United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1991
Affirms the U.S. commitment to implement the recommendations contained in the Amsterdam Declaration adopted by the International Forum on Population in the Twenty-First Century, in particular the recommendations that countries and donors: (1) increase their political commitment to population programs and policies and take into account the principles of the World Population Plan of Action of 1974; (2) contribute to the development of comprehensive population goals and objectives and take into account the review of population experience conducted by the United Nations Population Fund; (3) adopt integrated population, environmental, and natural resource management policies; (4) provide the financial resources to reach the medium variant population projection by the year 2000; (5) improve the role and status of women and ensure that women participate in and benefit from population and development activities; (6) ensure that population programs provide education and counseling for young people and promote their participation in development activities; (7) guarantee all individuals the right to decide the number and spacing of their children and ensure that they have the information and means to do so; (8) take into account the results of the Forum in the formulation of international development strategies for specified United Nations conferences; (9) support research for family planning and expedite distribution of existing methods; (10) respond positively to requests for population assistance and increase the proportion of development assistance going to population activities; (11) observe the priorities of, and harmonize, donor financial inputs and program procedures; and (12) coordinate population assistance with other donors. Urges all entities referred to in the Declaration to implement applicable recommendations. Sets forth the text of the Declaration.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1991
Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to ensure that the annual cost of living adjustments for Members of Congress, Federal judges and justices, and certain senior officials in the executive branch do not exceed the cost of living adjustments for General Schedule employees. Amends the Ethics Reform Act of 1989 to make the cost of living adjustments for Members of Congress, Federal judges and justices, and certain Senior officials in the executive branch reflective of the change in the employment cost index for the same time period used for General Schedule employees.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1991
Multiple Employer Health Benefits Protection Act of 1991 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to establish certification standards under title I (Protection of Employee Beneift Rights) for multiple employer welfare arrangements (MEWAs) providing health benefits. Treats as employee welfare benefits plans, and exempts from certain restrictions on preemption, a MEWA which provide benefits consisting solely on specified medical care, which is not fully insured, and with respect to which a specified certificate of compliance is in effect or there is pending a complete application for such a certificate and the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary) determines that provision protection under this Act is appropriate. Sets forth requirements for such certificate of compliance, including provisions for: (1) application information and filing fee; (2) issuance of certificate; (3) treatment of party seeking the certificate where the party is subject to disqualification for specified reasons; and (4) franchise networks. Sets forth additional filing requirements, including: (1) notice of material changes; (2) annual reports; (3) engagement of qualified actuary; and (4) filing certificates of compliance with States. Sets forth requirements for disclosures to participating employees. Requires MEWAs with certificates of compliance under this Act and which are not fully insured to maintain specified types of reserves. Requires a specified minimum amount for certain of such reserves. Sets forth transitional rules for meeting escrow requirements. Requires the qualified actuary to include, in determining the amount of such required reserves, a margin for error and other fluctuations taking into account the specific circumstances of such MEWA. Requires such MEWAs to establish and maintain for each plan year aggregate and specific excess/stop loss coverage in a prescribed manner and amount. Sets forth corrective actions which such MEWAs' operating committees must take: (1) to avoid suspension or revocation of certification; or (2) in connection with termination of the MEWA. Sets forth provisions for certification: (1) expiration and renewal; (2) suspension or revocation by the Secretary or under court proceedings; (3) surrender and notification of participating employees; and (4) expiration, suspension, and revocation publication. Sets forth provisions for review of actions by the Secretary with respect to denials of applications for, or suspensions or revocations of, such certificate of compliance. Revises ERISA provisions relating to: (1) a specified exemption from preemption; (2) the definition of plan sponsor; and (3) treatment of single employer arrangements. Directs the Secretary to prescribe an alternative means of distribution of summary plan descriptions by participating employers, in the case of MEWAs. Requires MEWAs which provide medical care health benefits and which are not fully insured and which have not been certified under this Act to file specified registration statements with the Secretary and with the Insurance Commissioner (or similar official) of each State in which they conduct business.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1991
World Cup USA 1994 Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue a specified number of five-dollar gold coins, one-dollar silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins in commemoration of the 1994 World Cup and the unique appeal of soccer. Sets forth certain features of such coins and provides for their design, issuance, and sale. Requires that all sales include a surcharge of $35 per coin for the five-dollar coins, $7 per coin for the one-dollar coins, and $1 per coin for the half-dollar coins. Requires that all surcharges be paid to the Organizing Committee to organize and stage the 1994 World Cup. Requires that ten percent of such funds shall be made available through the U.S. Soccer Federation Foundation, Inc., for distribution to institutions for scholastic scholarships to qualified students.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1991
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.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1991
Constitutional Amendment - Requires the Congress and the President, prior to each fiscal year, to agree on an estimate of total receipts (except those derived from borrowing) for that fiscal year by enactment of a law devoted solely to that subject. Prohibits outlays for that year (except those for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding this amount unless the Congress, by a three-fifths roll call vote of each House, authorizes a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Requires a three-fifths roll call vote of each House to increase the public debt. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to the Congress. Requires the approval of a majority of the total membership of each House by roll call vote before any bill to increase revenue may become law. Waives these provisions when a declaration of war is in effect. Makes this article effective beginning with FY 1995 or with the second fiscal year after its ratification, whichever is later.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code and the Social Security Act to exclude from the social security tax on self-employment income amounts received by a former insurance salesman after retirement if: (1) such amounts are deferred or renewal commissions on policies sold before retirement; and (2) such salesman was not an employee for tax purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1991
Establishes the National Commission on American Labor Law (the Commission). Directs the Commission to evaluate all aspects of labor law to determine any necessary changes so that labor and civil rights, working conditions, and U.S. workers' standard of living can be maintained or enhanced with the simultaneous promotion and growth of U.S. businesses domestically and in international markets. Requires the Commission to include in its evaluation laws and regulations relating to: (1) labor-management relations; (2) work place health and safety; (3) work place discrimination; (4) wages, benefits, and disability compensation; (5) worker training, retraining, and skill enhancement; (6) immigration and the use of foreign workers; and (7) procurement and contracting. Sets forth provisions for Commission membership, Director and staff, experts and consultants, and powers. Requires the Commission to report, with recommendations for legislative or administrative action within three years after enactment of this Act, to the President and each House of the Congress. Terminates the Commission 90 days after its submission of its final report. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1991
Airport and Airway Trust Fund Integrity Act of 1991 - Declares that the receipts and disbursements of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund allocable to transportation-related operations shall not be counted as new budget authority, outlays, receipts, or deficit or surplus for purposes of: (1) the budget of the United States as presented by the President; (2) the congressional budget; or (3) the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). Exempts the fund from sequestration orders. Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to prohibit the Senate or the House of Representatives from considering any concurrent resolution on the budget or reconciliation bill that would treat the Airport and Airway Trust Fund as part of the Federal budget. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the increase in taxes on the rates of transportation of persons and property by air and the Airport and Airway Trust Fund financing rate (for the aviation fuel tax). Provides for a credit or refund of excess taxes paid for floor stocks of aviation fuel held prior to the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1991
James Madison-Bill of Rights Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury (the Secretary) to mint and issue five-dollar gold coins emblematic of the Bill of Rights, and one-dollar silver coins emblematic of James Madison. Sets forth guidelines for their sale and issuance, and for financial assurances. Mandates that the surcharges received by the Secretary shall be transmitted to the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Trust Fund. Authorizes audits by the Comptroller General. Provides a general waiver of procurement regulations when implementing this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1991
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should ask the United Nations (UN) to release through UNICEF a portion of Iraq's frozen assets to provide medical and humanitarian assistance to the Iraqi people, particularly children, with release of the funds contingent on Iraqi Government acceptance of UN oversight and control.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1991
Contraception and Infertility Research Centers Act of 1991 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the Institute of Child Health and Human Development to make grants or enter into contracts for centers for improving methods of contraception and centers for diagnosing and treating infertility. Requires the Director, subject to appropriations, to provide for three centers with respect to contraception and two centers with respect to infertility. Requires each center to: (1) conduct clinical and other applied research; (2) develop training protocols for and conduct training of physicians, scientists, nurses, and other health and allied health professionals; (3) develop model continuing education programs; and (4) disseminate information to professionals. Allows a center to use the funds to provide: (1) stipends for health and allied health professionals enrolled in the training programs; and (2) fees to individuals serving as subjects in the clinical trials. Requires each center to use the facilities of a single institution, or be formed from a consortium of cooperating institutions, meeting requirements as prescribed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Allows support for a center to be for a period of up to five years, with extensions of one or more periods of up to five years if the center's operations have been reviewed by a peer review group and the group has so recommended. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary to establish a program of entering into agreements with health professionals, including graduate students, under which the professionals agree to conduct research with respect to contraception or infertility in consideration of the Government agreeing to repay, for each year of such service, not more than a specified amount of the principal and interest of their educational loans. Applies provisions of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program to this program, except as inconsistent. Authorizes appropriations. Requires amounts appropriated to remain available until the end of the second fiscal year after they are appropriated.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1991
Declares that the Congress should: (1) establish a program of research for the development of methods of contraception and methods of diagnosing and treating infertility; (2) provide adequate long-term resources for the program; (3) ensure that Federal programs with respect to sexually transmitted diseases adequately respond to the role of such diseases in infertility; (4) ensure public education on contraception and infertility; (5) establish as Federal goals the development, by the year 2010, of improved barrier methods to protect against pregnancy and diseases, new methods of contraception for use by men, a vaccine-like drug for women that prevents pregnancy for a significant period of time without other specified effects, and new and improved techniques of diagnosing and treating infertility; (6) require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to reestablish the Ethical Advisory Board in order to facilitate research with respect to infertility; (7) review the policies and procedures of the Food and Drug Administration with respect to expediting approval of drugs and devices for use by the public, especially with respect to contraception and infertility; and (8) determine to what extent measures can be implemented by public or private entities to resolve liability issues involved with drugs and devices concerned with contraception and infertility.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1991
Authorizes the Go for Broke National Veterans Association to establish a memorial on Federal land in the District of Columbia or its environs to honor Japanese American Veterans. Prohibits any Federal funds from being used to pay any expense of the establishment of the memorial.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1991
Procompetitiveness and Antiboycott Act of 1991 - Directs the U.S. Ambassador to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to discuss with representatives from other OECD member countries and to report to the Congress on: (1) the extent to which business enterprises comply with the boycott of Israel by Arab countries; (2) the effectiveness, with respect to the secondary boycott, of antiboycott laws of countries that have them; (3) the extent to which the secondary boycott has skewed global trade and investment, as well as in the Middle East; (4) the extent to which business enterprises not complying with the boycott are placed at a competitive disadvantage; (5) the extent to which the secondary boycott contradicts OECD trade and investment policy; and (6) the development of guidelines, comparable to the prohibitions set forth under the Export Administration Act of 1979, that OECD countries can agree on to eliminate compliance with the boycott. Requires the United States Trade Representative to enter into discussions with representatives from member countries of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and to report to the Congress on the extent to which: (1) the secondary boycott of Israel has distorted trade; (2) members of and observers to the GATT encourage actions, including the furnishing of information or entering into agreements, which support the boycott; (3) the GATT should work to eliminate the secondary boycott; and (4) GATT articles can be used to eliminate compliance with such boycott. Requires the President to report to the Congress on progress made to end the boycott. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to report to the Congress on OECD countries that encourage or fail to discourage compliance with such boycott.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1991
Ethics and Treatment of Home Medical Equipment Act of 1991 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish certification standards for suppliers of durable medical equipment, ostomy bags, and supplies related to ostomy care under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) to assure patient safety and the availability of high-quality covered items. Requires such suppliers to meet such standards in order to be eligible for reimbursement from Medicare. Deems such suppliers accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations or other appropriate accrediting entities to have met those standards. Prohibits carrier forum shopping. Modifies the prohibition against suppliers filling out certificates of medical necessity to make such prohibition applicable to items on the Secretary's list of potentially overused items. Prohibits physician referrals to durable medical equipment companies in which the referring physician has a financial relationship. Waives mandatory submission of claims provisions for nonparticipating suppliers of inexpensive items of durable medical equipment. Sets limits on the Medicare reimbursement cuts mandated under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 for covered items. Restores Medicare's monthly payment for rental cap items to ten percent per month for up to 12 months. Provides an up-front purchase option for rental cap items in instances where the item is needed for longer than 12 months at least 75 percent of the time or where the patient is in a severe condition recognized by the Secretary.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 30 May 1991
Teacher Leadership Act of 1991 - Title I: Teacher Recruitment - Part A: University Partnerships for Classroom Leadership - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to create University Partnerships for Classroom Leadership. Authorizes the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) to make grants to qualifying institutions (including institutions with large enrollments of minority or disadvantaged and historically Black colleges or universities) to establish partnerships with local education agencies (LEAs) to support: (1) mentorship or tutoring programs; (2) cultural, recreational, or athletic activities; (3) programs of college students as teacher aides; (4) seminars or workshops to advise college students about child development, child psychology, teaching methods, or the teaching profession; and (5) other appropriate activities to establish a presence of minority role models in the classroom or encourage minority students to enter the teaching field. Requires equitable distribution of such grants throughout the Nation and among a variety of communities. Permits the use of grant funds for: (1) training of college students and professors and school teachers; (2) instructional or curriculum materials; (3) transportation or incidental costs associated with participation; and (4) any other appropriate expenses of planning, implementing, or operating the partnership with the LEA. Authorizes appropriations. Part B: Community Partnerships for Classroom Leadership - Creates a National Mini Corps Program for higher education institution partnerships with the migrant community. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to such institutions to establish partnerships to provide certain migrant college students with training to help them serve as student or teacher role models, links to the community, and tutors and teachers of migrant children. Provides for equitable distribution of grants. Allows the use of grant funds for program planning, implementation, and operation, but limits the portion that may be used for administrative expenses. Authorizes appropriations. Part C: National Job Bank for Teacher Recruitment Study and Demonstration - Establishes a National Job Bank for Teacher Recruitment. Directs the Secretary, through the Office of Educational Research and Improvement (OERI), to study the feasibility of establishing: (1) a clearinghouse to operate a national teacher job bank; and (2) regional clearinghouses. Directs the Secretary, through OERI, to contract with one or more State entities, nonprofit organizations, or higher education institutions to pay the Federal share of costs of establishing a Teacher Job Bank Clearinghouse to help: (1) public and private education agencies locate qualified applicants for teaching-related positions; and (2) individuals locate teaching-related jobs or training necessary to enter the teaching profession. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Broadening the Diversity of Skills and Expertise of Teachers - Part A: Business Partnerships for Classroom Leadership - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to LEAs to establish model partnerships with business community representatives to sponsor programs for: (1) local business representatives to work with teachers to provide supplementary instruction in the classroom; (2) classroom teacher internships working in local businesses to gain practical experience or new skills or expertise; (3) local business representatives to work with school administrators to develop instructional material; and (4) other appropriate activities for forming a working relationship between business and classroom leaders. Provides for equitable distribution of grants. Gives priority to partnerships focusing on mathematics or science expertise of classroom teachers, particularly at the elementary level. Allows awards only to partnerships of sufficient size and scope to be models. Allows use of funds for partnership planning, implementation, and operation, but limits the portion which may be used for administrative costs. Authorizes appropriations. Part B: Teacher Certification and Licensure - Establishes Standards for Teacher Certification programs to provide Federal support and technical assistance to States to: (1) review their teacher certification and licensure requirements; and (2) determine what new standards or alternative routes need to be developed. Directs the Secretary to make State allotments based on population of children ages five through 17. Directs the Secretary to reserve a portion of funds to provide technical assistance to States which are developing new standards or alternative routes for teacher certification and licensure. Allows States to use assistance for review of existing standards and development of new standards and alternative routes for teacher certification and licensure. Allows States to carry out such activities directly or through grants to appropriate agencies, institutions, or organizations. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Innovations in the Practice of Teaching - Part A: CLASS (Classroom Leaders Assisting Students to Succeed) Academies - Replaces professional development resource centers for teachers with CLASS (Classroom Leaders Assisting Students to Succeed) Academies. Directs the Secretary to award grants to LEAs, State educational agencies, higher education institutions, private management organizations, or nonprofit organizations, or consortia of such entities, to establish and operate a CLASS Academy in each State. Requires that special consideration in awarding grants be given to entities receiving Leadership in Educational Administration Development assistance which can meet specified requirements. Sets forth grantee obligations and general criteria for grants. Requires each grant to be for five years, with possible renewal for one additional five-year period. Allows the use of grant funds for: (1) developing and implementing preservice and in-service training programs and professional development activities for prospective and practicing teachers, including summer institutes; (2) providing support services, consultation, and technical assistance for school-based training and professional development activities; (3) disseminating information about Academy programs and the latest research findings on teaching and learning; and (4) other appropriate expenses related to development and implementation of teacher programs and activities and Academy operation. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary, from appropriations for this part for FY 1992 or any succeeding fiscal year, to make available a necessary amount for establishing and operating a CLASS Academy in each State. Sets the non-Federal matching amount at 25 percent of the award to a grantee in FY 1992, and 50 percent in succeeding fiscal years. Part B: Research, Evaluation, and Dissemination - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to and contracts with higher education institutions and other public or private organizations for research and evaluation of alternative teaching strategies, including ones designed to reach particular student populations (such as those who are disadvantaged or who have disabilities or limited English proficiency), and innovative programs for teacher education and training. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary, through the National Diffusion Network, to disseminate information and technical assistance with respect to alternative teaching strategies to LEAs, higher education institutions' teacher training programs, and CLASS Academies. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 30 May 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to apply the special rule for principal campaign committees on graduated tax rates to candidates for any Federal, State, or local elective public office. (Currently, such rule applies only to congressional candidates.)
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1991
Benjamin Franklin Memorial Fire Service Bill of Rights Act - Title I: Minting of Benjamin Franklin National Memorial Commemorative Coin - Benjamin Franklin National Memorial Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue: (1) five dollar gold coins emblematic of Benjamin Franklin's contributions to the advancement of science; (2) one dollar silver coins emblematic of Benjamin Franklin's contributions to the American Fire Service. Sets forth sale and issuance guidelines, including a general waiver of procurement regulations and surcharge distributions. Title II: Fire Service Bill of Rights - Fire Service Bill of Rights Act - Amends the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to set forth a fire service bill of rights, including the right of responding fire services to: (1) know the kind of danger presented by hazardous materials they face in emergency responses; and (2) be fully informed of infectious diseases their members face during the course of life safety activities. Declares that the bill of rights does not create any private right of action.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1991
National Institute of Nursing Research Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to redesignate the National Center for Nursing Research as the National Institute of Nursing Research. Includes the Institute in the list of national research institutes of the National Institutes of Health.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1991
ESOP Promotion and Improvement Act of 1991 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow S corporations (certain small business corporations) to participate in employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs). Extends the ESOP exception to the ten percent early withdrawal penalty tax to certain ESOP distributions to employees made at any time. Permits ESOP participants whose compensation does not exceed a certain amount to contribute up to 50 percent of it to the plan. Allows ESOP closely-held corporate sponsors to pay estate tax if an estate transferred the stock of the corporation to an ESOP. Provides that ESOPs and cash or deferred arrangement plans may be combined for the benefit of employees. Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to allow employees additional time to bid for ownership of their employer if foreign interests are trying to buy such employer.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1991
Urges the Government of Iran to extend to the Baha'i community the rights guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international agreements to which Iran is a party. Calls upon the President to continue to: (1) urge the Government of Iran to emancipate the Baha'i community by granting such rights; (2) emphasize that the United States regards the human rights practices of such Government, particularly its treatment of the Baha'is and other religious minorities, as a significant element in the development of U.S.-Iranian relations; and (3) cooperate with other governments and international organizations in efforts to protect the religious rights of the Baha'is and other minorities in Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1991
Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act of 1991 - Authorizes appropriations to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for FY 1992 through 1994 for specified environmental research, development, and demonstration activities and for program management and support of the Office of Research and Development. Prohibits the Administrator from using any funds appropriated in this Act for office closings or reductions in force unless a congressional notice and wait procedure has been complied with by the Administrator. Requires the Administrator to establish a separately identified core research program consisting of fundamental ecological, health, and risk reduction research to support efforts to identify, assess, and mitigate serious environmental risks. Directs the Administrator to establish a Research Strategy Council to oversee, review, and ensure adequate funding of the core research program. Requires the Science Advisory Board to review and make recommendations on core research program activities. Directs the Administrator to establish an Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program to conduct comprehensive, long-term environmental monitoring, data collection, and data analysis to assess and respond to the current and long-term status and trends of the ecological resources of the United States. Requires the Administrator to coordinate Program activities with other Federal agencies and to make available to the public and the Congress statistical data summaries and interpretive reports on ecological status and trends developed as a result of the Program. Directs the Administrator to: (1) establish a modernization program to identify, acquire, and maintain modern buildings, facilities, supplies, and equipment needed to conduct high quality research; and (2) conduct studies and make assessments of the adequacy of the equipment and facilities to meet the needs of EPA and to attract well-qualified scientists, engineers, and other appropriate personnel. Repeals a required annual report from the Administrator of a five-year plan for environmental research, development, and demonstration. Requires the Science Advisory Board to submit annual reports to the Congress and the Administrator on the proposed research program described in the President's budget request for research, development, and demonstration activities of the EPA. Requires the Board to conduct periodic evaluations of selected areas of the current and planned activities. Requires concurrent submission to the Congress of any report required from the Board to the Administrator. Directs the Administrator to carry out a program of research and monitoring on regional, national, and global impacts of environmental pollution and perturbation on biological diversity. Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) lease facilities, buildings, and other property to promote the activities authorized under this Act; and (2) enter into cooperative agreements to conduct application reviews and use research funds for such cooperative agreements. Directs the Administrator to: (1) report biannually to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works on the accomplishments of programs authorized under this Act; (2) develop and implement a research program to increase understanding of the health effects of exposure to electric and magnetic fields; and (3) carry out a program of environmental technology transfer and exchange of scientific information to make full use of EPA's research, development, and demonstration efforts. Requires the annual EPA appropriations request to distinguish funding requested for source reduction research and development and demonstration activities. Authorizes the Administrator to undertake multimedia source reduction projects. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Administrator to: (1) identify at least ten research issues correlating to environmental hazards in the category of highest risk to human health and the environment and address such issues as part of an overall strategic planning process; and (2) outline research priorities on efforts aimed at eliminating or minimizing the generation of wastes or pollutants. Directs the Adminstrator to conduct research on methods for evaluating emerging products and techniques for detecting lead in paint films and dust. Requires the National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop protocols, criteria, and minimum performance standards to be used in such evaluation and to ensure reliable and effective lead detection technologies. Requires the Administrator to conduct research on: (1) the short-and long-term efficacy of lead abatement and management techniques for housing based on levels of lead in dust and in occupants' blood; and (2) the performance properties of products for encapsulating or stripping lead-based paint. Directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology to establish performance criteria and standards for encapsulants and strippers. Requires the Administrator to: (1) conduct a long-term research study to establish the sources of lead exposure for children with blood lead levels greater than ten micrograms per deciliter; and (2) sponsor public education and outreach efforts to increase awareness of lead poisoning from household sources and the need for abatement and management actions. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Administrator to provide funds for establishing a voluntary accreditation program to the National Institute for Standards and Technology. Requires the National Institute for Standards and Technology to establish protocols, criteria, and performance standards and implement an accreditation program with respect to laboratory analysis of lead in paint films, soil, and dust. Directs the Administrator to establish a separately identified research program to improve EPA's capability to identify and assess risks to public health and ecosystems resulting from contamination of the environment.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1991
Authorizes the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to issue a certificate of documentation for employment in the coastwise trade of the United States for a named vessel.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1991
Illegal Boycott Prosecution Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal criminal code to: (1) establish penalties for knowingly violating provisions of the Export Administration Act of 1979 (EAA) with respect to foreign boycotts; and (2) require the Secretary of Commerce to promptly inform the Attorney General of any information within the possession of the Department of Commerce relating to a possible violation of such provisions. Amends the EAA to require the Secretary to promptly inform the Attorney General of any such information.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1991
At-Birth Abandoned Baby Act of 1991 - Amends part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of title IV of the Social Security Act to require States to place babies abandoned at birth with preadoptive parents within 30 days of obtaining custody of such babies and to find new preadoptive parents for such babies if the initial preadoptive parents do not petition the courts of the State within 90 days of receiving such babies for an expedited hearing to become their permanent adoptive parents. Treats such babies as children with special needs, thus qualifying their adoptive parents for adoption assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1991
Economic Resurgence and Jobs for America Act - Title I: Investment Tax Credit - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reinstate a five-percent investment tax credit for property placed in service after December 31, 1991. Repeals provisions of the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1990 concerning the elimination of expired or obsolete investment tax credit provisions. Title II: Capital Gains Tax Reduction - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the individual and corporate capital gains rate from 34 percent to 15 percent. Reduces such tax to 7.5 percent for low- and middle-income taxpayers. Provides for the phaseout of personal exemptions and the overall limitation on itemized deductions to take into account adjusted gross income which has been reduced by net capital gain. 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.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1991
Designates the week beginning July 21, 1991, as Korean War Veterans Remembrance Week. Requires the President to urge that the American flag be flown at half staff on July 27, 1991, in honor of those Americans who died as a result of their service in Korea.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1991
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the National Institutes for the Environment should be established to: (1) provide a coordinated, nationwide program for establishing comprehensive environmental research priorities; and (2) support competitively awarded environmental research and training aimed at preventing and solving environmental problems.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1991
Amends the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 to require the Secretary of Transportation to publish proposed Federal motor vehicle safety standards which require mandatory installation of an audible reverse warning device for passenger motor vehicles and passenger vans.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1991
National Science Foundation Authorization Act Amendments of 1991 - Amends the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 1988 to authorize appropriations to the National Science Foundation (NSF) for: (1) research and related activities (including these subcategories: mathematical and physical sciences; engineering; biological, behavioral, and social sciences; geosciences; computer and information science and engineering; and scientific, technological, and international affairs); (2) education and human resources; (3) U.S. Antarctic Program; (4) academic research facilities modernization; (5) Academic Research Instrumentation Program; (6) salaries and expenses; and (7) Office of the Inspector General. Prohibits funds authorized under this Act for FY 1992 from being available for construction of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory. Amends the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 to remove provisions declaring ineffective, after the end of FY 1989, provisions: (1) allowing the National Science Foundation Board to delegate authority to the NSF Director to make grants, contracts, and other arrangements, and allowing the Board to impose conditions on such delegation; and (2) limiting any such delegations and conditions to two years.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1991
Constitutional Amendment - Requires the Congress, prior to each fiscal year, to adopt a statement in which total Federal outlays (except those for repayment of debt principal) do not exceed total receipts (except those derived from borrowing), unless a three-fifths vote of both Houses authorizes a specific excess. Limits the rate of increase in receipts in the statement to that of the increase in national income in the previous calendar year, unless law is enacted solely to approve specific additional receipts. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget. Authorizes waiver of these provisions in time of war. Sets a permanent limit on the amount of Federal public debt, prohibiting any increase unless legislation enacted by a three-fifths majority of both Houses becomes law.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1991
Common Sense Budget Act of 1991 - Amends Federal law to require both the President and the Congress to draft a budget based on estimates of current fiscal year spending, proposing increases or decreases based on this level (rather than on an estimated baseline). Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require the Congressional Budget Office to use such a current fiscal year baseline in its report to the congressional budget committees, projecting growth for entitlement and discretionary spending based on current fiscal year spending.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1991
Provides for the awarding of the Purple Heart to former prisoners of war held captive before April 25, 1962, on the same basis at it may be awarded former prisoners of war captured on or after such date.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1991
Federal Facilities Compliance Act of 1991 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to waive the sovereign immunity of the United States for purposes of enforcing Federal, State, interstate, and local requirements with respect to solid and hazardous waste management. Absolves Federal employees from personal liability for civil penalties under any Federal or State solid or hazardous waste law if the act or omission was within the scope of official duties. Makes such employees subject to criminal sanctions under such laws. Prohibits Federal agencies from being subject to such sanctions. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to commence an administrative enforcement action against any Federal agency pursuant to the authorities of the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Requires fines collected by States from the Federal Government for violations of hazardous and solid waste management requirements to be used only for projects to improve or protect the environment or to defray the costs of environmental protection or enforcement.
![Official portrait of Rep. Fawell, Harris W. [R-IL-13]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/7663b8ba61b7443f47452bfc59ff1299_200.jpg)