions to NDSL student loan funds. Requires a student, in order to receive a loan from the special account, to: (1) have completed two undergraduate years; (2) intend to pursue a teaching career; and (3) agree to certain repayment conditions if the student either does not enter full-time teaching within a certain period or ceases such teaching before the end of the five-year service period required for loan cancellation. Gives priority for such loans to minority students, or those otherwise underrepresented in the teaching profession or curricula areas, and to individuals who qualify and need such a loan and who demonstrate high academic achievement and potential for success in teaching. Provides for an expedited loan cancellation option for teaching at certain types of schools. Title II: Financial Assistance for Institutional Recruitment and Retention of Individuals Preparing to Enter the Teaching Force - Directs the Secretary to allocate funds under this title to State educational agencies (SEAs) for grants to institutions of higher education for programs to recruit and retain students, particularly minority students, preparing to enter the teaching profession. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Professional Development Academies - Directs the Secretary to allocate 80 percent of funds for this title among SEAs, on the basis of number of disadvantaged children, to distribute such funds to consortia of local educational agencies (LEAs) for various activities relating to teacher training. Directs the Secretary, from the remaining 20 percent of funds under this title, to award to specified consortia grants to establish professional development academies to provide interstate, international, or other exemplary programs. Limits such grants to five years, with renewal for one additional five-year period. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Teacher Recognition - Teacher of the Year Recognition Act - Directs the Secretary to design and implement a program for teachers designated by the Council of Chief State School Officers as teacher of the year and the national teacher of the year. Directs the Secretary to designate and procure medals to honor such teachers of the year, which shall be presented by the President or a designee. Authorizes the Secretary to work with States, local governments, SEAs, LEAs, and others to encourage development of State and local recognition programs for teachers and other educators.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1990
Provides for the payment of temporary lodging expenses for visiting family members of military personnel who are hospitalized due to serious illness or injury sustained in the line of duty.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1990
Designates the week of June 24 through June 30, 1990, as National Sheriffs' Week in honor of the 50th anniversary of the National Sheriffs' Association.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1990
Establishes the Weir Farm National Historic Site (after impressionist painter J. Alden Weir), Connecticut, as a unit of the National Park System. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1990
Job Corps for Homeless Families Act of 1990 - Amends the Job Training Partnership Act to direct the Secretary of Labor to provide services and facilities to eligible homeless individuals and their families at existing or special Job Corps centers.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1990
Mickey Leland Memorial Domestic Hunger Relief Act - Title I: Reducing Childhood Hunger - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to revise and increase the excess shelter expense deduction for each fiscal year from FY 1991 through FY 1993. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to adjust the basic benefit level upwards by specified increments at the beginning of each fiscal year from FY 1991 through FY 1995 until it reaches 105 percent of the cost of the thrifty food plan. Directs the Secretary by regulation to provide for emergency allotments to eligible households to replace food lost in a disaster. Excludes from the computation of household income any State allowance (provided at least annually) for obtaining school clothes for children in school or child care. Provides for allotment increases to cover State or local sales taxes for participants in demonstration projects. Requires alternative systems for delivery or use of food stamp benefits to meet standards issued by the Secretary and, where household participation is not optional, to involve retail food stores serving minority populations, but only if necessary special equipment is operational at all registers. Provides food stamp coverage for prepared meals for homeless households. Permits State agencies to develop standard estimates of the shelter and related expenses which homeless households may reasonably be expected to incur in order to certify such households based on reported expenses not exceeding such an estimate. Title II: Promoting Self-Sufficiency - Excludes the first $50 a month received as child support from consideration as income in determining the food stamp allotments of households also receiving Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) benefits. Increases from $4,500 to $5,500 from January 1 through September 30, 1991, with annual cost-of-living adjustments to follow, the limit on the fair market value of vehicles that food stamp recipients may own. Directs the Secretary to conduct a sufficient number of demonstration projects to evaluate the effects of excluding from such vehicle calculation the value of: (1) any licensed vehicle used for certain income-producing, transportation, or shelter purposes; and (2) one licensed vehicle used for job-related or job-seeking purposes (including commuting), for pursuing education or training, or for securing food or food stamp benefits. Allows States to use their own agency-designed forms instead of forms approved by the Secretary. Directs State agencies to allow a household to select an adult parent of children in the household as its head where all adult household members agree to do so. Allows four States to give priority in the provision of services to voluntary participants (including both exempt and nonexempt), so long as performance standards are maintained. Authorizes an employment and training program to contain programs designed to increase the self-sufficiency of recipients through self-employment. Excludes from the computation of household financial resources any nonliquid resources necessary to allow the household to carry out an approved plan for self-sufficiency. Increases from $25 to $75 the limit for reimbursements to recipients for costs incurred in employment and training activities. Permits otherwise eligible persons who attend an institution of higher learning to receive food stamp benefits if he or she: (1) attends the institution as part of an employment and training program; or (2) is over 50, registered for employment, and subject to employment or training requirements. Revises the exclusion of educational expenses from the computation of household incomes. Excludes from the computation of household incomes housing assistance payments made to a third party on behalf of a household residing in transitional housing for the homeless. Title III: Simplifying Program Administration - Requires parents and children (regardless of age) who live together to apply for food stamps as a single household. Directs the Secretary to conduct five demonstration projects, in both rural and urban areas, under which households in which each member receives AFDC benefits shall receive monthly food stamp allotments following AFDC rules and procedures, without regard to the eligibility, benefit, and administrative rules of the food stamp program. Requires the Secretary to issue rules under which State agencies must develop standards for identifying (for exclusion as inaccessible resources) those kinds of resources the household is unlikely to sell for any significant return because its interest is so slight or the cost of selling would be so great. Provides that a food stamp office need not consider any resources that the AFDC or supplemental security income benefit programs have already determined to be exempt. Directs State agencies to require only one adult representative of a household to sign all declarations required in the application process on behalf of the household. Makes recipients of State or local general assistance programs categorically eligible for food stamps. Reduces from 30 to ten days the deadline for households convicted of food stamp fraud to decide how to repay their over issuances. Establishes a Commission on the Coordination of Family Support and Food Stamp Policies to report to the President and the Congress on AFDC and food stamp program policies, recommending how to eliminate barriers to participation in both programs. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Hunger in Rural America - Requires State agencies to designate rural project areas where low-income persons face substantial difficulties in getting transportation. Requires issuance of coupons by mail in such areas, except where households experience mail losses exceeding certain levels. Allows States to assist households with the food stamp application process. Directs the Secretary to exclude from financial resources the value of a vehicle a household depends upon to carry heating fuel or water for home use where it has no other access to fuel or water. Title V: Promoting Access for the Elderly and Disabled - Declares that State agencies, with respect to the excess medical deduction for the elderly and the disabled, shall not require further verification of a change in medical expenses if the change has been anticipated for the verification period. Requires annual adjustments to the value of the minimum food stamp benefit. Permits State agencies to establish a procedure allowing households whose regular food stamp benefits do not exceed $20 per month to receive up to $60 worth for intervals of up to three months. Requires that any applicant for or recipient of supplemental security income benefits be informed of the availability of food stamp benefits. Title VI: Program Administration by State Agencies - Prohibits the application of disallowances for erroneous issuances or similar actions to any State for a fiscal year before FY 1991. Directs the Secretary, by specified deadlines, to develop standards for initial approval of automated data processing and information retrieval systems for State agencies, as well as written procedures and standards for initial and continued approval reviews. Sets alternative deadlines for full operation of such systems, the later being September 30, 1993. Provides for waivers of ADC system requirements where their application would not significantly improve the efficiency of a State agency's administration. Title VII: Reauthorization of Programs - Reauthorizes through FY 1995: (1) the food stamp program; (2) the nutrition assistance program for Puerto Rico; (3) the temporary emergency food assistance program under the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983; (4) the soup kitchen and food bank programs under the Hunger Prevention Act of 1988; (5) the commodity distribution and supplemental food programs under the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973; (6) the distribution of surplus commodities to special nutrition projects under the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981; and (7) the nutrition education program under the Food Security Act of 1985. Title VIII - Amends the Commodity Distribution Reform Act and WIC Amendments of 1987 to require biennial reports to the Congress on food bank projects. Amends the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 to establish a Commodity Supplemental Food Program for the Elderly. Amends the Hunger Prevention Act of 1988 to set forth the National Gleaning Clearinghouse Act of 1990. Establishes a National Gleaning Clearinghouse to share information on available, unused food that could be distributed through the emergency feeding network. Title IX: Effective Dates - Sets forth the effective dates of provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1990
Declares it to be U.S. policy that there should be: (1) recognition and commemoration of the 25th anniversary of Federal aid to elementary and secondary education; (2) a renewed, sustained commitment to Federal aid to educating children who are disadvantaged members of special populations, with limited English proficiency, or with handicaps, and illiterate adults; and (3) a specified annual increase in funding for the program for disadvantaged children under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1990
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should designate a special envoy to negotiate the release of American and all other hostages in Lebanon and appeals to their captors to free them. Expresses sympathy for their families. Recognizes those who will be commemorating the fifth anniversary of the captivity of Terry Anderson on March 16, 1990.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1990
Medicaid AIDS and HIV Amendments of 1990 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to allow each State to provide Medicaid coverage of HIV-related services for individuals who have the HIV virus and an abnormally low immune function for which medical intervention is indicated and whose income and resources do not exceed the maximum amounts allowed under the State Medicaid program for disabled individuals. Allows States to provide Medicaid home and community-based services to children who have acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Applies the same income and resource eligibility standards as would apply if such children were hospitalized. Requires States to increase payments for inpatient hospital services delivered to Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act) beneficiaries with AIDS by hospitals serving high volumes of AIDS victims. Permits States to provide Medicaid coverage of the premiums charged individuals who are eligible for continued employer group health plan coverage after their loss of employment if such individuals also have the HIV virus and an income at or below the Federal poverty level.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1990
Benjamin Franklin Memorial Fire Service Bill of Rights Act - Title I: Minting of Benjamin Franklin National Memorial Commemorative Coin - Benjamin Franklin National Memorial Commemorative Coin Act - Provides for the sale of Benjamin Franklin commemorative coins at a surcharge of which 25 percent shall be paid to the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial and the remainder be distributed in specified percentages to the National Fire Center and Museum Account, the National Hero Scholarship Account, the Firefighter Tuition Assistance Account, the Hazardous Materials Response Computer Account, the Research and Education Account, and the Burn Research Grant Account of the Firefighter Assistance Trust Fund (Fund). Prohibits the issuance of such coins from resulting in any net cost to the Federal government. Title II: Fire Service Bill of Rights - Fire Service Bill of Rights Act - Amends the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to establish a fire service bill of rights. Establishes the National Fire Center and Museum in the District of Columbia to provide information about the fire service and safety to the public and fire services. Establishes a National Hero Scholarship to fund the higher education of a child, spouse, or dependent parent of a deceased firefighter. Establishes a scholarship providing tuition assistance to firefighters for higher education in fire safety or protection. Authorizes the Administrator of the United States Fire Administration to use amounts in the Research and Education Account of the Fund to fund other specified programs under the Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 and the provision of information concerning surplus Federal property and infectious diseases pursuant to this Act. Establishes the Firefighter Assistance Trust Fund. Places the National Academy for Fire Prevention and Control within the United States Fire Administration. Directs the Administrator to provide States with funds from the Hazardous Materials Response Computer Account of the fund for distribution to local fire services that wish to purchase computer equipment. Directs the Administrator to make a grant from the Burn Research Grant Account of the Fund to one national firefighter's burn foundation dedicated to reducing burn injuries. Requires the Administrator to prepare and make available to fire services, upon request, a manual describing Federal procedures for disposing of surplus property and highlighting how fire services could obtain such property. Directs the Administrator to distribute to such marshals information on the infectious diseases to which firefighters are particularly vulnerable. Permits the Administrator, in certain circumstances, to award to a domestic firm a contract that, under the use of competitive procedures, would be awarded to a foreign firm.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1990
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 · 22 February 1990
Nursing Home Access to Respiratory Therapy Act of 1990 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to include respiratory therapy within covered extended care services.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1990
International Voluntary Family Planning Assistance Act of 1990 - Authorizes appropriations for international population planning assistance. Earmarks a specified amount of such funds for the United Nations Population Fund if: (1) the Fund maintains such funds in a separate account, without commingling; (2) none of the funds are made available for China; and (3) any agreement to obligate such funds expressly states that the full amount granted by the agreement will be refunded to the United States if U.S. funds are used for family planning in China or abortions in any country. Prohibits any funds appropriated under this Act from being used for abortions.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1990
Calls for the retention of sanctions against South Africa under the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act until all conditions for the termination of sanctions are fulfilled and a democratic political process is established.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1990
Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education Act of 1990 - Title I: Regional Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education Consortiums - Directs the Secretary of Education to award merit-based competitive grants for regional science, mathematics, and technology education consortia to disseminate and implement exemplary science, mathematics, and technology education materials, teaching methods, and assessment tools for use by elementary and secondary school students. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: National Clearinghouse for Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education Materials - Directs the Secretary to award a merit-based competitive grant or contract for a National Clearinghouse for Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education Materials. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Informal Education Enhancement Programs - Authorizes the National Science Foundation to award merit-based competitive grants: (1) and fellowships for professional enhancement activities to increase the pool of informal science education professionals and consultants and to foster their involvement in local science and technology education programs and services; (2) for community extension programs to make available interactive science exhibits and programs for rural and urban poor areas; and (3) for specified types of innovative activities or programs. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1990
OSHA Criminal Penalty Reform Act - Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA) to increase criminal penalties (fines and prison sentences) for specified violations. Makes criminal offenses, with specified penalties under OSHA, willful violations of OSHA standards, rules, or regulations if they: (1) result in serious bodily injury to an employee; or (2) recklessly endanger an employee. Makes corporate directors, officers, or agents of employers liable for the same penalties as employers directly involved in OSHA violations, if such individuals are found to have willfully authorized, ordered, or acquiesced in such violations. Prohibits penalties or fines from being paid for such individuals from corporate funds. Provides that nothing in OSHA shall preclude State and local law enforcement agencies from conducting criminal prosecutions under State or local laws.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1990
Depositor Protection and Fraud Act of 1990 - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to prohibit an insured depository institution from marketing any stocks or bonds in its affiliates in any office space which is commonly accessible to the general public for the purpose of accepting deposits. Grants a Federal banking agency regulatory authority either to prohibit such sales or to impose conditions upon them if the agency determines that any stock or bond of the institution is likely to be confused by the general public with an insured deposit.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1990
Sugar Equity and Reform Act of 1990 - Title I: Sugar Price Support Program - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to support the price of each of the 1991 through 1995 crops of domestically grown sugarcane through six-month nonrecourse loans, with the loan rate for raw cane sugar at 95 percent of the rate announced for the preceding crop year. Requires the loan rate for sugar beets to be fair and reasonable in relation to the rate for sugarcane. Title II: Regulation of Sugar Imports - Prescribes policy for the regulation of sugar imports, including quotas and lowest tariff rates. Directs the Secretary to announce a market stabilization price and a threshold price for raw sugar no later than 30 days before the beginning of the October 1, 1991, sugar marketing year. Requires the President to maintain the market price for raw sugar at or near the market stabilization price through imposition of tariff rate import quotas on various sugar products. Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to repeal the mandate to operate the sugar program at no cost to the Government by preventing the accumulation of sugar acquired by the Commodity Credit Corporation through sugar loan forfeitures. Repeals the requirement that a sugar exporting country verify that it does not import Cuban sugar for reexport to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1990
Requires the President, with respect to each year after 1989, to determine whether: (1) there was a reduction in the quantity of illicit coca produced or in illicit coca activities in Bolivia, Colombia, and Peru; and (2) any reduction is attributable to the implementation of social or economic alternatives in such countries. Authorizes the President, if an affirmative determination with respect to such a country is made, to apply special trade treatment to articles that: (1) are products of such country; and (2) are entered or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption in U.S. customs territory in the year following the year such determination was made. Prohibits such special treatment if specified actions under the Narcotics Control Trade Act are in effect with respect to such country. Authorizes the President to provide economic assistance to Bolivia, Colombia, and Peru to promote the production, processing, or marketing of agricultural commodity exports, excluding commodities from which narcotic and psychotropic drugs are derived. Waives provisions of the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act that prohibit economic assistance for the growth or production in a foreign country of commodities which would compete with similar U.S. commodities with respect to such assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1990
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include as a tax-excludible fringe benefit qualified employer-provided commuter services between an employee's residence and workplace. Includes as qualified services: (1) transportation furnished in a commuter highway vehicle (such as a van); and (2) transportation on public buses, trains, or subways that is paid for or reimbursed by the employer.