United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1990
Federal Earthquake Insurance and Reinsurance Act - Creates the Federal Earthquake Insurance and Reinsurance Corporation to make available: (1) earthquake and volcanic eruption insurance for residential property; and (2) property and casualty excess reinsurance for private insurers and private reinsurers for losses associated with earthquake or volcanic eruption. Makes the Corporation, its Residential Property Insurance Fund, its Reinsurance Fund, and its activities, property, and income exempt from all taxation, subject to exception. Directs the Corporation to develop a practical, cost-effective, and workable plan of earthquake loss mitigation.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1990
National Earthquake Insurance and Reinsurance Act of 1990 - Title I: Participation in National Earthquake Insurance Program and Adoption of Hazard Reduction Measures - Requires the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to publish in the Federal Register and local newspapers information tentatively identifying areas subject to earthquake hazards and to notify the chief executive officers of the identification as an earthquake-prone community. Requires such identifications to be continually updated. Requires the Director to make information available with regard to: (1) an earthquake hazard as it affects any community; (2) the national earthquake insurance program, its coverage, and its objectives; and (3) estimated premium rates under the national earthquake insurance program. Requires local officials to disseminate earthquake information and data. Directs identified communities to submit technical data sufficient to establish that the community is not an earthquake-prone community. Requires the hearings and final determinations on the issue of such identification. Requires earthquake-prone communities to fulfill requirements for participation in the national earthquake insurance program. Requires the appointment of an earthquake insurance advisory committee to advise the Director on the Administration of this Act. Authorizes the Director to carry out studies and investigations with respect to establishing earthquake-related comprehensive criteria requiring State and local governments to adopt land use and management ordinances, building codes, and other loss reduction measures in earthquake-prone areas. Requires such criteria to be periodically updated to reflect technical advances designed to reduce losses from earthquakes. Requires the Director to encourage State and local officials to adopt local loss reduction measures that incorporate such comprehensive criteria. Prohibits any State or local community identified as an earthquake-prone area from participating in the national earthquake insurance program (NEIP) unless the Director finds that the appropriate public body has adopted and is enforcing land use and management laws, building codes, and other loss reduction measures that conform with such criteria. Prohibits earthquake insurance coverage to a local body found to be in violation of any regulation intended to regulate or restrict location or construction in earthquake-prone areas. Requires a building, mobile home, or other construction situated on an area identified as earthquake-prone to be covered by earthquake insurance. Requires each Federal instrumentality responsible for the supervision of banks, savings and loans, and other similar institutions to prohibit such institutions from making or renewing any loan for a building, mobile home, or other construction located in an earthquake-prone community unless such building and any personal property securing the loan is covered by an adequate amount of earthquake insurance. Exempts State-owned property from such requirement. Requires all such banks, savings and loans, and other such institutions to: (1) notify a purchaser or lessee of identification of an area as an earthquake-prone area before entering into a purchase agreement; and (2) notify the purchaser or lessee that, in the event of an earthquake disaster, Federal disaster relief assistance may not be available if such community does not participate in the NEIP or such property does not have adequate earthquake insurance coverage. Provides that no Federal officer or agency may approve any financial assistance for acquisition or construction in an earthquake-prone area unless the community involved is participating in the NEIP. Prohibits banks, savings and loans, and other such institutions from approving loans for any building, mobile home, or other construction in an area not so covered. Authorizes a district court appellate procedure for any community determined to be earthquake-prone or denied loans for lack of participation in the NEIP. Requires the Director to report to the President and issue appropriate regulations regarding this Act. Title II: National Earthquake Insurance Program - Authorizes the Director to establish and carry out a NEIP to provide insurance against loss resulting from physical damage to or loss of real or personal property arising from earthquakes. Requires private insurer participation of at least 80 percent of all written premiums for homeowners' multiperil insurance written in the United States under such program. Requires private insurers participating in the NEIP to reimburse the Director for 15 percent of all costs of the program. Outlines provisions, with regard to the NEIP, concerning: (1) insurance priorities; (2) additional types of insurance to be made available; (3) terms and limitations of insurance coverage; and (4) additional insurance limits to be made available at premium rates. Authorizes the Director to carry out studies and investigations to estimate the actuarial premium rates for property eligible for earthquake insurance and the terms and conditions under which such rates will apply. Requires the Director to consult with the advisory committee established under this Act in carrying out such studies and investigations. Outlines considerations for the determination of the actuarial rates. Requires the Director to establish chargeable premium rates which may be less than the actuarial rates in order to encourage States and local communities to pay a reasonable cost for adequate earthquake insurance coverage. Provides rates requirements with respect to new construction and newly eligible construction. Requires the Director, in order to carry out the NEIP, to establish in the Treasury a National Earthquake Insurance Fund. Allows the Director to borrow from the Treasury in cases in which Fund amounts are not sufficient to pay claims. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: National Earthquake Excess Loss Reinsurance Program - Requires the Director, upon establishment of the NEIP, to also establish a national earthquake excess loss reinsurance program (NERP) which shall be available to participating private insurers. Provides that, if the NEIP fails for lack of private insurer participation, NERP reinsurance may not be written or renewed. Provides coverage amounts and covered lines of insurance for the NERP, requiring all participating private insurers to purchase coverage for all covered lines. Requires the Director to establish premium rates for NERP coverage. Provides that the Director shall incur no liability, and shall not honor any claim, for loss on a property not covered under NEIP for a reinsurance claim under this title. Requires the Director, in order to carry out the NERP, to establish in the Treasury a National Earthquake Reinsurance Fund to pay losses and expenses under the program. Authorizes the Director to borrow from the Treasury in cases in which Fund amounts are insufficient to pay claims. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1990
Textile, Apparel, and Footwear Trade Act of 1990 - Limits the 1990 imports of textiles and textile products classified under a category to an amount equal to 101 percent of the total 1989 imports classified under such category. Limits the 1990 imports of nonrubber footwear classified under a nonrubber footwear category to an amount equal to: (1) the total 1989 imports of nonrubber footwear classified under such category; and (2) in the case of high priced nonrubber footwear, the total 1989 imports of high priced nonrubber footwear classified under such category. Provides for a one-percent annual growth in the amount of permitted imports of textiles and textile products after 1990. Exempts from the limitations imposed under this Act imports of textiles and textile products from U.S. possessions if such articles are exempt from duty under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States and are manufactured by U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents of such a possession. Limits the imports of certain sweaters made in Guam to a specified amount during FY 1990 and to such amount increased by one percent per year in subsequent years. Declares such limitations shall not apply to Canada or Israel. Sets forth limitations on the amount of textile and textile products, classified under certain import categories, which may be imported from beneficiary countries under the Caribbean Basin Initiative. Authorizes the President to: (1) enter into trade agreements to grant new concessions as compensation to the extent required under U.S. trade agreements for the import limits imposed by this Act; and (2) proclaim such modification or continuance of any existing duty on textiles and textile products and on nonrubber footwear as necessary to carry out such agreements. Prohibits the President from reducing any rate of duty by more than ten percent. Requires the President, before entering into such trade agreements, to consider whether a country has violated trade concessions of benefit to the United States and the violation has not been adequately offset. Sets forth requirements governing staged rate reductions in the tariffs of articles affected by this Act. Prohibits the President, except as authorized by this Act, from entering into trade negotiations with any country with respect to duties on textiles, textile products, and nonrubber footwear. Prohibits the President, except as provided in this Act, from decreasing or proposing a decrease in any such duty by any means, including an implementing bill or a proclamation. Requires the President to report annually to the Congress on the administration of this Act. Requires the Secretary of Commerce, ten years after enactment of this Act, to study and report to the Congress on its operation. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a pilot program for the issuance and sale to U.S. companies at public auction of import licenses applicable to categories of textiles. Terminates such licensing program on December 31, 1991, and requires a report to the Congress on its administration.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1990
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that for purposes of computing the foreign tax credit, any deduction for State or local income or franchise taxes shall not be allocated or apportioned to gross income from sources outside the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1990
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the definitions of highly compensated employee and compensation for pension plan purposes. Delays requirements of employer reporting on the number of highly compensated employees under a fringe benefit plan. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to study the burden of such reporting requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1990
Denies Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) benefits for ten years to any person: (1) convicted of violating a Federal environmental law; or (2) found to have held a beneficial business interest in a business concern required to be listed on a disclosure statement under this Act and convicted of violating a Federal environmental law. Prohibits the EPA Administrator from denying benefits to any person who demonstrates that he has been rehabilitated. Requires the following persons to file disclosure statements with the Administrator: (1) Federal environmental permit applicants; (2) applicants for EPA loans, grants, or other benefits; or (3) persons submitting contract bids or competitive proposals to EPA. Provides for enforcement of this Act through EPA examination of disclosure statements and access to business sites and records. Grants persons declared to be ineligible for EPA benefits the opportunity for a hearing. Provides for public access to disclosure statements and business records, with the exception of confidential information.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1990
Public Television Cable Carriage Act of 1990 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require each cable operator to carry on its cable system the signals of a qualified local noncommercial educational television station (QLNETS) according to provisions of this Act. Requires the operator of a cable system with 12 or fewer usable activated channels to carry only one QLNETS on such system, while allowing other QLNETSs to be carried at the discretion of the operator. Allows a cable operator which operated beyond the presence of any QLNETS to carry the system of one qualified noncommercial educational station (QNETS) (a nonlocal station) at its discretion. Requires a cable operator with a system of 13 to 36 usable activated channels to carry at least one but not more than three QLNETSs, while allowing other QLNETSs to be carried at its discretion. Requires the cable operator of a system which increases its usable activated channel capacity to more than 36 stations on or after March 29, 1990, to carry on such system each QLNETS requesting carriage, subject to other provisions of this Act. Requires all cable operators to continue to provide carriage to all QLNETSs carried on their systems as of March 29, 1990. Allows such requirement to be waived upon the written consent of the cable operator and any such station. Provides that a cable operator with a capacity of more than 36 channels which is required to carry three QLNETSs shall not be required to carry additional QLNETSs if their programming substantially duplicates the programming broadcast by another QLNETS requesting carriage. Requires a cable operator to retransmit in its entirety the primary video and audio transmission of each QLNETS carried on its cable system, as well as material necessary for the receipt of programming by handicapped persons or for educational or language purposes. Prohibits a QLNETS from being repositioned to a different channel by a cable operator unless the operator notifies the station and all cable subscribers at least 30 days in advance of such change. States that a cable operator: (1) shall not be required to carry any QLNETS which does not deliver a signal of good quality as defined by the Federal Communications Commission; (2) is prohibited from accepting monetary payment or other consideration in exchange for carriage of the signal of a QLNETS, except for certain carriage delivery costs; and (3) is not required to add a QLNETS not already required as of March 29, 1990, where such station would be considered a distant signal for copyright purposes, unless such station reimburses the operator for incremental copyright costs assessed against the operator as the result of such carriage.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1990
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the provisions permitting small issues of tax-exempt bonds to finance manufacturing facilities and farm property.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1990
Tourism Policy and Export Promotion Act of 1990 - Declares it to be the national goal to increase U.S. export earnings from U.S. tourism and transportation services with an eye toward: (1) the elimination of the travel and tourism export deficit of the United States and the U.S trade deficit; and (2) the achievement of a travel and tourism export surplus. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to require the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to identify foreign trade barriers to U.S. travel and tourism. Requires the USTR to submit the National Trade Estimate to the President and the Senate Committees on Finance and Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Amends the International Trade Act of 1961 to require each annual tourism trade development plan to focus on those countries in which tourism trade development has the greatest potential for increasing travel and tourism export revenues. Declares that the Congress finds that increased efforts directed at the promotion of rural tourism will contribute to the economic development of rural America. Establishes the Rural Tourism Foundation. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1990
World War II 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should recognize the 50th anniversary of World War II by minting and issuing commemorative coins. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue and mint such coins in five dollar, one dollar, and half dollar denominations. Mandates that surcharges received from the sale of such coins be deposited in a coinage profit fund and allocated, upon separate congressional authorization, to the American Battle Monuments Commission to establish a World War II memorial. Directs the Secretary to report semiannually to the Congress regarding implementation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1990
Amends the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 to define "lifeline" to include transportation infrastructure, utilities, and communication facilities. Requires the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to consult with the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy before planning and coordinating the national earthquake hazards reduction program. Requires the Director of such Office to report to specified congressional committees on the Office's role in interagency coordination, planning, and operation of the program. Authorizes appropriations to the Director of FEMA to carry out the program for FY 1991 through 1994, with special emphasis on: (1) a program to identify Federal buildings at seismic risk and set seismic standards for new construction; (2) grants to States for programs of seismic safety inspections of critical structures and lifelines; and (3) developing recommended building codes and practices for buildings, lifelines, and other structures in coordination with the National Institute of Standards and Technology and appropriate private organizations. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of the Interior for FY 1991 through 1994 for carrying out the responsibilities that may be assigned to the Director of the United States Geological Survey under the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act, with special emphasis on the establishment and operation of intensive hazardous fault monitoring projects, seismic microzonation studies in areas determined to be of significant earthquake risk, and seismological engineering studies. Extends through FY 1994 the authorization of appropriations to the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Standards and Technology for their responsibilities under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1990
American Technology Preeminence Act - Title I: Department of Commerce Research and Technology - Technology Administration Authorization Act of 1990 - Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Commerce to carry out the following activities of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST): (1) measurement research and standards; (2) materials science and engineering; (3) engineering measurements and standards; (4) computer science and technology; (5) research support activities; (6) cold neutron source facility; and (7) technology services. Earmarks specified amounts for: (1) steel technology; (2) the Center for Building Technology; (3) the Center for Fire Research; (4) the technical competence fund; (5) the evaluation of nonenergy-related inventions and related technology extension activities; and (6) Regional Centers for the Transfer of Manufacturing Technology. Permits transfers of funds among activities under specified conditions. Prohibits the merger of the Center for Building Technology and the Center for Fire Research. Authorizes the use of certain funds to pay the Federal share of the cost of a pilot program to assist in the development of comprehensive industrial standards for countries that have requested such assistance, if other conditions are met. Authorizes additional appropriations for FY 1990 through 1992 for: (1) the Office of the Under Secretary of Commerce for Technology; (2) carrying out the Japanese Technical Literature Act of 1986; (3) modernization of the National Technical Information Service (NTIS); (4) the Clearinghouse for State and Local Initiatives on Productivity, Technology, and Innovation; and (5) adjustments in salary, pay, retirement, and other employee benefits which may be provided for by law. Requires NTIS operating costs, associated with the acquisition and storage of information, to be recovered through the collection of fees. Amends Federal law to remove the cap on expenditures for construction and improvement of NIST buildings and facilities, but retains the requirement that such expenditures be within the limits of funds appropriated to NIST. Amends Federal law to authorize appropriations for the Regional Centers for the Transfer of Manufacturing Technology (Centers). Amends the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 to authorize appropriations to carry out provisions mandating a nationwide study of current State technology extension services. Amends Federal law to establish within NIST an Office of Technology Services to supervise the Centers Program, NIST's assistance to State technology programs, and other activities or programs as the Secretary or the NIST Director may specify. Prohibits funds appropriated for NIST activities from being expended unless the activities have been specifically authorized by law. Title II: Advanced Technology Program Amendments - Emerging Technology Research and Development Act of 1990 - Amends Federal law to authorize the Secretary of Commerce, through the Director of NIST, to support joint ventures to identify and solve generic technology and manufacturing problems in emerging technology fields including high resolution information systems and advanced materials research and development so as to speed commercialization of products and services based on these technologies, and to establish procedures for technology sharing and technology transfer among members of the joint venture while protecting against transfer of intellectual properties, trade secrets, or proprietary data overseas. Requires that awards to joint ventures be based on competitive or other merit-based procedures. Directs the Secretary, through the Director, to negotiate an agreement with any joint venture participants: (1) delineating their activities and responsibilities; and (2) specifying a period of time during which the Federal Government shall receive payments from any profits of the venture in proportion to the Federal share of the cost or, as an alternative, an option to pay an amount determined by the Secretary to be equal to the full Federal investment plus a reasonable return on such investment. Sets forth criteria for determining whether a company shall be considered a U.S. business and other eligibility criteria. Authorizes the Secretary, the Under Secretary of Commerce for Technology, and the Director to organize such industry advisory committees as appropriate. Authorizes the use of up to a specified percentage of the funds appropriated for carrying out provisions relating to the Advanced Technology Program (ATP) for standards development in support of those provisions. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for research and development of new or advanced technology of significant long-term value to the civilian U.S. economy, or for research and development concerning the generic commercial adaptation of such technology. Requires grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements under the ATP to be designed to support projects which are high risk and which have potential for eventual substantial widespread commercial application. Authorizes appropriations for the ATP. Title III: Amendments to Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 - Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (Stevenson-Wydler Act) to remove fiscal year limitations from provisions requiring that each Federal agency transfer an amount to NIST for the Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer. Adds references to intellectual property to provisions defining "cooperative research and development agreement." Amends the definition of "Federal agency" to include any agency of the legislative branch. Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Act to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to use appropriated funds to carry out the Secretary's responsibilities under the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Improvement Act of 1987. Title IV: Office of Science and Technology Policy - Amends Federal law to add the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to the list of positions at level I of the Executive Schedule. Adds the Director of the Office of Science and Technology to the list of positions at level II of the Executive Schedule. Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to report annually to the Congress on all major science and technology proposals involving more than one country and having a total estimated cost greater than a specified sum. Amends the National Science and Technology Policy, Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976 (STPOP) to add a new title to be cited as the National High Performance Computer Technology Program Act of 1990. Directs the President, through the Federal Coordinating Council for Science, Engineering, and Technology, to develop a National High Performance Computer Technology Plan containing recommendations for a five-year national effort. Mandates that the plan include: (1) funding requirements; and (2) the establishment of a multi-gigabit-per-second research and education computer network by 1996, to be known as the National Research and Education Network, to link government, industry and the higher education community, to provide computer users with access to supercomputers, data bases, and other research facilities, and to meet other goals. Requires the Plan to define the organizational arrangement for managing the operation of the Network. Requires the Council to develop the Plan, coordinate the high performance computing research and development activities of Federal agencies, and establish an advisory board. Amends the STPOP to establish a Presidential Commission on Reducing Capital Costs for Emerging Technology to develop recommendations to increase the competitiveness of U.S. industry by encouraging investment in quality, product and process improvements, and new product development and marketing. Terminates the Commission six months after submission of its final report. Authorizes appropriations. Sets forth the sense of the Congress that the research and experimentation tax credit be permanently extended and raised to 25 percent, and the research and development costs allocation rules for deduction of expenses from foreign income be revised so as to not discourage activities in the United States and not penalize companies exporting U.S. made products or providing services through U.S. citizens stationed abroad. Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to establish within that office a Presidential Commission on Procurement and Technology to develop recommendations for changes to Federal procurement laws, procedures, and policies with respect to the development of advanced technologies. Terminates the Commission six months after submission of its final report. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Information Collection and Dissemination - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to report to specified congressional committees on the feasibility of establishing and operating a Federal Online Information Product Catalog (FEDLINE) at the National Technical Information Service (NTIS). Amends the National Technical Information Act of 1988 to add producing and disseminating products in electronic format to the duties of the NTIS. Title VI: High Resolution Information Systems - Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to establish within that office a High Resolution Information Systems Board to foster and monitor the development of U.S. based high resolution information systems industries. Includes high definition television in the definition of such systems. Title VII: Reports - Amends the National Science and Technology Policy, Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976 (STPOP) to require that the biennial national critical technologies report include the most economically important emerging civilian technologies during the ten-year period following the report, together with the estimated current and future size of domestic and international markets for products derived from these technologies. Allows a product or process technology to be considered to be a national critical technology if it is essential for U.S. long-term national security or (currently, and) economic prosperity. Requires each report to identify technology base gaps between the United States and its major trading partners and list the technologies and markets targeted by major trading partners for development or capture. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to report to the Congress on the feasibility and advisability of establishing, in affiliation with NIST, a Quality Institute and privately-funded foundation to support that Institute. Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to propose to the Congress a strategy for improving the university research capabilities of those States which historically have received relatively little Federal research and development funding. Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation to enter into a contract with the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis for the development of a methodology or approach that can be used in the establishment of international product standards. Authorizes the use of a specified sum of the amounts authorized under the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 1988 to carry out such requirement.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1990
Provides that service performed by certain civilian employees of the Departments of Transportation or Defense holding positions for which experience as an air traffic controller is a prerequisite shall be creditable for retirement under the Civil Service and Federal Employees' Retirement Systems.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1990
Permanent Wetlands Agricultural Reserve Act - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a wetland reservation program of at least 2,500,000 acres to be carried out through permanent easement agreements providing for compensation to wetlands owners for restoration, the fair market value, lost income, and the establishment of vegetation on the wetlands.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1990
Amends the Tax Reform Act of 1986 to provide for the deductibility of State and local income and sales taxes to the extent such taxes exceed one percent of adjusted gross income.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1990
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cover colon cancer preventive screening examinations, an annual physical examination performed by a physician or nurse practitioner, and verbal and written mental health screening examinations if a demonstration project to be conducted by the Secretary of Health and Human Services proves such examinations to be cost-effective or of moderate cost but measurably health enhancing.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1990
Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Act of 1990 - Title I: United States Coast Guard Regulations - Directs the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, through the Commandant of the Coast Guard, to promulgate regulations to prevent and control the transportation into U.S. waters of viable biological materials in ship ballast waters. Mandates the use of a high sea ballast water exchange or alternative methods developed and recommended by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations to prevent the unintentional transfer or introduction of nonindigenous species by ships operating exclusively within U.S. territorial waters or contiguous coastal waters of North America. Exempts such ships from the high seas exchange requirement of this Act. Exempts from the high seas exchange requirement a ship that is subject to requirements regarding the treatment of ballast water for the removal of chemical contaminants. Authorizes the Secretary to assess civil monetary penalties for violation of the regulations. Makes civil penalties available, as provided by appropriation Acts, to endow research on the control of nonindigenous species. Title II: Zebra Mussel and Aquatic Nuisance Species Research, Control, and Educational Program - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, through the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Secretary of Commerce, through the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (National Cooperative Action Group - NCAG), to jointly coordinate national research, control, and educational efforts associated with the infestation of the zebra mussel and other aquatic nuisance species in U.S. waters. Authorizes the NCAG to establish and coordinate regional commissions as necessary and to facilitate information transfer among the commissions. Authorizes Federal agency heads, on request of the chairman of any commission, to detail personnel to the commission. Requires the NCAG to provide advice to the Secretary of State concerning aquatic nuisance species that infest water resources shared with other countries. Requires the NCAG to establish a regional commission for the Great Lakes region and to request that the Great Lakes Fishery Commission: (1) designate a representative to serve on it; (2) advise, coordinate, and provide secretarial services on matters related to Great Lakes fisheries, related environmental concerns, and interactions with the Government of Canada; and (3) provide technical services for any technical committee established by the NCAG. Requires that the NCAG request that the Great Lakes Commission (established under the Great Lakes Basin Compact): (1) designate a representative to serve on the regional commission; (2) advise, coordinate, and provide secretarial services on matters related to the economic impacts of the zebra mussel on the geographic area of the Great Lakes; and (3) provide technical services for any technical committee established by the NCAG. Requires that research activities under this Act be carried out only in drainage basins infested with an aquatic nuisance species, with research funds allocated, to the extent possible, to existing facilities within infested areas. Sets forth research priorities. Directs the Secretary of State to initiate negotiations with foreign governments concerning prevention, research, education, and control programs for shared water resources. Requires compliance with specified treaties relating to the Great Lakes. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to declare the zebra mussel an injurious species. Requires the appropriate lead agency to allocate funds authorized under this Act for competitive university research grants to be administered through the Sea Grant College program to study aquatic nuisance species. Authorizes the program to conduct education and assistance services related to the prevention and control of such species. Authorizes appropriations.
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
Clean Air Act Research Amendments of 1990 - Amends the Clean Air Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct a research and development program for measuring, monitoring, and analyzing air pollutants, including precursors of acid deposition. Directs the Administrator to conduct a research program on the effects of air pollutants on human health, including the effects of acid deposition and acid aerosols. Requires such programs to include: (1) the creation of an Interagency Task Force to coordinate the program; (2) evaluations and environmental health assessments for each of the hazardous air pollutants listed in H.R. 3030; and (3) research efforts at the Liquefied Gaseous Fuels Spill Test Facility for the development of a chemical field testing program and atmospheric dispersion models. Directs the Administrator to conduct a research program to improve understanding of the causes, effects, and trends of ecosystem damages from air pollutants, including damages from acid deposition. Requires the Administrator to conduct a basic engineering research, technology, and development program for air pollution and acid deposition prevention. Provides that such program shall develop strategies and technologies for: (1) reducing multiple air pollutants from fossil fuel power plants, stationary sources, and other combustion facilities; (2) preventing air emissions from mobile and nonpoint pollution sources; (3) preventing, detecting, and correcting sudden and accidental releases of hazardous air pollutants; and (4) providing alternatives to tire incineration. Directs the Administrator to implement and submit to the Congress a plan to carry out such research in conjunction with other Federal global change and acid deposition research efforts. Requires the President to develop and submit to the Congress: (1) a plan designating activities and assigning responsibilities for Federal research on acid deposition; and (2) an assessment framework for reporting technical information about acid deposition in a manner useful to policymakers and the public. Directs the Administrator to conduct a research program to identify and predict air emissions and other environmental effects related to the production and use of clean alternative fuels to determine the risks to health and the environment relative to those from the use of gasoline and diesel.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1990
Designates April 6, 1990, the 88th birthday of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, as Education Day, U.S.A. Calls on heads of state of the world to join the President of the United States in this tribute by signing scrolls of honor commemorating the 40th anniversary of Schneerson's leadership of the Lubavitch movement. Welcomes the cooperation of the Department of State in extending the good office of the U.S. missions to the Lubavitcher emissaries.
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 · 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
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 · 28 February 1990
Competitive Northeastern Rail Freight Service Act of 1990 - Requires the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) to provide for access by a second, competitive rail freight carrier over routes from Montreal, Quebec, through New York State, via Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to Hagerstown, Maryland, and Potomac Yard, Alexandria, Virginia. Requires the ICC, if necessary, to grant trackage rights for the establishment of such competitive routes.
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 · 22 February 1990
Amends the Labor Management Relations Act of 1947 to permit parties engaged in collective bargaining to bargain over the establishment and administration of trust funds providing financial assistance for employee housing.
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
Authorizes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend, for a designated period, the time required for specified licensees to commence construction of a certain small hydroelectric generation facility in Rome, New York.
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 · 21 February 1990
Foreign Investment Policy Improvements Act - Requires the Bureau of Economic Analysis to use certain business information relating to foreign-owned businesses in the United States (ten percent or more of whose voting securities are owned by foreign persons) when implementing the International Investment and Trade in Services Survey Act. Amends such Act to authorize and provide for the collection and use of information on direct investments owned or controlled directly or indirectly by foreign governments.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1990
Architectural Works Copyright Protection Act of 1990 - Amends Federal copyright law to define and include architectural works within the scope of copyright subject matter. Excludes from such copyright any right to prevent a pictorial representation of an architectural work if it is embodied in a structure located in a public place. Precludes the copyright owner of an architectural work from: (1) obtaining an injunction restraining the construction of an infringing structure if construction has substantially begun; or (2) obtaining a court order requiring the seizure or demolition of an infringing structure. Permits the owners of a structure embodying an architectural work to make certain minor alterations without the copyright owner's consent.
![Official portrait of Rep. Boehlert, Sherwood [R-NY-24]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000586_200.jpg)