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Official portrait of Rep. Crane, Philip M. [R-IL-8]

Rep. Crane, Philip M. [R-IL-8]

United States · Official source

Records

3,558 records where Rep. Crane, Philip M. [R-IL-8] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years

Bill· HRH.R. 3561 (102nd)referred

To limit the duration of payments of expenses of former Speakers of the House of Representatives.

United States · United States Congress · 15 October 1991

Provides that the period for which expenses of the former Speakers of the House of Representatives may be paid shall end three years after the expiration date of such term of office, except that in the case of a former Speaker who is receiving such expenses on the date of the enactment of this Act, the period shall end three years after such date.

Bill· HRH.R. 3514 (102nd)referred

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for a maximum long-term capital gains rate of 15 percent and indexing of certain capital assets, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1991

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the individual and corporate capital gains rate from 28 percent and 34 percent to 15 percent. Reduces the minimum tax rate accordingly. Reduces such tax to 7.5 percent for low- and middle-income taxpayers. Requires indexing, based on the gross national product deflator, of the adjusted basis of certain assets (corporate stock and tangible property that is a capital asset of property used in a trade or business) that have been held for more than one year at the time of sale or other transfer, solely for the purpose of determining gain or loss. Provides for indexing the limitation on capital losses of noncorporate taxpayers.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 234 (102nd)open

Urging the President to call upon the President of the Soviet Union to begin immediate negotiations with leaders of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia for the prompt withdrawal of Soviet troops from the Baltic states.

United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1991

Urges the President to call upon the President of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics to begin negotiations with leaders of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia for the prompt withdrawal of Soviet troops from the Baltic States.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 233 (102nd)referred

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the defense budget should be reexamined and reduced based on the changing national security needs of the United States in the post Cold War era, thereby reducing the Federal budget deficit.

United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1991

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the Congress and the President should reexamine and reduce the defense budget based on changing national security needs in the post-Cold War era; and (2) savings should be used to reduce the Federal budget deficit.

Bill· HRH.R. 3395 (102nd)referred

To amend title 10, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Defense to detail members of the Armed Forces for duty as advisors and instructors at correctional facilities of States and local governments operated as military-style boot camps and to authorize the transfer of excess defense property, including real property at military installations being closed or realigned, to States and local governments for use by these camps.

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1991

Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to detail members of the armed forces to a State or local correctional agency for temporary duty as advisors and instructors at a correctional facility operated as a military-style boot camp if the Secretary determines that such personnel could contribute to the rehabilitative purposes of such facility. Credits such military personnel for all service performed during such detail. Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991 and other Federal provisions relating to actions taken in conjunction with defense base closures and realignments to authorize the Secretary to transfer to the State or local government in which the military installation is located such appropriate property or facilities for conversion and use in conjunction with military-style boot camp operations at a correctional facility.

Bill· HRH.R. 3375 (102nd)referred

Consumer Price Reduction Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1991

Consumer Price Reduction Act - Requires, in product liability actions, application of the law of: (1) the State in which the product was first sold to a retail purchaser in actions against the manufacturer; and (2) the State in which the product was first sold to a retail purchaser in actions against the seller. Requires punitive damages awarded in product liability actions governed by those rules to be deposited in the Crime Victims Fund established by the Victims of Crime Act of 1984. Requires costs and attorney's fees to be awarded to the prevailing party.

Law· HJRESH.J.Res. 327 (102nd)enacted

Designating 1992 as the "Year of the Gulf of Mexico".

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1991

Designates 1992 as the Year of the Gulf of Mexico. Directs all Federal and State agencies which have responsibility for matters affecting the Gulf to work to increase public awareness regarding the immeasurable value of this resource and current conditions which threaten its aesthetic and economic value.

Bill· HRH.R. 3313 (102nd)open

Extending nondiscriminatory treatment (most-favored-nation treatment) to the products of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1991

Extends nondiscriminatory treatment (most-favored-nation treatment) to the products of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should take prompt action to provide preferential tariff treatment to such products under the Generalized System of Preferences.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 202 (102nd)referred

Expressing the sense of the Congress that the United States should not provide direct financial assistance to the Soviet Union until the Soviet Union ceases all of its direct economic and military support for the regime of Fidel Castro.

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1991

Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should not provide any direct financial assistance to the Soviet Union until the Soviet Union ceases all of its direct economic and military support for the regime of Fidel Castro in Cuba.

Bill· HRH.R. 3243 (102nd)referred

To direct the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to publish routes on flight charts to safely guide pilots operating under visual flight rules through and in close proximity to terminal control areas and airport radar service areas.

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1991

Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to direct the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to publish and update clearly defined arrival and departure routes leading to and from airports located within and in close proximity to terminal control areas and airport radar service areas for the optional use of pilots operating under visual flight rules.

Bill· HRH.R. 3282 (102nd)open

United States Flag Cruise Ship Competitiveness Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1991

United States Flag Cruise Ship Competitiveness Act of 1991 - Amends Federal law (commonly referred to as the Johnson Act) relating to transportation of gambling devices to exclude from the definition of interstate commerce, transportation from a State to the same State through a place outside that State when such commerce may only be conducted through points not in that State. Repeals all of a specified Federal law (commonly referred to as the Gambling Ship Act) except provisions relating to the transmission of wagering information. Makes unlawful certain actions in connection with a vessel which has any gaming establishment aboard unless in compliance with certain regulations, including registration with the Attorney General and licensing by a State. Provides for certification by the Attorney General of State procedures.

Bill· HRH.R. 3283 (102nd)referred

Foreign Capital and Securities Markets Study Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1991

Foreign Capital and Securities Markets Study Act of 1991 -Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to study and report to the Congress on the capital and securities markets of Japan and their implications for and economic effects on the United States.

Bill· HRH.R. 3273 (102nd)referred

Semiconductor Investment Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1991

Semiconductor Investment Act of 1991 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to classify the depreciable life for semiconductor manufacturing equipment as three-year property.

Bill· HRH.R. 3166 (102nd)referred

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the exclusion from gross income for combat pay received by a commissioned officer to $2,000 per month.

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1991

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the exclusion from gross income for combat pay of commissioned officers (from $500 to $2,000 monthly). Requires the transfer from the Defense Cooperation Account to the general fund of the Treasury such amounts as determined necessary to offset the revenue loss caused by this amendment during the period of the Persian Gulf conflict.

Bill· HRH.R. 3146 (102nd)referred

Tax Fairness and Accountability Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1991

Tax Fairness and Accountability Act of 1991 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require any legislation that increases the tax rate, the tax base, or the amount of income subject to tax, or decreases a deduction, exclusion, or credit to be approved in the House of Representatives and the Senate by an affirmative vote of three-fifths of its Members.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 192 (102nd)open

To establish a Joint Committee on the Organization of Congress.

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1991

Establishes a Joint Committee on the Organization of the Congress to: (1) make a full and complete study of the organization and operation of the Congress; and (2) recommend improvements in such organization and operation with a view toward strengthening its effectiveness, simplifying its operations, improving its relationships with other branches of the Government, and improving the orderly consideration of legislation. Requires a report to the Senate and the House of Representatives not later than the adjournment sine die of the 102d Congress.

Bill· HRH.R. 3109 (102nd)referred

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to clarify liability for certain employment taxes.

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1991

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that an employer's treatment of employees, or employees in substantially similar positions, as being employees for certain periods and not being employees for other periods shall not be treated as indicative of any intentional disregard of the requirement to deduct and withhold employment taxes. Sets forth the circumstances under which employment tax liability is terminated for periods before December 31, 1994. Declares that an employer shall be treated as having a reasonable basis for not treating an employee as an employee for a period if such treatment was based on: (1) judicial precedent, published rulings, technical advice, or a letter ruling; (2) longstanding recognized practice of a significant segment of the industry; or (3) some other demonstrable manner. Prohibits a refund or credit of any overpayment of an employment tax resulting from the application of this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 3037 (102nd)referred

Health Care Liability Reform and Quality of Care Improvement Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1991

Health Care Liability Reform and Quality of Care Improvement Act of 1991 - Title I: Findings and Purpose - Sets forth: (1) findings regarding this Act and (2) the purpose of this Act. Title II: Health Care Liability Reforms - Requires, in order to be eligible to participate in the incentive program provided for in this title, that States have in effect the health care liability reforms set forth in this title. Requires, in any health care liability action, the liability of each defendant for non-economic damages to be several and not joint, with each defendant liable only for the proportion of that defendant's fault and a separate judgment against that defendant in that amount. Prohibits awarding non-economic damages over a certain dollar amount in any health care liability action, subject to waiver. Reduces the total damages received by a plaintiff by the amount of any collateral source benefits. Allows: (1) future economic damage awards to be paid periodically based on when the damages are likely to occur or at the time the damages accrue; and (2) in certain circumstances, the court to require the health care provider to purchase an annuity or fund a reversionary trust to make such periodic payments. Prohibits reopening a judgment awarding periodic payments to contest, amend, or modify the schedule or amount in the absence of fraud or any ground permitting relief after entry of a final judgment. Declares it U.S. policy to encourage alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Requires a State to establish at least one ADR mechanism. Requires a State to: (1) cooperate with Federal research efforts regarding patient outcomes, clinical effectiveness, and clinical practice guidelines; (2) collect, analyze, and supply the Secretary of Health and Human Services with information regarding the performance of State medical boards; and (3) impose continuing education requirements on a disciplined physician. Allows alternatives to these requirements regarding medical boards and continuing education if the Secretary finds the alternatives at least as effective in reducing the incidence of negligence as compliance with the requirements. Allows States three years from the adoption of this Act to enact, adopt, or otherwise comply with the requirements of this title. Requires withholding two percent of payments to States computed under specified provisions of title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act and one percent of payments to hospitals computed under specified provisions of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act and redistribution of the withheld funds to those States and hospitals which have complied with the provisions of this title. Allows waiver of the requirements of this title for any experimental, pilot, or demonstration project which is likely to assist in promoting the objectives of this Act. Title III: Federal Implementation of Health Care Liability Reforms - Amends Federal law to prohibit, in a health care liability action, finding the United States jointly and severally liable for non-economic damages. Allows liability only for those non-economic damages directly attributable to its pro rata share of fault. Reduces damages paid by the United States by the amount of any collateral source benefits. Prohibits awarding non-economic damages, in an action against the United States, over a certain dollar amount. Requires, at the request of the United States when future economic damages are awarded in excess of a specified amount, an order that such damages be paid by periodic payments based on when the damages are likely to occur. Allows the United States, in such cases, to pay the judgment periodically, purchase an annuity, or fund a reversionary trust. Prohibits reopening the judgment to contest, amend, or modify the schedule or amount in the absence of fraud or any ground permitting relief after entry of a final judgment. Title IV: Construction of Provisions - Provides for construction of this Act, severability, and the effective date of this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 3030 (102nd)open

Fairness in Product Liability Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1991

Fairness in Product Liability Act of 1991 - Governs any product liability action brought in either State or Federal court against a manufacturer or product seller on any theory for harm caused by a product, superseding State law in specified ways and degrees. Makes a product seller liable only if the seller: (1) failed to exercise reasonable care regarding the product, and the failure was the proximate cause of the harm; (2) made an express warranty, independent of any express warranty by the manufacturer, the product failed to conform to the warranty and the failure caused the harm; or (3) engaged in international wrongdoing which was a proximate cause of the harm. Makes a product seller liable as if the seller were the manufacturer if: (1) the manufacturer is not subject to service of process under State laws; or (2) a court determines the claimant would be unable to enforce a judgment against the manufacturer. Allows, in certain circumstances, a complete defense of alcohol or controlled substance use. Reduces damages by the percentage of harm attributable to misuse or alteration of a product by any person, subject to exception involving misuse or alteration by the claimant's employer or coemployees. Allows punitive damages against a manufacturer or seller for conscious, flagrant indifference to user safety. Prohibits, in certain circumstances, punitive damages regarding a drug or device, as defined in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, unless packaging of a drug is substantially out of compliance with tamper-resistant packaging regulations. Declares manufacturer or seller liability to be several and not joint for noneconomic damages. Requires a product liability action to be brought within two years after the harm and its cause is, or with reasonable diligence should have been, discovered. Sets the time limit at 25 years for products which are capital goods. Requires offset of workers' compensation benefits. Sets forth rules regarding subrogation, contribution, indemnity, and liens. Provides for tort actions against employers. Prohibits U.S. district courts from having jurisdiction under specified provisions of Federal law over any civil action arising under this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 3026 (102nd)referred

Toxic Cleanup Equity and Acceleration Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1991

Toxic Cleanup Equity and Acceleration Act of 1991 - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to absolve municipalities or other persons from liability to any person other than the United States for claims of contribution or other response costs or damages related to the generation or transportation, or arrangement for the transportation, treatment, or disposal of municipal solid waste or sewage sludge unless there is a basis for liability under provisions governing owners or operators. Prohibits the President from initiating or maintaining an action against any person (other than owners or operators) in the absence of exceptional circumstances. Provides that exceptional circumstances exist where the President obtains evidence that: (1) the release of hazardous substances on which liability is based is not that ordinarily found in municipal solid waste or sewage sludge and the hazardous substances were derived from a commercial, institutional, or industrial process or activity; (2) the total contribution to the site of hazardous substances from such activities is insignificant in terms of volume and toxicity when compared to the volume and toxicity of the municipal solid waste and sewage sludge; or (3) absent the contribution of such substances, the contribution of hazardous substances from the municipal solid waste and sewage sludge would be a significant cause of the release that will result in the response action. Authorizes the President, when the release involves trash from commercial, institutional, or industrial sources, to require persons handling such materials to provide evidence that the general composition and toxicity of the trash are similar to those of waste generated by households. Authorizes a municipality, whenever an administrative or judicial action is brought against the municipality for acts or omissions concerning the handling of municipal solid waste or sewage sludge, to request the President to settle the municipality's potential liability for response costs or damages to natural resources. Prohibits an action from being commenced or pursued during the period the President is considering the settlement request. Limits permissible reasons to fail to reach a settlement to one or more of the following: (1) the settlement offer from the municipality does not meet the cost allocation criteria; (2) the municipality refuses to agree to settlement terms required in consent decrees; or (3) insufficient information exists to permit a cost allocation. Provides that if the President completes a settlement with a party other than the municipality requesting a settlement, such settlement creates a rebuttable presumption that the President cannot invoke insufficient information as a reason for failing to settle with the municipality concerning matters addressed in the other party's settlement. Provides that settlements shall: (1) require the municipality to pay for costs based on the quantity of hazardous constituents in municipal solid waste and sewage sludge, subject to a certain condition; (2) limit a municipality's payments if such payments would force a municipality to dissolve, declare bankruptcy, or default on debt obligations; and (3) be reached even in the event that a municipality may be liable for response costs or damages in other actions. Requires the President to provide a covenant not to sue with respect to the facility concerned to any municipality which has entered into a settlement. Directs the President to prepare a nonbinding preliminary allocation of responsibility (based on the quantity of hazardous constituents in municipal solid waste and sewage sludge) upon the request of a municipality. Applies this Act to all administrative or judicial actions commenced before this Act's effective date, unless a final court judgement has been rendered or a court-approved settlement agreement has been reached.

Bill· HRH.R. 2915 (102nd)referred

Workers' Political Rights Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1991

Workers' Political Rights Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to permit a labor organization to make political communications and establish and solicit contributions for a separate segregated political fund if it provides the employees it represents with written notification of specified information.

Bill· HRH.R. 2876 (102nd)referred

To abolish the Presidential Election Campaign Fund.

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1991

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the Presidential Election Campaign Fund, the Presidential Primary Matching Payment Account, and the tax checkoff for such Fund. Provides for the remaining balances in such Fund and Account to be deposited into the Treasury.

Bill· HRH.R. 2806 (102nd)open

Earthquake Hazard Reduction Amendments Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1991

Earthquake Hazard Reduction Amendments Act - Amends the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 to mandate identification of earthquake-prone States. Establishes the Earthquake Loss Mitigation Advisory Committee. Requires development of comprehensive earthquake loss-reduction criteria for State and local land use and management ordinances, building codes, and other measures. Requires that a percentage of the annual earthquake insurance premiums collected under the Primary Insurance program enacted by this Act be deposited in the Self-Sustaining Mitigation Fund to support specified hazard reduction activities. Requires the Director to support public education programs. Provides for assistance, to the extent provided for in appropriations Acts, to States which are in compliance with the loss-reduction criteria of this Act to support development and implementation of mitigation plans. Prohibits making, increasing, extending, or renewing any federally-related mortgage loan secured by: (1) residential property in an earthquake-prone State unless the property is covered by earthquake insurance coverage under this Act or equivalent private insurance; or (2) improved real estate or a mobile home located in an earthquake-prone State if the State is not in compliance with the loss-reduction criteria of this Act and the property does not meet minimum mitigation criteria. Establishes the Primary Insurance Program against loss from any earthquake. Requires the Director to arrange for participation, on other than a risk-sharing basis, by private insurers, insurance agents and brokers, insurance adjustment organizations, and others. Mandates development of a plan of operation for the Insurance Fund and the Reinsurance Fund. Limits Program coverage to residential property in earthquake-prone States. Establishes an independent advisory committee in the executive branch to be known as the Earthquake Insurance and Reinsurance Advisory Committee. Establishes in the Treasury the Residential Property Insurance Fund to carry out the Primary Insurance Program. Credits to the Insurance Fund premiums received by the Program. Requires, if gross reimbursements to private insurers exceeds amounts in the Insurance Fund, loans from the industry for ten percent of the additional losses, with the remaining amounts borrowed from the Treasury and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Requires the Director to make reinsurance and excess reinsurance available to private insurers participating in the Program and their reinsurers. Provides for the excess reinsurance liability of the insurance industry and the Federal Government. Specifies the lines of insurance for which reinsurance coverage must be provided. Establishes in the Treasury the Reinsurance Fund to carry out the excess loss reinsurance program. Credits to the Fund any reinsurance premiums received under the excess loss reinsurance program and amounts borrowed from the Treasury under this Act. Requires the Director, to the extent that the Reinsurance Fund is insufficient to pay claims and expenses, to issue to the Secretary of the Treasury obligations to cover the insufficiency.

Bill· HRH.R. 2801 (102nd)referred

World Cup USA 1994 Commemorative Coin Act

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.

Bill· HRH.R. 2788 (102nd)referred

Kimberly Bergalis Patient and Health Provider Protection Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1991

Kimberly Bergalis Patient and Health Provider Protection Act of 1991 - Title I: Amendments to Public Health Services Act Regarding Certain Communicable Diseases Among Health Care Providers and Patients - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a list of medical and dental procedures that health care providers with communicable diseases should be prohibited from performing because the performance would pose a risk of transmission of the disease from the provider to the patient. Prohibits a grant to a State under existing provisions for early intervention with respect to HIV disease unless the State: (1) requires testing of providers; and (2) prohibits performance, except with informed consent, of the procedure by infected providers. Requires infected providers to inform patients who may have been exposed and offer to provide counseling and testing. Requires the State to provide counseling to providers on the effects of the prohibition of performing listed procedures. Requires HIV disease and hepatitis B to be included on the list of communicable diseases. Requires inclusion on the list of procedures those procedures which pose a risk of transmission of communicable diseases from patient to provider. Prohibits HIV early intervention grants to a State unless the State authorizes providers to test the patient, without consent, for communicable diseases the provider has a reasonable basis to believe the patient has. Applies the requirements of this title to provisions relating to grants for health care and support services for individuals and families with HIV disease. Title II: General Provisions - Sets forth the effective date of the amendments made by this Act.

Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 290 (102nd)passed

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution to provide for a balanced budget for the United States Government and for greater accountability in the enactment of tax legislation.

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.

Bill· HRH.R. 2692 (102nd)referred

Older Women's Breast Cancer Prevention Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1991

Older Women's Breast Cancer Prevention Act of 1991 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) repeal the limit on payment amounts for screening mammography under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of the Medicare program; and (2) permit payment under such part to the physician who supervises such procedure but does not interpret its results.

Bill· HRH.R. 2687 (102nd)referred

Abundant Water Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1991

Abundant Water Act - Title I: Water Certificates - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a system for issuing certificates to allow private ownership of water resources and the free transfer of private property rights in such resources. Requires each State to recognize a water right in instream flows for aesthetic, environmental, navigation, or recreational purposes without regard to diversion or beneficial use. Allows the unitization of acquifers in the use of groundwater resources. Removes the Secretary's authority to disapprove the transfer of a right to water from any Federal reclamation project. Requires the Secretary to cooperate in delivering water transferred by such a certificate to appropriate locations to the extent practicable. Title II: Water Utility Corporations - Allows private businesses to construct and operate water projects as public utilities, subject to specified terms and conditions. Title III: General Provisions - Overrides State laws made inconsistent by the enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary to issue such regulations as may be necessary to carry out this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 2672 (102nd)referred

To award a congressional gold medal to Secretary of Defense Richard B. Cheney.

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1991

Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present to the Secretary of Defense, Richard B. Cheney, a gold medal in recognition of his exemplary performance as a leader in coordinating the planning, strategy, and execution of combat action by U.S. armed forces which led to the liberation of Kuwait. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the sale of bronze duplicates of the medal.

Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 276 (102nd)open

To designate "National Parks Week".

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1991

Designates the week beginning August 25, 1991, as National Parks Week.

Bill· HRH.R. 2649 (102nd)referred

Free Market Assistance and Technological Innovation Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1991

Free Market Assistance and Technological Innovation Act - Title I: Free Market Assistance Contributions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a charitable deduction for corporate contributions to private businesses in Eastern European emerging free market countries. Describes such free market assistance contribution (FMAC) as any contribution of property to a qualified business organization, if: (1) the property is to be used by the donee organization solely for carrying out a trade or business in such country; (2) the property is not transferred by the donee organization in exchange for money, other property, or services; and (3) the donor corporation receives a written statement from such organization on the use and disposition of the property. Allows contributions of related shipping services or expenses. Requires the Secretary to designate as an Eastern European emerging free market country any Eastern European country taking steps toward: (1) political pluralism; (2) economic reform; (3) respect for internationally recognized human rights; and (4) a willingness to build a friendly relationship with the United States. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to allocate the deductible FMAC amounts to each qualified corporation, up to a specified annual limitation. Establishes a two-year period after the enactment of this Act during which such deduction is applicable. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish an information collection and dissemination program to facilitate and coordinate FMACs. Title II: Extension of Research Provisions - Extends the credit for increasing research activities from December 31, 1991, to December 31, 1992. Extends the rule for the allocation of research and experimental expenditures to the first three taxable years (currently, the first two taxable years) beginning after August 1, 1989, and on or before August 1, 1992 (currently, 1991). Title III: Tax Treatment of FSLIC Financial Assistance - Provides that acquirers of savings and loan institutions cannot deduct losses or expenses that have been reimbursed by the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation (FSLIC), the FSLIC Resolution Fund, or the Resolution Trust Corporation. Makes such provision applicable to FSLIC assistance paid with respect to any asset or debt disposed of on or after January 1, 1981. Title IV: Tax Treatment of Losses from Certain Exchanges of Debt Pools - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit a loss from being recognized by a corporation from the transfer of any debt pool in exchange for consideration part or all of which consists of a substantially identical debt pool.

Bill· HRH.R. 2643 (102nd)referred

Spending Priority Reform Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1991

Spending Priority Reform Act of 1991 - Expresses the sense of the Congress that any money returned to the Treasury as a result of this Act should be deposited in the General Fund of the Treasury to be applied against servicing the national debt. Title I: Interior Appropriations - Rescinds unauthorized FY 1991 appropriations to the Department of the Interior for: (1) certain National Park Service studies; (2) projects for historic landmarks; and (3) grants for miscellaneous local projects. Title II: Commerce, Justice, State Appropriations - Rescinds unauthorized FY 1991 appropriations to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for: (1) a specified fresh-water fish hatchery; (2) a certain seafood consumer center in Oregon; (3) a project for fish oil research; (4) special area management planning in Charleston, South Carolina; and (5) the purchase of a research vessel for the University of Massachusetts. Amends the Small Business Act to repeal the authorization for a tree planting program. Rescinds unauthorized FY 1991 appropriations to the Small Business Administration for such program and for direct grants for miscellaneous projects. Title III: Treasury, Postal Service, and General Government Appropriations - Rescinds unauthorized FY 1991 appropriations to the General Services Administration for certain projects funded through the Federal Buildings Fund. Title IV: Agriculture Appropriations - Rescinds unauthorized FY 1991 appropriations to the Department of Agriculture for certain special research grants and the rural development grant for the restoration of the birthplace of Lawrence Welk or the construction, alteration, or repair of a Lawrence Welk museum. Title V: Transportation Appropriations - Rescinds unauthorized FY 1991 appropriations to the Department of Transportation for specified Federal Highway Administration demonstration projects. Title VI: Housing and Urban Development Appropriations - Rescinds unauthorized FY 1991 appropriations to the Department of Housing and Urban Development for certain housing projects. Title VII: Defense Appropriations - Rescinds unauthorized FY 1991 appropriations made under the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1991, for certain universities and certain miscellaneous projects. Title VIII: Foreign Operations Appropriations - Rescinds unauthorized FY 1991 appropriations for a specified grant relating to foreign development and development assistance made to a university. Title IX: Legislative Branch Appropriations - Rescinds unauthorized appropriations to study the location for a new staff gymnasium for the House of Representatives. Title X: Supplemental Appropriations (Public Law 102-27) - Rescinds unauthorized appropriations made under the Dire Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Consequences of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Food Stamps, Unemployment Compensation Administration, Veterans Compensation and Pensions, and Other Urgent Needs Act of 1991 for: (1) the service life extension program for the U.S.S. Kennedy at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard; and (2) the costs of establishing a Center for Commerce and Industrial Expansion at Loyola University of Chicago.

Bill· HRH.R. 2589 (102nd)open

Customs Modernization Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1991

Customs Modernization Act of 1991 - Title I: Amendments to the Tariff Act of 1930 - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to revise customs procedures with respect to: (1) the import of merchandise; (2) entry and clearance of vessels (including the electronic transmission of data); and (3) the increased effectiveness of the Customs Service in commercial matters. Title II: Amendments to the Harmonized Tariff Schedules - Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to increase the dollar amount of alcoholic beverages and cigarettes and cigars that can be entered duty-free by persons returning to the United States. Increases the amount on such items where a duty is provided. Title III: Amendments to Other Provisions of Law - Amends specified Federal laws with respect to: (1) country of origin marking requirements; (2) certain expenditures from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund; (3) electronic data interchange; (4) the Customs Service; and (5) water pollution control. Title IV: Repeal of Obsolete Provisions of Law - Repeals specified provisions of Federal law.

Bill· HRH.R. 2569 (102nd)referred

To encourage the establishment of free trade areas between the United States and certain Pacific Rim countries.

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1991

Directs the President to initiate consultations with each Pacific Rim country (Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, or Hong Kong) to determine the feasibility of negotiating the elimination of tariffs and nontariff barriers, including barriers to investment, trade in services, and protection of intellectual property rights, through a bilateral free trade agreement. Requires the President, at each ministerial meeting convened for such consultations, to recommend establishment of a council to review and report on the existing bilateral relationship and the prospects for negotiating a free trade agreement. Requires the President to achieve specified negotiating objectives with each country, including: (1) improving bilateral relationships through trade expansion and greater economic efficiency; (2) removing trade barriers, particularly in agricultural products and manufactured components in an effort to reduce government subsidies and injurious dumping practices; (3) providing mechanisms for the development of rules in nontraditional areas such as services, trade-related investment, and the protection of intellectual property rights; (4) encouraging U.S. firms to take greater advantage of opportunities in Pacific Rim countries and to compete more effectively there; and (5) improving market access in such countries.

Bill· HRH.R. 2512 (102nd)open

Customs Informed Compliance and Automation Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1991

Customs Informed Compliance and Automation Act of 1991 - Title I: Improvements in Customs Enforcement - Amends Federal Law with respect to administrative rulemaking and procedure with respect to U.S. customs laws. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 (the Act), with respect to unlawful acts, to cover forged, altered, false documents papers or manifests in electronic or other form as well as written. Permits the master of a vessel, person in charge of a vehicle, or aircraft pilot, in order to avoid a civil penalty and seizure and forfeiture of merchandise imported into the United States, to comply with reporting requirements by electronic or other means as well as written. Provides for: (1) accreditation of private testing laboratories; (2) regulatory audit procedures; and (3) avoidance of protest and protest review denials. Repeals a provision of the Act relating to the reliquidation of merchandise where there is probable cause it is fraudulently imported into the United States. Prohibits any person through fraud, gross negligence, or negligence from importing merchandise by means of electronically transmitted data or information which is material and false. Provides as an exception to such prohibition inadvertences which result from electronic transmissions unless they are part of a pattern of negligent conduct. Defines "clerical errors" or "mistakes of fact" to include nonintentional entry of merchandise otherwise then in accordance with a binding ruling of the Customs Service to the person making entry. Declares that mere repetition of such clerical errors, mistakes of fact or other inadvertences throughout an import activity summary statement, other electronic transmissions or in connection with other entries, shall not constitute a pattern of negligent conduct. Defines fraud, gross negligence, and negligence with respect to customs violations. Exempts from certain forfeiture and seizure sanctions for unlawful importation, instances in which article owners are liable for penalties for the falsity or lack of manifests, or for unlading duties. Authorizes the: (1) seizure or forfeiture of prohibited merchandise (currently, any merchandise) that is imported or attempted to be imported into the United States contrary to law; and (2) denial of entry of restricted merchandise imported or attempted to be imported into the United States contrary to law (except that any such merchandise imported by fraud, gross negligence, or negligence may be seized and forfeited). Defines "prohibited merchandise" and "restricted merchandise." Provides for a five year statute of limitations on actions to recover duties accruing under the customs laws. Sets forth certain publishing requirements with respect to: (1) the promulgation and modification of interpretive rulings or decisions; (2) decisions limiting the application of a court decision; and (3) public information necessary for importers and exporters to comply with the customs laws. Title II: National Customs Automation Program - National Customs Automation Act - Subtitle A: General Program Provisions - Establishes the National Customs Automation Program for the modernization of customs laws, regulations, and procedures to permit the transmission, on a periodic basis, by electronic and other means, of information and payments associated with the entry and release of merchandise into the United States. Requires the Customs Service to implement the Program within one year of enactment of this Act and to report to the Congress within one year of such implementation. Makes participation of importers in the Program optional. Requires the Customs Service to apply all regulations and rulings with regard to the Program in a manner which is consistent and nonintrusive upon the normal flow of business activity. Subtitle B: Amendments to Implement Program - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to revise the method for determining the effective date with respect to the imposition of duties on imported merchandise. Provide for electronic data transmission relating to: (1) merchandise manifests; (2) imported merchandise invoices; (3) entry and release of imported merchandise; (4) admissibility in administrative and judicial proceedings of electronically transmitted information; (5) the payment of duties; (6) administrative recordkeeping; (7) protests of Customs Service decisions; (8) refunds and errors; and (9) customhouse brokers. Repeals specified provisions of the Act relating to: (1) production of bills of lading; (2) certification by owner of carrier; (3) acceptance of duplicate bills of lading; and (4) release of merchandise. Requires the Customs Service to complete, within one year of enactment of this Act, implementation of the National Customs Automation Program. Declares that the documentation or information required with respect to imported merchandise shall be filed with the Customs Service: (1) in advance of the arrival of such merchandise, or (as currently) at the time of entry or within ten working days after entry; and (2) periodically, with the approval of the Commissioner of Customs, by transmitting a monthly activity report within ten working days after entry; and (2) periodically, with the approval of the Commissioner of Customs, by transmitting a monthly activity report within 15 working days following the end of the month in which the entry was made. Requires an import activity summary statement which incorporates such monthly reports to be transmitted thereafter to the Service at specified intervals. Requires the Customs Service to liquidate the entry of merchandise (as under current law) or reconcile an import summary statement. Declares certain limitations on the liquidation of merchandise shall not apply to entries that are subject to an import activity summary statement. Deems any such statement not reconciled within one year from its filing to be reconciled at rates of duty, values, quantities, and amount of duty contained in the statement. Authorizes the Secretary to refund duties whenever it is determined on reconciliation or revision of reconciliation of such statements that more money has been deposited or paid as duties than was required by law. Title III: Miscellaneous Amendments to the Tariff Act of 1930 - Amends the Act to authorize the Secretary to disregard the difference, but not less than $20 (currently ten dollars), between the total estimated duties deposited with respect to imported merchandise and the total amount actually due on such merchandise. Authorizes the Secretary to admit duty-free: (1) gifts from persons in foreign countries to persons in the United States whose value does not exceed $100 (currently, $50), or $200 (currently, $100) in the case of gifts from persons in the Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa; (2) articles accompanying persons for personal or household use whose value does not exceed $200 (currently, $25); or (3) articles whose value does not exceed $200 (currently, five dollars) in other cases. Authorizes the Secretary to waive collection of duties due on merchandise that are less than $20, or such greater amount as the Secretary may prescribe. Requires masters of vessels that have visited a hovering vessel or received merchandise while outside the U.S. territorial sea to report their arrival to the nearest customs facility. Provides for the electronic transmission of vessel documentation to the Customs Service. Requires the following vessels to report to the nearest Customs Service facility within 48 hours after arrival to a U.S. port: (1) vessels from a foreign port; (2) foreign vessels from a domestic port; (3) U.S. vessels having bonded or foreign merchandise for which entry has not been made; or (4) vessels which visited a hovering vessel or received merchandise outside the U.S. territorial sea. Permits masters of vessels to make preliminary entry of their vessel with the Customs Service in lieu of or before formal entry is made. Requires U.S. and foreign vessels to obtain clearance from the Customs Service before proceeding from a U.S. port for: (1) a foreign port; (2) another U.S. port (for foreign vessels only), or (for U.S. vessels only) another U.S. port if the vessel has bonded or foreign merchandise for which entry has not been made; or (3) outside the U.S. territorial sea to visit a hovering vessel or to receive merchandise. Exempts from entry and clearance requirements U.S. documented vessels with recreational endorsement or (as under current law) undocumented U.S. pleasure vessels not engaged in trade, except such vessels must comply upon arrival with specified customs reporting requirements and navigation laws and must not have visited any hovering vessel. Prohibits merchandise, passengers, or baggage from being unladen from any vessel required to make entry or vehicle required to report its arrival until such entry or report of arrival is made and a permit for unlading has been issued by the Customs Service. Authorizes the issuance of such permits through electronic data transmission. Requires every importer of record of merchandise to make and file electronically or otherwise a declaration stating whether such merchandise is imported pursuant to a purchase or purchase agreement and that all other required documents are true and correct. Provides for electronic data transmission of entry information to complete any incomplete entry of imported merchandise. Declares entered or unentered merchandise that remains in customs custody for six months, with an extension at the importer's request of up to a year (currently, for merchandise that remains in custody for one year), and in which duties, taxes, fees, storage, and other charges have not been paid, to be unclaimed merchandise which shall be appraised and sold by the Customs Service at public auction. Authorizes the sale of imported gunpowder and other explosive merchandise that if permitted to remain in a bonded warehouse for six months (currently, one year) would depreciate in value to the extent that its sale is insufficient to pay such duties, taxes, fees, storage, and other charges. Authorizes the Customs Service, in lieu of sale, to provide notice to interested parties that, unless, within 30 days of such notice, the subject merchandise is entered or withdrawn for consumption and payment made of all duties, taxes, and fees, transfer and storage charges and other expenses that title to such merchandise shall be deemed to vest in the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to pay to a party that has lost a substantial interest in merchandise by virtue of title vesting in the United States, and can establish that it did not receive a vesting notice, an amount from the Customs Forfeiture Fund equal to what such party would have received if such merchandise had been sold and a proper claim filed. Requires any surplus of the proceeds from the sale of such merchandise to be deposited into the Fund if a claim for such surplus is not filed with the Customs Service. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe regulations for the declaration and entry of merchandise whose value does not exceed a certain amount, not less than $2,500 (currently not greater than $1,250), and/or when different commercial facilitation and risk considerations that may vary for different classes or kinds of merchandise or different classes of transactions may dictate. Directs the Secretary to promulgate procedures for the issuance of binding classification rulings issued prior to entry of merchandise which obligate the importer whose entry is the subject of such ruling, or his authorized agent, and the Customs Service to enter such merchandise in accordance with such ruling. Authorizes the Secretary to direct any customs officer to: (1) go from one port of entry to another to appraise or classify merchandise imported at any port; and (2) review entries of such merchandise at any other port. Repeals the declaration that no customs duty ruling of the Secretary shall be reversed or modified adversely to the United States except in concurrence with the Attorney General's recommendation or the final decision of certain international bodies. Revises provisions of the Act with respect to allowances made in the estimation and liquidation of duties for imported merchandise that has been abandoned or damaged. Provides for electronic filing of invoiced descriptions and vessel information to the Customs Service with respect to imported fruit or other perishable merchandise that has been condemned at a port of entry. Prohibits a customs officer from being liable to any person: (1) on account of any fees and taxes charged or collected on merchandise; or (2) with respect to the delivery of merchandise released from Customs custody. Makes the Customs Service liable for merchandise lost or damaged while in its custody. Requires the Secretary upon seizure and forfeiture of imported merchandise bearing a counterfeit mark to dispose such merchandise more than 90 days (currently, one year) after such forfeiture. Requires the Customs Service to be reimbursed for the administrative costs and expenses incurred in collecting fees on behalf of other Federal agencies. Authorizes withdrawal of imported merchandise from a warehouse for transfer to a foreign trade zone. Subjects to specified civil penalties the master of a hovering vessel, or a vessel which has received merchandise while outside the U.S. territorial sea who allows merchandise (including sea stores): (1) to be unladen from such vessel before it has come to the proper place to discharge and before such master has received permission to unlade such merchandise; and (2) which is prohibited from being imported, or which consists of spirits, wines, or other alcoholic liquors, to be unladen from such vessel while at sea to be transshipped to another vessel for introduction into the United States. Authorizes the Customs Service to order the destruction or other appropriate disposition of vessels, vehicles, aircraft, merchandise, or baggage that has been seized under the customs laws if it determines that the expense of keeping such items is disportionate to their value (currently applies only to items of less than $1,000 in value).

Bill· HRH.R. 2510 (102nd)referred

To deny nondiscriminatory (most-favored-nation) trade treatment to the products of India.

United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1991

Denies most-favored-nation treatment for products from India. Authorizes the President to restore such treatment if he determines, and certifies to the Congress at least 30 days prior to the time such restoration takes effect, that: (1) internationally-recognized human rights groups (such as Asia Watch and Amnesty International) are being allowed to visit any area in India and report on human rights situation there; and (2) India has taken steps to curb human rights abuses, including safeguarding the rights of political prisoners.