United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1991
Chemical and Biological Weapons Control and Warfare Elimination Act of 1991 - Declares it is U.S. policy to: (1) seek multilaterally coordinated efforts with other countries to control the proliferation of chemical and biological weapons; and (2) strengthen efforts to control chemical agents, precursors, and equipment. Requires the President to use the U.S. export control laws to control the export of defense articles, defense services, goods, and technologies that he determines would assist a country in acquiring the capability to produce or use such weapons. Amends the Export Administration Act of 1979 to require the Secretary of Commerce to establish a list of goods and technology that would assist a foreign government or group in acquiring chemical or biological weapons. Requires a validated export license for the export of such items to certain countries of concern. Requires the President to impose certain sanctions against foreign persons if he determines that they knowingly contributed to the efforts of a country to acquire, use, or stockpile chemical or biological weapons. Declares such sanctions to include: (1) denial of U.S. procurement contracts for goods or services from such foreign persons; and (2) prohibition against importation of products from such persons. Authorizes the President to waive imposition of such sanctions if he determines that is in the national security interests of the United States. Amends the Arms Export Control Act to set forth similar provisions. Requires the President to make a determination with respect to whether a country has used chemical or biological weapons in violation of international law or has used lethal chemical or biological weapons against its own nationals. Authorizes specified congressional committees to request the President to make such determination with respect to the use of such weapons. Requires the President to impose the following sanctions against foreign countries that have been found to have used such weapons: (1) termination of assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (except humanitarian assistance and agricultural commodities); (2) termination of arms sales and arms sales financing; (3) denial of U.S. credit; and (4) prohibition of the export of certain goods and technology. Directs the President to impose at least three of the following additional sanctions unless such countries cease the use of such weapons and provide assurances that they will not use, and will allow inspections with respect to, such weapons: (1) opposition to the extension of multilateral development bank assistance; (2) prohibition of U.S. bank loans (except loans for food or agricultural commodities); (3) further export prohibitions (4) import restrictions; (5) suspension of diplomatic relations; and (6) termination of air carrier landing rights. Provides for the removal and waiver of such sanctions. Requires the President to submit to the Congress annual reports on the efforts of countries to acquire chemical or biological weapons.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1991
Congratulates the Government and people of Greece, and the municipal government and people of Athens, on the 2500th anniversary of the establishment of democracy in the city of Athens.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1991
Medicare EKG Payment Restoration Act of 1991 - Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) reestablish separate payment for the interpretation of electrocardiograms (EKGs) that are ordered or performed during an office visit or consultation with a physician; and (2) require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish separate fee schedule amounts for EKG interpretations and to adjust the relative values established for office visits to or consultations with a physician to reflect the establishment of such separate fee schedule amounts. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish practice guidelines for the use of EKGs for dissemination along with other educational information relating to the use of EKGs to physicians; (2) develop a profile of the use of EKGs by physicians; and (3) conduct a study and report to the Congress on the utilization and costs of EKGs.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1991
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should: (1) communicate to the leaders of the Chinese Government the concern of the United States for the welfare of Wang Juntao and Chen Ziming (founders of the Beijing Social and Economic Science Research Institute); and (2) call for the immediate release of such individuals from prison to permit them to receive proper medical treatment.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1991
Major League Baseball Equity Act - Requires that, except in the case of revenue generated as a result of nationally transmitted cable television (TV), any Major League Baseball team that is a party to an independent broadcasting contract receive 80 percent of the revenue from the transmission of the home games and 20 percent of the revenue from the transmission of games away. Specifies that all other revenue pursuant to such contract, including all revenue from nationally transmitted cable TV, shall be divided equally among the other teams of the League (American League or National League) of which the contracting team is a member. Directs each League to establish accounts for the deposit of revenue to which such provision applies and, at regular intervals, distribute the correct shares of such revenue. Makes the antitrust laws applicable to Major League Baseball unless such a revenue sharing program is established and implemented prior to the beginning of the 1993 baseball season.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a complete tax exemption (currently a 75 percent tax exemption) for bonds used to finance high-speed intercity rail facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1991
Designates 1992 as the Year of the Gulf of Mexico. Directs all Federal and State agencies which have responsibility for matters affecting the Gulf to work to increase public awareness regarding the immeasurable value of this resource and current conditions which threaten its aesthetic and economic value.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1991
Extends nondiscriminatory treatment (most-favored-nation treatment) to the products of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to remove their products from the column two duty rate.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1991
Northwest Forest Protection and Community Stability Act of 1991 - Title I: Ecologically Significant Old Growth Forest Reserve System - States that this title shall apply only with respect to Federal lands and interests in specified National Forest System lands and specified districts of the Bureau of Land Management in California, Oregon, and Washington. Establishes in the northern spotted owl forests the Ecologically Significant Old Growth Forest Reserve System in order to maintain and enhance northern spotted owl habitat, ecological diversity, old growth forests, and other areas that may be essential to species dispersal and the maintenance of genetic diversity. Provides for the immediate inclusion in the System of certain Federal lands in northern spotted owl forests in such States while designating certain other Federal lands as study areas for possible inclusion. Designates the Olympic and Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forests as areas of special significance subject to the special management rules described below. Requires the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to prepare a map and legal description of the Federal lands and interests in lands under their respective jurisdictions that are included in the System or in a study area for filing with appropriate congressional committees and for public availability. Allows each Secretary to recommend an adjustment of the boundaries of the System or a study area only if the recommendation meets certain criteria and is submitted to appropriate congressional committees together with the reasons for the recommendation. Provides that within one year of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) report required below, each Secretary shall recommend those study areas that should be permanently included in the System or removed from further consideration for inclusion in the System. Requires each Secretary, in making such recommendations, to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Makes such recommendations effective after they are submitted to appropriate congressional committees. Requires a study area removed from further consideration for inclusion in the System to thereafter: (1) not be considered a study area; (2) not be subject to the management requirements specified below; and (3) be managed for multiple use pursuant to the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 or the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, whichever applies. Bans timber harvesting in the System and study areas except to the extent necessary for the protection of the forest outside of the System or study area from an insect or disease epidemic or for public safety, recreation, and administration. Requires lands in the System or a study area that do not meet the definition of old growth forest or are damaged by fire or other natural causes to be managed to regenerate old growth forest. States that any management activity allowed in the System and study areas shall have as its primary purpose the maintenance and enhancement of the northern spotted owl habitat, ecological diversity, old growth forests, and such areas as may be essential to species dispersal and the maintenance of genetic diversity. Requires the Secretaries to permit management activities consistent with this purpose, such as fire suppression and prescription, noncommercial silvicultural treatments of young stands, activities to restore aquatic habitats, and research. Withdraws Federal lands in the System and study areas from: (1) disposition under the public land laws; (2) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; (3) operation of the mineral leasing laws; and (4) operation of the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970. Bans additional roads, structures, and motorized recreation and access in the System. Allows roads, structures, and motorized recreation and access in study areas (except as otherwise prohibited or restricted) if the Secretary determines that they are compatible with the protection of old growth forest and northern spotted owl habitat. Authorizes the Secretary concerned to permit hunting, trapping, and fishing in the System and study areas (except as otherwise prohibited or restricted) in accordance with applicable Federal and State law. Requires all Federal lands identified by the Secretary of Agriculture as suitable for timber production in the Olympic and Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forests to be managed in accordance with specified practices to maintain or enhance habitats for species dependent on old growth forest while maintaining a high level of timber production. Outlines standards for the management of Federal lands in northern spotted owl forests that are not included in the System, a study area, or an area of special significance during the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act and ending upon the adoption of a revised land management plan for such lands as required below. Delineates separate standards applicable to lands inside and outside of critical habitat areas during such interim period. Sets forth special rules regarding timber harvesting in roadless areas on National Forest System lands in northern spotted owl forests. Requires NAS to conduct a review of: (1) the harvest requirements specified for the management of critical habitat areas and other areas in northern spotted owl forests; (2) the impact of these requirements on the old growth forest, the species associated with old growth forests, and the social and economic structure of the region; and (3) all feasible silvicultural methods for maintaining or enhancing habitat conditions for such species throughout their range in northern spotted owl forests. Requires an NAS review of Federal lands in study areas to determine if such lands are suitable for permanent inclusion in the System. Requires NAS to submit a report on such review to the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of the Interior, and the Congress that discusses the social, economic, and environmental impacts of various options, including those regarding Federal lands and interests affected by alternative definitions for old growth forests and boundary changes for the System. Requires such report to also contain NAS recommendations concerning the study areas that should be permanently included in the System or removed from consideration for inclusion in the System. Requires each Secretary to review such report for the purpose of determining whether the land and resource management plans for lands in northern spotted owl forests should be revised to take into account any management recommendations contained in the report. Requires that if a Secretary fails to adopt a preferred management recommendation into such a plan revised after such review, the Secretary must identify in the final environmental impact statement for the plan revision those management recommendations rejected or modified by the Secretary and the reasons therefor. Requires each Secretary to develop annual timber sale programs on lands in northern spotted owl forests outside of the System or a study area that are known to contain the northern spotted owl. Requires each Secretary to submit such programs to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service for consultation pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Requires the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to immediately seek to enter into negotiations with the States of California, Oregon, and Washington and other interested parties for the prompt development of habitat conservation plans for the northern spotted owl under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Requires the Secretaries to establish a joint research and monitoring program regarding the status and long-term outlook for the northern spotted owl. Outlines the research and monitoring components of the program. Subjects program results to scientific peer review. Requires each Secretary to prepare a report for the Congress displaying the yields and financial and environmental costs of timber management investment opportunities for lands in northern spotted owl forests. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to include in his report: (1) the reasons why certain Forest Service lands are not suitable for timber production pursuant to the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974; (2) the specific identity of those lands considered to be unsuitable for timber production solely due to difficulties in meeting the reforestation requirements of that Act; and (3) a description of those difficulties. Requires the Secretaries' reports on such investment opportunities to address opportunities for land exchanges with private landowners to consolidate Federal landholdings in northern spotted owl forests to enhance reforestation and timber stand improvement. Exempts as restricted or prohibited actions under certain provisions of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 actions of any person with respect to the operation, maintenance, expansion, upgrade, or completion of electric system power facilities in existing corridors. Provides that the management requirements for System and study areas, areas of special significance, and other areas set forth in this Act shall not apply with respect to electric system power facilities in a corridor. States that a Federal agency shall not be required to consult under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 with the Secretary of the Interior regarding any such action referred to above. Title II: Forest Planning Amendments - Amends the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 to: (1) provide for public participation in the adoption of constraints on the Federal land planning process; (2) allow public petitions in lieu of administrative appeals for amendments or revisions to land use plans, land and resource management plans, and planning process directives if the person filing the petition alleges and relies on new information or a new law or rule to support the proposed amendment or revision; (3) authorize the imposition of penalties for frivolous petitions or appeals; (4) require that if certain documentation pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 is required on an action implementing a land and resource management plan such documentation must be tiered to the final environmental impact statement on the plan; (5) make an environmental assessment the most comprehensive level of environmental documentation required for an action implementing a land and resource management plan, except under prescribed conditions; (6) require budget requests to disclose the amount of funds to fully implement the land and resource management plan for each unit of the National Forest System; (7) require land and resource management plans to identify management indicators and specify measurable conditions to maintain viable populations of native plant and animal species, designate sensitive species, and provide standards and guidelines that will ensure the conservation of sensitive species when an activity or project is proposed that would affect their habitat; and (8) terminate the viability requirement for fish and wildlife management planning purposes with respect to a species which is listed under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Title III: Administrative and Judicial Review of Federal Land and Resource Management Plans and Activities - Creates the Federal Board of Land Management Appeals as an independent tribunal within the Department of the Interior to hear administrative appeals of actions relating to land and resource management plans, land classifications, and management activities implementing plans under specified Federal land planning and management statutes. Requires the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to expedite appeals of Federal land and resource management plans and activities in Oregon, Washington, and California that are affected by northern spotted owl or old-growth forest issues. Limits administrative review of actions subject to this title which are taken within the Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management to one level of informal review. Makes a final decision of the Federal Board of Land Management Appeals appealable only to the appropriate Federal court of appeals for the circuit in which the affected lands are situated. Title IV: Economic Assistance and Forest Productivity Programs - Provides for increased payments with respect to national forests under certain existing Federal laws for counties in Washington, Oregon, and California to assist rural communities. Outlines provisions setting forth a program to provide grants and benefit payments to, and promote economic diversification and stability for, communities and employees that are economically dependent on National Forest System Lands and public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management and that are adversely impacted by a declining timber supply. Includes as part of such program the establishment of: (1) a special economic adjustment fund in the Treasury to consist of five percent of the Federal portion of all moneys received each year from the sale of timber and other forest products from Federal lands; and (2) a Timber Economic Adjustment Commission to distribute to communities and employees who meet specified eligibility criteria grants and benefit payments from such special fund. Requires the Commission to report to the Congress and the Governors of California, Oregon, and Washington on its accomplishments, the economic conditions of communities and employment in the region in which National Forest Lands and public lands are located, and its recommendations. Directs the Secretaries to establish a special initiative to improve the timber productivity on Federal, State, county, and private lands in counties that include communities eligible for program assistance. Requires the Secretaries to develop a program to maximize employment opportunities for displaced employees. Specifies the components of such initiative, which include improved wood utilization. Amends the Cooperative Forest Assistance Act of 1978 to earmark a portion of the amount authorized to be appropriated each year to implement the forestry incentives program for assistance in California, Oregon, and Washington for planning, reforestation, and timber stand improvement practices to further second growth management of timber resources to offset the expected decline in timber harvests from Federal lands as a result of listing the northern spotted owl as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Requires such assistance to be concentrated in those counties containing northern spotted owl forests. Amends the Kuntson-Vandenberg Act to require the purchasers of Federal timber harvested from lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management to make reforestation payments to the same extent as is required with respect to National Forest Lands. Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, in recognition of the 100th Anniversary of the founding of the Forest Service and the changes now occurring in forest management, to study the organization of the Service and make such changes to the Service's organizational structure as may be necessary to meet future challenges. Amends the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture, in developing a list of approved forest activities and practices that will be eligible for cost-share assistance under the Stewardship Incentive Program, to attempt to achieve the development and implementation of habitat conservation plans under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Earmarks 20 percent of annual Program appropriations to carry out the Program in Regions 5 and 6 of the National Forest System. Directs NAS to convene a multidisciplinary task force of independent scientists to: (1) review fish and wildlife management programs for their effectiveness in maintaining healthy and diverse fish and wildlife populations on Federal lands; (2) review the strengths and weaknesses of the species approach to protection under the Endangered Species Act of 1973; and (3) develop strategies to maintain fish and wildlife populations and habitat to avoid the number of species that become threatened or endangered. Provides that the costs incurred as a result of this Act and its amendments shall not be considered for purposes of determining the revenues and direct and indirect costs of the timber sale program of the Forest Service or the Bureau of Land Management. Treats the provisions of this Act and its amendments as emergency funding requirements under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act).
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1991
Intermodal Carriers Competitiveness Act of 1991 - Prohibits a State, political subdivision, or interstate agency of two or more States from adopting or enforcing any law, rule, regulation, or standard relating to interstate or intrastate rates, routes, services, or terms of service of any national intermodal carrier with respect to the provision of surface transportation of property in the State.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1991
Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to make the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Commerce, and the U.S. Trade Representative members of the National Security Council.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1991
United States Flag Cruise Ship Competitiveness Act of 1991 - Amends Federal law (commonly referred to as the Johnson Act) relating to transportation of gambling devices to exclude from the definition of interstate commerce, transportation from a State to the same State through a place outside that State when such commerce may only be conducted through points not in that State. Repeals all of a specified Federal law (commonly referred to as the Gambling Ship Act) except provisions relating to the transmission of wagering information. Makes unlawful certain actions in connection with a vessel which has any gaming establishment aboard unless in compliance with certain regulations, including registration with the Attorney General and licensing by a State. Provides for certification by the Attorney General of State procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1991
Amends rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit a Member of the House from serving on any particular committee for more than 12 years. Disregards service performed on such committee for less than a full session of Congress and service performed prior to the beginning of the 103d Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1991
Military Retirement Equity Act of 1991 - Permits retired members of the armed forces to be paid retirement pay concurrently with compensation for any service-connected disability if the person's entitlement to such retirement pay is based solely on: (1) age; (2) length of service; or (3) both. Reduces the amount of retirement pay, in the case of individuals receiving both types of pay, by a specified percentage of the disability compensation which decreases as the disability rating increases. Prohibits any reduction in the retirement pay of a disabled person when the disability rating is total. Expresses the sense of the Congress that, once the Federal budget deficit has been reduced, the Congress should reexamine and eliminate any offset of retired pay by a veteran's disability compensation.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1991
Economic Growth Act of 1991 - Title I: Investment and Job Creation Incentives - Subtitle A: Reduction in Capital Gains Tax for Individuals - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a capital gains deduction for individuals for assets held from one to three years. Provides special rules for the gain or loss from the sale or exchange of collectibles and sales of interest in partnerships. Disallows such deduction in computing the alternative minimum tax. Revises the formula for determining gain from the dispositions of certain depreciable realty to take into account depreciation adjustments (adjustments allowed or allowable for exhaustion, wear and tear, obsolescence, or certain amortization). Subtitle B: Inflation Adjustment for Investments - Requires indexing, based on the consumer price index, of the adjusted basis of certain assets (corporate stock and tangible property that is a capital asset of property used in a trade or business after April 15, 1991) that have been held for more than one year at the time of sale or other transfer, solely for the purpose of determining gain or loss. Provides for the inflation adjustment treatment of: (1) short sales; (2) regulated investment companies and real estate investment trusts; and (3) partnerships, S corporations, and common trust funds. Prohibits gain from the sale or other disposition of an indexed asset from being taken into account under the limitation on investment interest. Subtitle C: Enterprise Zones - Part I: Designation - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (Secretary) to designate enterprise 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 a 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 two years on the effects of such enterprise zones' designation in accomplishing the purposes of this Act. Part II: Federal Income Tax Incentives - Allows a nonrefundable income tax credit to enterprise zone employees for five percent of any wages earned as do not exceed a specified amount. Phases out such credit. Provides for the nonrecognition of capital gain on the sale of enterprise zone property. Allows a taxpayer a deduction on the aggregate amount paid for the purchase of enterprise stock on its original issue by a qualified issuer. Requires any gain from the disposition of the stock to be treated as ordinary income. Excludes enterprise zone capital gains from income computation of alternative minimum taxes. Part III: Regulatory Flexibility - Amends Federal law to revise the definition of "small entity" for purposes of the analysis of regulatory functions to include qualified business, government, and nonprofit enterprises operating within enterprise 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 enterprise zone. Requires agencies to approve the request if the resulting benefits of job creation, community development, or economic revitalization outweigh the public interest in retaining 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. Part IV: Establishment of Foreign-Trade Zones in Enterprise 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 enterprise zones. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to give priority to, and expedite applications for, the establishment of ports of entry necessary to establish such zones. Part V: Repeal of Title VII of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987 - Repeals title VII (enterprise zone development) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987. Subtitle D: Research and Experimentation Credit Made Permanent - Makes permanent the tax credit for increasing research activities and the tax credit for clinical testing expenses. Title II: Savings Incentives - Allows individuals to establish individual retirement plus accounts with tax treatment similar to that for individual retirement plans. Makes contributions to such accounts nondeductible. Allows existing individual retirement accounts (IRA) to be rolled over into individual retirement plus accounts with payment of tax on the amount rolled over for which a deduction was once allowable, but no tax when withdrawn. Title III: Homeownership Incentives - Subtitle A: First-Time Homebuyers - Allows a tax credit for the first-time purchase of a principal residence by individuals with incomes of $31,000 or less (phased-out to incomes of up to $41,000). Limits such credit to $1,000. Subtitle B: Penalty-Free IRA Plus Withdrawal for Home Purchase, Higher Education, and Health Costs - Allows penalty-free distributions from IRA Plus accounts of up to 25 percent of the account limit for: (1) first-time homebuyers; (2) medical expenses; and (3) higher education expenses. Title IV: Work Incentives - Subtitle A: Reduction in Social Security Penalty on Working Elderly - Amends title II of the Social Security Act (Federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Benefits) to raise the earnings limit for retirees. Appropriates to each payor fund amounts equivalent to the aggregate increase in social security benefits payable from such fund which is attributable to such amendment. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study during 1997 whether further amendments relating to deductions on account of work and the exempt amount under the earnings limit are necessary or appropriate. Subtitle B: Economic Growth Dividend - Requires any economic growth dividend (as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury) to be used to increase the personal exemption amount. Requires, after 1995, all revenues resulting from real growth in the gross national product greater than three percent to fund an increased personal exemption. Requires, for fiscal years beginning on or after October 1, 1992, and before October 1, 1995, that 50 percent of such dividend be used to increase the personal exemption amount and the other 50 percent be used to make a downward adjustment in the maximum deficit amount.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1991
Expresses the sense of the Congress that foreign language instruction should begin at the elementary school level. Offers certain statements of support and recommendations, including joining in calling for the establishment of a Blue Ribbon Commission to further such goal.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1991
Tax Fairness and Accountability Act of 1991 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require any legislation that increases the tax rate, the tax base, or the amount of income subject to tax, or decreases a deduction, exclusion, or credit to be approved in the House of Representatives and the Senate by an affirmative vote of three-fifths of its Members.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1991
Medicare Physician Payment Reform Amendments of 1991 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise the transition rules for phasing in the resource-based relative value scale (RB RVS) method of payment for physician services to prohibit adjustments for asymmetry in the transition and for behavioral responses. Declares spending under this Act to be an emergency requirement under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) and exempt from sequestration.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1991
Fairness in Product Liability Act of 1991 - Governs any product liability action brought in either State or Federal court against a manufacturer or product seller on any theory for harm caused by a product, superseding State law in specified ways and degrees. Makes a product seller liable only if the seller: (1) failed to exercise reasonable care regarding the product, and the failure was the proximate cause of the harm; (2) made an express warranty, independent of any express warranty by the manufacturer, the product failed to conform to the warranty and the failure caused the harm; or (3) engaged in international wrongdoing which was a proximate cause of the harm. Makes a product seller liable as if the seller were the manufacturer if: (1) the manufacturer is not subject to service of process under State laws; or (2) a court determines the claimant would be unable to enforce a judgment against the manufacturer. Allows, in certain circumstances, a complete defense of alcohol or controlled substance use. Reduces damages by the percentage of harm attributable to misuse or alteration of a product by any person, subject to exception involving misuse or alteration by the claimant's employer or coemployees. Allows punitive damages against a manufacturer or seller for conscious, flagrant indifference to user safety. Prohibits, in certain circumstances, punitive damages regarding a drug or device, as defined in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, unless packaging of a drug is substantially out of compliance with tamper-resistant packaging regulations. Declares manufacturer or seller liability to be several and not joint for noneconomic damages. Requires a product liability action to be brought within two years after the harm and its cause is, or with reasonable diligence should have been, discovered. Sets the time limit at 25 years for products which are capital goods. Requires offset of workers' compensation benefits. Sets forth rules regarding subrogation, contribution, indemnity, and liens. Provides for tort actions against employers. Prohibits U.S. district courts from having jurisdiction under specified provisions of Federal law over any civil action arising under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1991
Condemns Syria's denial of Syrian Jews' right to travel freely and calls upon the Syrian Government to: (1) immediately grant Syrian Jews the right to travel freely without imposing a fee; and (2) release all Jewish prisoners who were charged or suspected of traveling illegally. Urges the President to encourage U.S. allies and trading partners to make similar pleas to the Syrian Government. Calls upon the United Nations to send an official delegation to Syria to investigate the present condition of Syrian Jews.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1991
Urges the Government of China to cooperate with the United States in efforts to obtain information concerning members of the U.S. armed forces who served in the Korean and Vietnam conflicts.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1991
International Fish and Wildlife Protection Act - Amends provisions of the Fishermen's Protective Act of 1987, which allow restrictions to be imposed on the importation of fishery or wildlife products from countries which violate international fishery or endangered or threatened species programs, to allow the President to prohibit the importation into the United States of any products from the offending country. (Present law only allows import restrictions on fish products for fishery program violations and on wildlife products for endangered or threatened species program violations.)
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1991
Directs the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating and the Secretary of Defense to enter into an agreement under the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act under which the Coast Guard is authorized to utilize the personnel, services, equipment (including aircraft and vessels), and facilities of the Department of Defense to assist in enforcing U.S. large-scale driftnet fishing laws and in implementing international agreements, and United Nations resolutions on large-scale driftnet fishing.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1991
Workers' Political Rights Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to permit a labor organization to make political communications and establish and solicit contributions for a separate segregated political fund if it provides the employees it represents with written notification of specified information.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1991
Access to Life-Saving Therapies Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Food and Drug Administration, to approve, at the request of the sponsor and on an expedited basis, a drug or biologic needed to treat or prevent a life threatening disease or seriously debilitating illness if the drug or biologic meets certain conditions, including some indications of effectiveness and safety and a lack of alternative satisfactory therapy. Deems an application under the amendments made by this Act approved unless other action is taken within 120 days. Prohibits any health insurance policy or plan from distinguishing, for the purpose of determining whether a drug is eligible for coverage or reimbursement, between a drug approved under the amendments made by this Act and one approved under specified other provisions of the Public Health Service Act. Mandates suspension of approval under the amendments made by this Act if at least two subsequent studies fail to confirm the initial safety and efficacy conclusions. Requires written informed consent for administration of a drug approved under amendments made by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1991
Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children Registration Act - Directs the Attorney General to establish a State program and guidelines requiring persons convicted of a criminal offense against a minor to register a current address with a designated State law enforcement agency (LEA) for ten years after release from prison, parole, or being placed on supervised release. Sets forth requirements for an approved State registration program, including: (1) requirements that a State prison officer inform a released person of the duty to register and provide a designated State LEA with any new address in writing within ten days, obtain a fingerprint card and photograph if not already obtained, require the person to read and sign a form stating that the duty to register has been explained, and forward such information to a designated State LEA (which shall immediately enter the information into the State law enforcement system and National Crime Information Center computer networks and notify the appropriate LEA having jurisdiction where the person expects to live); (2) annual address verification by the designated State LEA; and (3) notification of LEAs having jurisdiction over a released person's new address. Provides that: (1) a person required to register who violates any requirement of a State program established by this Act shall be subject to criminal penalties in such State (recommends at least six months' imprisonment); and (2) the information provided under this Act is private and may be used for law enforcement purposes, including confidential background checks by child care services providers. Specifies that the allocation of Bureau of Justice Assistance grant funds under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 received by a State not complying with the provisions of this Act three years after the enactment of this Act shall be reduced by 25 percent. Requires such unallocated funds to be reallocated to the States in compliance with this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1991
Uniform Services Treatment Facilities Provider Clarification Act of 1991 - Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from taking any action to recover amounts that were paid under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to uniformed services treatment facilities in Boston, Massachusetts, Baltimore, Maryland, and Seattle, Washington, for services provided between October 1, 1986, and December 31, 1989.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1991
Earthquake Hazard Reduction Amendments Act - Amends the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 to mandate identification of earthquake-prone States. Establishes the Earthquake Loss Mitigation Advisory Committee. Requires development of comprehensive earthquake loss-reduction criteria for State and local land use and management ordinances, building codes, and other measures. Requires that a percentage of the annual earthquake insurance premiums collected under the Primary Insurance program enacted by this Act be deposited in the Self-Sustaining Mitigation Fund to support specified hazard reduction activities. Requires the Director to support public education programs. Provides for assistance, to the extent provided for in appropriations Acts, to States which are in compliance with the loss-reduction criteria of this Act to support development and implementation of mitigation plans. Prohibits making, increasing, extending, or renewing any federally-related mortgage loan secured by: (1) residential property in an earthquake-prone State unless the property is covered by earthquake insurance coverage under this Act or equivalent private insurance; or (2) improved real estate or a mobile home located in an earthquake-prone State if the State is not in compliance with the loss-reduction criteria of this Act and the property does not meet minimum mitigation criteria. Establishes the Primary Insurance Program against loss from any earthquake. Requires the Director to arrange for participation, on other than a risk-sharing basis, by private insurers, insurance agents and brokers, insurance adjustment organizations, and others. Mandates development of a plan of operation for the Insurance Fund and the Reinsurance Fund. Limits Program coverage to residential property in earthquake-prone States. Establishes an independent advisory committee in the executive branch to be known as the Earthquake Insurance and Reinsurance Advisory Committee. Establishes in the Treasury the Residential Property Insurance Fund to carry out the Primary Insurance Program. Credits to the Insurance Fund premiums received by the Program. Requires, if gross reimbursements to private insurers exceeds amounts in the Insurance Fund, loans from the industry for ten percent of the additional losses, with the remaining amounts borrowed from the Treasury and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Requires the Director to make reinsurance and excess reinsurance available to private insurers participating in the Program and their reinsurers. Provides for the excess reinsurance liability of the insurance industry and the Federal Government. Specifies the lines of insurance for which reinsurance coverage must be provided. Establishes in the Treasury the Reinsurance Fund to carry out the excess loss reinsurance program. Credits to the Fund any reinsurance premiums received under the excess loss reinsurance program and amounts borrowed from the Treasury under this Act. Requires the Director, to the extent that the Reinsurance Fund is insufficient to pay claims and expenses, to issue to the Secretary of the Treasury obligations to cover the insufficiency.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1991
Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1991 - Prohibits any agency, department, or official of the United States or any State (the government) from burdening a person's exercise of religion even if the burden results from a rule of general applicability, except that the government may burden a person's exercise of religion only if it demonstrates that application of the burden to the person: (1) is essential to further a compelling governmental interest; and (2) is the least restrictive means of furthering that compelling governmental interest. Sets forth provisions pertaining to judicial relief, attorney's fees, and applicability.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1991
Constitutional Amendment - Requires the Congress and the President, prior to each fiscal year, to agree on an estimate of total receipts (except those derived from borrowing) for that fiscal year by enactment of a law devoted solely to that subject. Prohibits outlays for that year (except those for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding this amount unless the Congress, by a three-fifths roll call vote of each House, authorizes a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Requires a three-fifths roll call vote of each House to increase the public debt. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to the Congress. Requires the approval of a majority of the total membership of each House by roll call vote before any bill to increase revenue may become law. Waives these provisions when a declaration of war is in effect. Makes this article effective beginning with FY 1995 or with the second fiscal year after its ratification, whichever is later.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1991
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) President Bush, Administration officials, and the President's emissary should be commended for their diplomatic initiatives to secure the release of Ethiopian Jews; (2) the Government of Israel should be commended for carrying out Operation Solomon, for its efforts to reunite Jews with their families, and for welcoming this community with open arms; (3) individuals and private voluntary organizations should be applauded for their support of the Jewish community in Ethiopia; and (4) the United States should make every effort to bring an end to the civil war in Ethiopia, increase support for famine relief, and ensure the release to Israel of Jews remaining in Ethiopia.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1991
James Madison-Bill of Rights Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury (the Secretary) to mint and issue five-dollar gold coins emblematic of the Bill of Rights, and one-dollar silver coins emblematic of James Madison. Sets forth guidelines for their sale and issuance, and for financial assurances. Mandates that the surcharges received by the Secretary shall be transmitted to the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Trust Fund. Authorizes audits by the Comptroller General. Provides a general waiver of procurement regulations when implementing this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1991
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present to the Secretary of Defense, Richard B. Cheney, a gold medal in recognition of his exemplary performance as a leader in coordinating the planning, strategy, and execution of combat action by U.S. armed forces which led to the liberation of Kuwait. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the sale of bronze duplicates of the medal.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1991
Authorizes the Go for Broke National Veterans Association to establish a memorial on Federal land in the District of Columbia or its environs to honor Japanese American Veterans. Prohibits any Federal funds from being used to pay any expense of the establishment of the memorial.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1991
Prohibits the proposed sale to the United Arab Emirates of AH-64 APACHE attack helicopters and related defense articles and services, and design and construction services described in the certification submitted to the Congress pursuant to the Arms Export Control Act on June 11, 1991.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1991
Targeted Dislocated Worker Assistance Act of 1991 - Title I: Expanded Unemployment and Training Benefits - Allows any State to enter into an agreement with the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary) that the State agency which administers the State's unemployment compensation law will make payments to qualified displaced workers for certain program benefits for up to 26 weeks after the last week for which they received regular unemployment compensation. Specifies such program benefits as: (1) additional unemployment compensation in the same weekly amount as their now-exhausted regular unemployment compensation; (2) a monthly housing allowance for 50 percent of the lesser of a specified fair market rent or their own rent or mortgage payment; (3) reimbursement of all direct costs of an approved educational or training program; and (4) a relocation allowance, if necessary. Bases eligibility for such benefits on the individual's: (1) exhaustion of all other unemployment compensation rights; (2) having no prospect for work in the same region and industry where previously employed; (3) having a family income 70 percent or less of the lower living standard, and with no more than certain specified assets; (4) not having a two-year college degree or equivalent; and (5) being enrolled in an approved educational or training program before the 13th week for which he or she received regular compensation during the benefit year for which such rights were exhausted. Provides for payment to each State for 100 percent of the amount of the benefits paid to individuals under the agreement, with special conditions for treatment of benefits reimbursable under other Federal laws. Provides for estimation and certification of such payments. Authorizes appropriations. Sets forth penalties for fraud and provisions relating to overpayments. Title II: Expansion of Job Training Partnership Act - Amends the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) to authorize additional appropriations to provide programs under title III of JTPA to individuals who are eligible displaced workers under title I of this Act. Waives a certain support services and payments limitation with respect to such funds; but limits to not more than 50 percent the portion which may be expended by any substate grantee for needs-related payments and supportive services. Expands the supportive services category to include mortgage, rent, and insurance payment assistance. Title III: Unemployment Benefits to Certain Individuals Not Otherwise Eligible - Allows a State to apply to the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary) for a grant to help meet the costs of providing benefits under an expanded unemployment benefits program to individuals affected by a severe contraction in a specific industry in such State. Authorizes the Secretary to make such a grant if the contraction meets severity and duration requirements prescribed by the Secretary. Limits administrative expenses to not more than 15 percent of such grant. Requires that such an expanded unemployed benefits program provide unemployment compensation to individuals who: (1) would be eligible for it under the State law if services performed as a self-employed individual were covered; and (2) ceased to have such self-employment by reason of a severe contraction in a specific industry. Requires the program to provide such compensation also to individuals who would be eligible for it under State law but for a reduction in hours of employment during the applicable base period by reason of such severe contraction. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1991
Small Employer Health Insurance Incentive Act of 1991 - Exempts small employer purchasing groups organized for the purpose of obtaining health insurance for employer members from State insurance mandates, State taxes on premiums, and State laws relating to managed care. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow self-employed individuals participating in small employer purchasing groups an itemized deduction of 100 percent for health insurance costs (25 percent for nonparticipants). Makes such deduction permanent law.
![Official portrait of Rep. Miller, John R. [R-WA-1]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000736_200.jpg)