The world's political record
Person
![Official portrait of Rep. Mink, Patsy T. [D-HI-2]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000797_200.jpg)
United States · Official source
3,205 records where Rep. Mink, Patsy T. [D-HI-2] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1991
Amends the Power Act to modify the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's general and mandatory licensing authority with regard to fresh waters in Hawaii.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1991
Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act, as reenacted and amended by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, to require that imports of fresh Hawaii Solo-type papaya meet all marketing order grade, size, and quality requirements imposed on domestic fresh Hawaii Solo-type papaya.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1991
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the people of the United States should recognize: (1) the tenth anniversary of "An Artistic Discovery" (the Congressional High School Art Competition); and (2) its success in encouraging the creative endeavors of our Nation's young artists and forging strong working relationships among the Congress, businesses, and the arts community towards the ultimate goal of providing opportunities for high school students to express their artistic talents.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1991
Designates August 29, 1991, as National Sarcoidosis Awareness Day.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1991
Provides that reimbursement for certain travel expenses related to relocation of Federal employees shall apply to all stations within the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1991
Designates October 1991 as Country Music Month.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1991
Designates 1991 as the 25th Anniversary Year of the Formation of the President's Committee on Mental Retardation.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1991
Social Security Protection Act of 1991 - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to exclude the appropriations for the administration of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund from Federal budget deficit calculations and to exempt such appropriations from sequestration under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1991
National Teacher Recruitment and Training Act of 1991 - Title I: Loans Incentives for Teaching - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to establish a separate fund for teachers under the National Direct Student Loan (NDSL) program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1996 for the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) to make separate capital contributions to NDSL student loan funds. Requires a student, in order to receive a loan from the special account, to: (1) have completed two undergraduate years; (2) intend to pursue a teaching career; and (3) agree to certain repayment conditions if the student either does not enter full-time teaching within a certain period or ceases such teaching before the end of the five-year service period required for loan cancellation. Gives priority for such loans to: (1) minority students, or those otherwise underrepresented in the teaching profession or curricula areas; (2) individuals demonstrating an interest in working in early childhood development; (3) individuals demonstrating an interest in working in special education teaching, related services, and early intervention; (4) individuals demonstrating an interest in pursuing a career in providing school-based teaching or counseling aimed at resolving conflicts and/or assisting persons who have been exposed to and affected by community violence; and (5) individuals who qualify and need such a loan and who demonstrate high academic achievement and potential for success in teaching. Provides for an expedited loan cancellation option for teaching at certain types of schools. Title II: Financial Assistance for Institutional Recruitment and Retention of Individuals Preparing to Enter the Teaching Force - Directs the Secretary to make grants to institution of higher education for programs to recruit and retain undergraduate and graduate students, particularly minority or other underrepresented students, preparing to enter: (1) the teaching profession; (2) employment in early childhood development programs; and (3) a career in providing school-based teaching and counseling aimed at resolving conflicts and/or assisting persons who have been exposed to and affected by community violence. Sets forth requirements for applications, plans, use of funds, selection procedures for institutional awards, grant duration, and amount, and reports and evaluation. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1996 to carry out this title.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1991
Designates May 1992 as National Trauma Awareness Month.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1991
Designates the week beginning June 7, 1992, as Animal Rights Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1991
Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from making any payment for covered drugs and biologicals unless the price charged by the manufacturer is determined in accordance with an agreement between the Secretary and the manufacturer pursuant to the Social Security Act, under which the price charged cannot exceed the price charged as of September 1, 1990, increased by the sum of the covered drug updates. States that such pricing agreement shall apply to any drug or biological product procured by the Department of Veterans Affairs that is: (1) purchased under a depot contracting system; or (2) listed under the Federal Supply Schedule of the General Services Administration on or after January 1, 1990. Amends the Social Security Act to exclude the prices for prescription drugs procured by the Federal Government from the calculation of best price procurement for purposes of application of Medicaid rebate agreements. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of, and report to the Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Commitees on, the costs and availability of drugs and biological products for programs of the Department as they relate to exemptions and limitations under this Act.
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 · 11 July 1991
Community Right-To-Know More Act of 1991 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to revise congressional findings, objectives, and national policy provisions. Title I: Expansion of Toxics Release Inventory - Requires owners or operators of facilities subject to toxic chemical release requirements under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986 that meet threshold requirements under this Act to include supplemental information comparable to that required in toxic chemical release forms for transfers or releases of chemicals that are: (1) priority pollutants relating to steam electric power point source pollutants under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act; (2) specified hazardous wastes listed under the Solid Waste Disposal Act; (3) specified chemicals listed under the Clean Air Act; (4) pesticides with respect to which the registration has been denied, cancelled, or is under suspension or pesticides undergoing administrative review or that are classified for restricted use; (5) chemicals listed under the Safe Drinking Water Act for which maximum contaminant levels have been proposed; (6) chemicals identified as carcinogens by the Carcinogen Assessment Group of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the International Agency for Research on Cancer, or the National Toxicology Program; (7) extremely hazardous substances listed pursuant to the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986; (8) chemicals listed in 90 California Regulatory Notice Register 990 as reproductive toxins; or (9) listed under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986 that are not used at a level that meets threshold requirements for reporting but are released to the environment or transferred to an offsite waste management facility in amounts meeting the threshold under this Act. Provides that a facility meets the threshold requirements with respect to a chemical listed under this Act if the facility: (1) uses the chemical at a level that meets the threshold requirement for reporting under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986; or (2) releases to the environment or transfers to an offsite waste management facility a chemical in an amount greater than or equal to 100 pounds annually in the case of metals or metal compounds or 2,000 pounds annually for any other chemical. Authorizes the EPA Administrator to establish lower thresholds for any chemical, user segment, or facility. Permits authorized States to establish lower thresholds for facilities in their jurisdictions. Authorizes the Administrator to delete a carcinogen or reproductive toxin from the list under this Act if it is not otherwise listed under this Act or the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986. Applies toxic chemical release reporting requirements to facilities employing at least ten full-time employees that are not currently subject to such requirements, but meet threshold reporting requirements under this Act or the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986. Title II: Toxics Use Reduction - Requires owners or operators of covered facilities to submit: (1) annual toxics use reduction reports for each covered chemical for which such facilities are required to file toxic chemical release forms or supplemental information pursuant to title I; and (2) annual plans for reducing the use of covered chemicals. Sets forth report and plan requirements and submission deadlines. Authorizes the Administrator to modify such plans. Requires the Administrator to establish an advisory board to determine a professional code of practice for toxics use reduction materials accounting and planning. Directs owners or operators of facilities in violation of standards, permit conditions, or regulations pertaining to the management or release of covered chemicals, upon the request of 50 citizens or employees, to establish a workplace toxic use reduction committee to provide ongoing dialogue and appraisal of the progress toward pollution prevention. Requires the committee to meet at least quarterly to review a facility's progress on toxics use reduction. Directs the Administrator to implement a strategy to promote toxics use reduction. Requires the Administrator, Federal agencies, and States or political subdivisions, in issuing or approving regulatory action under specified environmental, consumer protection, occupational health and safety, and energy Acts, to make toxics use reduction an integral part of the planning, decisionmaking, and rulemaking process. Authorizes the Administrator to require owners or operators of facilities to provide records and information and grants the Administrator access to records, products, or raw materials. Requires the Administrator to establish a technical assistance and research program to promote and study toxics use reduction. Directs the Administrator to analyze information on production units reported by facilities for purposes of classifying such units into groups that use similar production processes and covered chemicals. Authorizes the Administrator to classify such units into groups on the basis of industrial categories according to Standard Industrial Classification codes. Requires the Administrator to: (1) classify ten groups, to be referred to as user segments; (2) evaluate the reduction in the use and generation of covered chemicals by each production unit in each user segment; and (3) prepare and make available to the public an annual percentile ranking of each unit according to use and generation as byproduct. Authorizes the Administrator to promulgate regulations to establish minimum toxics use reduction performance requirements for production units in user segments. Sets forth regulation requirements. Applies provisions of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986 concerning trade secrets, the provision of information to health professionals, and public availability of information to toxics information under this Act. Waives Federal facility compliance with toxics use reduction and reporting requirements upon the request of the Secretary of Defense and the President's determination that such waiver is in the interest of national security. Directs the Administrator to study and report to the appropriate congressional committees on methods of encouraging the reporting of toxics information through the use of computer telecommunication and other means. Requires the Director of the Office of Technology Assessment to study and report to the Administrator and the Congress on the provision to the public of toxic release inventory information and related information required to be submitted to the Administrator. Prescribes civil and administrative penalties for violations of toxics use reduction and reporting requirements. Sets forth provisions concering civil actions with respect to such violations. Requires the Administrator to establish a grant program to assist States and local governments in establishing innovative toxics use reduction programs. Directs States to make 75 percent of a grant available to local governments for carrying out toxics use reduction. Bases the awarding of grants on the extent to which chemical substances are manufactured, processed, used, and disposed of in a State, the extent of exposure to such substances in a State, and the population density of a State. Authorizes appropriations for such grants and for toxics use reduction under this Act. Requires the Administrator to: (1) implement a procurement policy that reduces, avoids, or eliminates the acquisition of agency procurement items made with or containing covered chemicals and hazardous secondary materials; and (2) make recommendations to the Congress for a national toxics use reduction procurement policy covering all procuring agencies, Federal facilities, and government contractors. Amends the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990 to increase the amounts authorized to be appropriated for functions under such Act and to increase and extend the authorization of appropriations for technical assistance grants to States. Title III: Waste Stream Reporting - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to revise recordkeeping and reporting requirements for hazardous waste generators. Directs hazardous waste generators to report annually to the Administrator and authorized State agencies on the quantity of hazardous waste generated from each catastrophic event, remedial action, or one-time event not associated with production processes. Sets forth reporting requirements for generators of solid waste in amounts in excess of 11,000 pounds a month and for facilities managing solid and certain special wastes generated by fossil fuels combustion, mining, and activities involving cement kilns. Reqiures the Administrator to: (1) maintain publicly accessible databases for hazardous, solid, and special waste stream data reported under this Act; (2) make the data accessible on a cost reimbursable basis; and (3) report to the Congress on links between EPA databases and changes that would facilitate links between all major EPA operations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1991
Social Security Trust Fund Integrity and Benefits Improvement Act of 1991 - Title I: Benefit Improvements - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to: (1) increase the amount of outside income which beneficiaries who have attained retirement age may earn without incurring a reduction in benefits; (2) increase survivors' benefits for those widows and widowers whose spouses died before they reached age 65; (3) repeal provisions which require that a widow or widower must have become disabled within seven years of their spouse's death or within seven years of the end of their eligibility for benefits as the surviving parent of a young child in order to be eligible for disability benefits; (4) raise the social security payroll tax exemption for State election officials and workers, and index the exempt amount beginning in 1993; and (5) increase the OASDI contribution and benefit base on a graduated basis beginning in 1992. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study and report to the Congress on the disability determination process and the appeals process applicable to disability determinations under the OASDI program and title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) of the Social Security Act. Title II: Clarification of Budgetary Provisions - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to exclude the appropriations for the administration of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund from Federal budget deficit calculations and to exempt such appropriations from sequestration under such Act. Title III: Social Security Administration - Amends title VII (Administration) of the Social Security Act to establish the Social Security Administration as an independent executive agency. Transfers to the Administration all functions carried out by the Secretary of Health and Human Services pertaining to such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1991
Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to determine whether an individual entitled to benefits under part A (Hospital Insurance) meets the requirements for status as a qualified Medicare beneficiary under the Medicaid program (title XIX of the Social Security Act).
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1991
Authorizes the use of Department of Defense commissary and exchange stores by former prisoners of war who have been honorably separated from service and have a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1991
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish in Hawaii a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis and treatment facility to be known as the Pacific Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and War-Related Disorders. Outlines PTSD activities to be conducted at the Center, including: (1) the provision of inpatient and outpatient care services for veterans and members of the armed forces who live in the Pacific jurisdiction; (2) education and training programs on the disorder for health care and human service professionals; (3) scientific research; (4) the coordination of PTSD research and treatment activities in Hawaii; and (5) the collection and dissemination of information regarding the diagnosis and treatment of PTSD, other war-related disorders, and disaster-related mental health problems. Directs the Secretary to ensure that such activities provide special emphasis on investigating the relationship between PTSD and the various cultural, ethnic, gender, and other psychological and social characteristics of persons who suffer from the disorder.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1991
Entitles any veteran who has a service-connected disability rated total by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to travel on military aircraft to the same extent as retired members of the armed forces are so entitled.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1991
Directs the Secretary of the Army to issue a certificate of service to Filipino nationals whom the Secretary determines to have served with or for the U.S. Army in the Philippine Islands during World War II. Entitles such persons to the same rights and benefits as other persons performing the same type of service in the Islands during such war.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1991
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay special incentive pay to psychologists employed within the Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Requires any such psychologist, in order to receive such incentive special pay, to: (1) agree to serve in the Department for at least one year; and (2) receive a Diplomate in Psychology diploma from the American Board of Professional Psychology or another advanced degree as determined by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1991
Designates March 19, 1992, as National Women in Agriculture Day.
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
Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to provide that title I (Protection of Employee Benefit Rights) does not preempt any State law which provides for: (1) the payment of prevailing wages; or (2) standards or other requirements relating to apprenticeship or other training programs.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1991
Elderly and Handicapped Transportation Improvement Act - Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to make grants and loans to private nonprofit corporations and associations to be used to pay operating expenses related to new and existing mass transportation services for elderly and handicapped persons. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992-1996.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1991
Establishes the Spark M. Matsunaga Renewable Energy and Ocean Technology Center at Keahole Point, Hawaii, to conduct research, development, and techology transfer on: (1) solar and renewable energy; (2) energy storage, including the production of hydrogen from renewable energy; (3) materials applications related to energy and marine environments; and (4) other environmental and ocean resource concepts, including sea ranching and global climate change. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1994 for ocean resource and renewable research, development, and technology transfer at the center.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1991
World Cup USA 1994 Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue a specified number of five-dollar gold coins, one-dollar silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins in commemoration of the 1994 World Cup and the unique appeal of soccer. Sets forth certain features of such coins and provides for their design, issuance, and sale. Requires that all sales include a surcharge of $35 per coin for the five-dollar coins, $7 per coin for the one-dollar coins, and $1 per coin for the half-dollar coins. Requires that all surcharges be paid to the Organizing Committee to organize and stage the 1994 World Cup. Requires that ten percent of such funds shall be made available through the U.S. Soccer Federation Foundation, Inc., for distribution to institutions for scholastic scholarships to qualified students.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1991
Designates the week of October 27 through November 2, 1991, and October 11 through 17, 1992, as National Job Skills Week.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1991
Designates July 27 through August 2, 1991, as National Invent America! Week.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1991
Designates the second week in April as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1991
Designates the week of November 10, 1991, as Hire a Veteran Week.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1991
Shipbuilding and Repair Industry Free Trade Act of 1991 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to annually determine and publish the net shipbuilding and repair subsidy provided, directly and indirectly, to each major shipbuilding and repair company in foreign countries meeting certain requirements. Requires the information submitted to the Secretary in connection with the determinations to be treated as proprietary if it meets certain requirements of the Tariff Act of 1930. Requires each company to repay to its government the total value of the aggregate subsidy provided, plus interest. Directs the Secretary to: (1) require certification from both the company and the foreign government that the payments have occurred; and (2) if requested, verify the repayment. Directs the Secretary, if a company has not complied, to direct the Commandant of the Coast Guard to collect an annual assessment on each vessel constructed or repaired by the company. Sets the amount of the assessment at the amount of the net subsidy, adjusted by partial repayments and increased by any previous unpaid assessment. Prohibits a vessel from entering a U.S. port until the assessment is paid in full. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to provide for the judicial review of subsidy assessment determinations by the U.S. Court of International Trade.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1991
Pension Distribution Clarification Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the application of lump sum distribution rules for pension plans where a portion of the assets or interest is invested with an insurance company in conservatorship.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1991
Provides for the printing of a revised edition of the booklet entitled "Our American Government" as a House document. Requires additional printing of such document for the use of the House of Representatives, the Senate, and the Joint Committee on Printing.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1991
Older Women's Breast Cancer Prevention Act of 1991 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) repeal the limit on payment amounts for screening mammography under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of the Medicare program; and (2) permit payment under such part to the physician who supervises such procedure but does not interpret its results.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1991
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Residential Treatment Grants Act of 1991 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Office of Substance Abuse Prevention, to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities for purposes of providing specified alcohol and drug abuse residential treatment services to: (1) pregnant women and their minor children; (2) women who have given birth within 12 months of requesting treatment services and their minor children; and (3) other parents with whom a dependent child lives and their minor children, at the option of the applicant (except that such parents shall not be given priority in admission over the other eligible individuals). Authorizes grant applicants to restrict the age and number of children (but not to less than one unless all children are over age 13) that each parent may bring to the facility. Requires the Director to give priority to applicants that assure that they will give priority to providing services to pregnant women, mothers, and children eligible for Medicaid or who are low-income and do not have insurance covering such services. Describes the residential treatment services. Prohibits the awarding of a grant unless the applicant agrees that: (1) services will be provided to an individual for such period as is therapeutically required, except that such services may be limited to 12 months; and (2) services will be provided free of charge to individuals eligible for Medicaid and their minor children. Prohibits the awarding of a grant unless the facility: (1) is certified to provide such services and meets all applicable State licensure or certification requirements; and (2) has a certain amount of beds. Prohibits the awarding of a grant unless the applicant submits an application and reports regarding services and agrees that the grant will be used to supplement non-Federal funds for such services. Provides for evaluations of such services. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Social Security Act to make medical assistance grants under title XIX of such Act (Medicaid) available for individuals receiving services under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1991
James Madison-Bill of Rights Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury (the Secretary) to mint and issue five-dollar gold coins emblematic of the Bill of Rights, and one-dollar silver coins emblematic of James Madison. Sets forth guidelines for their sale and issuance, and for financial assurances. Mandates that the surcharges received by the Secretary shall be transmitted to the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Trust Fund. Authorizes audits by the Comptroller General. Provides a general waiver of procurement regulations when implementing this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1991
Designates the week beginning August 25, 1991, as National Parks Week.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny the Puerto Rico and possession tax credit to runaway plants (new or newly expanded operations at Puerto Rican or other possession facilities) unless the Secretary of the Treasury determines that such plants will not have a substantial adverse effect on employment at U.S. facilities. Provides a period for public comment prior to the Secretary's determination.
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 · 11 June 1991
Designates the week beginning May 3, 1992, as National Nurses Week.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1991
Family Preservation Act of 1991 - Title I: Child Welfare Services - Amends part B (Child Welfare Services) of title IV of the Social Security Act to convert the Child Welfare program from an authorization to a capped entitlement program. Requires maintenance of State effort under such program. Sets forth a new formula for allotments to States under such program. Repeals provisions for incentive payments to States which maintain a foster care inventory, information system, and case review system, but requires States to provide such protections and other services designed to keep families together or reunify them, or to place children for adoption, with a legal guardian, or in some other planned, permanent living arrangement. Requires States to submit the following types of reports on child welfare services and expenditures: (1) pre-expenditure reports; (2) post-expenditure reports; and (3) comparative financial contributions reports. Reserves funds for entitlement grants to States to plan for and provide child welfare services designed to strengthen and preserve families. Requires use of part of such funds to develop or expand specialized child welfare services programs, for families in crisis due to substance abuse, that: (1) emphasize comprehensive services geared to the whole family; and (2) support or expand availability of programs for pregnant women and programs that allow mothers (and other caretaker relatives) to reside with their children while receiving services or treatment. Requires uses of the remaining part of such funds to develop or expand: (1) service programs to help children, where appropriate, return to families from which they have been removed, or be placed for adoption, with a legal guardian, or in some other planned, permanent living arrangement; (2) preplacement preventive services programs to help children at risk of foster care placement remain with their families; or (3) service programs for follow-up care for families to whom a child has been returned after a foster care placement. Reserves funds for grants to State court systems to assess and improve procedures in child welfare cases, in carrying out the Child Welfare Services program and part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of title IV of the Social Security Act. Sets forth application requirements and formulas for determining the amount of such grants for FY 1993 through 1997. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary) to submit interim and final reports to the Congress on the information obtained from assessments conducted with such grants and the impact of such grant program on State court procedures and functions. Requires each State to compile annually a detailed directory of programs designed to keep families together or reunify them or place children permanently, identifying which of such programs provides specialized child welfare services to families in crisis due to substance abuse. Title II: Foster Care and Adoption Assistance - Amends title IV (Grants to States for Aid and Services to Needy Families with Children and for Child Welfare Services) of the Social Security Act to add a new part C, Comprehensive Service Projects to grant States flexibility and resources to develop comprehensive and coordinated services designed to: (1) preserve and strengthen families with children at risk of placement outside their homes; (2) reunite children with their families expeditiously if an out-of-home placement is found to be necessary; and (3) place children in adoptive homes or other permanent arrangements in a timely fashion if reunification with their families is not appropriate. Permits any State to apply to the Secretary for permission to: (1) conduct a comprehensive service project in a selected area or areas; and (2) suspend certain child welfare services and foster care and adoption assistance requirements with respect to State activities in such area or areas during the project. Sets forth application requirements and administrative provisions for such projects. Prohibits the Secretary of HHS from requiring as a condition of approval of a project application: (1) the State to select any area or areas in which to conduct the project; or (2) the project to comply with any requirements not specified in the project authorization. Sets forth those requirements with which such a project must comply. Provides for determining the expenses for which a State might properly seek reimbursement, for purposes of calculating such grant amount. Authorizes the Secretary to increase such grant amount, to the extent appropriate, by taking specified factors into account. Sets forth requirements for notification to States of grant amounts, and for grant payments in equal quarterly installments. Prohibits a State from carrying out such a project in a manner that impairs the entitlement of any child to the foster care benefits he or she would have received if the Secretary had approved the State plan for the fiscal year and had not authorized the State to conduct such a project. Deems a State to have in effect an approved foster care and adoption assistance plan during the period in which it conducts such a project for purposes of a State plan requirements under part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) of title IV of the Social Security Act. Requires States to report annually on funds expended under such projects to the Secretary and the Advisory Commission on Children and Families. Provides for project termination. Requires a State to discontinue the project at the end of a fiscal year: (1) if it has notified the Secretary that it intends to do so; or (2) if the Secretary has determined that the State is not conducting the project in accordance with requirements and is not making satisfactory progress toward achieving the State plans. Applies Federal child welfare and foster care and adoption assistance requirements with respect to the population of and the State activities in the project area or areas upon such project discontinuance. Prohibits a State from conducting another such project for five years after project discontinuance. Amends part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of title IV of the Social Security Act to eliminate means tests and reduce certain reimbursement rates. Expands eligibility for foster care maintenance payments in certain cases. Covers respite care for foster parents with children who have special needs. Expands the definition of children with special needs, for purposes of the adoption assistance program, to include: (1) those children for whom information is known and available about their genetic or social history indicating a high risk of medical conditions or physical, mental or emotional handicaps (which makes, it reasonable to conclude they cannot be placed for adoption without providing part E adoption assistance or Medicaid medical assistance under title XIX (Grants to States for Medical Assistance Programs) of the Social Security Act; and (2) those children that have been adopted and have a medical condition, or a mental, physical, or emotional handicap that either existed before the adoption but was not diagnosed until afterwards or first manifests itself after the adoption but is congenital or was caused beforehand. Includes relatives (as well as foster parents) who are prospective adoptive parents and with whom the child has significant emotional ties while in their care for purposes of an exception to the requirement that an effort be made to place special needs children with appropriate adoptive parents without providing adoption assistance or Medicaid assistance. Requires each States to submit to the Secretary the factors and conditions it uses to identify children with special needs, for purposes of the adoption assistance program, and any modifications to such factors and conditions. Directs the Secretary to establish an Advisory Committee on Foster Care Placement to study and report to the Secretary and the Congress on the implementation of specified requirements, under State plans for foster care and adoption assistance, that reasonable efforts be made: (1) prior to placement of a child in a foster home, to prevent or eliminate the need for removal of the child from the child's home; and (2) to make it possible for the child to return to the child's home. Provides Federal coverage of 90 percent of State costs in developing and installing statewide mechanized data collection and information retrieval systems which: (1) the Secretary determines are likely to enhance the administration of such programs; (2) are capable of interfacing with the State data collection system for information on child abuse and neglect; and (3) meet other specified requirements. Covers 50 percent of State costs for operation of such systems. Provides that all State expenditures for development, installation, and operation of such systems shall be treated as necessary for proper and efficient administration of the State plan, without regard as to whether the systems may be used with respect to children other than those on behalf of whom payments may be made for foster care maintenance or adoption assistance. Reduces, after three years, from 90 to 50 percent the Federal matching payment for development and installation of such systems. Defers a deadline for implementation of automated systems until one year after certain regulations are promulgated. Directs the Secretary to establish a work group, including representatives of specified organizations to advise on planning and implementation of the system to be used for collection of data relating to adoption and foster care in the United States. Requires the State plan to provide for: (1) a triennial review of the amounts paid as foster care maintenance payments and adoption assistance to assure their continuing appropriateness; and (2) a report to the Secretary on the results. Requires that the dispositional hearing to determine the final status of a foster child occur within 12 months of his or her original placement, rather than the current 18 months. Revises the time frame for judicial determinations on voluntary placements. Sets forth case plan requirements for placement of children in out-of-State foster care, including a finding that the child needs services not available in the State. Requires annual review, with the child present, of the status of children in out-of-State foster care placements. Requires States to collect data on the numbers of children in out-of-State foster care placements. Requires a State, in order to receive payments for expenditures after FY 1993 for foster care maintenance payments made with respect to a child placed in foster care outside the State, to conduct and submit a study to the Secretary by the end of such fiscal year, identifying the number and common characteristics of such children and the reason why they were not placed in foster care in the State. Eliminates the ceilings on Federal foster care payments to States and the States' authority to transfer unused foster care funds to the Child Welfare Services program. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish an advisory committee; and (2) issue final regulations for training of staff of agencies responsible for administering foster care and adoption assistance programs and for training of foster and adoptive parents. Requires such committee to include representatives of public agencies and private nonprofit organizations with an interest in child welfare. Directs the Secretary to annually publish information, on a State-by-State basis, on expenditures for, and the operation of, the Child Welfare Services program, the Foster Care and Adoption Assistance program, and Comprehensive Service Projects. Amends title IV of the Social Security Act to add a new part G, Child Welfare Review System. Directs the Secretary to establish such system to: (1) review each State child welfare program to assess whether the requirements of such Act are being carried out; (2) impose financial penalties in cases of substantial failure to comply; and (3) provide technical assistance to any such program. Requires the Secretary to complete such a review for each State program once every three years. Sets forth provisions relating to effects of noncompliance, suspension of financial penalties, and administrative and judicial review. Requires that all State child welfare programs be reviewed at least once by the end of FY 1996. Prohibits the Secretary from reducing or withholding any payment or seeking any repayment from any State under part B or E by reason of a determination made in connection with specified reviews or audits for certain periods. Title III: Emergency Assistance - Amends part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) (AFDC) of title IV of the Social Security Act to require States to provide emergency assistance to needy families with children, including services designed to prevent homelessness. Title IV: Social Services Block Grant - Amends title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) of the Social Security Act to authorize increased appropriations under such program for FY 1992 and 1993 and thereafter. Title V: Research, Demonstration, and Evaluation Activities - Amends part A (General Provisions) of title XI (General Provisions and Professional Standards Review) of the Social Security Act to require the Director of the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) to establish an Advisory Commission on Children and Families (the Commission). Requires the Commission to collect and assess specified types of information in order to identify cost-effective approaches to protect and enhance the physical, mental, emotional, and financial well-being of children and their families. Directs OTA to report annually to the Congress on the Commission and its assessment. Requires the Commission to conduct, through contracts with independent research organizations, the following research and evaluation projects: (1) an evaluation of child welfare service programs, including intensive family preservation programs; (2) foster care evaluations; (3) longitudinal child welfare data bases, and studies of child welfare population dynamics; and (4) comprehensive service projects evaluations. Directs the Secretary to conduct the following research and evaluations: (1) a study (under contract with an independent research organization) to assess the prevalence and nature of risks to the safety of employees of child welfare systems; and (2) a three-year study (under contract with an organization with demonstrated appropriate experience) to examine methodologies for measuring the workloads of providers of child welfare services and community mental health services. Directs the Secretary to authorize the following types of child welfare demonstration projects: (1) abandoned infants permanent placement; (2) termination of parental rights; (3) child welfare worker training in U.S. areas that border on Mexico; (4) staff recruitment and retention; and (5) joint training for staff of child welfare, mental health, and juvenile justice agencies. Directs the Secretary to provide technical assistance to States for: (1) interpreting and implementing parts B, C, and E; (2) disseminating information on innovative child welfare agencies; (3) correcting problems identified through Federal audits and reviews and carrying out corrective action plans under part E; (4) implementing the foster care and adoption data collection system; and (5) addressing other matters identified by such Secretary. Title VI: Credit for Certain Adoption Expenses - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax credit for certain expenses related to the adoption of a child with special needs.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1991
Directs the Administrator of General Services to convey specified lands in the District of Columbia to the Columbia Hospital for Women. Requires that such lands be used for medical purposes, unless use for such other purpose is approved by the Administrator or by Act of Congress. Retains for the United States the right to use the building and parking lot on such lands until the Hospital provides one-year notice of its need for such facilities. Directs the Hospital to establish at least three satellite health centers to provide health and counseling services for teenagers, pregnant women, and mothers and children.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1991
Exotic Bird Conservation Act of 1991 - Prohibits the import into or export of birds out of the United States without permit. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a joint permit system to expedite the application and approval process for such imports and exports. Requires importers and exporters to obtain licenses as well. Conditions such a license on compliance with certain facilities standards. Authorizes the Secretary, at any time during the five years following enactment of this Act, to prescribe annual limits to imports of any species of birds, on a gradually declining scale in order to reduce and ultimately end the import of such species by the fifth anniversary of the enactment of this Act. Sets forth statutory limits which shall become effective if the Secretary has not prescribed such annual limits within 180 days after enactment. Sets forth purposes for which import permits must be issued, including scientific research, zoological exhibition, and captive breeding. Prohibits domestic bird ranching operations or approval of foreign captive-breeding facilities unless they meet specified standards. Sets forth criteria for the importation of pet birds. Requires the Secretary to set up a system for registering persons who wish to acquire or transfer birds imported five years after enactment of this Act (other than ranched, captive-bred, or pet birds). Prohibits the transfer of any bird imported five years after enactment without registration. Establishes general requirements for registration. Prohibits the transfer of any bird imported five years after enactment unless it has been marked according to regulations. Requires the Secretary to publish in the Federal Register a list of those species of birds that need not be marked. Sets forth recordkeeping and reporting requirements for registrants. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) a computerized information system for recording and analyzing information on imported birds; and (2) a voluntary National Avicultural Program to provide incentives for improved management and care of birds held for captive breeding. Prescribes a procedure for petitioning the Secretary to make findings or determinations or take other actions under this Act. Requires the Secretary to: (1) promulgate regulations addressing the special health and welfare needs of exotic birds in quarantine; and (2) cooperate fully in implementation of specified avian transport guidelines. Authorizes the Secretary to develop research programs on the injury, morbidity, and mortality of birds. Requires the Secretary to encourage development of safe and efficacious vaccines for major avian diseases. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for imports and transfers in violation of this Act. Provides for compliance inspections, seizures or forfeitures of birds and equipment, and suspension of licenses or registration. Provides for citizen suits to enforce this Act. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to provide financial assistance for projects for research, conservation, management, or protection of exotic birds. Entitles any foreign government agency responsible for bird conservation, the Secretariat of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and any organization or individual with bird conservation experience to submit project proposals. Sets forth criteria for project approval. Establishes in the Treasury an Exotic Bird Conservation Fund to provide for project assistance. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1991
Wild Bird Protection Act of 1991 - Makes it unlawful for any person to: (1) import, transfer, possess, or sell any exotic bird unless such person is properly licensed and such bird meets specified marking requirements; and (2) commit, attempt to commit, or solicit another to commit, a violation of such requirements. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to issue licenses permitting: (1) the importation of certain exotic birds; and (2) the transfer of wild exotic birds. Sets forth specified reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations requiring the marking of exotic birds. Authorizes: (1) the sale of captive exotic birds only if they are properly marked; and (2) the marking of such birds if the owner can show that they have been legally acquired. Exempts common canaries, cockatiels, budgerigars, or other qualifying species from such marking requirements. Authorizes a person to petition the Secretary with respect to any finding, determination, or other action authorized by this Act. Sets forth both civil and criminal penalties. Sets forth provisions relating to: (1) inspections and seizures and dispositions of such birds; (2) suspension of licenses; and (3) imposition of fees.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1991
Designates the week beginning October 20, 1991, as World Population Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1991
Designates July 2, 1991, as National Literacy Day.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1991
Rural Clinical Laboratory Personnel Shortage Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish a program of contracts under which allied health professionals agree to serve in technical positions as employees in clinical laboratories that serve rural areas with shortages of employees in such positions in consideration of the Federal Government paying a limited amount of the principal and interest of the educational loans of the professionals. Authorizes appropriations. Mandates grants and contracts for the education and training of clinical laboratory personnel. Authorizes appropriations. Requires a program for the accreditation of entities engaged in the certification of clinical laboratory personnel. Provides, until establishment of accreditation standards, for a competency-based examination to determine the proficiency of individuals who do not meet formal educational qualifications.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1991
Pledge of Allegiance Commemorative Coin Act - Establishes the Pledge of Allegiance Commemorative Coin Advisory Board to: (1) consult with the Secretary of the Treasury (the Secretary) regarding coin design; (2) oversee the expenditure of funds provided to the U.S. Capitol Historical Society for assisting its educational programs and providing non-operating improvements to the Capitol; and (3) establish rules and operating procedures to implement this Act. Directs the Secretary to issue five-dollar gold coins, one-dollar silver coins, and half dollar clad coins emblematic of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Declares a general waiver of public contract procurement regulations governing coin mintage under this Act. Mandates that surcharges be distributed equally between the Treasury and the U.S. Capitol Historical Society. Provides for audits by the Comptroller General. Requires that: (1) all amounts received from the sale of coins be deposited in the coinage profit fund; and (2) the Secretary take actions to ensure that coin mintage and issuance under this Act will not result in any net cost to the Federal Government.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1991
Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to allow offsetting transfers among discretionary spending categories.