United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow penalty-free withdrawals from individual retirement plans to pay expenses incurred for the repair, rehabilitation, reconstruction, or replacement of a principal residence damaged or destroyed by reason of a federally declared disaster occurring after September 1, 1989.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1991
International Voluntary Family Planning Assistance Act of 1991 - Authorizes appropriations for international population planning assistance. Earmarks a specified amount of such funds for the United Nations Population Fund if: (1) the Fund maintains such funds in a separate account, without commingling; (2) none of the funds are made available for China; and (3) any agreement to obligate such funds expressly states that the full amount granted by the agreement will be refunded to the United States if U.S. funds are used for family planning in China or abortions in any country. Requires a specified amount of population planning assistance to be used to increase family planning service delivery in countries with large population growth. Prohibits any funds appropriated under this Act from being used for abortions.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1991
Anti-Apartheid Act Amendments of 1991 - Title I: Sanctions Against Investment in, and Exports to, South Africa and Other Measures (Except Import Restrictions) to End Apartheid - Part A: Amendments to the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986 and Other Laws - Amends the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986 to prohibit any investments in South Africa by U.S. persons. Makes exceptions to such prohibition for: (1) investments in a business enterprise 90 percent owned and controlled by South Africans economically and politically disadvantaged by apartheid; and (2) investments made by certain individuals during any period and to the extent that such investments are considered South African emigrant non-resident assets and subject to transfer or disposition restrictions. Authorizes a person to apply for, and the President to grant for good cause, a waiver of such prohibition for up to 180 days. Requires U.S. controlled South African entities that are subject to the investment prohibition and that employ more than 24 South Africans economically and politically disadvantaged by apartheid to: (1) notify employees and employee organizations not less than 90 days prior to termination of the U.S. investment in such entity; and (2) enter into good faith negotiations with representative trade unions regarding the terms of such termination. Prohibits the exportation or reexportation to South Africa of any goods or technology subject to U.S. jurisdiction. Prohibits any such exportation or reexportation by any person subject to U.S. jurisdiction. Exempts from such prohibition publications, donations of food, clothing, and medical supplies, commercial sales of agricultural commodities and products, and goods and technology for use in the gathering or dissemination of information by news media organizations subject to U.S. jurisdiction. Makes such prohibitions inapplicable to: (1) any goods that are the direct product of technology of U.S. origin under a written agreement entered into on or before April 20, 1988, and that are exported within one year of the enactment of this Act; (2) economic assistance or human rights programs for disadvantaged South Africans, South African blacks or other nonwhite South Africans, or victims of apartheid in South Africa; and (3) contributions to charitable organizations engaged in social welfare, public health, religious, educational, or emergency relief activities in South Africa. Repeals specified provisions of the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986 that: (1) prohibit certain exports to, imports from, and investments in South Africa; (2) set forth U.S. policy toward the recruitment and training of black South Africans; and (3) prohibit U.S. intercession with any foreign government regarding export activities of certain U.S. nationals in South Africa who are not implementing the Code of Conduct. Revises the definition of "loans" for purposes of such Act to prohibit short-term trade financing, sales on open account, and rescheduling of existing loans. Adds other definitions for purposes of such Act. Prohibits any U.S. agency or entity involved in intelligence activities from engaging in any form of cooperation with the Government of South Africa (specifically including the authorities administering Namibia so long as Namibia is illegally occupied). Prohibits any U.S. agency or entity from engaging in any form of cooperation with the armed forces of South Africa. Prohibits funds made available by the Congress from being obligated or expended for any expense related to any prohibited cooperation. States that the President should not: (1) assign or detail any member of the U.S. armed forces to serve as a defense or military attache in South Africa; or (2) accredit any individual to serve as a defense or military attache at a South African diplomatic mission in the United States. Repeals provisions of the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1987 concerning restrictions on intelligence agency cooperation with South Africa. Prohibits the Secretary of Energy from authorizing any person to engage, directly or indirectly, in the production of special nuclear materials in South Africa. Revises penalty provisions of the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986. Establishes within the Department of State a Coordinator of South Africa Sanctions who shall be responsible to the Secretary of State for matters pertaining to the implementation of sanctions against South Africa. Directs the Coordinator to place emphasis on activities related to strategically important trade in oil, coal, computers, specialized machinery and arms, and to financial credits. Sets forth the responsibilities of the Secretary of State in leading and coordinating the activities of other agencies in implementing and enforcing the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986 and in monitoring other nations' economic relations with South Africa. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on actions to monitor and enforce such Act and on economic relations between South Africa and each of its trading partners. Establishes an Interagency Coordinating Committee on South Africa to coordinate and monitor the implementation of such Act. Revises provisions of such Act regarding the Code of Conduct and expanded participation in the South African economy. Requires Federal agencies to make efforts to assist businesses more than 90 percent (currently, 50 percent) owned by black or nonwhite South Africans. Amends the Export Import Bank Act of 1945 to require the Bank to insure or participate in the extension of credit to businesses more than 90 percent owned (currently, majority owned) and controlled by black or nonwhite South Africans. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to permit the use of a specified amount of funds authorized for economic development assistance for assistance to disadvantaged South Africans. Specifies that such assistance may include scholarships, the promotion of the participation of disadvantaged South Africans in trade unions and private enterprise, alternative education and community development programs, and training and other assistance (including legal aid) for South African journalists. Lists major trade union federations in South Africa as examples of recipients of U.S. assistance to the labor movement. Earmarks a specified amount of such funds for refugee education and assistance for South Africans. Prohibits any U.S. person from providing transport to South Africa of a commercial quantity of crude oil or refined petroleum products. Includes in such prohibition transport on a vessel of U.S. registry or on a vessel owned by a U.S. person. Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from issuing any mineral lease to any national of the United States which is controlled by any foreign person who purchases, acquires, owns, or holds any investment in South Africa or who exports crude oil or refined petroleum products to South Africa. Authorizes the President to waive such prohibitions under specified conditions. Part B: Policy Statements; Reports; Studies; and Other Miscellaneous Provisions - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) direct the Attorney General to conduct an antitrust investigation of the South African controlled international diamond cartel; (2) direct the Secretary of Commerce and the Commissioner of Customs to study the feasibility of identifying at the port of entry the national origin of diamonds entering the United States; and (3) ensure effective and rigorous enforcement of a prohibition on the importation into the United States of uncut South African diamonds by taking specified measures. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the President should eliminate all honorary consuls of South Africa in the United States and forbid expansion of South Africa's embassy staff; and (2) approval of temporary U.S. visas should be granted on a case-by-case basis after considering South Africa's record of allowing its citizens, including apartheid opponents, to travel to the United States. Requires the President to study and report to the Congress on measures to reduce South Africa's foreign exchange earnings from gold. Directs the Secretary of State to report to the Congress on South Africa's involvement in international terrorism. Title II: Sanctions Against South African Imports Into the United States - Prohibits the importation into the United States of any article from South Africa, except: (1) strategic minerals which the President certifies to the Congress are essential for military or economic purposes and are not available from alternative reliable suppliers or through improved manufacturing processes, conservation, recycling, and economical substitution; and (2) publications. Specifies that such prohibition includes: (1) krugerrands or any gold coin minted in South Africa or offered for sale by the Government of South Africa; (2) uranium hexafluoride that has been manufactured from South African uranium or uranium oxide; and (3) fish or seafood which are products of South Africa. Exempts from such prohibition any imports from business enterprises in South Africa that are wholly-owned by persons economically or politically disadvantaged by apartheid. Requires the President to confer with other industrialized democracies in order to reach cooperative agreements to impose sanctions against South Africa to bring about the dismantling of apartheid. Requires the President to report to the Congress concerning such efforts. Requires (currently, encourages) the President to seek United Nations Security Council adoption of the same sanctions against South Africa as are imposed by the United States. Requires (currently, authorizes) the President to impose penalties against foreign persons taking significant commercial advantage of U.S. sanctions against South Africa or comparable sanctions of other industrialized democracies. Includes as such a penalty the restriction of such a person from contracting with U.S. Government entities. Allows the President to waive such penalties for foreign persons of an industrialized democracy that is a party to a cooperative agreement to impose sanctions against South Africa. Requires the President to revoke such waiver if the industrialized democracy is not adequately enforcing the measures provided for under the agreement. Requires that information concerning the extent to which import restrictions are being enforced by other industrialized democracies be included in the Secretary of State's annual report to the Congress. Sets forth provisions pertaining to committee referral in the House of Representatives of joint resolutions pertaining to import restrictions. Requires the President, through the Secretary of Commerce, to submit periodic reports to the Congress setting forth the average amounts of imports of coal or any strategic and critical material entering the United States from each member and observer country of the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance. Requires the President to report annually to the Congress on the program to reduce U.S. dependence on strategic minerals from South Africa. Requires the President to confer with the governments of the African "frontline" states on measures to prevent the circumvention of the import restrictions on South African products imposed under the authority of this Act. Title III: General Provisions - Makes conforming amendments and sets forth the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1991
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to design and strike a silver commemorative medal for members of the U.S. armed forces who serve in a combat zone in connection with the Persian Gulf conflict.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1991
Human Rights in India Act - Directs the President to report to the Congress on whether the Government of India is preventing human rights organizations from visiting India to monitor human rights conditions. Terminates development assistance to India (except for specified health projects) if the President reports that the Government of India is implementing such policy. Provides for the resumption of assistance if the President reports to the Congress that India is no longer implementing such policy.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1991
Ancient Forest Protection Act of 1991 - Establishes the National Ancient Forest Reserve System. Designates certain lands in California, Oregon, and Washington as components of such System. Declares that all Federal lands in such States which qualify as ancient forest or associated forest and are not designated as components of the System shall be managed as if they are. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to issue regulations with respect to the removal of commercial timber from such lands. Declares it to be U.S. policy to develop and utilize scientific information to study and identify the biological and ecological requirements of ancient forest ecosystems. Directs the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality to study and report to appropriate congressional committees on the biological and physical requirements for the survival of such ecosystems.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1991
Northern Ireland Fair Employment Practices Act - Prohibits an article from being imported into the United States from Northern Ireland unless documentation is presented at the time of entry indicating that the enterprise which manufactured or assembled such article complied at the time of manufacture with certain fair employment principles (such as freedom from religious discrimination). Bases such principles on the MacBride Principles, a nine point set of guidelines for fair employment in Northern Ireland. Requires any U.S. person who has a branch or office in Northern Ireland or who controls an enterprise in Northern Ireland in which more than 20 people are employed to insure implementation of such employment principles and compliance with this Act. Requires reports to the Secretary of Commerce on compliance with this Act. Sets forth the fair employment principles. Authorizes the President to waive the requirements of this Act in the interest of national security. Requires such waiver to become effective 90 days after the President submits a justification of such waiver to the Congress unless the Congress adopts a joint resolution disapproving the waiver. Provides for expedited consideration of such resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1991
Municipal and Industrial Water Conservation Act of 1991 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish an Office of Water Conservation to perform specified duties, including: (1) the support of programs to reduce water use and loss in municipal, industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential sectors; (2) the support of dissemination of model water conservation programs; and (3) the promotion of least-cost approaches to water planning and regional approaches to management of water and sewer systems. Calls for intergovernmental coordination in water conservation efforts. Requires the Office to provide technical assistance to States, Indian tribes, utilities, local governments, and others in efforts to implement water conservation policies. Requires regular consultations with major water resources development agencies to target limited resources. Requires the Office to develop a series of model water conservation programs with policy options for States, Indian tribes, water utilities, and municipalities. Allows such water users to request feasibility studies of their current and potential water conservation activities. Allocates the costs of such studies, allowing smaller studies to be conducted at full Federal cost. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (as amended by the Water Quality Act of 1987) to require the Administrator to make capitalization grants to State water pollution control revolving funds for conducting municipal and industrial water conservation activities which will reduce operating and capital costs of and needs for waste water treatment facilities. Directs the Office to provide, upon request, technical assistance to businesses and institutions for water efficiency campaigns, plumbing system leak-detection, water use audits, and other water conservation measures. Requires the development of model water conservation programs for businesses and institutions and studies, upon request, of their programs. Directs the Administrator to establish a National Clearinghouse on Water Conservation to collect and disseminate, free of charge, information on water conservation technologies and practices. Establishes the Advisory Council on Water Conservation to make recommendations to the Administrator on activities under this Act. Requires the President's Council on Environmental Quality to require, by rulemaking authority, the consideration of water conservation activities in all relevant environmental impact studies conducted under specified provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1996 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1991
Volunteer Protection Act of 1991 - Prescribes circumstances under which volunteers working for nonprofit organizations or government entities shall be immune from personal financial liability for acts on behalf of the organization or entity. Sets forth exceptions and conditions that a State may impose on the granting of such immunity. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to increase by one percent the fiscal year allotment which would otherwise be made to a State to carry out the Social Services Block Grant Program under title XX of the Social Security Act if such State has, within two years, certified to the Secretary that it has enacted a State law which provides such immunity. Provides for the continuation of such increase based on an annual recertification.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1991
Veterans PTSD Treatment and Psychological Readjustment Act of 1991 - States that it shall be the policy of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to implement the recommendations of the Chief Medical Director's (CMD) Special Committee on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder to establish and operate specialized inpatient post-traumatic stress disorder units (SIPUs) at Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers. Requires such facilities and services to be available to all eligible veterans, including veterans of the Persian Gulf conflict. Requires the Secretary to gradually increase the number of SIPUs in order to meet a total increase of not less than 30 units by December 31, 1994. Requires the Secretary to direct the Special Committee to identify areas of the country in which there are significant needs for expanding the Vet Center program. Directs the Special Committee to present a list of not less than 40 areas as candidates for new Vet Centers to the Readjustment Counseling Service of the Department no later than September 30, 1991. Requires the Counseling Service to gradually increase the number of existing Vet Centers in order to meet a total increase of not less than 40 by December 31, 1994. Directs the Advisory Committee on Readjustment of Veterans (established under this Act) to prepare a report to be submitted to the Congress on recommendations to increase outreach efforts to veterans of the Vietnam era and thereafter with readjustment counseling needs. Expands eligibility under the Vet Center program to include veterans of the Persian Gulf conflict. Directs the Secretary to make facilities and services of the Vet Centers available to family members of military personnel assigned to duty in the Persian Gulf. Urges the Secretary to fill expeditiously Vet Center staff vacancies caused by reassignment to Department medical facilities in preparation for receipt of casualties from the Persian Gulf conflict. Directs the Secretary to establish the Advisory Committee and seek its advice with respect to: (1) the administration of Department benefits for veterans, particularly Vietnam and post-Vietnam era veterans; (2) reports and studies pertaining to veterans, particularly Vietnam and post-vietnam era veterans; and (3) the needs of all veterans with respect to compensation, health care, readjustment, outreach, and other benefits and programs administered by the Department. Requires the Advisory Committee to report annually to the Secretary pertaining to the social, economic, educational, and psychological readjustment of veterans. Requires the Secretary to submit such reports to the Congress, along with comments and recommendations. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct a pilot program to contract for care and treatment and rehabilitative services in halfway houses, therapeutic communities, psychiatric residential treatment centers, and other community-based treatment facilities for eligible veterans suffering from PTSD. Requires the CMD to plan, design, and conduct such program. Requires the Secretary to approve the quality and effectiveness of a program operated by a contract facility before allowing veterans to be furnished treatment there under the pilot program. Directs the Secretary to: (1) urge all public and private entities to provide appropriate employment and training opportunities to veterans who have been provided treatment and rehabilitative services under this Act for PTSD and who have been determined to be sufficiently rehabilitated to be employable; and (2) provide all possible assistance to the Secretary of Labor in placing such veterans in such opportunities. Requires the Secretary to provide referral services and advice to veterans discharged or released from active service who are not eligible for PTSD treatment and services. Limits participation in the PTSD pilot program to 500 eligible individuals. Directs the Secretary to report to the Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committees on the operation of the pilot program through FY 1994. Terminates the pilot program after five years of operation. Directs the Special Committee to examine the effectiveness of contracts for the treatment of PTSD with private facilities and therapists. Requires the Special Committee to report its findings and recommendations to the veterans' committees. Requires the Secretary, in administering the Health Professionals Educational Assistance Program, to encourage the participation of individuals who desire to become psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, psychiatric nurses, and other professionals specializing in the treatment of PTSD. Directs the CMD to conduct research programs to consider the most effective treatment for PTSD and the effectiveness of involving the family in the treatment of PTSD and to report his findings to the veterans' committees. Requires such research to be conducted through the National Center on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, with consultation from the Special Committee and the Advisory Committee. States that it shall be the policy of the Secretary to implement the recommendations of the Special Committee to establish and operate post-traumatic stress disorder clinical teams (PCTs) at Department medical centers that provide mental health services. Requires such services to be available to all veterans, including veterans of the Persian Gulf conflict. Directs the Secretary to increase the number of PCTs by 50 units by the end of calendar year 1994. Requires the Secretary, in establishing such new PCTs, to give priority to locations that do not have a SIPU or an affiliated Vet Center. Requires the Secretary to direct the Special Committee to assess the capacity of the Department to provide treatment for PTSD. Requires the Special Committee to report its findings to the Secretary, to be forwarded to the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1991
Lead Battery Recycling Incentives Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate regulations for persons who generate, transport, store, recycle, or dispose of spent lead-acid batteries. Requires the Administrator, in developing such regulations, to conduct an analysis of the economic impact of the regulations on the recycling industry. Sets forth required elements of such regulations, including specific requirements for: (1) the storage and transfer of batteries by generators; (2) recordkeeping by battery generators, transporters, and recyclers; and (3) management practices of recyclers. Directs battery retailers to accept from customers spent lead-acid batteries of the same type and quantity of the batteries sold. Requires transporters to acquire an identification number from the EPA or the State enforcing this Act. Directs the Administrator to implement education activities to inform the public about the environmental and safety hazards associated with improper handling and disposal of spent lead-acid batteries. Authorizes appropriations. Applies such requirements to batteries which are transported to or managed by a lead-acid battery recycling facility, a secondary lead smelter, or any facility that prepares batteries for recycling. Requires producers or importers of lead-acid batteries to recycle, for the ten-year period beginning 24 months after this Act's enactment, an amount of spent lead equal to at least the amount determined by multiplying the amount of lead in the batteries produced or imported by such persons by the recycling percentage established by the Administrator. Authorizes compliance with such requirement by: (1) reclaiming lead from such batteries and using it in the production of new batteries; (2) purchasing reclaimed lead from secondary lead smelters for purposes of producing new batteries or shielding; or (3) purchasing recycling credits. Directs producers or importers to report annually to the Administrator on the amount of virgin and secondary lead used in new lead-acid batteries produced or imported by such persons. Sets the recycling percentage at 80 percent. Increases such percentage by two points annually. Authorizes the Administrator to reduce or waive the two percent increase if the rate exceeds 95 percent. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations to allow: (1) producers of lead-acid batteries to create credits for recycling an amount of batteries greater than required; and (2) producers of new batteries to purchase such credits for purposes of complying with this Act. Sets forth minimum requirements for the credit system. Applies battery recycling requirements to persons who produce or import more than 10,000 pounds of new lead-acid batteries annually. Sets the recycling percentage at 90 percent if the Administrator fails to promulgate recycling regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1991
Oil Recycling Incentives Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from identifying used oil or affiliated materials as hazardous wastes under the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Defines "affiliated materials" as used oil filters and any materials used for cleaning up after changing oil that are contaminated with used oil. Provides that any fuel derived from used oil that does not meet used oil specifications established by the Administrator and would otherwise be identified as a hazardous waste shall be deemed to be a hazardous waste. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations for persons who generate, store, transport, recycle, or dispose of used oil. Requires the Administrator, in developing such regulations, to conduct an analysis of the economic impact of such regulations on the used oil recycling industry. Provides that regulations for used oil generators shall: (1) prohibit the storage of used oil in an underground storage tank unless such tank meets requirements under this Act; (2) prohibit the storage of used oil for more than 12 months; (3) require generators to transfer such oil to specified permitted used oil recycling or disposal facilities or transporters; and (4) require generators to keep specified records on such oil. Requires used oil transporter regulations to provide that such transporters: (1) acquire identification numbers from EPA; (2) meet applicable financial responsibility requirements; and (3) keep specified records. Includes intermediate storage requirements in transporter regulations. Provides that used oil recycler regulations shall require recyclers to: (1) keep specified records; (2) test fuel produced from the recycling process before departure from the facility; and (3) obtain certain permits. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations for exempt refineries that recycle used oil as necessary to protect human health and the environment. Sets forth minimum requirements for such regulations. Requires used oil disposal and affiliated material regulations to prohibit mixing used oil with any hazardous waste identified under the Solid Waste Disposal Act unless the mixture is stored, treated, or disposed of at a permitted facility. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations requiring owners or operators of new and existing recycling facilities to have class permits. Sets forth permit requirements. Provides for annual inspections of such facilities to assure permit compliance. Sets forth requirements for interim class permits. Exempts from permit requirements: (1) facilities which refine at least 10,000 barrels daily of crude oil into petroleum products, are classified as S.I.C. number 2911 (pursuant to the Office of Management and Budget Standard Classification Manual) facilities, and at which the amount of refined used oil is equal to no more than the amount of used oil that the owner is required to recycle and the used oil contains less than a specified amount of halogens; and (2) facilities which compound or blend lubricating base oil into finished lubricant products as their principal activity, are classified as S.I.C. number 2899 or 2992 facilities, and whose volume of used oil compounded or blended into such products is no more than ten percent of the lubricating base oil compounded or blended annually. Exempts from used oil regulation requirements on-site activities at facilities classified as S.I.C. number 4911 facilities. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations governing such facilities. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations establishing specification standards for fuel derived from used oil to be burned in furnaces and boilers. Sets forth requirements to be effective if the Administrator fails to promulgate used oil regulations by the applicable deadline. Requires the Administrator to implement education programs to inform the public and small businesses about the environmental and safety hazards associated with improper handling and disposal of used oil and the benefits derived from used oil recycling. Authorizes appropriations. Sets forth labeling requirements for oil packages and oil filters to encourage the return of used oil to collection centers. Requires States to develop plans for making information available to the public about recycling of used oil and oil filters. Directs the Administrator to establish a toll-free telephone line to give out information about State used oil recycling programs. Requires producers or importers of lubricating oil to recycle for a period of ten years an amount of used oil equal to at least the amount determined by multiplying the amount of lubricating oil produced or imported that year by such persons by the recycling percentage established by the Administrator. Authorizes such individuals to comply with this Act by: (1) recycling (through re-refining) used oil or purchasing re-refined oil for purposes of producing lubricating oil; or (2) purchasing recycling credits under this Act. Requires producers and importers to report annually to the Administrator on the amount of oil produced or imported by such persons. Requires a producer or importer to be treated as having recycled two units of used oil for each unit of re-refined oil or lubricant base stock purchased. Directs the Administrator to establish a recycling percentage that is two points higher than the existing recycling rate for lubricating oil. Provides for increases in such percentage of two points annually for ten years. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations allowing recyclers to create credits for used oil recycling and producers or importers of lubricating oil to purchase such credits. Provides that such regulations shall require: (1) specified records to be kept by recyclers and by importers or producers; and (2) recyclers to sell or distribute in commerce such oil as specification used oil, off-specification used oil, industrial specification used oil, or re-refined oil. Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress on such regulations and to include: (1) a discussion of the effects of such regulations on the oil industry and the environment; and (2) an evaluation of the level of the recycling percentage and whether such percentage should be increased in future years. Requires an updated version of such report to be submitted within ten years of this Act's enactment. Applies recycling requirements to persons who import or produce more than 100,000 gallons of lubricating oil annually. Sets the recycling percentage at 40 percent if the Administrator fails to promulgate such regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1991
Newsprint Recycling Incentives Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require producers or importers of newsprint to recycle, through methods specified under this Act, an amount of newsprint equal to at least the amount determined by multiplying the amount of newsprint produced or imported annually by such individuals by the recycling percentage established by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Authorizes such individuals to comply with this Act by: (1) recycling (through deinking) newsprint; (2) purchasing recycled newsprint to combine with shipments of virgin newsprint; or (3) purchasing recycling credits under this Act. Requires the recycling percentage to be at least 20 percent. Provides for increases in such percentage of two points annually for the next ten years. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations to allow newsprint producers or importers to create or purchase recycling credits. Provides that such regulations shall require: (1) producers and importers to keep specified records; (2) producers of recycled newsprint to notify EPA of capacity to recycle old newsprint; (3) importers of recycled newsprint to notify the U.S. Customs Service of the amount of newsprint being imported and to have certifications of the accuracy of such amount from the trade representative of the country shipping such newsprint to the United States; and (4) producers and importers to report to the Administrator on the amount of recycled newsprint produced or imported annually and the number of credits purchased from, or sold to, other producers or importers. Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress on such regulations and to include: (1) a discussion of the effects of such regulations on the newsprint and newspaper industry and the environment; and (2) an evaluation of the level of the recycling percentage and whether such percentage should be increased in future years. Requires an updated report to be submitted within ten years of this Act's enactment. Applies recycling requirements to persons who produce or import more than ten tons of newsprint annually. Sets the recycling percentage at 20 percent if the Administrator fails to promulgate such regulations. Prescribes civil penalties for violations of this Act. Directs the Administrator to submit to the Congress and implement a plan for the recycling of post-consumer high grade paper. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1991
RU-486 Regulatory Fairness Act of 1991 - Declares that a specified import alert issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with respect to the drug RU-486 shall not have any legal effect and shall be withdrawn by the FDA. (RU-486 has been used outside the United States to abort pregnancies.) Prohibits the FDA from taking any action to bar the import of that drug unless the FDA finds that it is being imported for an illegal use. Requires the FDA to give consideration in accordance with provisions relating to new drug approval when an application is submitted under such provisions for RU-486.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1991
Tire Recycling Incentives Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require tire producers or importers to recycle an amount of scrap tires equal to at least the amount determined by multiplying the amount of tires produced or imported that year by the recycling percentage established by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Authorizes compliance by: (1) recycling scrap tires through reintroducing the recovered rubber into a manufacturing process to produce new tires or retread old tire casings; or (2) purchasing recycling credits under this Act. Requires such individuals to report annually to the Administrator on the amount of tires produced or imported. Directs the Administrator to establish a recycling percentage that is five percentage points higher than the existing recycling rate for tires. Provides for increases in such percentage of five points annually in the ten years following the date of enactment of this Act. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations allowing recyclers to create credits for tire recycling and tire producers or importers to purchase such credits. Sets forth: (1) specified recordkeeping requirements for owners or operators of tire sale and installation facilities, scrap tire collection facilities, and tire producers and importers; and (2) the amount of credits allowed for scrap tires. Directs the Attorney General to determine the effects of the credit system on competition within the tire and scrap tire recycling industries and to report annually to the Congress. Sets the recycling percentage at 60 percent if the Administrator fails to promulgate regulations. Prescribes civil penalties for violations of recycling requirements. Considers a scrap tire recycling or disposal facility to be a solid waste disposal facility for purposes of Internal Revenue Code provisions concerning exempt facility bonds. Directs the Administrator to: (1) publish in the Federal Register minimum requirements for State scrap tire management and procedures under which such requirements shall be incorporated into State solid waste management plans; (2) provide for expedited review of State plans which include specified scrap tire recycling measures; and (3) establish standards to minimize health and environmental damages from the improper disposal and storage of tires. Requires such standards to provide for: (1) bans on the disposal of tires in land disposal facilities and on the intentional infliction of damage on tire casings to preclude casings from being used in retreading; (2) State inventories of scrap tire collection facilities, tire advisory boards, and scrap tire abatement plans; (3) agreements between facilities which distribute more than 1,000 tires annually and licensed tire haulers for the exclusive hauling of scrap tires by licensed haulers; and (4) prohibitions on the transportation of scrap tires by transporters without transportation identification numbers, with specified exceptions. Directs the Administrator to publish guidelines for States for the issuance of permits to scrap tire collection facilities. Provides for: (1) limits on the size of scrap tire piles at such facilities; (2) bans on open burning within 50 feet of a scrap tire pile; (3) regulations on vegetation, rodent, and mosquito control at such facilities; and (4) different requirements for collection facilities located in 100-year flood plains or other areas where water resources are critical. Requires the Administrator to promulgate guidelines for States for facility emergency plans. Directs facility owners or operators to maintain and update emergency preparedness manuals. Requires facility owners or operators to notify the State immediately in the event of an emergency with potential offsite impacts. Sets forth specified emergency and operational recordkeeping, reporting, and inspection requirements. Requires all regulated facilities to have appropriate financial responsibility or insurance to maintain the facility for at least five years after closure. Exempts specified persons from permitting requirements. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations for the State to use to issue permits to scrap tire recycling facilities. Requires the Secretary of the Interior, together with the heads of agencies responsible for public lands or military installations, to implement a plan to remediate tire piles. Applies plan requirements to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation. Directs the Administrator to develop a guideline for procuring items that make use of scrap or used tires. Requires Federal departments, if the Administrator fails to promulgate such guideline, to procure items containing at least 75 percent of post-consumer scrap rubber from scrap tires if the rubber is available within a reasonable amount of time at a reasonable price and meets performance standards. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, to publish standards to determine the life-cycle costs and benefits of items that make use of rubber from scrap or used tires as compared with items that make use of rubber other than from scrap or used tires. Requires such standards to be used by Federal departments covered by the procurement guideline. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to determine and report to the Congress on: (1) direct worker environmental health effects relating to asphalt made from crumb rubber from scrap tires; (2) the recyclability of asphalt road surfaces made from crumb rubber from scrap tires; and (3) the estimated life of existing asphalt road surfaces made from crumb rubber from scrap tires. Permits States to: (1) enter into consent agreements with owners and operators of scrap tire collection facilities for proper management and abatement of scrap tires; and (2) levy fines on facilities for noncompliance. Imposes fines on tire facilities and landfills for specified violations of this Act. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1991
National Plumbing Products Efficiency Act of 1991 - Title I: Water Use Standards for Plumbing Products - Requires the Secretary of Commerce to prescribe test procedures for classified products. Directs the Secretary to establish water use performance standards for plumbing products classified as covered products. Requires such standards to be designed to achieve the maximum water efficiency which the Secretary determines is technologically feasible and economically justified. Sets forth maximum water use standards for the following products: (1) water closets; (2) urinals; (3) showerheads; and (4) faucets. Directs the Secretary to prescribe water use standards for any product that is classified as a covered product and manufactured or distributed in commerce on or after the date that is three years after such product receives its classification. Describes the procedure for prescribing water use standards. Directs the Secretary to reevaluate such standards at the end of each five-year period after the date of enactment of this title. Requires the Secretary to publish the existing water use standards in the Federal Register and to allow a specified period for comment by interested persons. Exempts safety shower showerheads and aspirator faucets from water use standards. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to prescribe labeling and marking rules for each classified product. Directs the Secretary to study the feasibility of determining coverage for additional consumer products. Establishes a procedure for testing plumbing products and for maintaining test data. Directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology to assist the Secretary as necessary. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe rules for any covered product offered for importation. Sets forth provisions for prohibited acts, enforcement procedures, and the commencement of civil actions under this title. Declares that standards, procedures, or rules under this title supersede State or river basin commission regulations. Provides for a waiver of Federal preemption over such State or river basin commission regulations. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish an advisory committee to report annually to the Congress on the implementation of this title by the Secretary and the Commission. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Congress and the President on activities under this title. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1996. Title II: Water Use Standards for Dishwashers and Clothes Washers - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to provide for the establishment of standards for water use by dishwashers and clothes washers.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1991
Grand Canyon Protection Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) operate Glen Canyon Dam and take other reasonable mitigation measures to protect, mitigate adverse impacts to, and improve the condition of the environmental, cultural, and recreational resources of Grand Canyon National Park and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area; (2) promulgate interim operating procedures for Glen Canyon Dam in consultation with the Department of the Interior, the Secretary of Energy, specified State Governors, and Indian tribes and with the full participation of the general public, including the academic and scientific communities, environmental organizations, the recreation industry, and contractors for the purchase of Federal power produced at Glen Canyon Dam; (3) implement such procedures pending development of long-term operating procedures; and (4) establish and implement long-term monitoring requirements. Subjects such operating procedures to the water storage and delivery functions of Glen Canyon Dam pursuant to laws relating to allocation of the Colorado River. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to deviate from such interim operating procedures to: (1) comply with requirements under this Act; (2) respond to hydrologic extremes or power system operating emergencies; or (3) further reduce adverse impacts on resources downstream. Directs the Secretary, no later than December 31, 1993, to complete the Glen Canyon Environmental Studies and the final Glen Canyon Dam Impact Statement as required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Directs the Comptroller General to review the costs and benefits to water and power users and to natural, recreational, and cultural resources resulting from management policies and dam operations identified in the Impact Statement and report the results of such audit to the Secretary and the Congress. Directs the Secretary to implement the long-term operating procedures for the Dam, based on the Studies and the Statement and audit, alone or in combination with other reasonable mitigation measures, and to submit the Studies and the Statement and the long-term operating procedures to the Congress. Prohibits such long-term operating procedures from interfering with the primary water storage and delivery functions of the Glen Canyon Dam pursuant to laws relating to allocation of the Colorado River. Amends the Colorado River Storage Project Act to prohibit the Secretary from operating the hydroelectric powerplant at the Dam in a manner which causes significant and avoidable adverse effects on resources of the Grand Canyon National Park or the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Authorizes appropriations. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be interpreted as modifying or amending laws relating to environmental or natural resources protection, with regard to the operation of the Glen Canyon Dam.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1991
Link-up for Learning Demonstration Grant Act - Establishes a program of grants to local educational agencies (LEAs) in partnership with other eligible entities for coordinated educational and other student support services for at-risk youth. Makes eligible to apply for such a grant: (1) an LEA that seeks to plan and implement a coordinated services program for at-risk students with at least one other cooperating public agency; and (2) a consortium, including at least one LEA and one cooperating public service agency, formed to coordinate support services for at-risk students. Allows nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, and private enterprises with experience or expertise in providing services for at-risk students also to participate as a cooperating agency with an LEA or consortium in developing, operating, or evaluating such programs. Makes an LEA that is receiving assistance under the Head Start Transition program also eligible for assistance under this Act if it meets certain criteria. Allows educationally deprived students, in chapter 1 eligible schools or students in chapter 1 schoolwide projects, and their family members, to receive services provided by a project under this Act. Allows an eligible LEA to select any school, grade span, or program area for project services, providing such student eligibility requirements are met and the project design is of adequate size, scope, and quality. Allows such grants to be for up to three years, subject to satisfactory progress. Limits the Federal share of project costs to 80 percent. Establishes a Federal Interagency Task Force consisting of the Secretaries of Education, Health and Human Services, and Housing and Urban Development, and other appropriate Federal agency heads, to identify means to facilitate interagency collaboration at Federal, State, and local levels to improve support services for at-risk students. Requires the Task Force to: (1) identify and eliminate program regulations or practices impeding coordination and collaboration; (2) develop and implement plans for jointly funded programs, unified eligibility and application procedures, and confidentiality regulations that facilitate information sharing; and (3) make recommendations to the Congress on legislative action to facilitate coordination of support services. Directs the Secretary of Education to: (1) conduct a study of grantees under this Act to identify regulatory and legislative obstacles to coordinated support services and innovative procedures and programs; and (2) report study results to the Congress with recommendations for legislative action. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1991
Nuclear Non-Proliferation Enforcement Act of 1991 - Directs the President to prohibit the importation of any article manufactured by a foreign person that knowingly exports, transfers, or otherwise engages in the trade of nuclear materials and eqiupment or technology in violation of U.S. export control laws. Requires the President to annually determine those persons who violate the provisions of this Act. Authorizes such persons to appeal such determinations to the U.S. Court of International Trade. Provides for termination and waiver of sanctions imposed under this Act. Authorizes the President, upon request of a person, to issue an advisory opinion of whether a proposed activity would be subject to sanctions under this Act. Authorizes U.S. persons to petition the President requesting that an investigation be conducted to determine whether sanctions are warranted under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1991
Extends the immediate retirement provisions applicable to Federal law enforcement officers to: (1) revenue officers for the Internal Revenue Service; (2) customs inspectors for the U.S. Customs Service; (3) customs canine enforcement officers for the U.S. Customs Service; and (4) inspectors for the Immigration and Naturalization Service.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1991
Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) of the Social Security Act to require States which supplement SSI benefits to pass along Federal cost of living adjustments in such benefits in order to be eligible to receive Federal funds under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1991
Federal Investment Recovery, Economic Security and Liquidation Examination and Disclosure Act - Amends Federal law to require the President to include in the annual budget a statement of projected revenues obtained from the anticipated sale, lease, and transfer of Government assets and the estimated price at which the assets would be sold in the private sector.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1991
Kangaroo Protection Act - Provides that any administrative exception made under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 permitting the importation of kangaroos, their parts, and products shall not apply to kangaroos removed from the wild in accordance with an Australian management plan.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1991
Authorizes the Secretary of Education to enter into a contract with the National Writing Project (a nonprofit educational organization) to support costs of programs of teacher training and classroom research to improve the teaching of writing and the quality of student writing and learning. Directs the Project to establish a National Advisory Board. Directs the Secretary, through the Office of Educational Research and Improvement, to make grants to individuals and higher education institutions for research on the teaching of writing. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1995.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1991
Radiation Protection Act of 1991 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to affirm State authority to regulate the disposal of certain low-level radioactive waste for which the Nuclear Regulatory Commission does not require disposal in a licensed facility.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1991
Grants General Schedule employees in Monterey, California, the same interim, locality-based pay adjustments as provided to General Schedule employees within the San Francisco Metropolitan Statistical Area under the Federal Employees Pay Comparability Act of 1990.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1991
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to include Morro Bay, California, in the list of areas to be given priority consideration for inclusion in the national estuary program.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1991
Rape and Incest Victims' Choice Resolution - Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Federal Medicaid (title XIX of the Social Security Act) funding should be available for the abortion of pregnancies resulting from rape or incest if such acts, considering the physical and mental state of the women involved, are reported promptly.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1991
National Energy Policy Act of 1991 - Title I: Provisions Related To Fuel Economy Standards - Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to prescribe minimum average fuel economy standards for passenger and non-passenger automobiles manufactured in model years 1996 through 2000, and 2001 and beyond. Requires a 20 percent increase in average fuel economy over model year 1988 by 2000, and a 40 percent increase thereafter. Prescribes guidelines under which the Secretary of Transportation may consider petitions to modify such standards. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (the Administrator) to conduct an ongoing study of the accuracy of fuel economy testing of passenger automobiles as compared to actual performance under average driving conditions. Requires the Administrator to report study results annually to certain congressional committees. Requires the Secretary of Energy to annually distribute at least 100 fuel economy data booklets to each dealer, and as many as are additionally requested. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to report to the Congress the results of a National Academy of Sciences: (1) review of the current state of research and development in the fuel economy of light trucks and passenger automobiles; and (2) assessment of the remaining potential for improving their fuel efficiency and reducing their energy consumption. Doubles the civil penalties for repeated violations of average fuel economy standards. Title II: Other Provisions Related to Energy Conservation and Provisions Related to Energy Research and Development - Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to provide that the rates allowed to be charged by a State-regulated electric utility shall be such that its investments in and expenditures for energy conservation, energy efficiency resources, and other demand side management measures are at least as profitable as its investments in and expenditures for the construction of new generation facilities. Requires the Secretary of Energy to report to the Congress and the President regarding a survey of State rules and policies under which State regulatory authorities: (1) require or permit gas and electric utilities to recover their investments in end-use energy efficiency improvements and their lost net revenues from the reduced energy sales caused by such improvements; and (2) assign a positive dollar value to environmental costs and benefits when evaluating gas and electric utilities' resource planning and acquisition processes. Requires such report to evaluate to what extent each State has adopted regulatory and incentive policies to ensure that end-use energy efficiency improvements will compete on equal terms with additional energy production for gas and electric utilities' future investments in energy supply. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1996 for: (1) energy conservation; (2) solar and alternative energy; (3) enhanced oil recovery; and (4) fuel cells. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to authorize appropriations for the alternative fuels bus program from for FY 1992 through 1996. Directs the Secretary of Energy to provide funding for the purchase of alternative-fueled vehicles by State and local government agencies as well as by private entities. Sets forth a percentage schedule for Federal purchase of alternative-fueled vehicles. Requires the President to report annually to the Congress on implementation of the alternative-fueled vehicle purchase program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1996 for: (1) energy conservation programs for schools and hospitals; and (2) the weatherization assistance program. Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to direct the Secretary of Energy to establish a revolving loan fund for loans to Federal agencies to implement the Federal energy management program. Requires loan recipients to give priority to reducing the use of refined petroleum products. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1996. Title III: Provisions Related to Increased Petroleum Production Capacity - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct the Secretary of Energy to: (1) take expedited measures so that the Strategic Petroleum Reserve will have an increased petroleum storage capacity for one billion barrels of petroleum product by September 30, 1996 (including the acquisition and leasing of private capacity); and (2) continue acquisition, transportation, storage, and injection activities until the quantity of petroleum product in the Reserve is two billion barrels by the end of FY 2002. Directs the President to report to the Congress on Western Hemisphere cooperation in energy production and conservation. Title IV: Provisions Related to Duties and Taxes - Amends the Additional U.S. Notes to chapter 27 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to direct the Administrator of the Energy Information Administration of the Department of Energy to determine offset amounts (the difference between $16 and any lower weighted average international price of a barrel of crude petroleum), according to prescribed guidelines. Authorizes the President to exempt petroleum goods from any Western Hemisphere country from offset amounts if the President considers that the exemption would foster cooperation among the other Western Hemisphere countries with respect to energy resources development and utilization. (This provides for an automatic increase in import duties on petroleum and petroleum products to make up for any drops in the weighted average international price of a barrel of crude petroleum below $16.) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe gasoline tax rates in lieu of certain fuel deficit reduction rates for any month in which certain gasoline tax rates are in effect. Sets forth rate guidelines. (This provides for a standby contingency gasoline conservation tax if the price of crude oil falls below a certain average real price of crude petroleum. Sets a ceiling on any such tax increase equal to one-half of the price fall.) Imposes a tax for the removal of crude oil from specified Federal and State Outer Continental Shelf, submerged lands, or other lands subject to competitive lease. Excepts the Strategic Petroleum Reserve from such tax. Declares that gross income shall not include certain energy and water conservation subsidies provided consumers by public utilities. Establishes the Energy Security Trust Fund to implement this Act. Establishes as a separate account in such Fund the "Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Account" to implement the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1991
Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to submit to the Congress monthly reports on Department of Defense obligations and expenditures to carry out Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm and on financial contributions made to the United States by foreign countries in support of each Operation.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1991
Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to make granting independence to the Republics of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania as an additional condition for the extension of most-favored-nation treatment to the Soviet Union.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include parsonage allowances as compensation for purposes of the limitation on benefits payable under defined benefit plans.
![Official portrait of Rep. Panetta, Leon [D-CA-16]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/p000047_200.jpg)