Skip to content
PoliticalRepoPoliticalRepo

Person

Official portrait of Rep. Oberstar, James L. [D-MN-8]

Rep. Oberstar, James L. [D-MN-8]

United States · Official source

Records

6,804 records where Rep. Oberstar, James L. [D-MN-8] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years

Bill· HRH.R. 4013 (102nd)referred

Coal Industry Retiree Health Benefit Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991

Coal Industry Retiree Health Benefit Act of 1991 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish the Coal Industry Retiree Health Benefit Corporation to administer a program for the provision of retiree health benefits in the coal industry. Establishes the Coal Industry Retiree Benefit Fund for the deposit of all amounts received by the Corporation. Requires the following payments to the Corporation: (1) an hourly premium on each hour worked in coal production by employees by each person that produces coal for use or for sale; (2) a per-ton premium obligation on the importer of coal; and (3) an annual per beneficiary premium by each last signatory operator and each other employer. Sets forth the eligibility requirements for benefits for orphan miners, and spouses and dependents or orphan miners or deceased coal miners. Requires the Corporation to provide medical and death benefits to such persons. Directs the Corporation to develop managed care rules applicable to the payment of benefits. Establishes the United Mine Workers of America 1991 Benefit Fund as an employee welfare benefit plan consisting of the merger of excess assets from certain closed plans. Sets forth eligibility requirements for benefits from such Fund. Requires the last signatory operator of any individual receiving retiree health care benefits as of February 1, 1993, from an individual employer plan maintained pursuant to a coal wage agreement to provide retiree health care benefits to such individual. Provides for the determination and disposition of excess pension assets to the Corporation or the 1991 Benefit Fund.

Bill· HRH.R. 4051 (102nd)referred

Steel Trade Liberalization Program Extension Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991

Steel Trade Liberalization Program Extension Act - Amends the Steel Import Stabilization Act to express the sense of the Congress with respect to the quantity of steel products imported into, or exported to, the United States from April 1, 1992, through September 30, 1994, under the steel trade liberalization program.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 257 (102nd)referred

Expressing the sense of the Congress that the substantial changes implemented during 1991 by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to the single family housing mortgage insurance program of the Federal Housing Administration, pursuant to the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act of 1991, including the changes made to the pricing and structure of mortgage insurance premiums, should be reexamined to determine the effects of the changes on the affordability of homeownership, the long-term financial viability of the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund, and the composition of the FHA loan portfolio.

United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991

Expresses the sense of the Congress that the changes made to the Federal single family housing mortgage insurance program should be reexamined to determine their effects upon housing affordability, the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund, and the Federal Housing Administration loan portfolio.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 256 (102nd)open

To express the sense of the Congress with respect to the support of the United States for the protection of the African elephant.

United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991

Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should continue to support the full protection of the African elephant through the unqualified listing of all populations of the African elephant on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna.

Bill· HRH.R. 3878 (102nd)open

American Jobs Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 November 1991

American Jobs Protection Act - Requires employers to provide specified notice and employee benefits (including severance pay, continuation of health care benefits, reimbursement for retraining, and accelerated eligibility for early retirement) to employees who are subject to a plant closing or mass layoff because their work is transferred to another country which has specified levels of lower wages or less effective employment standards for overtime compensation, child labor, and employee safety. Provides for enforcement of this Act by investigative and administrative actions by the Secretary of Labor, civil actions by employees and the Secretary, and actions for injunctions. Provides for application under this Act of definitions under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, with exceptions for the terms employer, plant closing, mass layoff, and employment loss.

Bill· HRH.R. 3871 (102nd)referred

Chinese Protection Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 22 November 1991

Chinese Protection Act of 1991 - Provides for the adjustment to permanent resident status of certain nationals of the People's Republic of China.

Bill· HRH.R. 3874 (102nd)referred

Low-Income Housing Revitalization Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 November 1991

Low-Income Housing Revitalization Act - Amends Internal Revenue Code (IRC) provisions relating to the low-income housing credit to increase the credit from four percent to nine percent with respect to new buildings that are federally subsidized. Extends the low-income housing credit permanently. Amends IRC accounting provisions to exempt low-income housing credit activities from limitations on passive losses. Revises the accelerated cost recovery system in connection with low-income residential rental property to reduce the applicable recovery period from 27.5 to 20 years. Disallows an income tax deduction for any expense relating to residential rental units unless such units are suitable for occupancy. Excludes deductions for business expenses, interest on indebtedness, and taxes from calculations to determine the passive loss limitation in connection with rental real estate activity relating to a qualified low-income housing project in which a noncorporate taxpayer actively or materially participates.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 296 (102nd)referred

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding United States policy toward Yugoslavia.

United States · United States Congress · 22 November 1991

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that if the Croatian Government adheres in good faith to the terms of ceasefires negotiated by the European Community (EC) and if those parties conducting military operations against the Republic of Croatia refuse to comply, U.S. policy should be to: (1) consult promptly with the EC, other countries, and the United Nations (UN) on recognition requested by those republics (such as Slovenia and Croatia) that have declared their sovereignty and independence and have agreed to cooperate with EC efforts; (2) take steps to bring the United States into conformity with sanctions and other measures agreed to by the EC, and take positive compensatory measures towards parties cooperating with EC proposals; (3) offer other emergency humanitarian assistance to those republics in light of conflict taking place on their territories; (4) place the Republic of Serbia on notice that continued military action will cause the United States to support EC efforts to call for mandatory UN Security Council measures as a response to an act of aggression; (5) require a clear and binding commitment by authorities to protect the rights of minorities living within the borders mutually recognized by the republics and provinces of Yugoslavia in 1974 and seek their formal commitment to accept international inspection and, if necessary, arbitration to protect those rights; and (6) lend strong support to all EC and other international activities aimed at restoring peace.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 293 (102nd)passed

Commending the people of Guam and Hawaii for the sacrifices and contributions they made during World War II.

United States · United States Congress · 22 November 1991

Commends: (1) the people of Guam for their patriotism, bravery, loyalty to the United States, and many sacrifices during World War II, particularly during the invasion and occupation of the Guam territory; (2) the members of the Navy Insular Force and U.S. Navy and Marine Corps for the efforts and sacrifices they made in defense of the U.S.; (3) the Hawaiians for their sacrifices and contributions to the U.S. war effort during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941; and (4) the Hawaii Territorial Guard members, Varsity Victory Volunteers, the civilian workers at the Pearl Harbor Naval Ship Yard and other Hawaiian military installations, 100th Infantry Battalion, Military Intelligence Service, and 442nd Regimental Combat Team for their sacrifices and contributions to the U.S. war effort during such attack.

Bill· HRH.R. 3844 (102nd)open

Haitian Refugee Protection Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 21 November 1991

Haitian Refugee Protection Act of 1991 - Directs the President to: (1) assure the protection of Haitian nationals under U.S. control; and (2) reallocate at least 2000 federally funded FY 1992 refugee admissions to Haiti. Provides for temporary protected status for certain Haitian nationals.

Bill· HRH.R. 3841 (102nd)referred

Reforestation Tax Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 21 November 1991

Reforestation Tax Act of 1991 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide taxpayers a partial inflation adjustment for the deduction from gross income for qualified timber gain. Allows such deduction in computing adjusted gross income. Provides for applying passive loss limitations to timber activities. Increases the amount allowable as a deduction for amortization of reforestation expenditures and provides an inflation adjustment after calendar year 1992. Applies such inflation adjustment to the reforestation credit.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 246 (102nd)referred

Expressing the sense of Congress with respect to the relation of trade agreements to health, safety, labor, and environmental laws of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 21 November 1991

Calls upon the President, as part of the Uruguay Round General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) talks, to initiate negotiations to make GATT compatible with the Marine Mammal Protection Act and other U.S. health, safety, labor, and environmental laws, including laws to protect the environment outside of the United States. Declares that the Congress will not approve legislation to implement any trade agreement (including the Uruguay Round of the GATT and the U.S.-Mexico Free Trade Agreement) that jeopardizes such laws, including the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Clean Air Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 3826 (102nd)referred

Medicare Cancer Coverage Improvement Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1991

Medicare Cancer Coverage Improvement Act of 1991 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cover: (1) any use of a drug in an anticancer chemotherapeutic regimen if such use has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, published in peer-review medical literature, or included in one or more of three specified medical compendia; and (2) an oral form of a drug prescribed for such a use in an anticancer chemotherapeutic regimen if the drug contains the same active ingredients as a drug that would be covered if administered as incident to a physician's service. Requires a study and report to specified congressional committees on Medicare coverage of patient care costs associated with clinical trials of new cancer therapies.

Bill· HRH.R. 3794 (102nd)open

Nuclear Weapons Material Production Termination Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1991

Nuclear Weapons Material Production Termination Act - Prohibits after August 1, 1992, the expenditure of funds by any Federal department or agency for: (1) the production of tritium, plutonium, or highly-enriched uranium for weapons; or (2) the procurement or construction of equipment or facilities for such production, other than for research purposes. Directs that savings achieved as the result of such prohibition shall be used for FY 1993 and thereafter for environmental restoration activities at Department of Energy nuclear weapons facilities. Directs the President to conduct five-year studies on the quantity of tritium needed by the United States and on the costs and environmental impacts of alternative methods of obtaining it. Requires the President to report study results to the Congress. States that the prohibition will no longer be in effect if the Congress, after receiving a report from the President, adopts a joint resolution which finds an overriding need to produce tritium.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 284 (102nd)referred

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that there is a need for a comprehensive, coordinated strategy to help the United States achieve its goal of being the strongest Nation on Earth economically and militarily, so that it remain the greatest Nation in support of human dignity, freedom, and democratic ideals.

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1991

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) there is a need for the development of a comprehensive, coordinated strategy to encourage investment in human and material resources, to harness our inventive genius to the marketplace, to secure the education and training of a competitive citizenry and workforce, and to stimulate cooperative efforts between the private and public sectors at all levels of business, education, and government; and (2) such a strategy will help the United States achieve its goal of being the strongest Nation on Earth economically and militarily, so that it remains the greatest Nation in support of human dignity, freedom, and democratic ideals.

Bill· HRH.R. 3762 (102nd)open

Metropolitan Washington Airports Act Amendments of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1991

Metropolitan Washington Airports Act Amendments of 1991 - Amends the Metropolitan Washington Airports Act of 1986 to revise provisions with respect to the composition, and terms and qualifications of members of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. Requires procedures established by the Board of Review of the Airports Authority to include requirements for the selection of a Board Chairman. Subjects the following Airport Authority actions to review by the Board: (1) annual plans for the issuance of bonds; (2) the award of approved contracts (other than a contract for the transfer of revenue bonds); (3) approval of terminal design or airport layouts; and (4) the authorization for the acquisition or disposal of land and a grant of a long-term easement. Removes Airport Authority actions for the acquisition of land from such review. Sets forth provisions with respect to congressional approval or disapproval of Airport Authority actions. Establishes a new Board of Review for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 233 (102nd)referred

Calling upon the President of the United States not to proceed toward the normalization of diplomatic and economic relations with the Socialist Republic of Vietnam until the United States Senate Select Committee on POW/MIA Affairs has reported its findings on the accounting of missing American servicemen in Southeast Asia.

United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1991

Calls upon the President not to proceed toward the normalization of diplomatic and economic relations with the Socialist Republic of Vietnam until the Senate Select Committee on POW/MIA Affairs has reported its findings on the accounting of missing American servicemen in Southeast Asia.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 236 (102nd)referred

Expressing the sense of the Congress that the President should award the Presidential Unit Citation to the crew of the USS Nevada for their heroism and gallantry during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1991

Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should award the Presidential Unit Citation to the U.S.S. Nevada's crew for their heroism and gallantry during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

Bill· HRH.R. 3718 (102nd)referred

Puppy Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1991

Puppy Protection Act - Provides remedies for consumers who purchase unfit dogs from pet dealers if, within specified periods of the date of sale, a licensed veterinarian makes certain certifications to the consumer with respect to the dog's condition (or, if the dog dies, not as a result of accident or injury, concerning the cause of death). Sets forth: (1) limitations on recovery; and (2) deadlines for notification to, and provision of remedy by, the dealer. Authorizes any consumer who is damaged by the failure of a dealer to comply with any obligation of such dealer under this Act to initiate a civil action to recover specified remedies in State or Federal court, subject to specified limitations. Provides for recovery of attorney fees and costs of appeal by a prevailing consumer. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to enjoin any dealer from failing to comply with any obligation under this Act. Grants the U.S. district courts jurisdiction over any such action brought by the Secretary. Requires each dealer: (1) at the time of the purchase of any dog by a consumer, to provide written notice of the consumer's rights and remedies and the dealer's obligations under this Act, to orally explain to the consumer the written notice, and to obtain from the consumer the consumer's address, a written acknowledgement that the consumer received and fully understands the written notice and oral explanation; (2) to conspicuously display at the dealer's business premises a written notice of the consumer's rights and remedies, the dealer's obligations, and the Secretary's authority under this Act; and (3) to conspicuously display at such premises, and in close proximity to any dog for sale, a written notice that identifies the State in which the dog was bred. Sets forth record-keeping requirements (to be maintained by the dealer and provided upon request of the Secretary). Authorizes the Secretary to impose a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per violation against any dealer who commits specified violations of this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish standards and procedures governing the imposition of civil penalties (after opportunity for a hearing on the record by the dealer) under this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 3636 (102nd)referred

Nuclear Testing Moratorium Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1991

Nuclear Testing Moratorium Act - Prohibits the Secretary of Energy from conducting any explosive nuclear weapons test during the one-year period following the enactment of this Act unless the President certifies to the Congress that the Soviet Union has conducted such a test during such period.

Bill· HRH.R. 3620 (102nd)referred

Airline Competition Enhancement Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1991

Airline Competition Enhancement Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to allow an air carrier having less than 12 air carrier slots (a reservation for an instrument flight rule takeoff or landing of an aircraft) to carry out air carrier operations at a high density airport to also use commuter slots as air carrier slots to carry out such operations. Limits such carrier to the use of not more than 12 air carrier slots, including slots used as air carrier slots, at such airport in any 24-hour period. Prohibits vendors that operate a computer reservation system from: (1) making available to subscribers an integrated display in which information is ordered or emphasized based upon factors relating to air carrier identity, or supply information from its system to persons creating or attempting to create such an integrated display (if the vendor knows or has reason to know that such person intends to create or attempt to create such an integrated display); (2) making available to a subscriber any subscriber transaction capability which is more complete or efficient with respect to one participant than to any other, unless the vendor offers such participant the opportunity to participate in such capability at the same price as others, and the participant says no; (3) making available to a participant any participant transaction capability which is more complete or efficient with respect to one participant than to any other, or is provided through the use of telecommunications facilities, protocols, or procedures which discriminate against a participant or which are not comparable to those used for providing such capability to any other participant, with the aforementioned exception; (4) charging a participant fee which is above the fee found fair and reasonable by an arbitrator's decision with respect to such vendor unless a year has elapsed since the decision; or (5) prohibiting a subscriber from obtaining any other computer reservation system. Prohibits a vendor or air carrier from requiring, or providing any incentives to induce, any subscriber to use information from a computer reservation system to create an integrated display in which information is ordered or emphasized based upon factors relating to air carrier identity. Provides, as of three years from the date of enactment of this section, that: (1) no air carrier or its affiliate shall use a computer reservation system as an internal reservation system; and (2) each computer reservation system shall be managed separately and autonomously from the internal reservation system of an air carrier or an affiliate. Sets forth provisions relating to: (1) subscriber contract restraints; (2) arbitration of participant fees; and (3) treatment of certain reduced computer reservation system services. Directs the Secretary of Transportation not to give consideration to the availability of slots at high density airports in determining the provision of basic essential air service to small communities and selecting an air carrier to provide such service. Requires the Secretary to ensure that a sufficient number of such slots are available to the air carrier providing such service at such airports. Provides provisions for the transfer of slots at such airports.

Bill· HRH.R. 3603 (102nd)open

Children's Initiative

United States · United States Congress · 22 October 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. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to annually transmit to specified congressional committees a summary of the information contained in such comparative financial contributions reports. Requires such information to be made available to the public. 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 to 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 HHS 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 programs on State court procedures and functions. Requires each State to periodically compile 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. Requires States to report on measures taken to comply with the Indian Child Welfare Act. 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 of HHS 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 of HHS 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: (1) 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; or (2) any other benefit to which the child is legally entitled. 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 State plan requirements under part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) (AFDC) of title IV of the Social Security Act. Requires States to report annually on funds expended under such projects to the Secretary of HHS and the Advisory Commission on Children and Families. Provides for administrative remedies for unsuccessful projects. 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 for the fiscal year that the State is not conducting the project in accordance with requirements and is not making satisfactory progress toward achieving the State plans, and the Secretary does not plan to pursue an administrative remedy with respect to the project. Makes abandoned children entering foster care eligible for foster care maintenance payments. Makes the adoptive parents of any such child with respect to whom foster care maintenance payments may be made eligible for adoption assistance payments. Makes technical revisions in the foster care maintenance payments program and the adoption assistance program to expand the removal from home requirement to include removal from legal custody. Provides for retroactive application of such new requirement under the adoption assistance program. Makes children whose adoption has been set aside by a court eligible for foster care maintenance payments. Makes the adoptive parents of any such child with respect to whom foster care maintenance payments may be made eligible for adoption assistance payments. Establishes a respite care program for foster parents with children who have special needs. Limits the expenses eligible for reimbursement under such program. 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 (title XIX of the Social Security Act) medical assistance; and (2) those children that have been adopted, that were under the care and responsibility of the State agency responsible for administering the State's part E programs prior to being adopted, and that have 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 State to submit to the Secretary of HHS 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 of HHS 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 to whether the systems may be used with respect to foster or adoptive 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 of HHS on the results. Requires that the dispositional hearing to determine the final status of a foster child: (1) occur within 12 months of his or her original placement, rather than the current 18 months; (2) determine and document the measures needed to enhance the likelihood of making the child legally eligible for adoption and of finding an adoptive home for the child, if the hearing determines that the child should be placed for adoption, and the specific measures which have been or need to be taken to make an adoptive placement or a finding that placement of the child in an adoptive family would be inappropriate, if the child is legally eligible for adoption. 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 1994 for foster care maintenance payments made with respect to children placed in foster care outside the State, to conduct and submit a study to the Secretary of HHS, 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. Sets forth provisions with respect to the treatment of assets of youth participating in the independent living program. 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 of HHS 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 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 of HHS 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 not less frequently than once every three years. Sets forth provisions relating to effects of noncompliance, suspension and recision 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 1997. 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. Prohibits suspension of payments with respect to any claim for reimbursement 30 days after the Secretary of HHS receives the quarterly statement of expenditures that contains the report of the claim. Provides that within ten months after the Secretary takes any action to suspend payment with respect to such a claim, the Secretary shall: (1) determine the allowability of the claim; or (2) if unable to make such a determination, make payment with respect to the claim, subject to a later determination of allowability. Title III: Emergency Assistance - Amends the AFDC program 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 at specified levels under such program for FY 1993 through 1996 and at levels indexed to increases in the Consumer Price Index thereafter. Provides for the allocation to tribal organizations of program funds otherwise allotted to the State in which the Indians represented by such organization reside. 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. Requires the Commission to conduct a study concerning child separation guidelines. Directs the Secretary of HHS 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 of HHS to authorize child welfare demonstration projects concerning each of the following: (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 of HHS to authorize demonstration projects to test the feasibility of eliminating income and resource requirements respecting foster care and adoption assistance payments. Directs the Secretary of HHS to provide technical assistance to States for: (1) interpreting and implementating 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: Miscellaneous Human Resources Amendments - Amends the AFDC program to give States the option of using retrospective budgeting without monthly reporting under AFDC. Increases the amount of stepparent income disregarded under AFDC. Amends the Family Support Act of 1988 to extend demonstration projects for evaluating model procedures for reviewing child support awards. Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1989 and the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 to make technical corrections relating to human resource and income security provisions. Repeals the technical amendment made by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 with respect to the National Commission on Children. Title VII: Budget Compliance Provisions - Specifies the applicable cost estimate of this Act for purposes of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). States that the conversion by this Act of the Child Welfare program from an authorization to a capped entitlement program shall not be treated as a change in concept or definition under the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 3613 (102nd)reported

Federal Employee Fairness Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1991

Federal Employee Fairness Act of 1991 - Amends title VII (Equal Employment Opportunities) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to provide for coverage and administrative determination by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) of Federal employee discrimination claims under title VII. Requires Federal agencies to make voluntary counseling and a voluntary alternative dispute process available to Federal employees to resolve complaints. Prohibits such agencies from: (1) requiring Federal employees to participate in such counseling or dispute process; or (2) discouraging them from filing title VII discrimination complaints. Entitles the Federal employee, if a settlement agreement has not been reached with the respondent, to either: (1) file with the EEOC a request for determination of the title VII claim by an EEOC administrative judge or, under certain conditions, by the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), or under certain administrative and judicial procedures under Federal law relating to Federal employees; or (2) commence a civil action in an appropriate U.S. district court for de novo review of such title VII claim. Amends the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) with respect to nondiscrimination on account of age in Federal Government employment and EEOC enforcement of the prohibition. Allows aggrieved individuals to either: (1) file a complaint with the Commission in accordance with, and in the same manner as claims under, title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; or (2) commence a civil action, within a specified period, in an appropriate U.S. district court for de novo review of the violation. Requires the EEOC to: (1) notify promptly all persons named in the notice as prospective defendants in such action; and (2) take any appropriate action to eliminate any unlawful practice. Allows individuals with a complaint pending before the EEOC during a specified period the opportunity to commence a civil action within a specified period. Amends Federal law relating to Federal employees with respect to grievance procedures and actions involving discrimination. Allows a Federal employee to commence, within 120 days after a final decision in a grievance procedure, a civil action in an appropriate U.S. district court for de novo review of a complaint of discrimination prohibited by any law administered by the EEOC. Allows a Federal employee or applicant for Federal employment to file a complaint with the EEOC in accordance with title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and select specified administrative and judicial procedures under title VII or other Federal law relating to Federal employees for grievance procedures or actions involving discrimination. Directs the agency (including the EEOC and the MSPB) that carries out such selected procedures to apply the appropriate substantive law. Allows a Federal employee who elected specified procedures, if the EEOC dismisses the claim under title VII, to raise the action within a certain time period under other specified procedures relating to Federal employees, except that no allegation of a kind involving specified Federal laws against discrimination cited in the dismissed complaint may be thus raised. Entitles a Federal employee to file within a specified period a civil action in the appropriate U.S. district court for de novo review of the action raised under specified procedures if there is no judicially reviewable action at the end of a specified period. Directs the EEOC, within one year after enactment of this Act, to issue rules to: (1) assist Federal Government entities to comply with this Act; and (2) establish a uniform written notice and requirements applicable to collecting and preserving documents and information.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 224 (102nd)open

To express the sense of the Congress that the President should recognize the independence of the Republic of Croatia and the Republic of Slovenia.

United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1991

Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) condemn the use of force in Yugoslavia; (2) recognize the independence of the Republics of Croatia and Slovenia; and (3) work for the cessation of hostilities leading to a negotiated settlement and peace in the region.

Law· HRH.R. 3595 (102nd)enacted

Medicaid Voluntary Contribution and Provider-Specific Tax Amendments of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1991

Medicaid Moratorium Amendments of 1991 - Amends the Technical and Miscellaneous Revenues Act of 1988 to: (1) delay until September 30, 1992, the issuance of regulations changing the treatment under the Medicaid program (title XIX of the Social Security Act) of voluntary contributions and provider-specific taxes; and (2) maintain current regulations that allow intergovernmental transfers as a source of a State's expenditures for which Federal matching funds are available under the Medicaid program. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to submit to specified congressional committees a report on: (1) regulations to limit the use of voluntary contributions and provider-specific taxes to obtain Federal financial participation; (2) specific types of voluntary contributions and provider-specific taxes that may be used as sources of State expenditures for which Federal financial participation is available; and (3) any legislation that the Secretary believes is appropriate. Sets forth budget compliance provisions.

Bill· HRH.R. 3544 (102nd)referred

Emergency Job Creation Appropriations Act, 1992

United States · United States Congress · 10 October 1991

Emergency Job Creation Appropriations Act, 1992 - Title I: Meeting Our Economic Problems Coming from Changing Conditions with Essential Productive Jobs - Directs the appropriate congressional committees to study the current economic crisis, with emphasis on long-term recovery and and a strong private sector based on Government/industry partnership, and present their findings to the Congress as expeditiously as possible for appropriate action. Declares that the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve and the Federal Open Market Committee should take necessary actions to achieve and maintain a level of interest rates low enough to achieve significant economic growth and reduce the current level of unemployment. Makes appropriations for FY 1992, in order to create productive jobs and protect public investment, for various activities relating to: (1) Federal buildings; (2) interstate highways; (3) air transportation; (4) mass transportation; (5) rehabilitation of highway bridges crossing over Northeast corridor rail transportation properties; (6) railroad infrastructure and rights-of-way improvement; (7) veterans' medical facilities and services; (8) public housing modernization; (9) community development; (10) international trade competition; (11) local economic development; (12) small business loans and investments; (13) small business oriented employment or national resources development programs; (14) parks and recreational areas and facilities; (15) the National Forest System; (16) Indian health facilities; (17) Fish and Wildlife Service facilities; (18) rural development and resource conservation, including rural water and waste disposal; (19) soil conservation, including watershed and flood prevention operations; (20) Federal, State, and local prison modernization; (21) water resource and hydroelectric power, flood control, shore protection, harbor channel and navigable waterway maintenance; (22) reclamation and irrigation projects; (23) Federal agricultural research facilities; (24) tree-planting and other natural resources development programs; (25) historic properties restoration; and (26) Bureau of Land Management facilities. Makes appropriations for FY 1992 to the Department of Labor to provide productive jobs for unemployed individuals under specified conditions, in various types of public service employment. Provides for allocation of such funds to eligible local governments, rural area concentrated employment program grantees, or States. Makes appropriations in additional amounts for FY 1992 for: (1) employment and training services; (2) grants to States for unemployment insurance and employment services; (3) higher education academic and research facilities; and (4) the Federal Emergency Management Agency's emergency food and shelter program. Makes appropriations for FY 1991 for: (1) construction and modernization of military family housing; (2) low-income energy conservation weatherization activities (in an additional amount) and (3) Federal motor vehicle procurement. Title II: Technical Provisions - Provides that no part of any appropriation contained in this Act shall remain available for obligation beyond the current fiscal year unless expressly so provided herein.

Bill· HRH.R. 3537 (102nd)referred

Civil Tiltrotor Development Advisory Committee Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1991

Civil Tiltrotor Development Advisory Committee Act of 1991 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish in the Department of Transportation a Civil Tiltrotor Development Advisory Committee to evaluate and report to the Congress on the feasibility of developing civil tiltrotor aircraft and a national system of infrastructure to support the incorporation of tiltrotor aircraft technology into the national transportation system.

Bill· HRH.R. 3526 (102nd)referred

Economic Equity Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1991

Economic Equity Act - Title I: Employment Opportunities - Subtitle A: Nontraditional Employment for Women Act - Nontraditional Employment for Women Act - Amends the Job Training Partnership Act to modify requirements regarding women in nontraditional employment (defined as occupations or fields where women comprise less than 25 percent of the individuals) relating to: (1) job training plans and coordination and special services plans; (2) the duties of the State job training coordinating council; and (3) the use of certain funds. Requires States to develop demonstration programs to train and place women in nontraditional employment. Subtitle B: Worker Retraining Act of 1991 - Worker Retraining Act of 1991 - Mandates grants to not more than ten States to plan, establish, and operate worker retraining initiatives to allow employed low-income individuals to advance from low skill to higher skill positions. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Women in Apprenticeship Occupations and Nontraditional Occupations Act - Women in Apprenticeship Occupations and Nontraditional Occupations Act - Requires the Department of Labor to promote an outreach program to employers to inform employers of the availability of technical assistance in preparing the work place to employ women in apprenticeable occupations and other nontraditional occupations. Mandates a report to the Congress on the participation of women in apprenticeable and other nontraditional occupations. Subtitle D: Glass Ceiling Act of 1991 - Glass Ceiling Act of 1991 - Establishes a Glass Ceiling Commission to study and report to the President and appropriate committees of the Congress concerning: (1) eliminating artificial barriers to the advancement of women and minorities; and (2) increasing the opportunities and developmental experiences of women and minorities to foster advancement to management and decision making positions in business. Establishes the National Award for Diversity and Excellence in American Executive Management. Allows a recipient business to publicize the receipt of the award and use the award in its advertising, if the business agrees to help other U.S. businesses improve with respect to the promotion of opportunities and developmental experiences of women and minorities to foster the advancement of women and minorities to management and decision making positions. Authorizes appropriations. Terminates the Commission and the authority to make awards four years after enactment of this Act. Subtitle E: Women and Minorities in Science and Mathematics Act of 1991 - Women and Minorities in Science and Mathematics Act of 1991 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 with regard to women and minorities who are underrepresented in science and mathematics to mandate grants and contracts for education programs. Modifies existing provisions regarding: (1) off-campus programs; (2) adult and continuing education staff development; (3) research and research application in adult and continuing education; (4) the "talent search" and "upward bound" programs; (5) midcareer teacher retraining; (6) school, college, and university partnerships; (7) professional development resource centers; (8) congressional teacher scholarships; (9) model and cooperative education; (10) graduate education programs; (11) Harris fellowships; (12) graduate assistance in areas of national need; (13) the Minority Science Improvement Program; and (14) science and engineering access programs. Subtitle F: Commission on the Advancement of Women in the Science and Engineering Work Forces Act - Commission on the Advancement of Women in the Science and Engineering Work Forces Act - Establishes the Commission on the Advancement of Women in the Science and Engineering Work Forces. Title II: Women in Business - Subtitle A: Act for Microenterprise - Act for Microenterprise - Amends the Social Security Act to exclude business assets from consideration in determining: (1) eligibility for aid and services to needy families with children (AFDC); and (2) income and resources in connection with provisions relating to supplemental security income (SSI). Excludes income from a business with five or fewer employees, during the first year of the business, from consideration in determining the amount of aid under AFDC and SSI. Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to require approval of any State law making unemployment compensation payable to individuals starting microenterprises. Requires State law to entitle an individual performing services in a microenterprise to receive regular or extended unemployment compensation. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to allow assistance under certain provisions of the Act to be used for: (1) loans to commercial enterprises with five or fewer employees, one or more of whom own the enterprise; and (2) counseling, technical assistance, educational programs, planning, and training to facilitate such commercial enterprises. Amends the Small Business Act to set forth Congressional findings regarding microenterprises and implementation of loan programs under specified provisions of the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958. Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act to add references to microenterprise loans to provisions defining "qualified thrift investments." Requires each Federal banking agency to establish a division to be known as the Microenterprise Technical and Operations Office to offer technical assistance, training, outreach, and other support. Subtitle B: Microlend for the Future Act - Microlend for the Future Act - Authorizes the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to make loans and grants to community based organizations for the startup and expansion of microenterprises, with the organizations using the loans to make loans and the grants to provide technical assistance to microenterprises. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Women's Business Procurement Assistance Act of 1991 - Women's Business Procurement Assistance Act of 1991 - Amends the Small Business Act to add references to small businesses owned and controlled by women to provisions concerning: (1) Government-wide goals for participation of small businesses in procurement; (2) U.S. policy on small business participation in Federal procurement and on timely payment by prime contractors to small business subcontractors; and (3) a clause required to be included in Federal agency contracts. Requires that each Federal agency having procurement powers: (1) designate a specialist responsible for programs to assist small businesses owned and controlled by women; and (2) engage in affirmative efforts to identify and solicit offers from such businesses. Establishes in the Small Business Administration the Office of Women's Business Ownership. Subtitle D: Equal Surety Bond Opportunity Act - Equal Surety Bond Opportunity Act - Prohibits discrimination by a surety in any aspect of a surety bond transaction: (1) on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, or age; (2) because the applicant has exercised any right under this title; or (3) because the applicant previously obtained a bond through certain means. Specifies activities not constituting discrimination. Provides for civil and equitable relief and prohibits a company from being approved as a surety by the Secretary of the Treasury unless the company is in full compliance with the requirements of this subtitle. Amends Federal Law to require surety companies to be in compliance with this subtitle. Subtitle E: Small Business Access to Surety Bonding Survey Act of 1991 - Small Business Access to Surety Bonding Survey Act of 1991 - Requires the Comptroller General to conduct a survey and report to specified congressional committees on the experiences of businesses, especially small businesses, in obtaining surety bonds from corporate surety firms. Title III: Economic Justice - Subtitle A: Pay Equity Technical Assistance Act - Pay Equity Technical Assistance Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to carry out a continuing program regarding reducing or eliminating, conducting research on, and providing technical assistance concerning wage disparities based on sex, race, or national origin. Subtitle B: Legislative Pay Equity Study - Declares that it is congressional policy that persons employed in the legislative branch shall receive equal pay for comparable work. Establishes the Commission on Employment Discrimination in the Legislative Branch. Subtitle C: Part-Time and Temporary Workers Protection Act - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to set forth special participation, vesting, and accrual rules applicable to part-time and temporary employees. Allows limited reductions in employer-provided group health plan premiums for part-time employees. Modifies, for provisions relating to protection of employee benefit rights, the definition of "employee" to include persons who have performed at least 500 hours of service per year. Subtitle D: Child Support Enforcement Improvements Act of 1991 - Child Support Enforcement Improvements Act of 1991 - Shields a depository institution from liability under Federal or State law for disclosing any financial record of an individual to a State child support enforcement agency attempting to establish, modify, or enforce a child support obligation. Prohibits the recipient enforcement agency from improperly disclosing the information and provides for civil damages. Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to allow a consumer reporting agency to furnish a consumer report to such an enforcement agency that is making such an attempt. Amends the Social Security Act to require that a State plan for child and spousal support include certain procedures relating to the provision by an absent parent of medical insurance coverage for one or more children of a custodial parent. Increases the incentive payment to States for successful enforcement of court orders for the coverage. Modifies requirements concerning: (1) regulation of the interception of refunds from the internal revenue service; and (2) employer withholding of support payments. Provides for a national network to build on the statewide child support enforcement systems States are developing. Subtitle E: Dependent Care Tax Credit Refundability - Amends the IRC to allow as a limited refundable credit a portion of: (1) expenses for household services and for the care of a qualifying individual; and (2) respite care expenses. Subtitle F: Pell Grant Eligibility Expansion Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to remove provisions prohibiting, in certain circumstances, basic educational opportunity grants (BEOGs) to less than half-time students. Subtitle G: Federal Council on Women Act - Federal Council on Women Act - Establishes in the legislative branch the Federal Council on Women to make recommendations on a wide range of issues and concerns relating to women. Title IV: Retirement Equity - Subtitle A: Pension Reform Act of 1991 - Pension Reform Act of 1991 - Amends the Tax Reform Act of 1986 to modify requirements relating to the effective date of the application of nondiscrimination rules to integrated plans. Amends the IRC to repeal provisions relating to nondiscrimination requirements and permitted disparity with regard to contributions to pension plans, including simplified pension plans. Modifies minimum coverage requirements for qualified pension, profit-sharing, and stock bonus plans with regard to whether an employer operates separate lines or a single line of business. Amends the IRC and ERISA to modify minimum vesting standards to remove provisions relating to multiemployer plans. Requires the Comptroller General to report to specified congressional committees on alternative: (1) methods of requiring employee pension benefit plans to provide cost-of-living and other adjustments to benefits; and (2) pension portability mechanisms for preserving and enhancing the real value of deferred vested pension benefits. Allows a domestic relations court order entered after enactment of this Act and amending an order originally entered before 1985 to be considered a qualified domestic relations order for purposes of certain provisions of the Retirement Equity Act of 1984. Subtitle B: Spousal Pension Equity Act - Spousal Pension Equity Act - Amends provisions of the IRC relating to limitations on the amount of annual compensation taken into account to prohibit aggregation of spousal incomes when both spouses are licensed to perform services in the same professional field and perform the services for the employer. Subtitle C: Social Security Care Provider Act of 1991 - Social Security Care Provider Act of 1991 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to change the formula for determining the number of an individual's benefit computation years. Subtitle D: Social Security Modernization Act of 1991 - Social Security Modernization Act of 1991 - Amends OASDI to require, provided this method increases benefits, that the combined earnings of an individual and his or her spouse, during their marriage, be divided equally for determining OASDI benefits. Terminates the amendment made by this subtitle after the year 2015. Mandates studies every five years by the appropriate congressional committees to determine the effect of the termination on beneficiaries. Subtitle E: Former Military Spouses - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991 to apply amendments relating to retired pay to any divorces, dissolutions of marriage, annulments, and legal separations (currently, to any such events that occur more than 90 days after enactment of the Act). Subtitle F: Federal Employees Former Spouses - Amends the Civil Service Retirement Spouse Equity Act of 1984 to modify requirements for entitlement of a former spouse of a Federal employee or Member of Congress to a survivor annuity. Allows any former spouse who becomes eligible, because of this subtitle, for a survivor annuity, to enroll in a health benefits plan under specified provisions of Federal law.

Bill· HRH.R. 3518 (102nd)open

To restrict United States assistance for Serbia or any part of Yugoslavia controlled by Serbia until certain conditions are met, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1991

Provides, unless specified conditions are met relating to Serbia's armed conflict with the other ethnic peoples of Yugoslavia, for the: (1) restriction of U.S. assistance to Serbia or any part of Yugoslavia controlled by it; (2) suspension of U.S. air travel to and from such locations; (3) suspension of multinational assistance; and (4) imposition of a U.S. trade embargo.

Bill· HRH.R. 3500 (102nd)referred

Apprenticeship Improvement Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1991

Apprenticeship Improvement Act of 1991 - Amends the National Apprenticeship Act to direct the Secretary of Labor to establish and maintain a national information collection system for apprenticeships and apprenticeship programs. Requires the Secretary to assure that, from the amounts appropriated to carry out such Act in each fiscal year, at least one percent shall be available to establish outreach recruitment activities to increase the participation of women and minorities, handicapped individuals, displaced workers, and disadvantaged individuals in the apprenticeship programs. Establishes the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training (the Bureau) in the Department of Labor, under the direction of the Administrator of the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training. Transfers to the Bureau all functions of the Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training Administration with respect to the promotion of labor standards of apprenticeship, including research, information, and publications. Transfers to the Bureau all functions related to apprenticeship, including appropriate administrative and program support services, together with necessary personnel and related funds. Authorizes the Secretary to appoint necessary employees for the administration of this Act. Directs the Secretary to increase the force within the Bureau to a specified number of full-time employees by January 1, 1992. Limits the authority to conduct reductions in force within the Bureau. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress within six months on whether the apprenticeship program complies with regulations governing equal opportunity.

Bill· HRH.R. 3509 (102nd)referred

Solid Waste Metals Reduction Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1991

Solid Waste Metals Reduction Act - Prohibits the intentional introduction of lead, cadmium, mercury, or hexavalent chromium into a package or packaging component during manufacturing or distribution. Sets forth the maximum allowable concentration level of the sum of such elements in packaging. Makes such regulations inapplicable (for a specified period) for packaging: (1) that was manufactured prior to this Act's effective date; (2) to which lead, cadmium, mercury, or hexavalent chromium have been added to comply with Federal health or safety requirements or, because it is essential for the protection, safe handling, or function of the contents of the package, provided that the manufacturer, supplier, or distributor petitions the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the exemption; or (3) that would not exceed the maximum concentration levels set forth in this Act but for the addition of post-consumer materials. Provides for the renewal of exemptions if the Administrator determines that a renewal is warranted. Requires packaging manufacturers or suppliers to furnish certificates of compliance (with respect to this Act's requirements) to distributors. Makes certificates of compliance, upon request, available to EPA and the public. Authorizes the assessment of civil penalties for violations of this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 3473 (102nd)referred

Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Enrollment Improvement and Protection Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1991

Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Enrollment Improvement and Protection Act of 1991 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to include in the annual mailing to Medicare beneficiaries: (1) a clear and simple explanation of the availability of and the requirements to qualify for Medicaid (title XIX of the Social Security Act) payment of their premiums, deductibles, and copayments under Medicare; (2) the toll-free telephone number to be established by the Secretary for information on such assistance; and (3) an initial application for such assistance. Directs the Secretary to develop a poster containing the information listed above and distribute it to service providers in order to publicize the availability of such assistance. Amends the Medicaid program to direct the Secretary to: (1) establish a process for using local Social Security Administration offices for the distribution and receipt of applications for such assistance; (2) transmit such applications to the appropriate State agency; (3) develop a form to be available at such offices which individuals may use to request additional information on or an application for such assistance; and (4) distribute such form to entities receiving grants for programs to provide services to older individuals. Requires States to provide for a process for receiving, distributing, and processing applications for such assistance and for responding to requests for information on or applications for such assistance. Allows individuals who qualified during a certain period for Medicaid payment of Medicare costs to temporarily apply for retroactive payment of any medical costs incurred but not paid under a State plan required to provide for making Medicaid payment of Medicare costs available to Medicare beneficiaries. Allows States, in determining the income level for individuals who seek to qualify for Medicaid payment of Medicare costs, to exclude expenses for medical care incurred by the individual that are not reimbursed under a public program of the State or political subdivision thereof, a health plan, or Medicare. Directs the Secretary to establish a grant program to provide outreach services to enable individuals who are entitled to receive Medicaid payment of Medicare costs to receive such assistance. Authorizes appropriations.