United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1990
Rural Nursing Incentive Act of 1990 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide direct coverage under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of the Medicare program of nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist services furnished in rural areas. Sets the Medicare payment for such services at 80 percent of the lesser of the actual charge or the prevailing charge that would have been recognized had the services been performed by a physician. Requires that such payments be made on an assignment-related basis.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1990
Medicare Physician Regulation Relief Amendments of 1990 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require carriers and peer review organizations to release the medical review screen or the associated screening parameter to a physician before notifying such physician that payment for his or her service has been denied. Permits Medicare reimbursement of a patient's regular physician for services provided to such patient by another physician who occasionally covers for the regular physician. Requires Medicare carriers to provide physicians, upon request and without charge, with carrier-generated information which physicians need to submit a payment claim or respond to a carrier inquiry. Allows a medical society or other professional organization representing physicians to represent a group or class of physicians in Medicare payment determinations, reconsiderations, or appeals. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to appoint, based on nominations submitted by national medical organizations representing physicians, a Practicing Physicians Advisory Council with which the Secretary must consult concerning changes in the Medicare program and proposed changes in regulations and carrier operation policies.
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
Commends the Runnin' Rebels of the University of Nevada at Las Vegas for winning the 1990 National Collegiate Athletic Association Men's Basketball Championship.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1990
Mickey Leland African and Caribbean Development Act of 1990 - Title I: African Development - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to furnish project and program assistance for long-term development in sub-Saharan Africa. Provides that the purpose of such assistance is to help the poor majority of sub-Saharan Africans to participate in development through economic growth that is equitable, participatory, environmentally sustainable, and self-reliant. Requires the Agency for International Development (AID) to take into account the local-level perspective of poor sub-Saharan Africans during the planning process for such assistance. Declares that AID should make available funds for private and voluntary organizations which have demonstrated effectiveness in, or a commitment to, the promotion of local activities on behalf of development in sub-Saharan Africa. Provides for the participation and integration of African women in such development activities. Requires such assistance to emphasize projects to address critical sectoral priorities for long-term development. Lists the sectoral priorities as: (1) increased agricultural production and the maintenance and restoration of renewable natural resources; (2) improved health conditions; (3) increased access to voluntary family planning services; (4) improved relevance, equity, and efficiency of education; and (5) the development of income-generating opportunities for the unemployed and underemployed. Imposes minimum levels of assistance for certain critical sectors. Requires the assistance to be concentrated in countries that will make the most effective use of such assistance. Sets forth uses for local currencies generated by assistance. Permits funds made available under this Act to be used to assist sub-Saharan African countries in increasing their capacity to participate in donor coordination mechanisms. Provides that it is U.S. policy that such funds are not used by a country to repay loans, with exceptions. Sets forth transfer authorities and reprogramming notifications with respect to such funds. Authorizes appropriations. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the authorization of appropriations should be extended whenever appropriate. Authorizes the AID Administrator to transfer a specified amount of funds to increase AID resources for development activities in sub-Saharan Africa. Deems to be payments made by eligible sub-Saharan countries to the United States for economic assistance: (1) local currency deposited into accounts to be used for development purposes; and (2) payments waived by the President under certain conditions. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the purposes of the African Development Foundation are consistent with the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Amends the African Development Foundation Act to authorize appropriations for the African Development Foundation for FY 1991. Expresses the sense of the Congress that special efforts should be taken to reduce trade barriers and promote economic interchange between the United States and sub-Saharan Africa. Earmarks funds for Southern African Development Coordination Conference (SADCC) projects and for assistance to Namibia. Waives provisions of law which prohibit assistance to countries in default on loan repayments to the United States with respect to such assistance. Urges the President to use diplomatic means to protect the security of SADCC projects and urges the South African Government to respect the territorial integrity of SADCC states and refrain from military aggression across its borders. Title II: Caribbean Regional Development - Sets forth U.S. policy with respect to development and economic assistance for the Caribbean. Requires priority in providing development assistance to be given to supporting indigenous democratic Caribbean institutions that represent and benefit the poor. States that in determining the eligibility of a Caribbean country for development assistance, the per capita income of such country shall be no greater than the per capita income of the Caribbean as a whole. Requires priority in the allocation of assistance to the Caribbean to be given to: (1) food self-sufficiency; (2) rural development; (3) community-based agro-industries; (4) small- and medium-sized farm and manufacturing enterprises; (5) the expansion of tourism; (6) regional integration; (7) the upgrading of technical and managerial skills; (8) support for renewable natural resources; (9) private sector development; (10) democratic development and the administration of justice; and (11) human services and human resources development. Denies assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Arms Export Control Act to any Caribbean country not enforcing workers' rights. Exempts development or narcotics control assistance from such prohibition. Prohibits AID from providing assistance for the use of any substance in a Caribbean country if such use is prohibited under the country's or U.S. public health laws. Requires AID to ensure the active participation of women in the development process. Directs AID to: (1) take into account the perspectives of the poor in the development process; and (2) monitor socioeconomic conditions in the Caribbean and the effect of U.S. assistance on such conditions. Authorizes appropriations for development and economic support assistance for the Caribbean. Earmarks funds for the Eastern Caribbean and Belize. Title III: Other Provisions - Sets forth a framework to provide for regular and sustained assistance to Haiti when specified conditions are met. Prohibits the provision of any assistance to Haiti unless Haiti has embarked upon a credible transition to democracy by: (1) restoring the 1987 Constitution; (2) appointing an electoral commission to conduct free and fair elections; and (3) providing electoral security. Makes available to Haiti development, economic, anti-terrorism, and Inter-American Foundation assistance for FY 1991 if Haiti meets specified conditions regarding the existence of an elected civilian government and steps toward assuring the observance and judicial enforcement of internationally recognized human rights.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1990
Approves the findings of the General Accounting Office report of March 29, 1990, regarding employer sanctions under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1990
Approves the Comptroller General's findings regarding a pattern of employment discrimination resulting from the employer sanction provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Amends such Act to repeal employer sanction and related anti-discrimination provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1990
Equity and Excellence in Education Implementation Act of 1990 - Title I: Early Childhood Education - Declares the Federal Government's responsibility to provide, by 1994, sufficient funding for: (1) improved Head Start programs to serve all eligible three-and four-year-olds and some eligible five-year-olds; and (2) programs affecting the nutritional needs of low-income parents and children to serve all eligible individuals. Declares the Federal Government's responsibility to: (1) expand programs offering simultaneous educational services to children and their parents; and (2) provide training in early childhood development for teachers in kindergarten through third grade to ease the transition to public schools. Part A: Amendments to the Head Start Act - Amends the Head Start Act to authorize appropriations for Head Start programs for FY 1991 through 1994. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to issue a poverty line each year as a criterion of eligibility for participation in Head Start programs. Part B: Amendment to the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children - Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to authorize appropriations for FY 1991 through 1994 for the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children. Part C: Amendments to the Even Start Program - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to authorize appropriations for FY 1990 through 1993 for the Even Start program. Part D: Child Development Training for Teachers in Primary Grades - Amends ESEA to authorize funding for the training of teachers in kindergarten through third grade in developmentally appropriate practices. Title II: School Completion - Amends ESEA to revise secondary school programs for basic skills improvement and dropout prevention and reentry. Requires State education agencies (SEAs) to reserve ten percent of specified program funds for school dropout prevention and reentry programs conducted by community-based organizations, before allocating such funds among LEAs. Requires LEA (or community-based organization) applications to include plans for programs to increase the secondary school completion rate. Requires States to submit three-year applications before the beginning of 1992, 1995, and 1998. Gives priority, in granting awards to community-based organizations, to those that intend to use such funds for model secondary school community education employment centers to meet the education needs of inner-city, low-income youths. Requires the Secretary of Education (the Secretary for purposes of this Act) to use local and State reports to develop an information base on dropout prevention programs. Provides for funding of: (1) grants to regional laboratories for program coordination and dissemination activities; and (2) the National Diffusion Network to replicate model programs for dropout prevention and reentry. Directs the Secretary to define secondary school completion rate for such program purposes. Amends the School Dropout Demonstration Assistance Act of 1988 (part A of title VI of ESEA) to authorize appropriations for FY 1991 for assistance to address school dropout problems. Amends the General Education Provisions Act to require the National Center for Education Statistics to ensure that nationally uniform data by State are contained in its annual report on the dropout and retention rate. Title III: Student Achievement in Critical Skills - Part A: Special Populations - Declares the Federal Government's responsibility to: (1) provide remedial assistance to all disadvantaged children by 1993; (2) fulfill its 1975 commitment to provide 40 percent of the costs of educating children with disabilities; and (3) reward successful programs in schools with concentrations of disadvantaged children. Subpart 1: Amendments to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 - Amends ESEA to revise the declaration of U.S. policy to require expansion of the program for disadvantaged children by increased funding by minimum amounts over baseline for FY 1991 through 1993. National Merit Schools Act - Amends ESEA to establish the National Merit Schools program to recognize and reward public and private elementary and secondary schools that participate in programs for disadvantaged children and have made substantial progress in: (1) raising student educational achievement, especially in reading, writing, and mathematics; (2) creating a safe and alcohol- and drug-free school environment; and (3) reducing the dropout rate. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1993 for such program. Authorizes State educational agencies (SEAs) to designate as a Merit School any public or private elementary or secondary school nominated through procedures established by the SEA. Sets forth requirements for selection criteria established by the Secretary and by SEAs. Provides that each Merit School will be awarded a National Certificate of Merit, as well as funds to further its educational program. Prohibits Federal, State or local reduction of other assistance to a school because it receives such an award. Sets forth requirements for information dissemination and biennial evaluation. Subpart 2: Amendments to the Education of the Handicapped Act - Amends the Education of the Handicapped Act (EHA) to declare U.S. policy to increase funding for the grants program for the education of all handicapped children in order to provide to States, for FY 2000 and thereafter, at least 40 percent of the aggregate applicable per pupil expenditures. Authorizes appropriations for such grants program for FY 1991 onward. Part B: Academic Areas of National Importance - Declares the Federal Government's responsibility to: (1) expand foreign language and geography programs of elementary, secondary, and higher education; and (2) equip students with necessary language skills for productive employment in the global marketplace. Amends title VI (International Education Programs) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to provide for study of foreign culture and geography. Allows language resource centers to add specified activities relating to foreign language and culture study. Allows grants for undergraduate programs to be used to develop innovative and model programs in preservice and inservice teacher education in foreign language and culture, geography, and international studies. Specifies permissible uses of grants for summer language institutes. Authorizes specified new research activities for foreign language studies in elementary and secondary schools. Requires centers for international business education to provide language training, translation services, and information about other cultures and markets for nearby small- and medium-sized businesses that seek to enter export markets. Part C: Parental Involvement - Directs the Secretary to report by January 1, 1993, to the Congress on parental involvement and dissemination activities under the General Education Provisions Act. Part D: Regulatory Impact on Student Excellence - Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress annually on the public schools of each State, addressing specified issues. Directs the Secretary to: (1) within 90 days, issue guidance on how Federal funds can be used more flexibly; and (2) within 180 days, conduct regional meetings on such guidance for State and local educational agency officials. Title IV: Mathematics and Science - Part A: Amendments to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 - Declares the Federal Government's responsibilities relating to: (1) updating skills of elementary and secondary mathematics and science teachers; (2) information for local educational agencies on updated mathematics and science instructional materials; (3) a program and curricula clearinghouse; and (4) central listing of all sources of Federal assistance to mathematics and science education. Amends the Dwight D. Eisenhower Mathematics and Science Act (part A, title II of ESEA) to specify increasing amounts under the authorization of appropriations for FY 1991 through 1993 for grants to States, and discretionary, national grants for strengthening teacher skills and improving instruction in mathematics and science. Revises such program requirements. Directs the Secretary to report annually on all sources of Federal aid for mathematics and science education. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and agreements to promote the educational use of the space program. Directs the Secretary to award a merit-based competitive grant or contract for a National Clearinghouse for Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education Materials. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to model programs for instruction and training in the use of computers in elementary and secondary mathematics and science curricula. Directs the Secretary to award merit-based competitive grants for such regional science, mathematics, and technology education consortia to disseminate and implement exemplary science, mathematics, and technology education materials, teaching methods, and assessment tools for use by elementary and secondary school students. Requires recipient entities to establish regional boards and conduct program evaluation. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1993 for such regional consortia. Part B: Amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965 - Declares the Federal Government's responsibility to award scholarships to high-achieving students to study mathematics, science, and related subjects at postsecondary institutions. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to establish the National Science Scholars Program to recognize student excellence and achievement in the physical, life, and computer sciences, mathematics, and engineering. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1993. Authorizes the Secretary to award scholarships to outstanding students selected as National Science Scholars by the President. Directs the Secretary to appoint a panel of experts to recommend academic achievement criteria for use in the nomination of scholars. Sets the Scholarship amount at $10,000 for an academic year with provision for reductions and adjustments. Requires that scholarship recipients, to the extent they are otherwise qualified, be given priority consideration for federally-financed summer employment in research and development centers. Title V: Literacy - Adult Literacy and Employability Act of 1990 - Declares U.S. responsibility to: (1) provide all workers and adults opportunity to acquire skills to function productively; (2) establish programs for large-scale public-private partnerships in workforce literacy; (3) provide for teacher training and instructional technologies to increase the number of learners served and the rate and extent of learning; (4) provide easy access to model program information by teachers, community-based organizations, volunteers, and business; and (5) help build State capacity to assist large numbers of adults. Part A: Literacy: Strategic Planning, Research, and Coordination - Subpart 1: National Planning, Research and Coordination - Establishes an Interagency Task Force on Adult Literacy. Requires the Task Force to report to the Congress and the President. Authorizes appropriations for the Task Force for FY 1991 through 1995. Establishes the National Institute for Adult Literacy as a nonprofit corporation which will not be an agency or establishment of the Federal Government. Divides the Institute into a research division, a technical assistance and training division, and a policy analysis division. Requires an annual report to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations for the Institute for FY 1991 through 1995. Sets forth the responsibilities of the Secretary for national coordination of literacy programs. Amends the Department of Education Organization Act to outline the responsibilities of an Assistant Secretary for the same programs. Subpart 2: State Planning, Research, and Coordination - Requires each State that receives adult literacy assistance under an applicable Federal program to: (1) establish a State advisory board on literacy; and (2) submit a State literacy coordination plan. Requires the board to report annually to the State Governor, and the State Governor to report annually to the Interagency Task Force on State progress in reaching the goals of its literacy plan. Directs the Secretary to make grants to States for a network of State or regional adult literacy resource centers. Authorizes appropriations for such grants for FY 1991 and after. Part B: Investment in Literacy - Amends the Adult Education Act (AEA) to increase and extend through FY 1995 the authorization of appropriations for AEA programs. Revises limitations on the use of funds to earmarking a specified amount for adult education and literacy services provided by community-based organizations and nonprofit volunteer agencies. Allows basic State grants under AEA to be used for competitive two-year Gateway Grants to public housing authorities for literacy programs and related activities like child care and job training. Requires State educational agencies to ensure direct and equitable access to assistance under AEA basic State grants by LEAs, public or private nonprofit agencies, community-based organizations, and institutions that service educationally disadvantaged adults. Authorizes the Secretary to make matching challenge grants to States for investment in adult literacy instruction staff training and educational technology. Authorizes appropriations for such challenge grants for FY 1991 through 1995. Establishes a Literacy Leader Training Fund. Directs the Secretary, through the Office on Literacy, to make scholarship grants from the Fund to individuals pursuing careers in adult education, instruction, management, research, or innovation, for education or research to expand their expertise. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes for FY 1991 through 1995. Part C: Workforce Literacy - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to carry out a national workforce literacy strategies program of grants for up to 70 percent of the costs of joint ventures between business, industry, or labor and State, regional, or Federal entities to provide large-scale models in strategic approaches to improving basic skills of workforce sectors. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1995. Title VI: Safe and Drug-Free Schools - Declares the Federal Government's responsibly with respect to prevention of drug and alcohol abuse by students, school safety, and the pursuit of law enforcement careers. Amends HEA to provide for cancellation of student loans for service as a full-time local, State, or Federal law enforcement officer. Amends the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 to authorize the Director of the ACTION Agency, in carrying out certain special initiatives, to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities for programs to assist individual volunteers, in cooperation with local education authorities, to protect elementary and secondary school students from violence in the community as a result of drug abuse or other criminal activities. Amends the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1986 (title V of ESEA) to require that drug-free school zones have specified characteristics. Authorizes a program for replication of successful drug abuse education programs. Authorizes the Secretary, under such program, to make grants for programs of: (1) drug abuse resistance education; and (2) drug abuse education, prevention, intervention, or counseling. Provides support for school-based: (1) before-and-after recreational activities, including drug and alcohol abuse prevention instruction; (2) community service programs as alternatives for at-risk youth; and (3) drug abuse counseling training programs. Title VII: Teacher Recruitment and Retention - Declares the Federal Government's responsibility to: (1) reward successful teachers and encourage them to further enhance their skills; (2) encourage qualified professionals in other fields to enter the teaching profession; and (3) ensure that current teachers continually develop their teaching skills and subject matter knowledge. Part A: Loans Incentives for Teaching - Amends HEA to establish a separate fund for teachers under the National Direct Student Loan (NDSL) program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1995 for the Secretary to make separate capital contributions to NDSL student loan funds. Requires a student, in order to receive a loan from the special account, to: (1) have completed two undergraduate years; (2) intend to pursue a teaching career; and (3) agree to certain repayment conditions if the student either does not enter full-time teaching within a certain period or ceases such teaching before the end of the five-year service period required for loan cancellation. Gives priority for such loans to minority students, or those otherwise underrepresented in the teaching profession or curricula areas, and to qualified individuals who need such a loan and who demonstrate high academic achievement and potential for success in teaching. Provides for an expedited loan cancellation option for teaching at certain types of schools. Part B: Financial Assistance for Institutional Recruitment and Retention of Individuals Preparing to Enter the Teaching Force - Directs the Secretary to allocate funds under this part to State educational agencies (SEAs) for grants to institutions of higher education for programs to recruit and retain students, particularly minority students, preparing to enter the teaching profession. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1995. Part C: Professional Development Academies - Directs the Secretary to allocate 80 percent of funds for this part among SEAs, on the basis of number of disadvantaged children, to distribute such funds to consortia of local educational agencies (LEAs) for various activities relating to teacher training. Directs the Secretary, from the remaining 20 percent of under this part, to award to specified consortia grants to establish professional development academies to provide interstate, international, or other exemplary programs. Limits such grants to five years, with renewal for one additional five-year period. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1995. Part D: Teacher Awards - Amends ESEA to establish the National Teacher Awards for Excellence in Education Program. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States for such awards. Sets the amount of such an award at $5,000, to be used to improve the recipient's teaching ability. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1993. Part E: Mid-Career Teacher Training - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to specify the amount of the authorization of appropriations for FY 1991 for mid-career teacher training programs. Requires that at least 25 percent of such amount be for training of mathematics and science teachers. Title VIII: Postsecondary Educational Opportunity - Declares the Federal Government's responsibility to: (1) increase low-income and minority students' participation in postsecondary education; (2) expand college assistance to middle income families; (3) reduce reliance on parent and student loans as the principal means of financing postsecondary education; (4) enhance postsecondary institutions' capacity to recruit, and provide quality education to, minority and disadvantaged students, including graduate students; and (5) enhance student consumer protection. Declares the intention of the Congress to increase the annual appropriations for the Pell Grant program by a specified amount per fiscal year beginning with FY 1991. Requires contingent funding of the income contingent direct loan demonstration project by prohibiting funds for it unless sufficient funds are available for the Pell Grant program to provide grants equal to maximum specified amounts. Provides for Pell Grant program shortfall adjustments for insufficient appropriations. Removes from the computation of expected family contribution in the determination of need for assistance under the Pell Grant program and other HEA title IV student assistance programs the following nonliquid assets: (1) the family's principal place of residence; (2) a family farm on which the family resides; or (3) a small business substantially owned and managed by a member or members of the family. Directs the Secretary to recommend to the Congress any changes in such HEA provisions necessary to achieve an equitable assessment of income and assets after exclusion of such nonliquid assets. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 for: (1) student educational opportunity grants (SEOG); (2) college work-study programs; and (3) State student incentive grants (SSIG). Amends HEA to authorize appropriations for FY 1990 through 1993 for special awards to historically Black colleges and universities. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 for special programs for students from disadvantaged backgrounds at institutions of higher education. Changes from discretionary to mandatory the Secretary's authority to enter into contracts to provide students with certain early information on eligibility for student financial assistance. Requires eligible institutions participating in student loan and assistance programs to have certain tuition refund policies. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 for the following graduate programs under HEA: (1) grants to institutions to encourage minority participation in graduate education; (2) Patricia Roberts Harris Fellowships for graduate and professional students; and (3) assistance for training in the legal professions. Sets forth restrictions on institutional promotional activities. Title IX: Measurement, Assessment, and Evaluation - Part A: National Summit Conference on Education - National Summit Conference on Education Amendments of 1990 - Amends the National Conference on Education Act of 1984 to revise provisions for the National Summit Conference on Education with respect to: (1) Executive Committee membership; (2) regional meetings; and (3) agenda. Part B: National Committee on Education - Authorizes the establishment of a National Committee on Education at the conclusion of the National Summit Conference on Education. Part C: Amendment to General Education Provisions Act - Amends the General Education Provisions Act of require that the Secretary's annual evaluation report to congressional committees comment on the per pupil expenditure of each local educational agency. Directs the Secretary to develop criteria for measuring equalization of educational expenditures among local educational agencies within a State.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1990
Computer Matching Corrections Act of 1990 - Amends the Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Act of 1988 to exempt State and local governments from verification requirements regarding certain information produced by computer matching programs if the information is provided by a Federal source agency. Restores the ten-day period within which the Federal Government and the States must notify recipients of food stamps, Medicaid, supplemental security income and aid to families with dependent children of a reduction or termination of such welfare benefits (currently there is a 30-day period), except in the case of an individual whose records are used in computer matching programs and who receives notice of an adverse action before the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1990
Organ Procurement Process Review Act of 1990 - Amends the Public Health Service Act require that an organ procurement organization (OPO), in order to be eligible to receive certain grants, have a service area of sufficient size which will include not less than 50 potential organ donors each year. (Current law requires a service area of sufficient size such that the organization can reasonably expect to procure organs from not less than 50 donors each year.) Repeals provisions of the Health Omnibus Programs Extension of 1988 which delay the effective date of certain related amendments, with regard to an OPO designated under specified provisions of the Social Security Act, until two years after the initial designations of the organization. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the National Advisory Committee for Review of the Organ Procurement Process.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1990
Foreign Tax Equity Act of 1990 - Title I: Treatment of Certain Foreign-Owned Corporations - Applies the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1989 amendments regarding information reporting requirements by certain foreign-owned corporations to taxable years beginning on or before July 10, 1989. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish information reporting requirements for foreign corporations engaged in business within the United States. Extends the statute of limitations for the assessment of any foreign-related deficiency by an additional period of not more than three years. Title II: Tax on Disposition of Stock in Domestic Corporations by 10-Percent Foreign Shareholders - Provides that if any nonresident alien or foreign corporation is a ten-percent shareholder in any domestic corporation, any gain or loss from the disposition of any stock in such domestic corporation shall be taken into account as if the taxpayer were effectively connected with U.S. trade or business. Requires a withholding agent to withhold ten percent of the tax realized on certain stock dispositions by such ten-percent shareholders.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1990
Medicare Rehabilitation and Long-Term Hospital Rebasing Act of 1990 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to adjust the base year applied in determining the amount of payments to be made to rehabilitation and long-term hospitals under part A (Hospital Insurance) of the Medicare program.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1990
Raises the minimum per annum rates of basic pay for entry level grades GS-3 through GS-10 for Federal law enforcement officers on a sliding scale with larger adjustments at the lower levels. Directs the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to prescribe regulations to: (1) readjust the rates of pay for such entry level grades every three years, based upon comparisons of State and local compensation for comparable work, in order to keep starting salaries of Federal law enforcement officers competitive with those paid to State and local law enforcement officers; and (2) establish a mechanism to adjust the rates of pay of Federal law enforcement officers serving in certain high cost-of-living areas in order to recruit and retain the best-qualified individuals. Sets forth procedures for identifying those regions for which higher pay rates are needed. Terminates a pay rate payable to Federal law enforcement officers that is based on a particular region if such an officer is transferred or reassigned to a place outside of such region. Requires pay rates established under this Act to be based on data compiled by the National Advisory Commission on Law Enforcement. Directs the Bureau of Labor Statistics to survey State and local law enforcement salaries every three years to compile the data needed to carry out this Act. Authorizes Federal agency heads, in order to retain highly qualified law enforcement officers who possess special skills or experience or whose continued services are particularly important due to factors associated with the geographic area to which they are assigned, to pay Federal law enforcement officers who are eligible for retirement an allowance of up to $10,000 per year provided the officers agree to complete at least one year of additional service in the agency involved. Makes Federal law enforcement officers who are transferred to an area within the United States having higher than average housing costs eligible for a relocation payment of up to $20,000 provided they agree to remain in Federal law enforcement for a specified period. Authorizes Federal agencies to offer rates of pay higher than the minimum rates for positions of GS-3 (currently, GS-11) or above if necessary to attract well qualified entry-candidates for Federal law enforcement service. Authorizes Federal agencies to pay law enforcement officers who possess and make substantial use of foreign language proficiency while performing their official duties a cash award of up to 25 percent of basic pay. Raises the mandatory age for Federal law enforcement officers to retire under the Civil Service and Federal Employees' Retirement Systems from 55 to 57. Changes the method of computing overtime for Federal law enforcement officers to one and one-half times the hourly rate of basic pay for work performed in excess of 40 hours per week. Limits the aggregate rate of pay (including premium pay) for Federal law enforcement officers in a calendar year to the pay rate for level V of the Executive Schedule. Prohibits application of other limitations on premium pay for administratively uncontrollable overtime. Excludes members of the U.S. Secret Service, Uniformed Division, Diplomatic Security Service special agents, postal inspectors, and pretrial services and probation officers from receiving premium pay except for night, Sunday, and holiday work.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1990
Consumer Credit Protection Amendments of 1990 - Title I: Fair Credit Reporting Amendments - Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to place additional restrictions on the permissible purposes of consumer reports. Adds dwelling rental applications and check cashing privilege applications to the list of permissible uses. Prohibits, subject to exception, a consumer reporting agency (CRA) from furnishing certain reports in connection with any credit or business transaction which is not initiated by the consumer. Prohibits a CRA from reporting Chapter 13 bankruptcy information that is more than seven years old and other bankruptcy information that is more than ten years old. (Current law prohibits reporting any bankruptcy information, including Chapter 13, that is more than ten years old.) Provides for graduated periods of obsolescence for information relating to overdue payments. Repeals exemptions to obsolete information reporting prohibitions relating to credit, life insurance, or employment involving amounts over specified sums. Prohibits a CRA from prohibiting any report user from disclosing the contents of a report to the consumer. Requires a CRA to maintain certain records regarding: (1) accuracy assurance procedures; and (2) the certified purpose for which any information relating to any consumer is requested by any person. Requires any CRA, on request of any person, to disclose specified information about itself. Requires that: (1) certain disclosures by a CRA to a consumer required by current law be in writing; (2) all information in the consumer's file (currently, the nature and substance of all information) be disclosed to the consumer; (3) certain information be disclosed to the consumer regarding identification of any person who had access to any information in the consumer's file; and (4) any disclosure by a CRA to any consumer under specified provisions include a summary of all the consumer's rights and remedies under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Requires that such a summary be included in disclosures relating to: (1) investigative consumer reports; and (2) reports focusing on public record information for employment purposes. Requires reinvestigations in case of disputed accuracy to be completed within a reasonable time, not to exceed 30 days. (Current law requires completion within a reasonable time.) Requires CRAs to keep certain records regarding reinvestigation procedures. Sets forth requirements regarding: (1) notice upon a determination that a dispute is frivolous or irrelevant; (2) notice upon completion of a reinvestigation; and (3) reinvestigations which cannot be completed in 30 days. Eliminates the option for a CRA to include in a report a codification or summary of a consumer's statement regarding disputed accuracy rather than the statement itself. Requires that a CRA: (1) notify of a consumer dispute any person designated by the consumer who has received a non-employment report within the last year (currently, within the last six months); and (2) disclose to the consumer the recipients of any such report within the last year (currently, within the last six months). Sets a dollar limit on charges which may be imposed by a CRA for certain disclosures and makes other changes regarding when charges may be made. Requires a CRA which furnishes a consumer report for employment purposes to notify the consumer of the specific source of the information. Revises the duties of users of consumer reports, including requiring the user to provide: (1) the name and address of the three largest CRAs; and (2) the written summary of the consumer's rights and remedies prepared under specified provisions. Makes any person who furnishes information to any CRA (as well as CRAs and users of reports) civilly liable for willful noncompliance and for negligent noncompliance with the Act. Makes all functions and powers of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) under the Federal Trade Commission Act (FTCA) available to the FTC to enforce compliance. (Current law links enforcement to specified provisions of the FTCA.) Makes persons who furnish information to CRAs subject to certain administrative enforcement provisions, as enforced by bodies other than the FTC. Requires any person who regularly furnishes information to a CRA to give notice of such fact in writing to the consumer before providing information about the consumer to the CRA. Requires any person, when that person, in the course of conducting business, furnishes information about any consumer to a CRA, to follow reasonable procedures to assure the accuracy of the information. Title II: Credit Repair Organizations - Credit Repair Organizations Act - Amends the Consumer Credit Protection Act to prohibit any credit repair organization (any person who provides a service for the purpose of improving a consumer's credit record) from: (1) charging or receiving any money prior to the completion of its services (unless it has obtained a $50,000 surety bond); (2) charging or receiving money solely for the referral of a customer to a retailer if the credit which may be extended to the buyer is upon substantially the same terms as those available to the general public; (3) advising any client to make an untrue or misleading statement; or (4) using any untrue or misleading statement. Requires the organization to provide the consumer with a written disclosure statement which includes a description of: (1) the consumer's rights; (2) the services to be provided by the organization; and (3) the total amount the consumer will be charged. Sets forth contract requirements and the rights of the consumer with regard to cancellation of such contract. Subjects any organization which fails to comply with any provision of this Act to Federal civil liability. Provides for the administrative enforcement of this Act by the Federal Trade Commission, as provided in the Federal Trade Commission Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1990
United States and the United States of Mexico Air Quality Improvement Act - Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to negotiate with Mexican representatives to establish a program to monitor and improve air quality along the U.S.-Mexican border region. Requires the monitoring component of such program to identify sources of pollutants for which national ambient air quality standards and other air quality goals have been established. Authorizes the Administrator to negotiate with the appropriate Mexican representatives to develop remediation measures to reduce the level of pollutants to achieve air quality standards in the border region. Requires such program to identify control measures the implementation of which would be expedited by U.S. material and financial assistance. Directs the Administrator to utilize resources of Mexico to offset the costs to the United States in implementing joint remediation measures. Requires the U.S. Comptroller General to study and report to the Congress on the air quality program, including ways to improve such program and whether such program should be continued or expanded to include Canada and other nations. Directs the Administrator to report annually to the Congress on the progress of the program in bringing the U.S.-Mexican border region into attainment with air quality standards. Requires the Administrator, in providing direct financial assistance to Mexico for the monitoring and remediation programs, to develop grant agreements with Mexico to assure the accuracy of monitoring data and the performance of remediation measures financed by the United States. Directs the Administrator, when approving State Implementation Plans, to take into account the impacts of the sources of pollutants coming from Mexico and the role of the United States in developing monitoring and remediation plans with Mexico to bring about attainment of air quality standards in regions along the border in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1990
Medicaid State Share Protection Amendments of 1990 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to allow State Medicaid matching payments to include private funds donated by hospitals to the State and State taxes imposed with respect to the provision of Medicaid items and services.
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
Designates the week of June 24 through June 30, 1990, as National Sheriffs' Week in honor of the 50th anniversary of the National Sheriffs' Association.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1990
Mickey Leland Memorial Domestic Hunger Relief Act - Title I: Reducing Childhood Hunger - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to revise and increase the excess shelter expense deduction for each fiscal year from FY 1991 through FY 1993. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to adjust the basic benefit level upwards by specified increments at the beginning of each fiscal year from FY 1991 through FY 1995 until it reaches 105 percent of the cost of the thrifty food plan. Directs the Secretary by regulation to provide for emergency allotments to eligible households to replace food lost in a disaster. Excludes from the computation of household income any State allowance (provided at least annually) for obtaining school clothes for children in school or child care. Provides for allotment increases to cover State or local sales taxes for participants in demonstration projects. Requires alternative systems for delivery or use of food stamp benefits to meet standards issued by the Secretary and, where household participation is not optional, to involve retail food stores serving minority populations, but only if necessary special equipment is operational at all registers. Provides food stamp coverage for prepared meals for homeless households. Permits State agencies to develop standard estimates of the shelter and related expenses which homeless households may reasonably be expected to incur in order to certify such households based on reported expenses not exceeding such an estimate. Title II: Promoting Self-Sufficiency - Excludes the first $50 a month received as child support from consideration as income in determining the food stamp allotments of households also receiving Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) benefits. Increases from $4,500 to $5,500 from January 1 through September 30, 1991, with annual cost-of-living adjustments to follow, the limit on the fair market value of vehicles that food stamp recipients may own. Directs the Secretary to conduct a sufficient number of demonstration projects to evaluate the effects of excluding from such vehicle calculation the value of: (1) any licensed vehicle used for certain income-producing, transportation, or shelter purposes; and (2) one licensed vehicle used for job-related or job-seeking purposes (including commuting), for pursuing education or training, or for securing food or food stamp benefits. Allows States to use their own agency-designed forms instead of forms approved by the Secretary. Directs State agencies to allow a household to select an adult parent of children in the household as its head where all adult household members agree to do so. Allows four States to give priority in the provision of services to voluntary participants (including both exempt and nonexempt), so long as performance standards are maintained. Authorizes an employment and training program to contain programs designed to increase the self-sufficiency of recipients through self-employment. Excludes from the computation of household financial resources any nonliquid resources necessary to allow the household to carry out an approved plan for self-sufficiency. Increases from $25 to $75 the limit for reimbursements to recipients for costs incurred in employment and training activities. Permits otherwise eligible persons who attend an institution of higher learning to receive food stamp benefits if he or she: (1) attends the institution as part of an employment and training program; or (2) is over 50, registered for employment, and subject to employment or training requirements. Revises the exclusion of educational expenses from the computation of household incomes. Excludes from the computation of household incomes housing assistance payments made to a third party on behalf of a household residing in transitional housing for the homeless. Title III: Simplifying Program Administration - Requires parents and children (regardless of age) who live together to apply for food stamps as a single household. Directs the Secretary to conduct five demonstration projects, in both rural and urban areas, under which households in which each member receives AFDC benefits shall receive monthly food stamp allotments following AFDC rules and procedures, without regard to the eligibility, benefit, and administrative rules of the food stamp program. Requires the Secretary to issue rules under which State agencies must develop standards for identifying (for exclusion as inaccessible resources) those kinds of resources the household is unlikely to sell for any significant return because its interest is so slight or the cost of selling would be so great. Provides that a food stamp office need not consider any resources that the AFDC or supplemental security income benefit programs have already determined to be exempt. Directs State agencies to require only one adult representative of a household to sign all declarations required in the application process on behalf of the household. Makes recipients of State or local general assistance programs categorically eligible for food stamps. Reduces from 30 to ten days the deadline for households convicted of food stamp fraud to decide how to repay their over issuances. Establishes a Commission on the Coordination of Family Support and Food Stamp Policies to report to the President and the Congress on AFDC and food stamp program policies, recommending how to eliminate barriers to participation in both programs. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Hunger in Rural America - Requires State agencies to designate rural project areas where low-income persons face substantial difficulties in getting transportation. Requires issuance of coupons by mail in such areas, except where households experience mail losses exceeding certain levels. Allows States to assist households with the food stamp application process. Directs the Secretary to exclude from financial resources the value of a vehicle a household depends upon to carry heating fuel or water for home use where it has no other access to fuel or water. Title V: Promoting Access for the Elderly and Disabled - Declares that State agencies, with respect to the excess medical deduction for the elderly and the disabled, shall not require further verification of a change in medical expenses if the change has been anticipated for the verification period. Requires annual adjustments to the value of the minimum food stamp benefit. Permits State agencies to establish a procedure allowing households whose regular food stamp benefits do not exceed $20 per month to receive up to $60 worth for intervals of up to three months. Requires that any applicant for or recipient of supplemental security income benefits be informed of the availability of food stamp benefits. Title VI: Program Administration by State Agencies - Prohibits the application of disallowances for erroneous issuances or similar actions to any State for a fiscal year before FY 1991. Directs the Secretary, by specified deadlines, to develop standards for initial approval of automated data processing and information retrieval systems for State agencies, as well as written procedures and standards for initial and continued approval reviews. Sets alternative deadlines for full operation of such systems, the later being September 30, 1993. Provides for waivers of ADC system requirements where their application would not significantly improve the efficiency of a State agency's administration. Title VII: Reauthorization of Programs - Reauthorizes through FY 1995: (1) the food stamp program; (2) the nutrition assistance program for Puerto Rico; (3) the temporary emergency food assistance program under the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983; (4) the soup kitchen and food bank programs under the Hunger Prevention Act of 1988; (5) the commodity distribution and supplemental food programs under the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973; (6) the distribution of surplus commodities to special nutrition projects under the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981; and (7) the nutrition education program under the Food Security Act of 1985. Title VIII - Amends the Commodity Distribution Reform Act and WIC Amendments of 1987 to require biennial reports to the Congress on food bank projects. Amends the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 to establish a Commodity Supplemental Food Program for the Elderly. Amends the Hunger Prevention Act of 1988 to set forth the National Gleaning Clearinghouse Act of 1990. Establishes a National Gleaning Clearinghouse to share information on available, unused food that could be distributed through the emergency feeding network. Title IX: Effective Dates - Sets forth the effective dates of provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1990
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should designate a special envoy to negotiate the release of American and all other hostages in Lebanon and appeals to their captors to free them. Expresses sympathy for their families. Recognizes those who will be commemorating the fifth anniversary of the captivity of Terry Anderson on March 16, 1990.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1990
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
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 · 7 February 1990
Federal Employees Pay Comparability Act of 1990 - Creates the Federal Salary Council to define local pay areas and occupational group categories that include professional, administrative, technical, clerical, law enforcement, firefighter, and health care positions. Directs the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to: (1) survey the Federal employees in such occupational categories in each local pay area at least once every three years to compare Federal rates of pay to non-Federal rates of pay for the same work; and (2) prepare appropriate alternative pay schedules. Directs the President, based on the resulting BLS report, to establish alternative pay schedules or adjust existing pay schedules where necessary to ensure the competitiveness of the Government in recruiting or retaining well-qualified employees. Requires higher rates under such schedules to be implemented through equal percentage increments over three years. Prohibits an alternative pay schedule from applying with respect to any employee who is employed outside the continental United States or elsewhere where an allowance based on living costs or environmental conditions may be paid. Prohibits employees becoming subject to an alternative pay schedule from being paid less than they would otherwise be paid under a statutory pay system schedule. Prohibits any reduction of a rate of pay under an alternative pay schedule as a result of any adjustment under this Act. Provides that if pay surveys determine that no adjustment in pay rates under an alternative pay schedule is required, such rates shall be adjusted at the same time that any pay adjustment occurs and by the overall average percentage of any adjustment in General Schedule pay rates. Provides annual pay adjustments for employees under each statutory pay system equal to the annual increase in the Employment Cost Index (a quarterly measure of the cost of labor in the private sector). Declares that increases in rates of pay under this Act are not equivalent increases in pay under provisions regarding periodic step-increases. Grants the President authority to provide for special pay rates if the Government's efforts to recruit or retain well-qualified individuals are significantly handicapped by: (1) the remoteness of the area or location involved; (2) undesirable working conditions including exposure to toxic substances; or (3) any other circumstances which the President considers appropriate. Prohibits a minimum special pay rate from exceeding the maximum statutory pay rate for the applicable grade or level. Authorizes the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to grant authority to executive department and agency heads to fix the basic pay rate of up to 400 Government-wide positions which such heads determine to be critical positions at an annual rate that does not exceed the rate for level I of the Executive Schedule. Directs agency heads, in determining whether a position is critical, to consider to the extent to which: (1) the position requires scientific, technical, professional, or administrative qualifications; and (2) additional compensation is necessary to recruit or retain exceptionally qualified individuals. Allows such authority to be reexercised when such a position becomes vacant and is refilled if: (1) an agency head determines that the position remains a critical position; and (2) the Director reconfirms his or her original allocation of critical-position pay authority among executive departments and agencies. Eliminates the GS-11 grade requirement for paying new employees above the minimum rate of the appropriate grade. Creates a new pay system for administrative law judges and contract appeals board members consisting of at least three pay rates to be established and thereafter adjusted by the President. Sets the maximum rate at level IV of the Executive Schedule and the minimum rate at a grade GS-16, Step 1. Requires the Office of Personnel Management to determine which of such rates shall be paid to individual administrative law judges or contract appeals board members according to criteria prescribed by the Office.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1990
Civil Rights Act of 1990 - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to provide that: (1) once a complainant has demonstrated that an employment practice results in a disparate impact on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, the respondent has the burden of proving that the practice is justified by business necessity; (2) a complainant need not demonstrate which of a group of practices results in the demonstrated disparate impact; and (3) a respondent need not show business necessity for a specific practice within a group of practices if the respondent shows that that practice does not contribute to the disparate impact. Declares that an unlawful employment practice is established on a demonstration that race, color, religion, sex, or national origin was a motivating factor for any employment practice, even though such practice was also motivated by other factors, but bars certain types of relief if the respondent establishes that it would have taken the same action in the absence of any discrimination. Prohibits a challenge to an employment practice that implements a litigated or consent judgment or order resolving a claim of employment discrimination: (1) by a person who had certain types of notice and opportunity; (2) by a person whose interests were adequately represented by another person who challenged the judgment or order; or (3) if reasonable efforts were made to provide notice to interested persons. Increases to two years the time limit within which a charge of an unlawful employment practice must be filed. Removes provisions setting a separate time limit for charges initially filed with a State or local agency. Declares that a seniority system or practice which is part of a collective bargaining agreement is an unlawful employment practice if it was included in the agreement with the intent to discriminate. Allows, except for disparate impact cases, for compensatory damages (but not back pay) and, where there is malice or reckless or callous indifference, for punitive damages. Allows any party, where compensatory or punitive damages are sought, to demand a jury trial. Includes expert fees and other litigation expenses in any attorney's fees awarded. Prohibits a consent order or judgment settling a claim unless the parties and their counsel attest that a waiver of attorneys' fees was not compelled as a condition of the settlement. Allows to the prevailing party in the original action an award of attorney's fees and costs in defending a challenged judgment or order. Increases to 90 days after final action by a Federal agency the time limit for a Federal employee to bring a civil action. Allows to Federal employees the same interest to compensate for delay in payment as in cases involving non-public parties. Requires Federal civil rights laws to be broadly construed to effect their purpose to eliminate discrimination and provide effective remedies. Prohibits, except as expressly provided, any Federal civil rights law from being construed to restrict or limit the rights, procedures, or remedies available under any other Federal civil rights law. Declares that, for purposes of provisions relating to equal rights under the law, the right to make and enforce contracts includes the making, performance, modification, and termination of contracts, and the enjoyment of all benefits, privileges, terms, and conditions of the contractual relationship.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1990
Authorizes the payment of separation pay to a regular enlisted member of an armed force who is discharged or released from such armed force (except by sentence of a court martial) if: (1) the member completed more than five but less than 20 years of active service immediately before such discharge or release; and (2) the discharge or release is involuntary or the result of denial of reenlistment. Requires members so discharged or released to receive such pay unless the Secretary of the military department concerned determines that the conditions of the release or discharge do not warrant payment of separation pay.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1990
Comprehensive Services Program for Homeless Veterans Act of 1990 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a comprehensive services program to address fully the needs of homeless veterans through housing, medical care, vocational rehabilitation, transportation, and social services provided through this Act and other programs administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Requires each director of a medical center of the Department to carry out jointly with the veterans' benefits director of the region concerned an assessment concerning the number of homeless veterans in the area and current services provided. Requires joint preparation, for each of FY 1991 through 1994, of a plan for meeting the needs of homeless veterans in the area, to be submitted to the Secretary. Provides funding from the Secretary to the directors for such assessment and plans. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1994. Directs the Secretary to provide for the establishment of outreach service centers in areas where there are significant numbers of homeless veterans. Outlines staffing and services of such centers. Directs the Secretary to provide mobile support teams to assist in the provision of benefits through medically-equipped vans in areas high in homeless veterans and in rural areas lacking adequate access to Department medical facilities. Expands the current veterans' benefits available to homeless veterans to include dental, optometric, and podiatric services. Requires the director of each medical center of the Department to use funds provided by the Secretary for homeless veterans assistance to make monthly assistance available for housing for homeless veterans and their families, under specified conditions. Prohibits such assistance for longer than one year for each homeless veteran. Requires a homeless veteran receiving such assistance to be employed at least 18 hours a week or to be involved in a compensated work therapy program administered by the Department. Requires each director to establish a program for the provision of housing owned or leased by the Department in which veterans with chronic mental illness or veterans recovering from alcohol or drug abuse may reside. Outlines program requirements similar to housing assistance program requirements. Requires each director to establish a revolving fund to make loans for the cost of establishing programs for the provision of housing to mentally ill veterans or veterans recovering from alcohol or drug abuse. Outlines loan conditions and guidelines. Directs the Secretary, for each of FY 1991 through 1994, to carry out evaluations of the programs established under this Act and to make specified congressional reports. Authorizes the Secretary to accept donations of services and equipment in furtherance of the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1990
Calls upon the President to urge Soviet President Gorbachev to publicly condemn the emergence of popular anti-Semitism in the Soviet Union and to protect Soviet Jews from harassment and violence.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1990
National Fire Forces Mobilization Act of 1990 - Amends the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 to authorize appropriations to be provided as Federal matching funds to State forestry agencies and rural volunteer fire departments so that they may assist other fire fighting organizations in combatting fires.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1990
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make members of the armed forces serving on extended active duty and stationed outside the United States eligible for the earned income credit.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1990
Medicaid Child Health Amendments of 1990 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to phase-in mandatory Medicaid coverage of children whose family income is below the Federal poverty level. Permits States to provide Medicaid coverage to children who have attained age one but not age six and whose family income does not exceed 185 percent of the Federal poverty level. (Currently, States are required to cover children between such ages whose family income does not exceed 133 percent of the Federal poverty level.) Requires States to: (1) process Medicaid applications at locations which include locations other than those used for applications under part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) (AFDC) of title IV of the Social Security Act; and (2) use applications other than those used under the AFDC program. Permits States to provide an additional 12 months of extended Medicaid coverage to families whose AFDC eligibility ends due to the caretaker relative's employment. (Currently, States are required to provide 12 months of such extended coverage.) Requires States which provide prospective Medicaid payments to hospitals to reimburse hospitals which serve a disproportionate share of low-income patients for exceptionally costly or lengthy stays by children. Directs States to provide Medicaid coverage for disabled children who are eligible for benefits under title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act. Prohibits the discontinuance of a child's Medicaid benefits until he or she is determined not to be eligible for such benefits on any basis. Allows States to extend Medicaid coverage to foster care children whose incomes are above State cash assistance eligibility levels but below the Federal poverty level.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1990
Amends the National Labor Relations Act to make it an unfair labor practice for an employer to offer or grant: (1) permanent replacement employee status during a labor dispute; or (2) any employment preference to an individual who worked or indicated a willingness to work during a labor dispute over an employee who exercised specified rights during such dispute.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1990
Waste Treatment Construction Grants Act of 1990 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize appropriations for FY 1991 through 1994 for waste treatment construction grants. Sets forth an allotment table for sums authorized for such fiscal years. Applies provisions concerning minimum allotments and additional appropriations to such fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1990
Requires cost-of-living adjustments to take effect in FY 1991 for persons receiving military retired pay or an annuity under a veterans survivors' benefits program. Prohibits any reduction or suspension of such adjustments under any presidential order or any other provision of law, except applicable Federal armed forces provisions.
![Official portrait of Rep. Coleman, Ronald D. [D-TX-16]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/c000621_200.jpg)