United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1991
Amends the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1991 to extend the phase-in period for State licensed appraisals. Prohibits the Appraisal Subcommittee from establishing a minimum experience requirement in excess of 500 hours as a licensing standard or qualification for State licensed appraisers.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1991
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) Japan has not fully complied with the 1986 U.S. - Japan Semiconductor Trade Agreement and that such failure has had an adverse effect on the national security and economic future of the United States; (2) the United States and Japan should enter into a new agreement that will open the Japanese semiconductor market and will address the threat of future dumping of semiconductors by Japan; and (3) the President, the United States Trade Representative, and the Secretary of Commerce should take all steps necessary to negotiate a strong, effective semiconductor trade agreement with Japan.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1991
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Congress, after consulting the Resolution Trust Corporation, should establish a performance method of asset sales before approving any additional loss funds for the Corporation.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1991
Rural Telephone Cooperative Associations ERISA Amendments Act of 1991 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to provide that rural telephone cooperative association employee welfare benefit plans shall be treated the same as those of rural electric cooperatives, for purposes of ERISA preemption of State laws (by excluding such telephone organizations from the definition of multiple employer welfare arrangements, which are subject to certain State regulations).
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1991
Consolidated Maternal and Child Health Services Act of 1991 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, for each fiscal year, to make payments to each State for maternal and child health care and related services, including: (1) for women, providing health services related to pregnancy; (2) for infants and children, providing preventive health services; (3) for infants not exceeding one year of age, providing comprehensive health services; (4) training individuals in administering such services for women, infants, and children; (5) conducting evaluations of such services; and (6) conducting surveys or studies required by the Secretary under this Act. Requires a State to determine eligibility, giving preference to individuals from low-income families (as defined by the State). Requires that all the services, except inpatient services, be provided at a single facility in the community. Authorizes States to expend the payments to make grants to public and nonprofit entities and to enter into contracts with public and private entities. Declares that, notwithstanding any other law, if an individual is eligible for any service or item under these provisions, the individual may not receive the service or item under any other Federal program providing services or items with respect to maternal or child health, subject to exception. Repeals titles X (Population Research and Voluntary Family Planning Programs) and XX (Adolescent Family Life Demonstration Projects) of the Public Health Service Act and provisions of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 relating to a special supplemental food program for women, infants, and children (commonly known as the WIC Program). Requires the head of the agency that administers each program consolidated by this Act to make a determination regarding any amendments which should be made to any Act affecting that program and report to the appropriate committees of the Congress. Prohibits payments to a State unless the State agrees that the payments will not be expended to pay for any abortion, or for any counseling on or referral for obtaining any abortion, except where the life of the mother would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term. Requires that the State agree to provide services without regard to the ability of an individual to pay and make charges, if any, pursuant to a public schedule. Directs the Secretary, for FY 1993, to make a supplemental allotment for each State that has made satisfactory progress toward: (1) providing all State-assisted maternal and child health services and items without regard to whether the services and items are provided with Federal financial assistance; and (2) providing the services and items pursuant to a single, standardized application form through which all desired services and items can be simultaneously requested. Sets forth special provisions applicable to Indian tribes or tribal organizations. Authorizes appropriations. Requires any amounts paid to a State to remain available to the State for one year after the State receives the amounts.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1991
National Commemorative Events Advisory Act - Establishes the President's Advisory Commission on National Commemorative Events to: (1) establish criteria for recommending to the President that a proposed commemorative event be approved or disapproved; (2) review proposals for national commemorative events submitted in accordance with procedures published by the Commission; and (3) issue recommendations to the President concerning each proposal reviewed. Terminates the Commission within five years after the date of its first meeting.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the tax-exempt status of a cooperative telephone company to provide for the tax treatment of income received from a nonmember telephone company for services by the cooperative which are indirectly paid for by members of the cooperative. Includes billing and collection services for a nonmember telephone company under such treatment.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1991
Federal Program Performance Standards and Goals Act of 1991 - Amends Federal law to include in the Federal budget a performance standards and goals plan for the overall budget. Directs the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to issue regulations requiring each Federal department and agency to establish such a plan for each major expenditure category of its budget. Requires OMB to review and adjust such plans and establish an overall performance standards and goals plan for the Federal Government. Requires each bill or resolution which provides for the authorization of appropriations or for the appropriation of funds to specify performance standards and goals for such authorization or appropriation.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1991
Older Americans Child Care Employment Amendments of 1991 - Amends the Older Americans Community Service Employment Act to require the Secretary of Labor to enter into agreements with public or private nonprofit agencies or organizations to conduct experimental projects employing individuals who are age 55 or older in providing day care to children of families with low incomes. Requires that such agencies or organizations: (1) charge families a day care fee which is proportional to their financial resources; and (2) be subject to the State licensing requirements or regulatory standards applicable to similar day care providers in the State. Prohibits the making of grants pursuant to this Act to more than two agencies or organizations in each State. Authorizes appropriations for such projects. Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the income an individual earns in providing such child care from being applied against OASDI benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1991
Amends the Federal criminal code to require a minimum sentence of five years' imprisonment, without an opportunity for parole, for the unlawful possession of a firearm by any person: (1) who has been convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year's imprisonment; (2) who is a fugitive from justice; (3) who is an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance; (4) who has transported in interstate commerce any stolen firearm; or (5) who has received any stolen firearm. Increases from $5,000 to $10,000 and from five years to ten years the fine and term of imprisonment, respectively, for violation of Federal firearm laws. Increases the penalties for possession of a firearm in connection with a crime of violence or drug trafficking.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1991
Missing Service Personnel Act of 1991 - Requires the responsible armed forces commander, after receiving notice that a person under his command is missing, to conduct an informal investigation to determine such person's whereabouts and, if appropriate, to place such person in a missing status. Requires the commander, if a person has been placed in such status, to notify the officer holding general court-martial authority over such person (or, in the case of a missing civilian, the Secretary concerned), who shall convene a board of initial inquiry within 45 days. Requires such board to: (1) investigate evidence relating to the disappearance of such person; (2) recommend whether to continue such person in a missing status or make a finding that such person has deserted, is absent without leave, or is dead; and (3) report its recommendations and findings. Provides for the convening of a board of further inquiry, if a board of initial inquiry recommends that such person be continued in a missing status, within one year of such recommendation. Requires such board to analyze any information which has become available since the board of initial inquiry issued its report, to determine whether such person should be continued in a missing status or declared dead, and to report its findings. Directs the Secretary concerned, upon the written request of a member of the immediate family of a missing person who, before the date of the enactment of this Act, was determined by the Secretary to be dead, to: (1) convene a board of further inquiry to determine whether such finding of death should be upheld or such person should be placed in a missing status; and (2) report its findings. Requires the Secretary, within three years after a board of further inquiry recommends a missing status for any person, to reconvene such board to review such status. Specifies the composition of such boards. Directs the Secretary to invite each member of the immediate family of the missing person to the meetings of a board of initial inquiry unless attendance would place such member in danger. Requires the Secretary to: (1) invite family members of missing persons to meetings of boards of further inquiry; (2) schedule such meetings at convenient locations and times; (3) provide such family members with reasonable notice of such meetings; and (4) open such meetings to the general public. Authorizes each board to hold meetings, take testimony, receive evidence, and secure directly from any U.S. department or agency any information necessary to carry out its duties. Provides for the appointment of counsel by the officer or Secretary concerned to represent the missing person. Requires that, if a board determines that a missing person is dead, it shall include in its report a detailed description of the location and date of death, whether the body has been recovered, and whether a licensed practitioner of forensic medicine determined that the body recovered is that of the missing person. Prohibits any such board from declaring a missing person dead unless: (1) evidence other than the passage of a period of less than 50 years suggests that such person is dead; (2) no evidence which reasonably suggests that such person is alive is in the possession of the Government; (3) representatives of the Government have made a complete search of the area where such person was last seen (unless the United States is not granted access to such area); and (4) Government representatives have checked the records of the government or entity having control over the area where such person was last seen (unless the Government is not granted access to such records). Provides for judicial review of determinations of death upon the filing of a written petition by any member of the missing person's immediate family. Directs the Secretary concerned to make certain that such person's personnel file contains all information in the possession of Federal departments and agencies pertaining to the disappearance or whereabouts of such person. Requires the Secretary to make certain that, if classified information is withheld, such file contains: (1) a notice that the information exists; and (2) a notice of the date of the most recent review of the classification status of the information. Sets forth penalties for knowingly withholding information pertaining to the disappearance or whereabouts of a missing person from that person's personnel file. Requires the Secretary concerned to make the contents of such file available to a member of the immediate family of such person upon written request.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1991
All-Soy Ink Printing Act of 1991 - Requires that all federally performed or procured printing be done with all-soy inks and pigment vehicles as soon as commercially cost competitive. Directs the Department of Agriculture to use such pigment vehicles within 60 days of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1991
Declares that the Congress acknowledges and appreciates the commitment, devotion, and sacrifices of present and former military families. Designates November 25, 1991, as National Military Families Recognition Day.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1991
Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to revise the Federal and congressional budget processes by establishing a two-year budgeting and appropriations cycle and timetable, beginning in the 102d Congress. Defines the budget biennium as the two consecutive fiscal years beginning on October 1 of any odd-numbered year. Devotes the first session of any Congress to the budget resolution and to appropriations decisions, retaining current deadlines in most cases. Changes relevant deadlines to conform to the biennial scheme. Devotes each second session to authorization activity. Changes from January 15 to February 15 of each year the date by which the CBO Director must submit to the Congress a report on authorizations. Requires the Director of the CBO to issue four-year projections of congressional budget action. (Current projections are on a five-year basis.) Revises the extent of projections to be included in CBO analyses of reported bills. Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to conform to the biennial framework. Conforms provisions governing the President's budget to the biennial framework.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1991
Directs the American Battle Monuments Commission to establish a memorial on Federal land in the District of Columbia or its environs to honor World War II veterans and to commemorate U.S. participation in that conflict. Directs the Commission to plan, design, construct, and oversee the operation of the memorial. Specifies that such design shall provide for accessibility by, and accommodations for, the physically handicapped. Establishes the World War II Memorial Advisory Board to: (1) promote the establishment of the memorial and encourage the donation of private funds for construction and maintenance; (2) assist and cooperate with the Commission in the selection of the site and design for the memorial; and (3) transmit annual reports on its activities to the Congress. Authorizes the Commission to solicit private contributions for such memorial. Establishes a fund in the Treasury which shall be made available to the Commission to carry out this Act. Authorizes Federal funding, in addition to such private funds, for: (1) site preparation, design, planning, and associated administrative costs for establishment of the memorial; and (2) construction, maintenance, and operation of the memorial. Authorizes assistance from specified Federal departments and agencies, including the Library of Congress. Authorizes the transfer of Federal property to the Commission. Authorizes the Commission to purchase suitable property within the District of Columbia for the establishment of such memorial. Urges the Government to encourage 50th anniversary commemorations of the U.S. role in World War II. Urges the Smithsonian Institution and other Federal museums to develop commemorative exhibitions to be shared with academic institutions.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1991
World War II 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should recognize the 50th anniversary of World War II by minting and issuing commemorative coins. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue and mint such coins in five dollar, one dollar, and half dollar denominations. Mandates that surcharges received from the sale of such coins be deposited in a coinage profit fund and allocated, upon separate congressional authorization, to the American Battle Monuments Commission to establish a World War II memorial. Directs the Secretary to report semiannually to the Congress regarding implementation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1991
Microenterprise Development Act of 1991 - Authorizes the President, acting through the Administrator of the Agency for International Development (AID), to provide assistance for microenterprises in developing countries. Directs AID to establish specified criteria for determining the financial intermediaries that will receive such assistance. Requires a significant portion of such assistance to be used to support direct credit assistance by, and the institutional development of, financial intermediaries with a primary emphasis on assisting people living in absolute poverty, especially women. Outlines funding sources for such assistance. Permits the President, in order to generate local currencies for providing such assistance, to use development and economic support fund assistance to provide assistance to developing countries on a loan basis repayable in local currencies. Sets forth minimum levels of assistance to be provided under this Act. Requires the Administrator to develop a monitoring system to evaluate AID's microenterprise development activities.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1991
World Summit for Children Implementation Act of 1991 - Provides for assistance in implementing the plan of action adopted by the World Summit for Children. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the U.S. Government should commit to increasing participation in the special supplemental food program for women, infants, and children under the Child Nutrition Act (the WIC program) by 20 percent per year in FY 1992 through 1996, to reach full participation by the end of FY 1996; and (2) specified minimum amounts should be appropriated for the WIC program in FY 1992 and 1993 to reach such full participation goal. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the commitment to provide full funding for the Head Start Program, contained in the Human Services Reauthorization Act of 1990, should be implemented in order that the goal of full participation of all eligible three- and four-year-old children can be reached by FY 1994. Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to undertake a Children's Vaccine Initiative. Requires that the Director of the National Vaccine Program: (1) plan and coordinate the Initiative; and (2) ensure that the Public Health Service conducts vaccine research, production, and delivery activities under the Initiative in collaboration with non-governmental institutions and with other Federal agencies to ensure the full use of U.S. scientific and industrial capacity to prevent infectious disease. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 and 1993. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 and 1993 for contributions to the United Nations Children's Fund for activities to promote child health and other assistance programs for children (to carry out specified provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961). Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (the Act) to authorize appropriations for FY 1992 and 1993 for special health needs of children and mothers under the Child Survival Fund. Requires that specified minimum amounts of funds under various provisions for FY 1992 and 1993 be reserved only for such specified child survival activities. Expresses the sense of the Congress that authorization, in such amounts as may be required, should be granted to the President to exercise the (Public Law 480) debt authority with respect to least developed countries that are pursuing reforms to promote long-term economic development (as provided in specified provisions of the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954, as amended by the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990). Amends the Act to establish a Vitamin A Deficiency Program. Reserves for such Program specified amounts in FY 1992 and 1993 from funds for development assistance for agriculture, rural development, and nutrition. Amends the Act to direct the President, in carrying out provisions for development assistance for health-related activities, to promote, encourage, and undertake activities relating to research on, and treatment and control of, acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in developing countries. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 and 1993, for such purpose, to the International AIDS Prevention and Control Fund. Provides that such amounts shall be in addition to other amounts available for such purpose. Amends the Act to reserve specified amounts in FY 1992 and 1993, from funds for development assistance for education and under other provisions of the Act, for international basic education, including early childhood education, primary education, teacher training, other support activities, and adult literacy training. Expresses the sense of the Congress that at least specified minimum amounts should be appropriated for the Migration and Refugee Assistance account, and that at least specified minimum portions of such funds should be reserved for programs of refugee assistance overseas (in addition to amounts available for programs for Soviet, Eastern European, and other refugees resettling in Israel). Amends the Act to replace provisions for certain disadvantaged children in Asia with provisions for assistance to children in exceptionally difficult circumstances. Includes among such children street children, AIDS orphans, other orphaned and abandoned children, and children displaced by armed conflict, poverty, famine, or other disasters. Reserves specified minimum portions of certain funds under the Act in FY 1992 and 1993 for assistance for such children. Requires that such assistance be made available in accordance with policies and general authorities under certain disaster assistance provisions. Directs the President to report annually to the Congress on U.S. contributions to the achievement of the goals of the World Summit for Children, including U.S. efforts to achieve such goals in the United States and in other countries, with an analysis of past, current, and planned funding levels.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1991
Agricultural Extended Retirement Credit Act of 1991 - Extends creditable service under the Civil Service Retirement System for periods of service in certain Federal-State cooperative programs which had agricultural or related purposes. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to transfer to the Department of Agriculture's Surplus Fund the savings resulting from the expedited retirement of those employees of the Department who have been extended such credit. Prohibits the obligation or expenditure of any budget authority or outlays saved in any fiscal year by reason of implementation of this Act. Requires the surplus budget authority and outlays transferred to the fund to be: (1) deposited by the Secretary in the Treasury to the credit of the Civil Service Retirement Fund, as a Government contribution; and (2) credited against pay and other personnel costs required to be sequestered under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). Requires the Comptroller General to notify the Congress of each instance of noncompliance with the requirements of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend for five years, through 1996, the investment tax credit in connection with depreciable solar energy property and geothermal property; and (2) permit this credit against the taxpayer's entire regular tax liability and minimum tax liability.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1991
Constitutional Amendment - Requires the removal from office of an Article III judge upon conviction of a criminal offense punishable by more than one year's imprisonment.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1991
Supports the efforts of the Bush Administration to obtain the release of hostages in Lebanon and urges the President to continue to give high priority to working for the release of such hostages and to seek the recovery of the remains of William Buckley and Lieutenant Colonel Higgins. Encourages senior Government officials to emphasize the plight of the hostages in discussions with foreign governments and appeals to governments which have influence with hostage captors to use such influence to win the release of the hostages. Condemns those holding hostages for the violation of human rights. Calls upon the international community to cooperate in establishing mechanisms for holding individuals who engage in international terrorism accountable. Encourages all nations and international organizations to accelerate efforts to obtain the safe and unconditional release of all hostages.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1991
Drug Free Truck Stop Act of 1991 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to impose mandatory minimum criminal penalties for the unlawful distribution or possession of controlled substances within 1,000 feet of a truck stop or safety rest area. Prohibits the suspension of a sentence, granting of probation, or eligibility for parole until the individual has served the minimum required sentence under the Federal criminal code for any person who violates this Act after a prior conviction under this Act has become final. Requires the U.S. Sentencing Commission to promulgate specified sentencing guidelines for violations of this Act. Bars multiple enhancements.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1991
Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to provide that it shall not be in order for either House of Congress to consider any legislation which would impose any requirement on State or local governments which is likely to result in an annual cost to such governments of $50,000,000 or more for any particular program, project, or activity, except for legislation which complies with any sequestration order issued under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). Requires the report of the Committee on the Budget of each House accompanying the concurrent resolution on the budget to identify changes in Federal aid programs for State and local governments on a program-by-program basis.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1991
Intergovernmental Mandate Relief Act of 1991 - Prohibits a Federal agency or court from requiring compliance in any fiscal year by State or local governments with any intergovernmental regulation unless provisions of law have been enacted which compensate such governments for additional direct costs incurred by such compliance. Declares that the compensation requirement may be waived by the enactment of a joint resolution of the Congress. Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to estimate such additional direct costs and include such estimates in annual reports to the President and the Congress. Requires congressional committees to propose amendments to significant laws for which regulations will be promulgated containing provisions to compensate State and local governments for additional direct costs of complying with any intergovernmental regulation which takes effect on or after enactment of this Act. Establishes procedures for Federal agencies to reimburse State governments for additional direct costs and for State governments to reimburse local governments for such costs. Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require CBO to prepare cost estimates for bills or resolutions which are likely to cost State and local governments $100,000,000 (currently, $200,000,000) or more annually.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make available to an employer a credit against income tax liability for expenses paid or incurred during the taxable year to acquire, construct, rehabilitate, or expand a qualified on-site day care facility operated by the employer for the care of enrollees, at least 30 percent of whom must be dependents of the employer's employees. Limits the amount of the credit based on the number of enrollees who may be cared for in the facility at one time. Limits use of the personal tax credit for employment-related day care expenses to taxpayers having adjusted gross income of $50,000 or less.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1991
Telecommunications Equipment Research and Manufacturing Competition Act of 1991 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to authorize any Bell Telephone Company (BTC), through an affiliate of such company, to manufacture and provide telecommunications equipment, except that no BTC may engage in such manufacturing with an unaffiliated BTC or affiliates thereof. Allows such manufacturing or provision to be conducted only through an affiliate that is separate from any BTC. Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to prescribe regulations to ensure that: (1) such manufacturing affiliate maintains separate accounts and records from its affiliated BTC which identify all financial transactions with the BTC; (2) neither a BTC nor any of its non-manufacturing affiliates carry out sales, advertising, installation, production, or maintenance operations for a manufacturing affiliate, except under specified conditions, such manufacturing affiliate conducts all of its manufacturing activity within the United States and uses component parts manufactured in the United States unless specified requirements regarding good faith efforts to obtain such component parts in the United States and domestic content are met; (3) such affiliate incurs debt entirely separate from and without recourse against the affiliated BTC; (4) such affiliate shall not be required to operate separately from any other affiliates of its BTC; (5) if an affiliate of a BTC becomes affiliated with a manufacturing entity, it shall be treated as a manufacturing affiliate of the BTC; (6) such affiliate shall make available any telecommunications equipment manufactured by such affiliate to any purchasing carrier, so long as each such purchaser does not manufacture such equipment or agrees to make available to the BTC or any of its affiliates any telecommunications equipment manufactured by such purchasing carrier or any of its affiliates for use with the public telecommunications network by such carrier or any of its affiliates; and (7) such affiliate shall not discontinue or restrict sales to other local exchange telephone companies of any telecommunications equipment until arrangements are made to provide to them the specifications, plans, and tools to allow them to arrange for the manufacture of such equipment by another entity. Directs the FCC to require that each BTC maintain and file with the FCC complete information with respect to the protocols and technical requirements for connections with and use of its telephone exchange service facilities. Prohibits a BTC from disclosing any such information to its affiliates unless such information is immediately so filed. Requires any two or more carriers providing regulated telephone exchange service in the same area to notify each other of the deployment of telecommunications equipment. Requires the FCC to ensure that manufacturers in competition with a BTC's manufacturing affiliate have access to information with respect to the protocols and technical requirements for connection with and use of its telephone exchange service facilities required for such competition that such BTC makes available to its affiliate. Requires the FCC to prescribe regulations to require any BTC which has a manufacturing affiliate to: (1) provide to other manufacturers of telecommunications equipment and customer premises equipment that is functionally equivalent to equipment manufactured by BTC affiliates opportunities to sell such equipment to such BTC which are comparable to opportunities the BTC provides to its affiliates; (2) not subsidize its manufacturing affiliate with revenues from its regulated telecommunications service; and (3) only acquire equipment from its manufacturing affiliate at the open market price. Allows a BTC and its affiliates to engage in close collaboration with any manufacturer of customer premises or telecommunications equipment during the design and development of hardware and software relating to such equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1991
Fairness for Adopting Families Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit an individual income tax deduction for qualified adoption expenses. Includes as deductible reasonable and necessary expenses that are directly related to a legal adoption of any child if the adoption has been arranged by a State, local, or other nonprofit agency, or through a private placement. Excludes from an employee's gross income any amounts paid on behalf of the employee by an employer pursuant to a qualified adoption assistance program. Limits both the deduction and the exclusion to $5,000 ($7,000 in the case of an international adoption). Reduces the amount when the taxpayer's income exceeds $60,000. Permits an employer to treat an adoption assistance program as a statutory employee benefit plan, thus making the employer's contributions to such a program tax deductible as business expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1991
Authorizes the States to waive application of the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 to vehicles used either for transporting farm supplies from retail dealers to or from a farm, for custom harvesting, or in commercial feed yard operations, regardless of whether or not they are controlled or operated by a farmer.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1991
Alternative Fuels Incentive Act of 1991 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit an income tax credit for investments in qualified clean-burning (natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, or alcohol) motor vehicle fuel property. Permits a 20 percent credit from 1992 through 2001, phasing out the credit in five percent increments annually thereafter to reach zero percent at the end of 2004. Applies the credit to tangible property that is: (1) equipment designed either to modify a motor vehicle so that it will be propelled by a clean-burning fuel or to assist in delivering such fuel into such vehicles; or (2) a motor vehicle propelled by clean-burning fuel. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to make credit-equivalent payments to States and to local governments in connection with qualified property.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1991
Requires the Architect of the Capitol to replace all incandescent light bulbs, with specified exceptions, in the House of Representatives office buildings with compact fluorescent light bulbs. Requires the Comptroller General to study and report to the House on the economic and environmental effects of the program, together with recommendations for implementing a similar program in all Federal office buildings.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1991
Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to provide that the assessment base additions for Bank Insurance Fund members shall be deposits and obligations received in any office of the depository institution.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1991
Resident Physician Student Loan Deferment Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to allow resident physicians to defer repayment of certain student loans while serving in a medical internship or resident training program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education or the Accrediting Committee of the American Osteopathic Association.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to restore prior law for determining wages subject to employer social security taxes for certain employers whose employees receive income from tips.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1991
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture: (1) to establish through December 31, 1991, a minimum basic formula price for Class I (beverage use) milk that shall not be less than the August 1990 price; and (2) pool the proceeds from such formula uniformly among producers. Directs the Secretary to make loan guarantees for facility upgrades through December 31, 1992. Sets forth minimum solid content for beverage milk (whole, lowfat, and skim). Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to direct the Commodity Credit Corporation to encourage the export of heifers through the export enhancement program under specified conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1991
Repeals a Federal provision prohibiting the payment of veterans' disability compensation to an incompetent veteran having no spouse, child, or dependent when such veteran's estate value exceeds $25,000, until such estate value is reduced to less than $10,000.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1991
Intangibles Amortization Clarification Act of 1991 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the amortization of customer based, market share and similar intangible items for purposes of the depreciation deduction.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1991
Horn of Africa Recovery and Food Security Act of 1991 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to provide assistance for civil strife relief and rehabilitation in the Horn of Africa (Ethiopia, Somalia, and Sudan). Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to authorize the President to provide supplemental emergency food assistance for civilian victims of civil strife in the Horn of Africa. Permits the President to transfer funds from unobligated amounts in the economic support fund (ESF) and military assistance to carry out this Act. Makes available a percentage of assistance for management support activities of the Agency for International Development. Requires the President to consult with other nations, armed and unarmed parties in the Horn of Africa, and the United Nations Secretary General to bring about negotiated settlements of the wars in the region. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) direct the U.S. representative to the United Nations to take specified steps with respect to peace and the implementation of an arms embargo in the region; (2) play an active role in other fora in pressing for settlements to such wars; and (3) participate in regional and international peace consultations. Declares that development assistance in the Horn of Africa should be targeted to aid the poor. States that U.S. Government aid institutions should seek to: (1) build upon the capabilities and experiences of organizations active in local grassroots relief, rehabilitation, and development efforts; (2) consult with such organizations and incorporate their views into the policymaking process; and (3) support the expansion of their activities without compromising their private nature. Declares that current legislative provisions that restrict assistance to Ethiopia, Somalia, and Sudan should be retained until concrete steps toward peace, democracy, and human rights are achieved. States that development assistance should be: (1) targeted to the voluntary relocation and repatriation of displaced persons and refugees; and (2) carried out in coordination with strategies for debt relief of countries in the region and with efforts to establish an International Fund for Reconstruction of developing nations which settle civil wars. Prohibits assistance appropriated under this Act from being available for involuntary or forced resettlement of persons. Prohibits development assistance to Ethiopia, Somalia, or Sudan unless the President certifies that the government of the country has: (1) begun to implement peace or national reconciliation agreements; (2) demonstrated a commitment to human rights; (3) manifested a commitment to democracy and has held or scheduled free and fair elections; and (4) agreed to distribute development assistance without discrimination. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. executive directors of the multilateral development banks to oppose any loan or other funds, except to meet basic human needs, to or for Ethiopia, Somalia, or Sudan until the President makes such certification. Prohibits ESF assistance, grant military assistance, or international military education and training assistance to Ethiopia, Somalia, or Sudan unless the President certifies that the government of the country has: (1) begun to implement peace or national reconciliation agreements; (2) demonstrated a commitment to human rights; and (3) held or scheduled free and fair elections.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1991
Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to exclude from the definition of "owner or operator," for purposes of limiting liability for releases of hazardous substances, a person who, without participating in the management of a vessel or facility, holds indicia of ownership primarily to protect a security interest in such vessel or facility. Defines "indicia of ownership" as an interest in a vessel or facility acquired either for: (1) securing payment of a loan or indebtedness or the performance of an obligation; or (2) protecting a security interest. Makes liable for any release or threatened release of a hazardous substance attributable to their activities: (1) any person who causes the transfer of a vessel or facility subject to a security interest; or (2) a fiduciary or trustee who acquires ownership or control of a vessel or facility. Makes conforming amendments to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1991
Rural Development Investment Zone Act of 1991 - Title I: Designation of Rural Development Investment Zones - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to designate rural development investment zones for purposes of providing tax and regulatory relief and improving local services. Limits choices to areas nominated by States and local governments. Limits the total number of areas that may be designated, and the time period of the designation. Authorizes the Secretary to designate an investment zone only if the area meets certain locational, demographic, unemployment, and poverty criteria. Requires nominating local governments, as a condition of the Secretary's designation, to agree in writing to follow a course of action that may include reducing tax rates, improving local services, simplifying or streamlining regulation of business, and providing job training to area residents. Describes areas to which the Secretary must give preference in selecting areas for designation. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress every four years on the effects of such investment zones' designation in accomplishing the purposes of this Act. Title II: Federal Income Tax Incentives - Subtitle A: Credits for Employers - Allows employers located in investment zones a nonrefundable income tax credit for qualified increased employment expenditures. Subtitle B: Credits for Investment in Tangible Property in Rural Development Investment Zones - Allows businesses an additional investment tax credit for investments made in certain investment zone construction property. Limits the credit to ten percent for new property, including rental property. Requires the recapture of credit amounts upon the early disposition of the property. Title III: Establishment of Foreign-Trade Zones in Rural Development Investment Zones - Requires the Foreign-Trade Zone Board to consider on a priority basis and to expedite the processing of applications for the establishment of foreign-trade zones within investment zones. Requires the Secretary to give priority to, and expedite applications for, the establishment of ports of entry necessary to establish such zones. Title IV: Responsibilities of Federal Agencies in Rural Development Investment Zones; Regulatory Flexibility - Requires Federal agencies to seek to provide special assistance to designated rural development investment zones. Amends Federal law to revise "small entity" with regard to the analysis of regulatory functions to include qualified business, government, and nonprofit enterprises operating with investment zones. Authorizes Federal agencies, upon request by a designating government, to waive or modify rules and regulations pertaining to the implementation of projects or activities within an investment zone. Requires agencies to approve a request if the resulting benefits of job creation, community development, or economic revitalization outweigh the public interest in maintaining the rule unchanged. Disallows waiver or modification of a rule that would directly violate a statutory requirement or present a danger to the public health and safety.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1991
Farm and Forestry Energy Conservation Act of 1991 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, through the Soil Conservation Service, to establish a Federal energy conservation program with respect to: (1) tillage practices; (2) chemical and fertilizer use; (3) irrigation management; (4) livestock management; (5) horticulture; and (6) wood utilization. Directs the Secretary to make grants to individuals or institutions for eligible energy conservation projects. Limits such grant amounts, but authorizes a higher limit for institutions converting their heating systems to wood burning ones. Requires an eligible State to establish a State energy conservation review panel. Directs the Secretary to provide demonstration projects and make educational and technical assistance available. Authorizes appropriations.
![Official portrait of Rep. Klug, Scott L. [R-WI-2]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/k000274_200.jpg)