United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991
Federal Energy Management Reform Act of 1991 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) determine appropriate methods to assess and implement shared energy savings at Federal facilities; (2) publish a standard method for determining life cycle cost effectiveness and a list of shared energy savings technologies; and (3) make a related assessment of all federally owned buildings. Authorizes Federal agencies to sell electricity from alternate energy and cogeneration production facilities. Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to set forth provisions for energy savings contracts. Requires the Secretary to develop a simplified method of energy saving services procurement.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991
Amends: (1) the Consumer Credit Protection Act to require a consumer reporting agency (CRA) to include in any consumer report information provided by a State child support agency or verified by another government entity on the failure of the consumer to pay overdue child support; and (2) the Social Security Act (SSA) to require States to provide CRAs with information on overdue child support obligations of absent parents. Eliminates: (1) the requirement under the SSA that such information be made upon the request of the CRA; and (2) the authority of the State under the SSA to impose a fee upon the requesting CRA for the furnishing of such information.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991
United States Commercial Center Pilot Program Act of 1990 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish, as a pilot program, a United States Commercial Center in one country each in the Baltics, including one of the former Soviet republics, Asia, and Latin America to provide additional resources for the promotion of exports of U.S. goods and services to such countries. Requires the Secretary to use the Market Development Cooperator Program to assist the Centers in providing such resources. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991
Amends the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Expansion Act of 1990 to make students from Andean countries (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru) eligible for a scholarship program for students from Latin America and the Caribbean.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991
Steel Trade Liberalization Program Extension Act - Amends the Steel Import Stabilization Act to express the sense of the Congress with respect to the quantity of steel products imported into, or exported to, the United States from April 1, 1992, through September 30, 1994, under the steel trade liberalization program.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture, through the Agricultural Research Service, to make sweet potato research grants to land-grant colleges and universities. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain business entities to elect to use a fiscal year for tax purposes other than the required taxable year. Modifies provisions concerning required payments for such entities.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991
Amends rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require: (1) the Speaker of the House to nominate a Member of a standing committee for election by the majority party caucus to be chairman of such committee; and (2) the minority leader to nominate a Member of a standing committee for election by the minority party caucus as the ranking minority member of such committee. Requires the chairman or ranking minority member to be elected by the House from nominations submitted by the majority or minority party caucus if no nominee is elected according to such procedure. Prohibits a Member from serving as chairman or ranking minority member of a standing committee for more than four Congresses in any period of six successive Congresses, with specified exceptions.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should continue to support the full protection of the African elephant through the unqualified listing of all populations of the African elephant on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna.
United States · United States Congress · 25 November 1991
Consumer Products Safe Testing Act - Declares the policy that Federal departments and agencies shall encourage the development and use of product testing procedures that accurately reflect the acute health effects on humans of certain products, including consumer products and products containing hazardous or toxic substances, but which do not rely upon animals. Directs each Federal department or agency head (head), within one year, to: (1) review and evaluate any regulation, guideline, or recommendation issued by such department or agency which requires, recommends, or encourages the use of the Draize or other animal acute toxicity test for the purpose of evaluation of the safety of a regulated product; (2) review and evaluate nonanimal alternatives with the potential for partial or full replacement of the products regulated; and (3) promulgate regulations, guidelines, or recommendations that specify that a nonanimal acute toxicity test or battery of tests (NATT) should be used instead of an animal acute toxicity test unless that head determines that the NATT is less likely to predict the acute health effects on humans of a product than the animal acute toxicity test. Requires the appropriate head, if a determination is made that no NATT is as likely to predict the human reaction to the regulated product as the Draize or other animal acute toxicity test, to publish in the Federal Register an explanation of all options considered and the justification for continuing the animal acute toxicity test, which shall be subject to public comment. Provides for periodic review of animal acute toxicity testing regulations. Makes this Act inapplicable to regulations, guidelines, or recommendations related to medical research.
United States · United States Congress · 25 November 1991
Urges the President to propose to Canada and Mexico an expanded rule of origin for the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) which will: (1) require a higher level of North American content for manufactured goods qualifying for a reduced tariff benefit under the United States-Canada Free Trade Agreement; (2) measure such content using only manufacturing costs, and in accordance with generally accepted accounting practices; (3) expand the benefits available to North American firms whose goods meet specified NAFTA rule of origin requirements to include significantly preferential relief from Canadian and Mexican nontariff barriers; (4) assure an equitable distribution of NAFTA economic benefits to U.S., Canadian, and Mexican workers, consumers, and firms by stipulating a further qualification in the NAFTA rule of origin that specifies a minimum and levels of national and industry value-added within the overall North American content standard; and (5) engender higher confidence for free trade agreements among North American workers and consumers, provide greater certainty to North American firms, and maximize economic growth in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
United States · United States Congress · 22 November 1991
Commends: (1) the people of Guam for their patriotism, bravery, loyalty to the United States, and many sacrifices during World War II, particularly during the invasion and occupation of the Guam territory; (2) the members of the Navy Insular Force and U.S. Navy and Marine Corps for the efforts and sacrifices they made in defense of the U.S.; (3) the Hawaiians for their sacrifices and contributions to the U.S. war effort during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941; and (4) the Hawaii Territorial Guard members, Varsity Victory Volunteers, the civilian workers at the Pearl Harbor Naval Ship Yard and other Hawaiian military installations, 100th Infantry Battalion, Military Intelligence Service, and 442nd Regimental Combat Team for their sacrifices and contributions to the U.S. war effort during such attack.
United States · United States Congress · 22 November 1991
Urges the President to renew the voluntary restraint agreements with Taiwan and Japan for an additional five years in order to protect national security and ensure U.S. industrial competitiveness.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 1991
Pension Protection in Bankruptcy Act of 1991 - Title I: Employer Liability, Lien, and Portability - Subtitle A: Amendments to Title IV of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 - Amends title IV (Plan Termination Insurance) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to revise limitations on employer liability liens and priority amounts. Provides that, in the case of plan terminations initiated on or after January 1, 1992, the lien of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) for employer liability shall be determined according to a specified formula. Makes similar revisions relating to the amount of liability to the PBGC which is entitled to priority treatment in insolvency and bankruptcy cases. Amends the Pension Protection Act with respect to bankruptcy and insolvency claims. Provides that specified amendments under this Act shall be effective as if included under the Single-Employer Pension Plan Amendments of 1986 and the Pension Protection Act. Amends ERISA to provide for liability upon liquidation of a contributing sponsor of a single-employer plan. Makes such sponsor liable as though the plan had terminated in a distress termination, even if the sponsor's controlled group remains a contributing sponsor of the plan or is liable for payment of specified contributions or installments. Directs the PBGC to transfer such liability payments to the ongoing plans. Subtitle B: Amendments to Title 11, United States Code - Amends the Federal bankruptcy code to permit the PBGC to be a member of an unsecured creditors' committee. Revises priority payment provisions with respect to unpaid contributions to pension plans under ERISA. (Classifies these priorities as expenses arising before, or administrative expenses arising after, the commencement of the case, depending on whether such unpaid contributions are attributable, or such plan termination occurs, before or after the filing of the petition for bankruptcy.) Amends one specified Bankruptcy Rules to require the bankruptcy court to give the PBGC notice of a bankruptcy petition filed (and all other notices required to be served on creditors and interested parties), in any case in which the debtor or an affiliate maintains a pension plan to which title IV of ERISA applies. Title II: Miscellaneous ERISA Title IV Amendments - Amends ERISA title IV to revise provisions relating to: (1) enforcement of minimum funding requirements; (2) definition of contributing sponsor; (3) recovery ratio payable under PBGC guaranty; (4) distress termination criteria for banking institutions; and (5) variable rate premium exemption. Eliminates a specified seventh revolving fund and transfers its assets and liabilities to the first revolving fund (i.e. the single-employer basic benefits guaranty fund).
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 1991
Satellite Home Viewer Act Amendments of 1991 - Amends Federal copyright law to grant satellite distributors standing to sue satellite carriers for price discrimination practiced against home dish distributors for superstation and network station programming. Sets forth unlawful discrimination standards.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 1991
Calls upon the President, as part of the Uruguay Round General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) talks, to initiate negotiations to make GATT compatible with the Marine Mammal Protection Act and other U.S. health, safety, labor, and environmental laws, including laws to protect the environment outside of the United States. Declares that the Congress will not approve legislation to implement any trade agreement (including the Uruguay Round of the GATT and the U.S.-Mexico Free Trade Agreement) that jeopardizes such laws, including the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Clean Air Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1991
Pacific Yew Act of 1991 - Directs the Secretaries of Agriculture and of the Interior (Secretaries) to pursue a policy to provide for: (1) the long-term conservation of the pacific yew on lands under their jurisdiction; and (2) a sustainable supply of it for medicinal purposes. Requires the Secretary concerned to ensure that timber sales awarded after the enactment of this Act and such sales completed prior to such enactment but still unharvested be conducted in a specified manner. Directs the Secretaries to establish a special task force in each of their respective Departments to ensure that the purposes of this Act are achieved through the: (1) implementation of the policy required by it; and (2) guidelines and plan developed by the Interagency Pacific Yew Committee (established later on in this Act). Requires the Secretaries to inventory pacific yew on lands under their jurisdiction. Directs the Secretaries to jointly establish an interdisciplinary Interagency Pacific Yew Committee to submit interim guidelines for the harvest, management, and conservation of the pacific yew until the Committee develops a proposed conservation and management plan for it. Requires the Secretaries to submit such plan to specified congressional committees. Sets forth requirements for the interim guidelines and the management and conservation plan. Establishes procedures for implementation of them. Directs the Secretaries to encourage and assist in research regarding the: (1) ecology of the Pacific Yew; (2) development of alternative methods of procuring taxol (a cancer-treating drug made from the pacific yew), including use of other yew parts in addition to bark, the sustainable harvest of yew needles, and the use of other yew species; and (3) propagation of Pacific Yew and other yew species in agricultural or commercial settings. Directs the Secretary concerned to ensure: (1) development, implementation, and enforcement of processes for the collection and sale of Pacific Yew resources to minimize the illegal harvest and sale of them; and (2) timely access to Pacific Yew resources so that collection of Pacific Yew parts can occur before the taxol properties of such parts are degraded. States that nothing in this Act shall be interpreted as modifying the provisions of the Endangered Species Act. Directs the Secretaries concerned to report with recommendations to specified congressional committees on ways to increase the harvest of Pacific Yew if sufficient amounts of it cannot be harvested in compliance with this Act and other Federal law to supply the necessary amounts of taxol required for medicinal purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1991
Social Security Notch Fairness Investigatory Commission Act of 1991 - Establishes the Social Security Notch Fairness Investigatory Commission to study and report to the President and the Congress on ways to correct the benefit disparity between those born before 1916 and those born after 1916 caused by the 1977 changes in the Social Security benefit formula under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1991
Toy Injury Reduction Act - Directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to issue a regulation requiring cautionary labeling warning of any dangers: (1) for any children's toy or other article intended for use by children age three to six (or such other upper age as the CPSC may determine) which is manufactured or offered for sale, or distributed in commerce in the United States, and includes a small part as defined by the CPSC; and (2) for any balloon, game or skill intended for children age three or older which contains or consists of small balls, or any marble intended for children in such age range which is manufactured or offered for sale or distributed in commerce in the United States. Requires that all labeling required under such a regulation: (1) be prominently and conspicuously displayed on the packaging of the toy or other article or balloon, game of skill, or marble (toy) and on any descriptive materials which accompany the toy; (2) be visible and noticeable; and (3) include the word "WARNING" in capital letters. Authorizes the CPSC to use any remedy available to it under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act to enforce the requirements of such regulations. Directs the CPSC to issue a regulation to make balls which are intended for children under age three and which are less than a minimum size (prescribed in the regulation) a banned hazardous substance. Requires the CPSC to issue reglations under this Act by January 1, 1993.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1991
Second National Blue Ribbon Commission to Eliminate Waste in Government Act - Establishes the Second National Blue Ribbon Commission to Eliminate Waste in Government to: (1) conduct a private sector survey on management and cost control in the Federal Government; (2) review executive agency operations and existing General Accounting Office, Congressional Budget Office, Inspector General Reports, and other existing governmental and nongovernmental recommendations for reducing waste; and (3) submit to the President and the Congress a list of those recommendations with estimated savings that the Commission determines are most significant and recommendations for improving the budget process, management, and reducing waste and costs in the Government. Requires the Commission to identify, address, and to report to the President and the Congress on: (1) opportunities for increased efficiency and reduced costs in the Government that can be realized by executive action or legislation; (2) areas in the Government where managerial accountability can be enhanced and administrative control can be improved; (3) specific Federal programs that have accomplished their objectives and ought to be terminated; (4) specific Federal program services that could be provided at a lower cost by the private sector; (5) specific reforms of the budget process that would yield savings, increase accountability and efficiency, and enhance public confidence in the budget process; (6) specific areas in the Government where further study can be justified by potential savings; and (7) specific recommendations for legislative and administrative actions. Requires the Commission to be funded, staffed, and equipped, to the extent practicable and permitted by law, by the private sector without cost to the Government.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1991
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Act - Establishes the National Fallen Firefighters' Foundation. Declares that the Foundation is: (1) a charitable and nonprofit corporation to be organized under the laws of the State of Maryland; and (2) not an agency or establishment of the United States. Provides that the Foundation is to: (1) primarily encourage, accept, and administer private gifts of property for the benefit of the National Fallen Firefighters' Memorial and its annual memorial service; (2) provide financial assistance to the families of firefighers who die in the line of duty; and (3) assist in the recognition of such firefighters. Sets forth provisions for establishment and membership of a Board of Directors of the Foundation. Makes the Administator of the U.S. Fire Administration of the Federal Emergency Management Agency an ex officio nonvoting member of the Board, who shall appoint Directors of the Board. Sets forth rights and obligations of the Foundation, including having its principal offices in the State of Maryland. Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) provide, and accept reimbursements for, personnel, facilities, and other administrative services to the Foundation; and (2) accept the services of the Foundation, the Board, and the Board's officers and employees as volunteers in performing functions authorized under this Act. Sets forth requirements relating to audits and annual reports. Provides for relief for certain Foundation acts or failures to act. Provides that the United States is not liable for any debts, defaults, acts, or omissions of the Foundation. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide an investment tax credit for manufacturing and other productive equipment. Provides for determining such credit.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1991
Federal Court Settlements Sunshine Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal judicial code to require public disclosure of settlements of civil actions to which the United States is a party, with exceptions.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1991
Fiscal Accountability Act of 1991 - Title I: Reauthorizations of Government Programs - Requires each Government program to be reauthorized at least once during each sunset reauthorization cycle. (Sunset reauthorization cycle means the period of five Congresses beginning with the 103d Congress and with each sixth Congress following the 103d Congress.) Sets forth the procedure in the House of Representatives and the Senate for the consideration of any legislation which authorizes new budget authority. Exempts from the requirements of this Act specified items, such as interest on Federal debts, health care services, general retirement and disability payments, litigation activities which have as their objectives the protection and implementation of civil rights guaranteed by the Constitution, and specified retirement pay and benefits. Title II: Program Inventory - Directs the Comptroller General and the Director of the Congressional Budget Office, in cooperation with the Director of the Congressional Research Service, to prepare an inventory of Federal programs. Declares that the purpose of such program inventory is to advise and assist the Congress in carrying out reauthorization and reexamination requirements and to link such reauthorization and review process with the budget process. Requires the Comptroller General to submit such program inventory to each House of Congress no later than January 1, 1992. Directs the congressional committees, the Congressional Budget Office, and the Congressional Research Service to review the program inventory and to suggest revisions. Requires that the program inventory be revised at the end of each session of the Congress and that such revisions be reported to each House. Title III: Program Reexamination - Requires each committee of the Senate and the House of Representatives to reexamine selected programs or groups of programs over which it has jurisdiction. Sets forth procedures for such review and criteria for selection of program areas for evaluation. Title IV: Citizens' Commission On The Organization And Operation Of Government - Authorizes establishment of a Citizens' Commission on the Organization and Operation of Government as an independent instrumentality of the United States. Requires the Commission to conduct a study and investigation of the organization and methods of operation of Federal executive entities and authorities. Requires Commission reports to the President and specified congressional committees detailing its findings and recommendations for changes to increase the effectiveness of Government programs, services, and activities. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Miscellaneous - Sets forth miscellaneous provisions to carry out the purposes of this Act. Directs the President, with the cooperation of the head of each appropriate agency, to submit to the Congress a regulatory duplication and conflicts report for all programs scheduled for reauthorization in the next Congress. Requires specified congressional committees to report on a review of the procedures established under this Act by December 31, 1998, and every five years thereafter. Authorizes appropriations through FY 2002.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend for one year the following expiring provisions: (1) the credit for increasing research activities; (2) the targeted jobs credit; (3) the tax exclusion for employer-provided educational assistance; (4) the authority to issue qualified small issue bonds to finance manufacturing facilities and farm property; (5) the itemized deduction for health insurance costs of self-employed individuals; (6) the authority to issue mortgage revenue bonds and mortgage credit certificates; (7) the rules on allocating research and experimental expenditures in determining income from sources within or without the United States; (8) the low-income housing credit; (9) the energy investment credit for solar and geothermal property; (10) the credit for clinical testing expenses for certain drugs for rare diseases or conditions; (11) the minimum tax exception for gifts of appreciated tangible property; and (12) the tax exclusion for employer-provided group legal services plans.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 1991
House of Representatives Campaign Spending Limit and Election Reform Act of 1991 - Title I: Expenditure Limitations, Contribution Limitations, Matching Funds, and Reduced Third-Class Mail Rate for Eligible House of Representatives Candidates - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to set forth limitations regarding House of Representatives election expenditures, contributions, and matching funds. Limits aggregate contributions received and expenditures made by an eligible House of Representatives candidate in an election cycle to $600,000, with specified additional limitations in general, special, and runoff elections. Establishes the Make Democracy Work Fund (the Fund) for payment of funds and initial expenditures incurred by the Federal Election Commission (FEC) in the administration of this Act. Outlines FEC examination, audit, and repayment procedures to determine candidate compliance with this Act. Subjects FEC actions to judicial review. Directs the FEC to report to the House of Representatives regarding: (1) candidate expenditures made and balances remaining in the Fund after each election; and (2) a detailed explanation and justification of rules, regulations, and forms it has issued under this Act. Precludes a House of Representatives candidate from receiving funds from the Make Democracy Work Fund without prior certification that any television commercial was prepared or distributed by the candidate in a manner that readily permits closed captioning of the commercial's oral content by way of specified broadcast technology. Amends Federal Postal Service law to provide reduced third-class mailing rates to eligible House of Representatives candidates during a general election period. Title II: Limitations on Political Committee and Large Donor Contributions That May Be Accepted By House of Representatives Candidates; Miscellaneous Provisions Relating To Contributions Under The Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 - Sets forth limitations on political committee and large donor contributions (and contributions by dependents not of voting age) that may be accepted by House of Representatives candidates. Mandates that contributions to candidates from State and local political party committees be aggregated. Increases the amount that multicandidate political committees may contribute to national political party committees. Deems corporate or labor union expenditures for candidate appearances, debates, or voter guides to be contributions if the corporate or labor organization expressly advocates the election or defeat of a candidate or favors one candidate over another. Title III: Requirement of Budget Neutrality - Provides that the net costs of providing certain benefits under this Act must be fully offset by specified measures that either raise revenues or reduce spending by a specified deadline (thus achieving budget neutrality). Title IV: Independent Expenditures - Modifies definitions relating to independent expenditures. Sets forth reporting requirements for certain independent expenditures. Title V: Bundling and Soft Money - Prohibits any person from acting as conduit or intermediary for any contribution to any candidate, except in specified circumstances. States that such persons are likewise prohibited from conducting or participating in joint fundraising activities with or on behalf of any candidate. Sets forth limitations upon the combined political activities of political committees of political parties. Prohibits incumbents and candidates for Federal office from soliciting contributions to certain organizations substantially engaged in voter registration or get-out-the-vote campaigns. Mandates that political committees established and maintained by a national political party shall report all receipts and disbursements during the reporting period, whether or not in connection with an election for Federal office. Title VI: Prohibitions Relating to Political Committees and Foreign Nationals - Prohibits a candidate for Federal office from establishing, maintaining, or controlling any political committee other than a principal campaign committee, or certain authorized committees (thereby prohibiting the use of leadership committees). Allows such leadership committees to continue making contributions until one year after January 1, 1993, after which time all funds must be disbursed in one or more specified manners. Prohibits an unauthorized political committee from using the name of any candidate in any fundraising activity on its behalf in a context which suggests that the committee is the candidate's authorized committee. Prohibits a foreign national from controlling, influencing, or participating in election-related activities, including making contributions or expenditures relating to any political election or the administration of a political committee. Title VII: Campaign Surplus - Mandates that the funds exceeding $600,000 of incumbents who are House of Representatives candidates be deposited in a separate account subject to the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971. Title VIII: Campaign Advertising - Prescribes guidelines for campaign advertising related to: (1) printed communication; and (2) broadcast or cablecast communication. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to entitle House of Representatives candidates to the lowest unit rate charged by a licensee for the same amount of time (currently, the same class and amount of time for the same period on the same date, during the 30 (currently 45) days prior to the primary election and the 45 (currently 60) days prior to the general election). Prohibits the licensee from pre-empting such a candidate's use of the station except in an emergency. Title IX: Contribution Solicitation - Proscribes the solicitation of contributions by false representation by any person as a candidate or as a representative of a candidate or of a political party or committee. Title X: Reporting Requirements - Requires certain reports to identify any person (other than a committee) who contributes more than $50 (currently, more than $200). Directs the FEC to: (1) require with respect to specified reports that operating expenditures be reported on an election cycle basis, by category, as specified by the FEC; and (2) maintain computerized indices of contributions of $50.00 or more. Title XI: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 1991
Justice for Wards Cove Workers Act - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1991 to remove a provision excluding from application of the Act any disparate impact case filed before March 1, 1975, and decided after October 30, 1983. (Wards Cove Packing Co. Inc. v. Atonio, 1989, held that, in cases brought under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the burden is on the plaintiff to prove an employer had no business necessity for a practice with discriminatory effects.)
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1991
Enterprise Capital Formation Act of 1991 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction for gain on investments in new small business stock (seed capital) held for at least five years. Establishes special rules for such investments. Provides for determining the maximum capital gains rate for small business net capital gain or seed capital gain. Treats capital gains on the sale of such stock as a preference item for purposes of the minimum tax.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1991
Commends the film industry for its commitment to making films more accessible to the hearing-impaired. Urges such industry to continue to make the development of open-captioning and other technology to aid the hearing-impaired an integral part of the film production and distribution process. Encourages: (1) filmmakers to produce and distribute versions of some films that are open-captioned or have advanced amplification systems; and (2) movie theatres to have at least some preannounced screenings of versions of featured films that are open-captioned.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1991
Congratulates Levon Ter-Petrosian for becoming the first democratically elected President of the Republic of Armenia. Commends the Armenian people for successfully executing Armenia's first free, fair, and democratic presidential election. Urges the President to recognize Armenia's declaration of independence, extend full diplomatic recognition, and support Armenia's application to join international organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1991
Calls upon the President not to proceed toward the normalization of diplomatic and economic relations with the Socialist Republic of Vietnam until the Senate Select Committee on POW/MIA Affairs has reported its findings on the accounting of missing American servicemen in Southeast Asia.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1991
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should award the Presidential Unit Citation to the U.S.S. Nevada's crew for their heroism and gallantry during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1991
Prohibits: (1) a foreign person from holding interests in a national landmark representing more than 50 percent of the value of it; and (2) the Secretary of the Interior from transferring any U.S. right, title, or interest in or to an area of land or water included in the National Park System if, as a result of the transfer, such right, title, or interest would be held directly or indirectly by a foreign person. Requires a foreign person to register an investment with the Chairman of a corporation if such investment results in them becoming a five percent shareholder in such corporation that directly or indirectly holds a national landmark. Applies a similar rule to interests in any entity other than a corporation.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1991
Puppy Protection Act - Provides remedies for consumers who purchase unfit dogs from pet dealers if, within specified periods of the date of sale, a licensed veterinarian makes certain certifications to the consumer with respect to the dog's condition (or, if the dog dies, not as a result of accident or injury, concerning the cause of death). Sets forth: (1) limitations on recovery; and (2) deadlines for notification to, and provision of remedy by, the dealer. Authorizes any consumer who is damaged by the failure of a dealer to comply with any obligation of such dealer under this Act to initiate a civil action to recover specified remedies in State or Federal court, subject to specified limitations. Provides for recovery of attorney fees and costs of appeal by a prevailing consumer. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to enjoin any dealer from failing to comply with any obligation under this Act. Grants the U.S. district courts jurisdiction over any such action brought by the Secretary. Requires each dealer: (1) at the time of the purchase of any dog by a consumer, to provide written notice of the consumer's rights and remedies and the dealer's obligations under this Act, to orally explain to the consumer the written notice, and to obtain from the consumer the consumer's address, a written acknowledgement that the consumer received and fully understands the written notice and oral explanation; (2) to conspicuously display at the dealer's business premises a written notice of the consumer's rights and remedies, the dealer's obligations, and the Secretary's authority under this Act; and (3) to conspicuously display at such premises, and in close proximity to any dog for sale, a written notice that identifies the State in which the dog was bred. Sets forth record-keeping requirements (to be maintained by the dealer and provided upon request of the Secretary). Authorizes the Secretary to impose a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per violation against any dealer who commits specified violations of this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish standards and procedures governing the imposition of civil penalties (after opportunity for a hearing on the record by the dealer) under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1991
Office of Noise Abatement and Control Establishment Act of 1991 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish an Office of Noise Abatement and Control within EPA. Repeals current provisions of the Clean Air Act that provide for the establishment of such office. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1991
Designates December 4, 1991, as Federal Civilian Employee Remembrance Day to recognize contributions provided by Federal civilian employees during the attack on Pearl Harbor and during World War II.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1991
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Byelorussia (a.k.a. Belarus), Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan (a.k.a. Kirghizia) Moldavia (a.k.a. Moldova), Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan should accept and implement all commitments on human rights, fundamental freedoms, and humanitarian cooperation contained in the Helsinki Final Act, the Charter of Paris for a New Europe, or any other document of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe; and (2) the President should convey to the leaders of these republics that respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms is a vital element in achieving genuine security and cooperation in Europe and should keep the Congress informed of the status of human rights and fundamental freedoms in each of these republics.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1991
Market Opportunity and Reciprocal Enforcement Act of 1991 - Title I: Response to Priority Foreign Practices That Adversely Affect United States Sectoral Competitiveness - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to direct the U.S. Trade Representative, in identifying market barriers and certain unfair trade actions, to: (1) identify, if for a calendar year the United States merchandise trade balance (excluding crude petroleum imports) was in deficit, each foreign country that accounted for not less than 15 percent of such deficit and had a global current account surplus for such year in an amount not less than such deficit; and (2) specify each act, policy, or practice that was implemented by a foreign country with respect to any goods sector or service sector that accounted for not less than ten percent of the merchandise trade deficit between the United States and such foreign country during such calendar year. Makes permanent the program know as "Super 301" which identifies trade liberalization priorities. Applies such program to sectoral priority practices. Requires the President, if the U.S. Trade Representative finds violations of trade practices, to: (1) direct the Trade Representative to take certain action to obtain the elimination of the foreign practice; or (2) submit to the Congress an alternative plan for eliminating such practice. Sets forth congressional procedure if the President submits such a plan. Requires the Trade Representative to initiate an investigation under "Super 301" whenever specified congressional committees adopt a resolution that states that it is the opinion of such committees that a foreign country is engaging in sectoral priority practices. Title II: Trade Agreements Compliance - Allows any person that has a significant economic interest that is being, or has been, adversely affected by the failure of a foreign country to comply materially with the terms of a trade agreement to request the Trade Representative to undertake a review to determine such foreign country's compliance. Sets forth provisions for such review and the actions to be taken by the Trade Representative under "Super 301" upon an affirmative determination.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1991
Prohibits the President from recommending for a 12-month period in 1992 continuation of a waiver of human rights and emigration requirements for nondiscriminatory treatment (most-favored-nation treatment) for the Soviet Union under the Trade Act of 1974 unless a specified report is submitted to the Congress stating that the Soviet Union has: (1) terminated all military and economic aid to Cuba; or (2) will terminate such aid to it within a reasonable time. Provides for the termination of such waiver if such requirements are not met.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1991
Makes the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in each even numbered year a legal public holiday known as Democracy Day (exept for purposes of statutes relating to pay and leave of Federal employees).
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1991
Family Tax Relief Act 1991 - Title I: Modification of Personal Income Tax - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable tax credit of $350 for each child under the age of 18. Title II: Modifications of the Congressional Budget Process - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to reduce the discretionary spending limits for the defense, international, and domestic categories for FY 1992 and 1993. Reduces overall discretionary spending limits for fiscal year 1994 and 1995. Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to require the reductions in outlays for FY 1992 through 1995 resulting from the reductions in discretionary spending limits under this title to be treated as savings in direct spending for sequestration purposes. Title III: Nondefense Spending Savings - Subtitle A: Aid to Families With Dependent Children - Amends part A (Aid to Families With Dependent Children) of title IV of the Social Security Act to require State plans to reduce AFDC payments by reason of the tax credit for children. Provides that if any family becomes ineligible for AFDC payments because of such reduction, the family remains eligible for any other program, the qualification for which is eligibility to receive such aid, and will not be required to reapply if otherwise eligible. Prohibits the approval of any State plan for medical assistance if payment levels are less than the payment levels in effect under such plan on October 1, 1991 (currently, May 1, 1988). Revises the method of allocating child support payment received for AFDC recipients. Subtitle B: Termination of Specific Programs - Terminates the following: (1) the superconductor super collider project; (2) the Space Station Freedom Program or any other space station; (3) reduced rate mailings for qualified nonprofit organizations, except mailings by blind or other handicapped persons; (4) the Fossil Energy Research and Development program; (5) the Nuclear Energy Research and Development Program; and (6) the Clean Coal Technology program. Subtitle C: Termination of Certain Loan and Guarantee Programs - Provides for the termination of the Small Business Administration and the Export-Import Bank of the United States. Transfers certain authorities to other Federal agencies. Subtitle D: Education Provisions - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require certain institutions of higher education to pay a co-origination fee in order for a student to be eligible to receive certain loans to attend such institution. Bases such fee on the loan default rate of the institution. Requires the Secretary of Education to use such fees to make payments on defaulted loans. Lowers the rates on special allowances paid to lenders who make higher education loans. Amends the Deficit Reduction Act of 1984 to make permanent provisions regarding the collection of non-tax debts owed to Federal agencies. Amends Federal law to revise the method of computing aid to local educational agencies in the case of children of persons who reside or work on Federal property by taking into account the number of children whose parents are employed on public housing property. Subtitle E: Agricultural Programs - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to make individuals with adjusted gross income in excess of $100,000 ineligible for deficiency payments. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to set forth the percentage of reduction in deficiency payments for wheat, feed grains, cotton, rice, and crops for crop years 1992 through 1995. Amend the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 to repeal the export enhancement program and the market promotion program. Prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture from using cash or commodities of, or owned by, the Commodity Credit Corporation or the Department of Agriculture to subsidize: (1) the export of an agricultural commodity or product; or (2) market and export promotion of an agricultural commodity or product by any person. Title IV: National Security Savings - Prohibits the Department of Defense from procuring the following weapon systems: (1) B-2 bomber aircraft; (2) MX missiles; and (3) small intercontinental ballistic missiles (SICBM). Suspends the following weapon system programs until the President certifies to the Congress the need for such programs and the Congress authorizes such programs to proceed: (1) the Air Force advanced tactical fighter; (2) the aerospace plan; (3) the MILSTAR satellite; (4) the A-12 aircraft; (5) the V-22 Osprey aircraft; and (6) the Army light helicopter. Limits the procurement of certain weapon systems that are procured for use in any fiscal year after FY 1991 to the minimum number of units necessary to maintain a defense industrial base sufficient for producing that weapon system as needed to meet existing and contingent threats to the national security as, determined by the President. Specifies such systems as: (1) the seawolf submarine (SSN-21); (2) the M-1 tank; (3) the F/A-18 aircraft; (4) helicopters; (5) the F-14 aircraft; and (6) the F-16 aircraft. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the modernization of weapon systems, including aircraft carriers, should continue; and (2) the Navy should continue to operate nonnuclear-powered aircraft carriers in the fleet while the environmental risks associated with the deployment of nuclear aircraft carriers into zones of armed conflict are unacceptable. Amends the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1985 to reduce the strength level of members of the Armed Forces stationed in Europe. Specifies the Armed Forces end strengths for FY 1992 through 1996. Provides for the distribution of personnel reductions by: (1) removing two heavy divisions of the Army from active to reserve components; (2) deactivating two light infantry divisions of the Army; and (3) reducing the number of aircraft carrier groups in the Navy. Declares that the Congress urges the President to enter into negotiations with appropriate foreign countries in regions where there are serious threats to vital national security interests of the United States in order to provide for the establishment of facilities in such countries that are suitable for facilitating rapid deployment of appropriate elements of the Armed Forces to those regions in the event of an international crisis that threatens those national security interests. Directs the President to take action as necessary to increase significantly the sea lift capabilities of the Armed Forces in order to facilitate the rapid deployment of such regions. Authorizes the Department of Defense to use funds available for the Strategic Defense Initiative for the development and deployment of an antiballistic missile defense system that is the minimum system necessary to defend the United States against a limited ballistic missile attack, including accidentally launched ballistic missiles. Authorizes appropriations for the sea lift and the Strategic Defense Initiative.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1991
Bankruptcy Pension Plan Protection Act of 1991 - Requires a contributing sponsor of an insufficient pension plan to make monthly contributions to keep such plan substantially sufficient during the course of a bankruptcy proceeding. Terminates the provisions of this Act after June 30, 1992, except with respect to contributions remaining due as of such date.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1991
1996 Atlanta Centennial Olympic Games Commemorative Coin Act - Provides for the minting and sale of commemorative gold and silver coins to support the 1996 Atlanta Centennial Olympic Games and the programs of the United States Olympic Committee.
![Official portrait of Rep. Guarini, Frank J. [D-NJ-14]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/g000511_200.jpg)