To designate the month of October 1991, as "Country Music Month".
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1991
Designates October 1991 as Country Music Month.
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United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1991
Designates October 1991 as Country Music Month.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1991
Urges the United States Trade Representative to initiate negotiations with South Africa in order to enter into a bilateral arrangement governing the importation of South African steel that is consistent with the steel trade liberalization program announced by the President on July 25, 1989.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1991
Community Right-To-Know More Act of 1991 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to revise congressional findings, objectives, and national policy provisions. Title I: Expansion of Toxics Release Inventory - Requires owners or operators of facilities subject to toxic chemical release requirements under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986 that meet threshold requirements under this Act to include supplemental information comparable to that required in toxic chemical release forms for transfers or releases of chemicals that are: (1) priority pollutants relating to steam electric power point source pollutants under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act; (2) specified hazardous wastes listed under the Solid Waste Disposal Act; (3) specified chemicals listed under the Clean Air Act; (4) pesticides with respect to which the registration has been denied, cancelled, or is under suspension or pesticides undergoing administrative review or that are classified for restricted use; (5) chemicals listed under the Safe Drinking Water Act for which maximum contaminant levels have been proposed; (6) chemicals identified as carcinogens by the Carcinogen Assessment Group of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the International Agency for Research on Cancer, or the National Toxicology Program; (7) extremely hazardous substances listed pursuant to the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986; (8) chemicals listed in 90 California Regulatory Notice Register 990 as reproductive toxins; or (9) listed under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986 that are not used at a level that meets threshold requirements for reporting but are released to the environment or transferred to an offsite waste management facility in amounts meeting the threshold under this Act. Provides that a facility meets the threshold requirements with respect to a chemical listed under this Act if the facility: (1) uses the chemical at a level that meets the threshold requirement for reporting under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986; or (2) releases to the environment or transfers to an offsite waste management facility a chemical in an amount greater than or equal to 100 pounds annually in the case of metals or metal compounds or 2,000 pounds annually for any other chemical. Authorizes the EPA Administrator to establish lower thresholds for any chemical, user segment, or facility. Permits authorized States to establish lower thresholds for facilities in their jurisdictions. Authorizes the Administrator to delete a carcinogen or reproductive toxin from the list under this Act if it is not otherwise listed under this Act or the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986. Applies toxic chemical release reporting requirements to facilities employing at least ten full-time employees that are not currently subject to such requirements, but meet threshold reporting requirements under this Act or the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986. Title II: Toxics Use Reduction - Requires owners or operators of covered facilities to submit: (1) annual toxics use reduction reports for each covered chemical for which such facilities are required to file toxic chemical release forms or supplemental information pursuant to title I; and (2) annual plans for reducing the use of covered chemicals. Sets forth report and plan requirements and submission deadlines. Authorizes the Administrator to modify such plans. Requires the Administrator to establish an advisory board to determine a professional code of practice for toxics use reduction materials accounting and planning. Directs owners or operators of facilities in violation of standards, permit conditions, or regulations pertaining to the management or release of covered chemicals, upon the request of 50 citizens or employees, to establish a workplace toxic use reduction committee to provide ongoing dialogue and appraisal of the progress toward pollution prevention. Requires the committee to meet at least quarterly to review a facility's progress on toxics use reduction. Directs the Administrator to implement a strategy to promote toxics use reduction. Requires the Administrator, Federal agencies, and States or political subdivisions, in issuing or approving regulatory action under specified environmental, consumer protection, occupational health and safety, and energy Acts, to make toxics use reduction an integral part of the planning, decisionmaking, and rulemaking process. Authorizes the Administrator to require owners or operators of facilities to provide records and information and grants the Administrator access to records, products, or raw materials. Requires the Administrator to establish a technical assistance and research program to promote and study toxics use reduction. Directs the Administrator to analyze information on production units reported by facilities for purposes of classifying such units into groups that use similar production processes and covered chemicals. Authorizes the Administrator to classify such units into groups on the basis of industrial categories according to Standard Industrial Classification codes. Requires the Administrator to: (1) classify ten groups, to be referred to as user segments; (2) evaluate the reduction in the use and generation of covered chemicals by each production unit in each user segment; and (3) prepare and make available to the public an annual percentile ranking of each unit according to use and generation as byproduct. Authorizes the Administrator to promulgate regulations to establish minimum toxics use reduction performance requirements for production units in user segments. Sets forth regulation requirements. Applies provisions of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986 concerning trade secrets, the provision of information to health professionals, and public availability of information to toxics information under this Act. Waives Federal facility compliance with toxics use reduction and reporting requirements upon the request of the Secretary of Defense and the President's determination that such waiver is in the interest of national security. Directs the Administrator to study and report to the appropriate congressional committees on methods of encouraging the reporting of toxics information through the use of computer telecommunication and other means. Requires the Director of the Office of Technology Assessment to study and report to the Administrator and the Congress on the provision to the public of toxic release inventory information and related information required to be submitted to the Administrator. Prescribes civil and administrative penalties for violations of toxics use reduction and reporting requirements. Sets forth provisions concering civil actions with respect to such violations. Requires the Administrator to establish a grant program to assist States and local governments in establishing innovative toxics use reduction programs. Directs States to make 75 percent of a grant available to local governments for carrying out toxics use reduction. Bases the awarding of grants on the extent to which chemical substances are manufactured, processed, used, and disposed of in a State, the extent of exposure to such substances in a State, and the population density of a State. Authorizes appropriations for such grants and for toxics use reduction under this Act. Requires the Administrator to: (1) implement a procurement policy that reduces, avoids, or eliminates the acquisition of agency procurement items made with or containing covered chemicals and hazardous secondary materials; and (2) make recommendations to the Congress for a national toxics use reduction procurement policy covering all procuring agencies, Federal facilities, and government contractors. Amends the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990 to increase the amounts authorized to be appropriated for functions under such Act and to increase and extend the authorization of appropriations for technical assistance grants to States. Title III: Waste Stream Reporting - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to revise recordkeeping and reporting requirements for hazardous waste generators. Directs hazardous waste generators to report annually to the Administrator and authorized State agencies on the quantity of hazardous waste generated from each catastrophic event, remedial action, or one-time event not associated with production processes. Sets forth reporting requirements for generators of solid waste in amounts in excess of 11,000 pounds a month and for facilities managing solid and certain special wastes generated by fossil fuels combustion, mining, and activities involving cement kilns. Reqiures the Administrator to: (1) maintain publicly accessible databases for hazardous, solid, and special waste stream data reported under this Act; (2) make the data accessible on a cost reimbursable basis; and (3) report to the Congress on links between EPA databases and changes that would facilitate links between all major EPA operations.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1991
Designates September 1991 as National Mushroom Month.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1991
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should establish a bipartisan commission to investigate the operation of and complaints regarding, the U.S. Postal Service.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1991
Affirms the U.S. commitment to implement the recommendations contained in the Amsterdam Declaration adopted by the International Forum on Population in the Twenty-First Century, in particular the recommendations that countries and donors: (1) increase their political commitment to population programs and policies and take into account the principles of the World Population Plan of Action of 1974; (2) contribute to the development of comprehensive population goals and objectives and take into account the review of population experience conducted by the United Nations Population Fund; (3) adopt integrated population, environmental, and natural resource management policies; (4) provide the financial resources to reach the medium variant population projection by the year 2000; (5) improve the role and status of women and ensure that women participate in and benefit from population and development activities; (6) ensure that population programs provide education and counseling for young people and promote their participation in development activities; (7) guarantee all individuals the right to decide the number and spacing of their children and ensure that they have the information and means to do so; (8) take into account the results of the Forum in the formulation of international development strategies for specified United Nations conferences; (9) support research for family planning and expedite distribution of existing methods; (10) respond positively to requests for population assistance and increase the proportion of development assistance going to population activities; (11) observe the priorities of, and harmonize, donor financial inputs and program procedures; and (12) coordinate population assistance with other donors. Urges all entities referred to in the Declaration to implement applicable recommendations. Sets forth the text of the Declaration.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1991
Social Security Trust Fund Integrity and Benefits Improvement Act of 1991 - Title I: Benefit Improvements - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to: (1) increase the amount of outside income which beneficiaries who have attained retirement age may earn without incurring a reduction in benefits; (2) increase survivors' benefits for those widows and widowers whose spouses died before they reached age 65; (3) repeal provisions which require that a widow or widower must have become disabled within seven years of their spouse's death or within seven years of the end of their eligibility for benefits as the surviving parent of a young child in order to be eligible for disability benefits; (4) raise the social security payroll tax exemption for State election officials and workers, and index the exempt amount beginning in 1993; and (5) increase the OASDI contribution and benefit base on a graduated basis beginning in 1992. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study and report to the Congress on the disability determination process and the appeals process applicable to disability determinations under the OASDI program and title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) of the Social Security Act. Title II: Clarification of Budgetary Provisions - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to exclude the appropriations for the administration of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund from Federal budget deficit calculations and to exempt such appropriations from sequestration under such Act. Title III: Social Security Administration - Amends title VII (Administration) of the Social Security Act to establish the Social Security Administration as an independent executive agency. Transfers to the Administration all functions carried out by the Secretary of Health and Human Services pertaining to such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1991
Fairness in Death Sentencing Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal judicial code to prohibit the implementation of a sentence of death that was imposed based on race. Specifies that an inference that race was the basis of a death sentence is established if valid evidence is presented demonstrating that, at the time such sentence was imposed, race was a statistically significant factor in decisions to seek or to impose the death sentence in the jurisdiction in question. Provides that evidence relevant to establishing such inference may include evidence that death sentences were, at the pertinent time, being imposed significantly more frequently in the jurisdiction in question: (1) upon persons of one race than upon persons of another race; or (2) as punishment for capital offenses against persons of one race than as punishment for capital offenses against persons of another race. Directs the court to determine the validity of any statistical evidence presented to establish such inference and if it provides a basis for such inference. Specifies that such evidence must take into account, to the extent it is compiled and made publicly available, evidence of the statutory aggravating factors of the crimes involved and must include comparisons of similar cases involving persons of different races. Bars the implementation of the death sentence unless the Government rebuts such inference by a preponderance of the evidence. Requires that data collected by public officials concerning factors relevant to the imposition of the death sentence be made publicly available. Sets forth provisions with respect to the enforcement of this Act. Specifies that no person shall be barred from raising any claim under this Act on the ground of having failed to raise or prosecute the same or a similar claim before the enactment of this Act, nor by reason of any adjudication rendered before such enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1991
Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1991 - Prohibits any agency, department, or official of the United States or any State (the government) from burdening a person's exercise of religion even if the burden results from a rule of general applicability, except that the government may burden a person's exercise of religion only if it demonstrates that application of the burden to the person: (1) is essential to further a compelling governmental interest; and (2) is the least restrictive means of furthering that compelling governmental interest. Sets forth provisions pertaining to judicial relief, attorney's fees, and applicability.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1991
World Cup USA 1994 Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue a specified number of five-dollar gold coins, one-dollar silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins in commemoration of the 1994 World Cup and the unique appeal of soccer. Sets forth certain features of such coins and provides for their design, issuance, and sale. Requires that all sales include a surcharge of $35 per coin for the five-dollar coins, $7 per coin for the one-dollar coins, and $1 per coin for the half-dollar coins. Requires that all surcharges be paid to the Organizing Committee to organize and stage the 1994 World Cup. Requires that ten percent of such funds shall be made available through the U.S. Soccer Federation Foundation, Inc., for distribution to institutions for scholastic scholarships to qualified students.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1991
Amends the Federal judicial code to require that not less than half of the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund be used for community-based crime control programs for drug education, prevention, and demand reduction, giving priority to the communities in which the assets involved are seized. Limits administrative and contracting expenses to ten percent of the total amounts paid from the Fund in a given fiscal year. Directs the Attorney General to report to the Congress for such fiscal year with respect to such expenses. Amends the Controlled Substances Act to require the Attorney General to offer civilly or criminally forfeited property of low value located in a metropolitan statistical area for sale, for nominal consideration, to tax exempt organizations that provide direct services furthering community-based crime control, housing, or educational efforts in such area.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1991
Constitutional Amendment - Requires the Congress and the President, prior to each fiscal year, to agree on an estimate of total receipts (except those derived from borrowing) for that fiscal year by enactment of a law devoted solely to that subject. Prohibits outlays for that year (except those for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding this amount unless the Congress, by a three-fifths roll call vote of each House, authorizes a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Requires a three-fifths roll call vote of each House to increase the public debt. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to the Congress. Requires the approval of a majority of the total membership of each House by roll call vote before any bill to increase revenue may become law. Waives these provisions when a declaration of war is in effect. Makes this article effective beginning with FY 1995 or with the second fiscal year after its ratification, whichever is later.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1991
Designates the second week in April as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1991
Postal Service Voter Registration Facilitation Act of 1991 - Directs the Postal Service to provide voter registration forms whenever change-of-address forms are provided to postal patrons. Declares that the Postal Service shall not be obligated to provide voter registration forms in any State whose voter registration authority has not provided voter registration forms to the Postal Service. Directs the Postal Service to notify State voter registration authorities of this Act's enactment and mail a copy of it to such authorities.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1991
Postal Service Voter Registration Facilitation Act of 1991 - Directs the U.S. Postal Service to make space available in post offices for State voter registration authorities to place voter registration forms and materials. Directs the U.S. Postal Service to notify State voter registration authorities of this Act's enactment and mail a copy of it to such authorities.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1991
James Madison-Bill of Rights Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury (the Secretary) to mint and issue five-dollar gold coins emblematic of the Bill of Rights, and one-dollar silver coins emblematic of James Madison. Sets forth guidelines for their sale and issuance, and for financial assurances. Mandates that the surcharges received by the Secretary shall be transmitted to the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Trust Fund. Authorizes audits by the Comptroller General. Provides a general waiver of procurement regulations when implementing this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1991
American Flag Fidelity Act - Prohibits the importation of U.S. flags that are manufactured in a foreign country.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1991
Technology Preservation Act of 1991 - Amends the Defense Production Act of 1950 to authorize the President to conduct a review to determine whether an investigation should be conducted to determine the effects on national security of certain mergers, acquisitions, and takeovers (takeovers) by foreign persons which could result in foreign control of persons or activities engaged in interstate commerce in the United States. (Currently, there is no review process prior to such investigation.) Designates as an interagency committee to act as the President's designee the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, chaired by the Secretary of Commerce. Authorizes the President or the Committee, as part of its review and investigation, to seek assurances from the foreign person involved that the plans and intentions for the future operation of the U.S. person will not impair national security. Directs the Chairman of the Committee to inform the congressional representatives of the U.S. person subject to a review and investigation under these provisions. Requires the Committee to conduct an ongoing review of all Federal programs, including research and development programs and Federal contracts currently being offered, and, if requested, provide information and assistance to U.S. firms concerning such programs and contracts for which such firms may be eligible. Directs the Secretaries of Commerce and Defense to collect and analyze such takeover proposals, identify the plans of the acquiring foreign persons with respect to the transfer of technology, and make recommendations to the Committee concerning the need to conduct an investigation. Requires the Secretaries to: (1) submit to each member of the Committee a report concerning the impact of the takeover being reviewed, as well as information and views submitted by Federal agencies concerning such matter; and (2) if the Committee does investigate, report to each member concerning investigation results and recommendations to be made to the President. Requires an investigation to be initiated if any member of the Committee so recommends. Requires the Secretaries, in connection with any takeover, to identify any critical technology involved, and, if there is a critical technology involved, to conduct an investigation and solicit appropriate assurances from the foreign person involved that national security is not impaired. Requires the Secretaries to conduct annual reviews to determine whether such assurances are being implemented and complied with and report the results to the Congress. Requires the President to inform the Speaker of the House and the Majority Leader of the Senate whenever an investigation of a takeover is conducted and no action is taken to require the foreign firm involved to provide assurances that national security is not impaired by such action. Authorizes the President, when an investigation has revealed that a takeover would impair national security, to take appropriate action to nullify the takeover and to restore the parties to the positions held before the takeover occurred. Authorizes the President to suspend or prohibit any takeover by a foreign person in the United States if the President believes that national security might be impaired by the impact such takeover could have on the industrial and technology base of the United States. Adds to the factors required (currently, authorized) to be considered by the President or his designee in determining the impact on national security of a proposed takeover: (1) the concentration of foreign direct investment in the industry in question and the impact of additional investment in such industry; (2) the U.S. and world market position of the U.S. person engaged in interstate commerce and the foreign person involved in the transaction; (3) the effects on critical technologies included under the most recent plan submitted to the Congress; and (4) whether the U.S. person engaged in interstate commerce in the United States has received Government grants or contracts during the last ten years, and the dollar amount of such funding. Exempts the provisions concerning presidential reviews of takeovers for national security purposes from termination under a specified provision of the Defense Production Act of 1950. Requires the President to report to the Congress the results of a study to identify trends in foreign direct investment in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1991
Provides that immigration judges shall, for purposes of determining their pay, be treated in the same manner as administrative law judges. Specifies that in making initial pay adjustments for immigration judges after this Act takes effect, the rate of basic pay for any such judge shall, upon conversion to the new pay system, be at least equal to the rate which was payable to that individual immediately before such conversion.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1991
Authorizes the Go for Broke National Veterans Association to establish a memorial on Federal land in the District of Columbia or its environs to honor Japanese American Veterans. Prohibits any Federal funds from being used to pay any expense of the establishment of the memorial.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1991
Federal Aid Surface Transportation Act of 1991 - Title I: Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1991 - Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1991 - Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Account of the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) for: (1) the National Highway and Bridge System; (2) the Urban and Rural Highway and Bridge Program; (3) emergency relief; (4) the Federal Lands Highway Program; (5) the University Transportation Centers Program; (6) the Right-of-Way Revolving Fund; and (7) the Territorial Highway Program. Specifies that unobligated balances of funds apportioned or allocated to a State under Federal highway provisions before October 1, 1991, shall be available for obligation in such State under the law, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to the obligation and expenditure of those funds in effect on September 30, 1991. Repeals the FY 1993 authorization under the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956. Authorizes appropriations for Interstate construction to complete the Interstate System out of the Highway Account of the HTF for each of FY 1992 through 1995. Provides for certain allocations for Massachusetts for such fiscal years. Sets forth a formula for the apportionment of authorized funds for such fiscal years among the States. Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Account of the HTF for highway projects for the Interstate Substitution Program. Sets forth provisions with respect to obligation ceilings for Federal-aid highway programs, distribution of and limitations on obligation authority, and redistribution of unused obligation authority. Declares that national resources should be focused upon preserving the nation's investment in its Interstate systems, that broad national defense, economic, safety, and international policy goals are advanced by efficient transportation systems, that national transportation investments should increasingly encourage domestic and international commerce and trade, and that, based on congressionally established national transportation policy and objectives, a new Federal high priority highway network should be designated. Establishes the National Highway and Bridge System, to consist of all currently designated Interstate highways, an appropriate portion of the rural and urban principal arterial routes, including toll facilities, and national defense highways, and routes which meet specified criteria (including nationally significant truck routes, routes that provide nationally significant commodities with access to markets, access points to significant national parks, facilities that will provide logical connection between major population centers and the National Highway and Bridge System, and major urban corridors). Specifies that the National Highway System shall be based on a functional reclassification of roads and streets in each State which shall be designated not later than September 30, 1993, in accordance with guidelines issued by the Secretary of Transportation, and that the Secretary may add segments to the National Highway System as necessary to meet National Highway Program objectives. Directs the Secretary to establish criteria for reviewing projects to be funded as part of the National Highway and Bridge System which: (1) define eligible projects to include rehabilitation, resurfacing, restoration, capacity expansion, operational improvement, safety, and new highway construction; (2) ensure as a first priority for the use of available funds the protection of investments made in the Interstate highways in each State and the provision of suitable traveling quality by such highways; (3) permit funding in urbanized areas to be used to improve highway and transit systems, where it can be shown that the improvement will increase the level of service within the corridor of the National Highway and Bridge System; and (4) permit the use of such funds for intercity rail projects and projects for access to ports, airports, and related facilities. Sets forth additional provisions with respect to the discharge of responsibilities by the Secretary for National Highway and Bridge System projects. Directs the Secretary to establish an Urban and Rural Highway and Bridge Program to provide a category of funds that minimizes Federal requirements and provides flexibility in the use of available funds for either highway or transit projects. Specifies: (1) that the Urban and Rural Highway and Bridge Program shall consist of all public highways (including bridges) functionally classified as arterials, urban collectors, and rural collectors other than those designated as part of the National Highway and Bridge System; (2) that each State shall establish guidelines for implementing this program; and (3) eligible highways and projects. Sets forth provisions with respect to the obligation of funds, and the Federal share of projects, for the construction of toll roads, bridges, tunnels, and ferries. Requires the Secretary, in each fiscal year, to allocate among the States amounts sufficient to ensure that: (1) the total of apportionments and minimum allocation for each State in each such fiscal year shall not be less than 90 percent (currently, 85 percent) of the percentage of estimated tax payments into the Highway Account of the HTF attributable to highway users in the State of total apportionments in each such fiscal year and allocations for the prior year; and (2) each State's total apportionment from the Highway Account of the HTF for the year is not less than that made during FY 1991 (excluding any Interstate construction funds in excess of FY 1992 one-half percent minimum, Interstate substitution, and amounts for demonstration or discretionary funding programs or projects). Directs the Secretary to cooperate with State and local officials in urbanized areas in the development of transportation plans and programs which are formulated with due consideration to comprehensive long-range land use plans, development objectives, innovative financing mechanisms, overall social, economic, environmental, and system performance, energy conservation goals and objectives and with due consideration to their probable effect on the future development of the area. Specifies that the transportation planning process, at a minimum, shall cover the existing urbanized area and the area expected to become urbanized within the forecast period, and that it may encompass the entire Metropolitan Statistical Area/Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Area at the discretion of the Governor and the affected units of local government. Requires that transportation plans and programs in urbanized areas of more than 200,000 population be based on a continuing transportation planning process which: (1) is carried out by a metropolitan planning organization and is comprehensive to the degree appropriate based on the complexity of transportation problems in the area, including transportation-related air quality problems; and (2) considers all modes of transportation, including intermodal connectivity, the balance between future development and transportation needs, and an areawide multimodal congestion management system. Specifies that in nonattainment areas for transportation-related pollutants the multimodal congestion management system shall address air quality considerations and be coordinated with the process for development of the transportation element of the State Implementation Plan required by the Clean Air Act. Requires that the costs and impacts of proposed action on both mobility and air quality be evaluated. Bars the Secretary from approving any highway project in urbanized areas of more than 200,000 population that by reconstruction or new construction significantly increases the vehicle carrying capacity of a transportation corridor unless the project is consistent with the congestion management system. Directs the metropolitan planning organization to cooperate with the State in the development of a congestion management, bridge management, pavement management, safety management, and traffic monitoring system. Requires that: (1) a metropolitan planning organization be designated in each urbanized area by agreement among the units of general purpose local government and the Governor to carry out such transportation planning process; (2) such organization develop a transportation improvement program that includes all projects proposed for funding within the study area under the National Highway and Bridge Program, the Urban and Rural Highway and Bridge Program, and the Bridge Program; and (3) in urbanized areas of 200,000 population or less, such organization, the State, and transit operators, at a minimum, meet the requirements of this Act by the development of such a transportation improvement program (including consideration of transportation-related air quality problems.) Requires the Federal highway research program to include coordinated long-term programs of research: (1) on Intelligent Vehicle Highway Systems; and (2) for the development, use, and dissemination of performance indicators to measure the performance of the surface transportation system. Requires such program to continue those portions of the Strategic Highway Research Program that the Secretary deems important. Directs the Secretary to create and administer the Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship Program, a program to attract qualified students to the field of transportation engineering and research. Provides for the funding of such program. Directs the Secretary to cooperate with the States in carrying out: (1) statewide transportation planning; and (2) State highway research. Sets forth provisions regarding State matching fund requirements and waiver of such requirements. Directs the Secretary: (1) in the Secretary's reports regarding future highway needs of the nation, to report as well on the condition and performance of the existing system and on the bridge needs of the nation; and (2) beginning with the report due in January 1995, to include the results of studies of the air quality impacts of transportation programs including the air quality benefits realized from transportation control measures required under the Clear Air Act. Establishes within the Department of Transportation a Bureau of Transportation Statistics, which shall pursue a comprehensive, long-term program for the collection and analysis of data relating to the performance of the national transportation system. Requires the Director of such Bureau to: (1) produce annually unbiased and comparable estimates of factors including productivity in the various portions of the transportation sector, traffic flow, travel times, travel costs of intracity commuting and intercity trips, frequency of vehicle and transportation facility repairs, accidents, and collateral damage to the human and natural environment; and (2) submit reports beginning on October 1, 1992, and every 12 months thereafter, to specified congressional committees describing the status of the U.S. transportation system. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) undertake, on a cost-shared basis, collaborative research and development with non-Federal entities, including State, local, and foreign governments; and (2) enter into cooperative research and development agreements, except that the average Federal share in such agreements shall not exceed 50 percent (but allows the Secretary to approve a higher Federal level of participation where there is substantial public interest or benefit). Authorizes the Secretary to withhold project approvals on National Highway and Bridge Program projects for failure of a State to have a bridge management, pavement management, safety management, and congestion management system. Requires each State to have a traffic monitoring system to provide statistically-based traffic data. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) acquisition of rights-of-way; (2) private, State, and local donations; (3) access to rights-of-way to accommodate needed passenger or commuter rail, high speed ground transportation systems (including magnetic levitation systems), and highway and nonhighway public mass transit facilities; and (4) the definition and scope of the Interstate System. Declares that: (1) the nation must redirect its efforts toward moving people, information, and goods rather than moving vehicles; (2) the new Federal program shall refocus national policies to respond to increasing inter-regional travel, relieving urban congestion, improving rural access, fostering intermodalism, enhancing air quality, conserving energy, and giving priority to projects that offer the best solutions to the transportation problems and environmental considerations of each region; and (3) the essential element for an effective future program is a new Federal, State, and local partnership that provides more funding, greater program flexibility, and greater program management and resource contribution responsibilities at the State and local levels. Sets forth provisions with respect to the apportionment of funds, including apportionment formulas under the: (1) National Highway and Bridge Program, based on the State's rural and urban lane miles, rural vehicle miles traveled, and diesel fuel consumption; and (2) Urban and Rural Highway and Bridge Program, in the ratio of tax payments of the Highway Account of the HTF attributable to the highway users of each State. Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) project agreements and obligations of funds; (2) availability of funds; (3) the Federal share payable with respect to certain projects; (4) project litigation expenses; and (5) the allocation and administration of Federal lands highways funds, and the establishment of a coordinated Federal Lands Highways Program. Authorizes (subject to specified limitations): (1) States to use Federal highway funds to construct improved lanes, paths, or shoulders, traffic control devices, shelters, and parking facilities for bicycles and pedestrians, and carry out nonconstruction projects related to safe bicycle and pedestrian use; (2) the Secretary, where a highway bridge deck being replaced or rehabilitated with Federal financial participation is located on a highway on which bicycles or pedestrians are permitted to operate at each end of the bridge and the Secretary determines that the safe accommodation of bicycles or pedestrians can be provided at reasonable cost, to replace or rehabilitate such bridge, making such accommodations; (3) Federal lands highways funds to be used for the construction of pedestrian walkways and bicycle routes; and (4) a State to expend Urban and Rural Highway and Bridge Program funds for such construction. Provides for: (1) a functional reclassification of all public roads; (2) the transfer of funds for transit projects to, for administration by, the Urban Mass Transportation Administration; and (3) a recodification of Federal highway-related provisions. Requires that construction standards adopted for the National Highway and Bridge System be those approved by the Secretary in cooperation with the State highway departments and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (currently, with respect to construction standards for the Interstate System, cooperation with such Association is not required). Directs the Secretary to issue guidelines for minimizing soil erosion from highway construction. Bars the Secretary from approving projects that will result in the severance or destruction of an existing major route for nonmotorized transportation traffic and light motorcycles, unless the project provides a reasonable alternative route or an alternative route exists. Requires: (1) projects for resurfacing, restoring, or rehabilitating specified highways to be constructed in accordance with standards to preserve and extend highway service life and enhance highway safety; and (2) States to charge, at a minimum, fair market value for the sale, use, lease, or lease renewals of right-of-way airspace acquired as a result of a project funded in whole or in part with Federal assistance made available from the Highway Account of the HTF, with exceptions. Provides that: (1) Indian contractors certified by State transportation or highway departments shall receive preference in the award of contracts on Indian reservations to the maximum extent practicable; and (2) contracts for Urban and Rural Highway and Bridge Program projects may be entered into with the prior concurrence of the Secretary in the award. Authorizes: (1) the State transportation or highway department to include warranty or guarantee provisions in construction contracts which, if used, shall be for a specified construction product or feature and may not include routine maintenance; and (2) projects (currently, requires projects) approved to include the amount of any interest earned and payable on bonds issued by the State to the extent that the proceeds of the bonds have actually been expended in the construction of the project. Authorizes the Secretary, except for projects administered under the Urban and Rural Highway and Bridge Program, to make payments to a State for costs incurred on a project. (Current law authorizes payment to States for construction.) Specifies that total payments shall not exceed total costs incurred by the State for the project. Requires any State transportation or highway (currently, highway) department which submits plans for a National Highway and Bridge Program or Interstate System project (currently, Interstate System project) to make its certification and report, indicating that consideration was given to the economic, social, environmental, and other effects of the plan, highway location or design, and various alternatives which were raised during the hearing or which were otherwise considered (current law does not mention the latter requirement). Authorizes the Secretary to approve for Federal financial assistance from National Highway and Bridge Program funds: (1) projects designed to encourage the use of carpools, subject to specified limitations; and (2) the construction of exclusive or preferential high occupacy vehicle (HOV) lanes, highway traffic control devices, intercity and urban bus passenger loading areas and facilities, and fringe and transportation corridor parking to serve HOV, intercity bus, and public transportation passengers. Specifies that if fees are charged for the use of any carpool or other publicly owned parking facility constructed pursuant to Federal highway provisions, the revenue in excess of that required for maintenance and operation of the facility and the cost of providing shuttle service to and from the facility including compensation to any person for operating the facility and for providing shuttle service shall be used for purposes authorized under Federal highway provisions. Requires that National Highway and Bridge System funds be made available to finance the Federal share of projects for exclusive or preferential HOV, truck, and emergency vehicle routes or lanes. Permits such routes on the Interstate System to have less than four lanes of traffic. Prohibits the approval of HOV projects unless the Secretary has received assurances from the owner or operator of the facility that HOV vehicles will fully utilize the proposed project and that essential operations and enforcement support of the facility will be provided. Specifies that, in any case where sufficient land exists within the publicly acquired rights-of-way of the National Highway System to accommodate needed nonhighway public mass transit facilities and where the accommodation can be accomplished without impairing automotive safety or future highway improvements, the Secretary may authorize a State to make those lands and rights-of-way available without charge to a publicly owned mass transit authority for such purposes wherever the public interest will be served. Directs the Secretary to require assurance from any State desiring to avail itself of benefits under Federal highway provisions that employment in connection with proposed projects be provided without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, or sex (currently, specifies "without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, or sex"). Requires that not to exceed one fourth of one percent of the funds apportioned to a State be available for highway construction training. Prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex under programs or activities receiving Federal assistance. Repeals a requirement that each State certify that it is enforcing all speed limits on public highways and that the Secretary not approve projects in States failing to make such certification. Requires each State to establish a procedure to certify that highway bridge inspectors meet national qualifications. (Current law requires that standards established by the Secretary include a procedure for national certification of such inspectors.) Directs the Secretary to withhold ten percent of the amount to be appropriated to any State on the first day of each fiscal year in which the purchase or public possession in that State of any alcoholic beverage by a person who is less than 21 years of age is lawful (current law specifies five percent on the first day of the fiscal year succeeding the first fiscal year beginning after September 30, 1985, and ten percent after the second fiscal year beginning after such date). Specifies that funds withheld from apportionment shall be apportioned to the other States in compliance and remain available for the period of time applicable to the category of funds withheld (currently, treatment of such funds varies based on whether funds were withheld on or before September 30, 1988). Directs that construction estimated to cost $50,000 (currently, $15,000) or more per mile or per project for projects with a length of less than one mile on forest development roads and trails be advertised and let to contract, and allows projects with less than such cost, if no acceptable bid is received, to be done by the Secretary of Agriculture. Repeals provisions under the Territorial Highway Program: (1) that Federal financial assistance be granted on the basis of a Federal contribution of 100 percent of the cost of any project; and (2) under which the Governor must agree not to impose any toll, or permit any such toll to be charged, for use by vehicles or persons of any portion of the facilities constructed or operated to qualify for funding. Provides that, in addition to a specified percentage, sums provided (currently, two percent) for each fiscal year may be expended upon request of the Governor with the Secretary's approval under such Program. Requires (currently, authorizes the Secretary to make) expenditures with respect to the reconstruction of the Alaska-Canada international highway. Authorizes the Secretary to give priority of approval to, and expedite the construction of, projects that are recommended as important to the national defense. Modifies provisions regarding the National Highway Institute to: (1) require that private agencies and individuals pay the full cost of any education and training received by them; and (2) authorize the Institute to engage in all phases of contract authority for training purposes authorized under Federal highway provisions and to carry out its authority independently or in cooperation with any other branch of Government, authority, association, or person. Authorizes the Institute to establish and collect fees from any entity and place them in a special account.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1991
Middle Income Student Assistance Act of 1991 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for student eligibility for Stafford loans without regard to an expected family contribution in the determination of need. Provides that any Stafford loan may be counted as part of the expected family contribution in the determination of need for certain other types of student assistance. Revises Pell Grant provisions relating to borrowing authority for adjustments for insufficient appropriations. Directs the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) to expend, from the next succeeding fiscal year's appropriation for Pell Grants, necessary sums to meet any insufficiencies to satisfy full Pell Grant entitlements for the preceding fiscal year. Excludes, for Pell Grant and other student assistance program need analysis, the net value of the family's principal place of residence or a farm on which the family resides. Directs the Secretary to recommend to the Congress any changes necessary to achieve an equitable assessment of income and assets after the exclusion of such assets.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1991
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) U.S. businesses engaged in the rebuilding of Kuwait should, to the maximum extent possible, use U.S. subcontractors and U.S. goods and services; and (2) the Department of Commerce should monitor and encourage the implementation of this policy.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1991
Amends Federal law to require the Secretary of Transportation to withhold a specified percentage of apportioned Federal highway funds to States that do not: (1) have a uniform system for handicapped parking; and (2) recognize the parking stickers for certain handicapped individuals from other States.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1991
Exotic Bird Conservation Act of 1991 - Prohibits the import into or export of birds out of the United States without permit. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a joint permit system to expedite the application and approval process for such imports and exports. Requires importers and exporters to obtain licenses as well. Conditions such a license on compliance with certain facilities standards. Authorizes the Secretary, at any time during the five years following enactment of this Act, to prescribe annual limits to imports of any species of birds, on a gradually declining scale in order to reduce and ultimately end the import of such species by the fifth anniversary of the enactment of this Act. Sets forth statutory limits which shall become effective if the Secretary has not prescribed such annual limits within 180 days after enactment. Sets forth purposes for which import permits must be issued, including scientific research, zoological exhibition, and captive breeding. Prohibits domestic bird ranching operations or approval of foreign captive-breeding facilities unless they meet specified standards. Sets forth criteria for the importation of pet birds. Requires the Secretary to set up a system for registering persons who wish to acquire or transfer birds imported five years after enactment of this Act (other than ranched, captive-bred, or pet birds). Prohibits the transfer of any bird imported five years after enactment without registration. Establishes general requirements for registration. Prohibits the transfer of any bird imported five years after enactment unless it has been marked according to regulations. Requires the Secretary to publish in the Federal Register a list of those species of birds that need not be marked. Sets forth recordkeeping and reporting requirements for registrants. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) a computerized information system for recording and analyzing information on imported birds; and (2) a voluntary National Avicultural Program to provide incentives for improved management and care of birds held for captive breeding. Prescribes a procedure for petitioning the Secretary to make findings or determinations or take other actions under this Act. Requires the Secretary to: (1) promulgate regulations addressing the special health and welfare needs of exotic birds in quarantine; and (2) cooperate fully in implementation of specified avian transport guidelines. Authorizes the Secretary to develop research programs on the injury, morbidity, and mortality of birds. Requires the Secretary to encourage development of safe and efficacious vaccines for major avian diseases. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for imports and transfers in violation of this Act. Provides for compliance inspections, seizures or forfeitures of birds and equipment, and suspension of licenses or registration. Provides for citizen suits to enforce this Act. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to provide financial assistance for projects for research, conservation, management, or protection of exotic birds. Entitles any foreign government agency responsible for bird conservation, the Secretariat of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and any organization or individual with bird conservation experience to submit project proposals. Sets forth criteria for project approval. Establishes in the Treasury an Exotic Bird Conservation Fund to provide for project assistance. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1991
Wild Bird Protection Act of 1991 - Makes it unlawful for any person to: (1) import, transfer, possess, or sell any exotic bird unless such person is properly licensed and such bird meets specified marking requirements; and (2) commit, attempt to commit, or solicit another to commit, a violation of such requirements. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to issue licenses permitting: (1) the importation of certain exotic birds; and (2) the transfer of wild exotic birds. Sets forth specified reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations requiring the marking of exotic birds. Authorizes: (1) the sale of captive exotic birds only if they are properly marked; and (2) the marking of such birds if the owner can show that they have been legally acquired. Exempts common canaries, cockatiels, budgerigars, or other qualifying species from such marking requirements. Authorizes a person to petition the Secretary with respect to any finding, determination, or other action authorized by this Act. Sets forth both civil and criminal penalties. Sets forth provisions relating to: (1) inspections and seizures and dispositions of such birds; (2) suspension of licenses; and (3) imposition of fees.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1991
Corporate Pay Responsibility Act - Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to declare that corporate officer compensation is a proper subject for action by the holder of securities. Mandates that a securities issuer include in its proxy statement clear and comprehensive information regarding corporate officer compensation. Itemizes disclosure contents. Authorizes security holders of specified market value or voting strength to nominate persons for election to the issuer's board of directors. Requires that such nominations be included in the issuer's proxy statement and form of proxy. Requires that, upon receipt of an entitled person's written request, an issuer promptly make available its list of security holders of record, and any list of beneficial owners available to it. Establishes a monetary penalty for noncompliance. Sets forth confidentiality guidelines.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1991
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the American public should observe the 100th anniversary of filmmaking; and (2) the American Film Institute has a leadership role in preserving the art of film.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1991
Generic Drug Enforcement Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require that any person convicted of a felony under Federal law for conduct relating to the development or approval, including the process for development or approval, of any abbreviated drug application (ADA) be debarred from submitting any ADA. Allows debarment, if there is reason to believe the person may undermine the regulatory process, of a person: (1) convicted of a Federal misdemeanor or a State felony in connection with an ADA; (2) convicted of bribery, fraud, or similar crimes; (3) convicted of obstruction of justice; (4) who materially participated in acts that were the basis for such convictions; or (5) who knowingly used the services of a debarred person. Provides for: (1) the term of debarment; (2) termination of debarment; and (3) publication of a list of debarred persons. Allows an ADA to be denied in certain circumstances, including: (1) involving a bribe or a pattern of false statements; or (2) if a significant question has been raised regarding the integrity of the approval process or the reliability of data. Requires, in the case of a bribe or a pattern of false statements, or if there are flagrant, repeated, and uncorrected violations of good manufacturing practice or good laboratory practice which may undermine the safety and efficacy of the drugs: (1) the suspension of distribution of all drugs the development or approval of which was related to such actions; or (2) the suspension of all drugs approved under ADAs of such person. Allows waiver of the suspension requirement if necessary to protect the public health. Provides for termination of suspensions. Adds a requirement that an ADA contain: (1) a certification that the applicant did not and will not use the services of a person debarred in connection with the application; and (2) a list of all convictions within the last five years of the applicant and affiliated persons responsible for the development or submission of ADAs. Prescribes civil penalties for certain actions in connection with ADAs, including: (1) false statements or bribes; (2) destruction, alteration, or secretion of evidence; (3) failure to disclose facts; (4) obstruction; (5) use of a debarred person; or (6) provision of services by a debarred person. Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make a monetary award for information leading to the imposition of a civil penalty. Declares the Secretary's decision on such an award not reviewable. Requires withdrawal of approval of an ADA facilitated, in whole or in part, through bribery, fraud, or false statement. Allows withdrawal if the applicant has repeatedly demonstrated a lack of ability to produce the drug with the formulations or manufacturing practice in the ADA and has introduced, or attempted to introduce, the adulterated or misbranded drug into commerce. Authorizes the Inspector General (IG) to investigate certain matters, including any allegation of: (1) misconduct by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) employees; (2) violation of existing provisions listing prohibited acts; (3) violation, or a class of violations, which the FDA Commissioner has requested the IG to investigate; and (4) violation, or a class of violations, for which the Secretary delegates authority to the IG or requests the IG to investigate. Mandates maintaining for public inspection, with regard to each ADA, the applicant's name, the name of the drug, and the persons and dates of assignment for chemistry and bioequivalence reviews. Repeals provisions requiring a hearing before the Secretary reports a violation to a U.S. attorney for institution of a criminal proceeding.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that certain revenue received by tax-exempt organizations that conduct amateur athletic events shall not be treated as taxable unrelated business income.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1991
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 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue: (1) five dollar gold coins emblematic of Benjamin Franklin's contributions to the advancement of science; (2) one dollar silver coins emblematic of Benjamin Franklin's contributions to the American Fire Service. Sets forth sale and issuance guidelines, including a general waiver of procurement regulations and surcharge distributions. Title II: Fire Service Bill of Rights - Fire Service Bill of Rights Act - Amends the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to set forth a fire service bill of rights, including the right of responding fire services to: (1) know the kind of danger presented by hazardous materials they face in emergency responses; and (2) be fully informed of infectious diseases their members face during the course of life safety activities. Declares that the bill of rights does not create any private right of action.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1991
Energy Efficiency Standards Act of 1991 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to prescribe labeling rules for certain fluorescent and incandescent lamps, showerheads, and faucets. Sets forth efficiency standards for such items, as well as energy performance standards for commercial and industrial electric motors, and heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) to prescribe testing requirements and energy conservation standards for high-intensity discharge lamps, distribution transformers, certain office equipment, luminaires, and electric motors of less than one horsepower. Requires: (1) the FTC to prescribe labeling requirements for such items; and (2) manufacturers to provide such labels. Directs the Secretary to establish a program to assist utilities and appliance and equipment manufacturers in the early introduction of high-efficiency appliances and equipment exceeding Federal and State energy efficiency standards. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1991
Federal Energy Savings Incentives Act of 1991 - Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to direct the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) to designate additional energy performance goals for each Federal agency for the years 1996 through 2000 so that Federal building energy consumption during FY 2000 is at least 20 percent less than that during FY 1985. Requires the head of each Federal agency (except the Department of Defense) to provide that two-thirds of the portion of its annual fiscal year appropriations which is equal to the energy cost savings the agency realized during such fiscal year shall remain available for obligation through the end of the following fiscal year, without additional authorization or appropriation. Directs the Secretary to permit each agency to participate in gas or electric utility incentive programs for either the management of electricity demand or for energy conservation. Grants the Secretary authority to permit the agencies to accept utility energy incentives to adopt technologies and practices that are cost-effective for the Federal Government. Directs the Secretary to adopt a simplified contracting method for shared energy savings contract services that will expedite their use with respect to Federal agencies, and will reduce the Federal administrative effort and cost. Sets forth implementation guidelines. Requires the President to submit to the Congress simultaneously with submission of the budget a statement of the amount of appropriations requested on an individual agency basis for: (1) utility fuel costs; and (2) compliance with specified Federal laws and regulations. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1991
Designates the week beginning October 20, 1991, as World Population Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1991
Farm Animal and Research Facilities Protection Act of 1991 - Amends title XIV of the Food Security Act of 1985 to add a new subtitle prohibiting (and establishing criminal penalties for) specified acts of destruction, theft, or damage to farm animal, research, and educational facilities. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture and the Attorney General to jointly conduct a study of the extent and effect of terrorism on animal research, production, and processing facilities. Grants jurisdiction for cases arising under these provisions to U.S. district courts. Establishes a private right of action.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1991
Rural Clinical Laboratory Personnel Shortage Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish a program of contracts under which allied health professionals agree to serve in technical positions as employees in clinical laboratories that serve rural areas with shortages of employees in such positions in consideration of the Federal Government paying a limited amount of the principal and interest of the educational loans of the professionals. Authorizes appropriations. Mandates grants and contracts for the education and training of clinical laboratory personnel. Authorizes appropriations. Requires a program for the accreditation of entities engaged in the certification of clinical laboratory personnel. Provides, until establishment of accreditation standards, for a competency-based examination to determine the proficiency of individuals who do not meet formal educational qualifications.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1991
Consumer Protection Standards for Long Term Care Insurance Act of 1991 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to afford Federal consumer protection to purchasers of long-term care insurance policies by requiring that before such policies may be issued or sold they must have been either certified by the Secretary of Health and Human Services as meeting the minimum Federal standards and requirements outlined below or approved by the State commissioner of insurance under a State regulatory program that incorporates such standards. Outlines Federal standards long-term care insurance policies must meet, including those which mandate that such policies: (1) offer inflation protection features, nonforfeiturable benefits after a certain vesting period should the policy lapse, and approved premium rates; (2) be guaranteed renewable except for nonpayment of premiums or material misrepresentation; (3) use simple, easily understood English in a standard format; (4) allow for alternative payors; (5) allow purchasers 30 days to rescind their purchase of the policy and to have the premium refunded; (6) not condition eligibility for benefits except in cases of preexisting conditions; (7) use standard assessment for determining the level of home health care and nursing facility care benefits available under a particular policy; (8) incorporate certain minimum standards for home health benefits; (9) provide a one year period of contestability after issuance of the policy; (10) prohibit discrimination in cases of individuals with any progressive degenerative dementia or individuals who are mentally ill; and (11) provide no benefit caps or policy duration caps. Prohibits sales of duplicate benefit policies, except under prescribed guidelines. Prohibits sales of long-term care insurance policies unless certain information is disclosed beforehand to the potential buyer. Requires issuers of such policies to report to the Secretary and appropriate State officials information relating to: (1) benefit utilization and payments under the policy; (2) age and health status of policy purchasers; (3) lapse rates, rescissions, and payment and application denials; and (4) purchaser compliants. Requires the Secretary to make such information available, upon request, to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and other interested parties. Sets forth civil penalties for issuing unapproved or uncertified policies and for the failure to report such information.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1991
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Southwest Stars and Stripes Salute scheduled to be held from July 19 through 21, 1991, be recognized as a national event.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1991
Campus Sexual Assault Victims' Bill of Rights Act of 1991 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to require each eligible institution participating in any program under HEA title IV (Student Assistance) to include a statement of policy regarding the rights of victims of sexual assault, that complies with specified requirements, in its disclosure of campus security policy and campus crime statistics. Requires each institution of higher education to establish and implement a written policy establishing a campus sexual assault victims' bill of rights which provides that specified rights shall be accorded to such victims by all campus officers, administrators, and employees of such institution.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1991
Designates the week beginning July 21, 1991, as Korean War Veterans Remembrance Week. Requires the President to urge that the American flag be flown at half staff on July 27, 1991, in honor of those Americans who died as a result of their service in Korea.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1991
Audiotext Industry Obligations and Consumer Rights Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), within 270 days, to complete a rulemaking proceeding to establish a system for the oversight and regulation of audiotext services. Requires the FCC's final rules to: (1) include measures that provide a consumer of audiotext services with adequate and clear descriptions of the rights of the caller; (2) define the obligations of common carriers with respect to the provision of such services; (3) include requirements on such carriers to protect against abusive practices by providers of such services; (4) prohibit customers from being disconnected from local exchange services for refusal to pay for such services; and (5) identify procedures by which common carriers and providers of such services may take affirmative steps to protect against nonpayment of legitimate charges. Specifies that such regulations shall prohibit any common carrier from offering audiotext services of any provider of such services who fails to: (1) include in each audiotext message an introductory disclosure message that describes the service being provided, specifies clearly and at a reasonably understandable volume the total cost or cost per minute and any other fees for such service and for any other audiotext service to which the caller may be transferred, informs the caller of the option to hang up at the end of the introductory message without incurring any charge, and informs the caller that parental consent is required for calls made by children; (2) disable any bypass mechanism which allows frequent callers to avoid listening to the disclosure message after the institution of any price increase and for a period of time sufficient to give frequent callers sufficient notice of the price change; (3) stop the assessment of time-based charges immediately upon disconnection by the caller; (4) include an appropriate and clear signal at intervals determined by the FCC, where technically feasible, during live interactive group programs, to alert callers to the passage of time, and explain such signal in the disclosure required for such program; and (5) comply with such additional standards as the FCC may prescribe to prevent abusive practices. Directs that such regulations require that any common carriers offering audiotext services: (1) require, pursuant to contract or tariff, that a provider of audiotext services comply with regulations issued pursuant to such Act and terminate the offering of an audiotext service of a provider if such service is not provided in compliance with such regulations; (2) ensure that a caller may avoid audiotext charges with respect to services provided in violation of such regulations or under such other circumstances as the FCC determines necessary to protect callers from abusive practices; (3) establish a local or toll-free telephone number to answer questions and provide information on callers' rights and obligations with regard to their use of audiotext services offered by the common carrier; (4) within 60 days after the issuance of final regulations, provide to all of such common carrier's telephone subscribers a disclosure statement that clearly sets forth all rights and obligations held by the subscriber and the carrier with respect to the use and payment for audiotext services, describes any nonpayment option prescribed by the FCC and the applicable blocking option, and provides an explanation of live interactive programming; (5) ensure that charges for audiotext services are stated separately on the bill from the sections relating to local and long distance telephone charges and that such statement includes the common carrier's toll-free telephone number; (6) notify in writing the State regulatory commission of any State within which the carrier intends to offer audiotext services of such intention, including a description of the service to be provided and a list of the carrier's policies and procedures; (7) make available to such State regulatory commission, upon request, a list of audiotext telephone numbers accessible by callers within that State through such carrier, including the name, business address, and business telephone number of the audiotext provider; and (8) obtain from any provider of audiotext services that solicits charitable contributions proof of tax exempt status. Specifies that such regulations shall require that any local exchange carrier carrying audiotext services must offer callers the option of blocking access to all audiotext services for their telephone. Allows such regulation to permit the costs of such blocking to be recovered by contract or tariff, but specifies that such costs may not be recovered from local or long distance ratepayers. Directs that such option be offered without charge to the caller for a reasonable period (established by FCC regulations) after the effective date of such regulation, an initial connection, or subscription for any new telephone line. Requires the FCC to consult with the Federal Trade Commission concerning the adequacy of existing regulations relating to the advertising of audiotext services via broadcasting and cable communications and, if such existing regulations are deemed inadequate, to take specified steps, such as requiring that TV advertisements include notification that charges will be billed to the caller's telephone number, notification that children under age 18 must obtain parental consent before placing a call to the advertised number, and a statement of the cost of calling such number. Specifies that such regulations may exempt from introductory message requirements: (1) calls from frequent callers or regular subscribers using a bypass mechanism to avoid listening to the disclosure message required by such regulations; or (2) audiotext services provided at nominal charges. Directs: (1) that such regulations establish procedures to ensure that carriers and other parties provide appropriate refunds to callers who have been billed for audiotext services pursuant to programs found to have violated such Act, such regulations, or any other Federal, State, or local consumer protection law; and (2) the FCC, within one year, to submit to the Congress its recommendations with respect to the extension of such regulations to services that provide, for a per call charge, data services that are not audiotext services. Specifies that no cause of action may be brought in any court or administrative agency against a common carrier or its affiliates on account of any action which the carrier or affiliate takes in good faith to terminate an audiotext service in order to comply with the regulations prescribed under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1991
Telecommunications Employees' Protection Act of 1991 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to establish specified reemployment rights for certain employees who have lost employment as a consequence of the divestiture of the Bell System.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1991
Family Planning Amendments Act of 1991 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to remove provisions allowing the Secretary of Health and Human Services, on request of a family planning project grant recipient, to reduce the amount of the grant by the value of supplies or equipment furnished by the Secretary. Authorizes appropriations for grants and contracts for such projects. Repeals formula grant provisions relating to family planning services. Allows training grants and contracts to be used for technical assistance, training (including clinical training for obstetric-gynecologic nurse practitioners), and training for educators and counselors. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct and to make grants and contracts for research on and evaluation of new or improved contraceptive devices, drugs, and techniques. Authorizes appropriations. Allows research grants and contracts to be made for evaluation as well as for development of contraceptives, and to improve clinical management and direct delivery of family planning services. Authorizes grants and contracts to make available to all persons desiring it information and education to enable responsible choices concerning sexuality, reproductive health, pregnancy, and parenthood. Authorizes appropriations. Requires grant recipients under provisions relating to family planning methods or services to offer women information on pregnancy management options, defined as nondirective counseling and referrals regarding: (1) prenatal care and delivery; (2) infant care, foster care, and adoption; and (3) termination of the pregnancy. Directs the Secretary to annually, through grants and contracts, collect data on: (1) individuals receiving family planning services and the types of services chosen; (2) the number of certain types of individuals at risk of unintended pregnancies; and (3) the sources of funding for subsidized family planning services. Requires a currently-mandated report and five-year plan to be based on the data collected. Authorizes appropriations for administration of population research and family planning programs provisions of the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1991
Directs the Secretary of Commerce to take measures to ensure that: (1) undercounts which occurred in the 1990 decennial census of population are corrected; and (2) such adjustments are reported to the President and the Congress not later than July 15, 1991.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1991
Amends Federal patent law to extend the patent term for certain drugs composed of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents if during the regulatory review process the patentee: (1) filed a new drug application in 1982; (2) awaited approval by the Food and Drug Administration for at least 78 months, and (3) such new drug application was approved in 1988. Prescribes a formula for patent term extension, and sets forth administrative notification procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1991
Rural Access to Obstetrical Care Act of 1991 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) provide for demonstration projects to reduce infant mortality by improving access in rural, underserved areas to obstetric services for eligible pregnant women under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act; (2) develop and make available to the public each year a compendium of State initiatives to address the obstetric access crisis in rural areas; and (3) provide funding for a study, and report to the Congress on, obstetrical malpractice claims payment by Medicaid and private insurance companies.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1991
Rural Hospital Medicare Certification Due Process Act of 1991 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish due process requirements for State certifications of providers of services under the Medicare program.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1991
Working Family Tax Relief Act of 1991 - Title I: Refundable Credit for Children - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable tax credit of $800 for each child under the age of 18 in lieu of the deduction for personal exemptions for children. Provides an inflation adjustment for such tax credit. Title II: Changes in Individual Income Tax Rate Structures - Increases the tax rates for higher income individuals. Imposes a surtax on the individual tax rate or the alternative minimum tax of an individual whose income exceeds the threshold amount. Defines the threshold amount as: (1) $250,000 in the case of a joint return or surviving spouse; (2) $200,000 in the case of a head of household; (3) $125,000 in the case of a married individual filing separately; and (4) $150,000 in any other case. Applies such surtax to estates and trusts. Increases the rate of the alternative minimum tax. Repeals the overall limitation of itemized deductions and the phaseout of personal exemptions. Title III: Increased Earned Income Credit - Increases the earned income credit. Title IV: Advance Payments from Secretary of the Treasury of Earned Income Credit and Credit for Children - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to make advance payments of refunds to which eligible taxpayers are entitled by reason of the earned income credit or the tax credit for children. Provides procedures to assure payments to individuals with adjusted gross incomes of $12,000 or less. Title V: Effective Date - Makes this Act effective after December 31, 1991.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1991
Antiterrorism Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal criminal code to define the term "international terrorism" to include activities that: (1) involve violent acts that are a violation of Federal or State laws, or that would be a criminal violation if committed within the jurisdiction of the United States or of any State; (2) appear to be intended to intimidate or coerce a civilian population, influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion, or affect the conduct of a government by assassination or kidnapping; and (3) occur primarily outside U.S. territorial jurisdiction or transcend national boundaries. Authorizes any U.S. national injured in his person, property, or business by reason of an act of international terrorism to bring a civil action in U.S. district court and recover treble damages and the cost of the suit, including attorney's fees. Specifies that a final judgment or decree rendered in favor of the United States in certain classes of criminal proceedings (such as those involving the murder of a foreign official, kidnapping, hostage taking, killing of a U.S. national, or an aircraft piracy-related offense) or in favor of any foreign state in a criminal proceeding to the extent that such judgment or decree may be accorded full faith and credit under U.S. law shall estop the defendant from denying the essential allegations of the criminal offense in a subsequent civil proceeding under this Act. Sets forth provisions with respect to jurisdiction and venue for, and limitation of, such civil actions.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1991
Federal Facilities Compliance Act of 1991 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to waive the sovereign immunity of the United States for purposes of enforcing Federal, State, interstate, and local requirements with respect to solid and hazardous waste management. Absolves Federal employees from personal liability for civil penalties under any Federal or State solid or hazardous waste law if the act or omission was within the scope of official duties. Makes such employees subject to criminal sanctions under such laws. Prohibits Federal agencies from being subject to such sanctions. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to commence an administrative enforcement action against any Federal agency pursuant to the authorities of the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Requires fines collected by States from the Federal Government for violations of hazardous and solid waste management requirements to be used only for projects to improve or protect the environment or to defray the costs of environmental protection or enforcement.