United States · United States Congress · 12 January 1991
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should develop a plan for nations allied with the United States in the Persian Gulf crisis to bear a more equitable share of the costs of Operation Desert Shield on the basis of such countries' relative economic capability, military commitment, and security interests in the region.
United States · United States Congress · 12 January 1991
Finds that the Constitution vests all power to declare war in the Congress. Declares that any offensive action against Iraq must be explicitly approved in advance by the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1991
Christopher Columbus Coin and Fellowship Act - Title I: Christopher Columbus Quincentenary Coins - Christopher Columbus Quincentenary Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue not more than a specified number of five-dollar gold coins, one-dollar silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins emblematic of the quincentenary of the discovery of America. Sets forth certain features of such coins and provides for their design, issuance, and sale. Terminates the minting of such coins after June 30, 1993. Requires the Secretary to deposit surcharges from the sale of such coins in the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Fund for use by the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation. Declares that no law governing procurement or public contracts shall be applicable to the procurement of goods and services necessary for carrying out this Act, except that this provision shall not relieve any person from complying with any law relating to equal employment opportunity. Mandates that all amounts received from coin sales be deposited in the coinage profit fund. Title II: Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation - Christopher Columbus Fellowship Act - Establishes the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation to award fellowships to outstanding individuals to encourage new discoveries in all fields of endeavor for the benefit of mankind. Establishes the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Fund. Directs the Foundation to report to the President and to the Congress annually on its operations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Truth in Savings Act - Requires each advertisement, announcement, or solicitation by a depository institution which refers to a specific interest rate, yield, or rate of earnings on amounts deposited in a demand or interest-bearing account to state the following information clearly and conspicuously: (1) the annual percentage yield and the period such yield is in effect; (2) all minimum initial deposit, minimum balance, and time requirements for earning such yield; (3) the annual rates of simple interest; (4) fees or other conditions that could reduce the yield; (5) any interest penalty for early withdrawal; and (6) the effective percentage yield on the maturity date of any account maturing in less than one year. Authorizes the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to exempt advertisements, announcements, or solicitations made by any broadcast or electronic medium or outdoor advertising displays not on the premises of a depository institution from the disclosure requirements relating to initial deposit requirements, rates of simple interest, or fees if such disclosure would be unnecessarily burdensome. Prohibits any depository institution from advertising an account as a free or no-cost account if: (1) there are minimum balance or limited transaction requirements to avoid fees; or (2) there is any service fee, transaction fee, or similar charge imposed for such account. Prohibits any institution from making any advertisement, announcement, or solicitation that is inaccurate or misleading or that misrepresents its deposit contracts. Requires each depository institution to maintain a schedule, written in clear and plain language, of fees, charges, interest rates, and terms and conditions such as minimum balance and time requirements applicable to each class of accounts offered. Requires that such schedule be disclosed to potential customers and requesting individuals and mailed to account holders. Requires that account holders receive 30 days' advance notice of any change to be made in any term or condition required to be disclosed in the schedule if the change might reduce the yield or adversely affect any account holder. Directs the Board to require modified disclosure requirements concerning the annual yield on variable rate accounts, multiple rate accounts, guaranteed-rate accounts that mature in less than one year, and accounts for which the interest rate is not guaranteed. Directs the Board to provide for public notice and comment on, and to publish, model forms and clauses for common disclosures required by this Act. Provides for the enforcement of this Act and the civil liability of a depository institution that fails to comply with requirements of this Act. Sets forth limitations on such liability and factors to be considered by the court in determining class action awards. Provides that an institution may not be held liable for a violation if the institution demonstrates that the violation was not intentional and resulted from a bona fide error. Establishes U.S. district court jurisdiction and a one-year statute of limitations for actions brought under this Act. Directs the National Credit Union Administration to provide for the similar regulation of credit unions.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to exempt from the embargo on trade with Cuba the export of medicines or medical supplies, instruments, or equipment. Sets forth limitations on the President's authority to restrict the exportation of such medicines and supplies to Cuba.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Defense Economic Adjustment Act - Title I: Defense Economic Adjustment Council - Establishes in the Executive Office of the President the Defense Economic Adjustment Council to be co-chaired by the Secretaries of Commerce and Labor. Establishes in the Executive Office an Office of Economic Adjustment, headed by a Director, to provide staff support to the Council. Directs the Council to disseminate information from the Secretary of Defense to Federal, State, and local agencies concerning proposed or pending changes in defense spending which would affect employment in the defense industry. Requires the Council to perform other duties, including: (1) encouraging the preparation of plans for non-defense-related public projects; (2) coordinating and developing information on priority, federally-funded projects and programs pertaining to defense economic adjustment; (3) monitoring job services information banks; and (4) determining criteria for eligibility for assistance under this Act. Directs the Secretary of Defense to provide the pertinent information to the Council a year in advance of any change and to furnish the Council with projected future defense spending levels. Directs the Council to prepare and distribute a Conversion Guidelines Handbook to outline requirements of programs for professional retraining of personnel. Title II: Community Economic Adjustment Planning - Makes eligible for Federal assistance for economic adjustment planning any community which is substantially affected by reduction or elimination of Government defense facilities or curtailment or conclusion of defense contracts. Directs the Council to make available to alternative use committees information on economic development programs of any Federal instrumentality which provides funds that may be used for planning. Requires the Council to report to the Congress at least annually on any such economic development program. Directs the Council to use data from other departments to develop criteria which ensures that assistance is directed to those communities that are most vulnerable economically to reductions in defense expenditures. Requires the Council to publish a semiannual list of eligible communities. Requires excess property resulting from a closing or reduction in a Government-owned facility to be appraised for purposes of resale to the community. Title III: Alternative Use Committees - Requires the establishment of alternative use committees at defense facilities to plan for economic conversion in the event of closure or reduction. Directs such committees to: (1) evaluate the assets of the facilities and the resources and requirements of the local community; (2) develop at least biennially a detailed plan for conversion of the facility to non-defense-related productive activity; and (3) provide retraining and reemployment counseling services. Requires conversion plans to maximize the pool of skills of available personnel and specify in detail the composition of the work force and plant, material, and financing requirements. Penalizes any contractor who fails to submit an alternative use plan or carry out one approved by the Council by making such contractor ineligible for future defense contracts for three years. Title IV: Economic Adjustment Assistance for Workers - Makes displaced workers certified by the local alternative use committees to the Council eligible for benefits for two years under this Act. Includes among such benefits: weekly compensation, vested pension credit, maintenance of health insurance, retraining for civilian work, job search allowance, and reimbursement for relocation expenses. Requires completion of a program of professional retraining before certain employees are eligible for assistance. Directs the Council to enter into agreements with a State or agency in the State administering the unemployment compensation law to disburse benefits under this Act. Requires displaced workers to accept any employment determined by the State agency or Secretary of Labor to be comparable to the former job, or benefits will terminate. Excludes these benefits from other determinations of eligibility for unemployment compensation under any Federal or State law. Title V: Economic Adjustment Fund - Establishes in the Treasury a Workers Economic Adjustment Reserve Trust Fund. Requires defense contractors to pay a specified percentage into the Fund. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to deposit a percentage of the projected savings resulting from a cancellation or cutback in defense spending. Title VI: Use of Certain Research Funds - Requires the Council to define urgent national requirements for nondefense sectors of the economy in any determination of the Secretary of Defense as to how certain research and development funds are to be spent. Title VII: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Amends Federal law to prohibit any State from imposing an income tax on the pension income of any individual who is not a resident or domiciliary of that State.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Title X Pregnancy Counseling Act of 1990 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services from making a grant for the provision of family planning methods or services unless the applicant agrees to provide complete information and counseling regarding pregnancy, and for a pregnant woman who requests information on options for an unintended pregnancy, to provide: (1) nondirective counseling on prenatal care and delivery, infant care, foster care and adoption, and termination of pregnancy; and (2) referrals for the services that are appropriate to the decision of the woman.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Freedom of Choice Act of 1991 - Provides that a State may not restrict the right of a woman to choose to terminate a pregnancy: (1) before fetal viability; or (2) at any time, if such termination is necessary to protect the life or health of the woman. Allows a State to impose requirements medically necessary to protect the life or health of such women.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Civil Rights Act of 1991 - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to provide for the burdens of proof which must be met by the various parties when an allegation of an unlawful employment practice is based on disparate impact. ( Wards Cove Packing Co. Inc. v. Atonio, 1989, held that, in cases brought under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the burden is on the plaintiff to prove an employer had no business necessity for a practice with discriminatory effects.) Allows a rule barring employment based on illegal discriminatory intent. Declares that, when an employment practice is alleged to have mixed motives, an unlawful employment practice is established when it is shown that a discriminatory basis was a contributing factor, even though other factors also contributed. Bars certain types of relief and limits damages to the injury that is attributable to the unlawful practice. Provides for the finality of litigated or consent judgments or orders resolving an employment discrimination claim, barring actions (challenging an employment practice that implements and is within the scope of a judgment or order) by persons who had certain types of notice and opportunity. Modifies the time limitations within which certain actions must be taken in alleged employment discrimination cases. (In Lorance v. AT&T Technologies, the Supreme Court held that seniority plans cannot be challenged as discriminatory unless complaints are filed soon after the plans are adopted.) Declares the application of a seniority system, if the system was included in a collective bargaining agreement with discriminatory intent, an unlawful employment practice. Allows punitive damages, certain types of compensatory damages, and jury trials only in connection with certain claims of intentional discrimination under the Act or under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Allows any party, if compensatory or punitive damages are sought, to demand a jury trial. Includes expert fees and other litigation expenses in attorney's fees which may be awarded in certain circumstances. Prohibits consent orders or judgments settling a claim, or stipulations of dismissal, unless the parties or their counsel attest that a waiver of all or substantially all attorney's fees was not compelled as a condition of the settlement.( Independent Federation of Flight Attendants v. Zipes held that attorneys' fees can be recovered under Title VII against losing intervenors only if the intervenor's action is frivolous, unreasonable, or without foundation.) Allows the court, in its discretion to promote fairness, in a proceeding in which a judgment or order granting relief under employment discrimination provisions is challenged, to allow the prevailing party in the original action to recover attorney's fees and costs incurred in defending the judgment or order. Extends the time limit for filing against the Government a civil action involving employment discrimination. Requires, except for prejudgment interest on compensatory damages, the same interest payment by the Government as in cases involving non-public parties. Requires all Federal civil rights laws to be interpreted broadly to provide equal opportunity and provide effective remedies. Prohibits, except as expressly provided, interpreting any Federal civil rights law to repeal or amend by implication any other such law. Prohibits using this Act as a basis for limiting civil rights laws not expressly amended by this Act. Amends Federal law to declare that: (1) for purposes of provisions relating to equal rights under the law, the right to make and enforce contracts includes the making, performance, modification, and termination of contracts, and the enjoyment of all benefits, privileges, terms, and conditions of the contract; and (2) the rights protected by the amended provisions are protected against impairment by non-governmental discrimination as well as against impairment under color of State law. (In 1989, the Supreme Court ruled, in Patterson v. McLean Credit Union, that an 1866 law forbidding discrimination in contracts applies only to hiring agreements, not on-the-job bias.) Prohibits construing the amendments made by this Act to: (1) require or encourage an employer to adopt hiring or promotion quotas; or (2) affect court-ordered remedies, affirmative action, or conciliation agreements that are otherwise in accordance with the law. Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to apply equal employment opportunities provisions to the Congress, with enforcement as determined by each House of the Congress. Amends the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 to modify requirements, including time limitations, regarding filing of a civil action. Requires the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to notify the person aggrieved if an age discrimination charge is dismissed by the Commission. Allows a civil suit to be brought within a specified time limit after the dismissal. Encourages the use of alternative means of dispute resolution to resolve disputes arising under the Acts amended by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Amateur Radio Spectrum Protection Act of 1991 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from diminishing existing allocations of spectrum (available radio frequencies) to the amateur radio service after January 1, 1991. Requires the FCC to provide replacement spectrum to the service for any frequency reallocation after such date.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act - Makes it unlawful for any licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer to sell, deliver, or transfer a handgun to an unlicensed individual unless: (1) after the most recent proposal of such transfer by the individual, the transferor has received a statement of eligibility from the individual, has notified the chief law enforcement officer for such individual's place of residence about the proposed transfer, and either has received a response indicating that such transfer is not prohibited by law or has not received a response indicating otherwise within seven days; (2) the individual has presented to the transferor a statement from the officer, issued in the past ten days, that the individual requires a handgun because of a threat to him or his family; (3) the individual has presented to the transferor a permit to possess a handgun that has been issued in the past five years by the State in which the transfer is to take place under a State law which requires law enforcement verification of the individual's legal qualification to possess a handgun; (4) State law either requires a waiting period of at least seven days or requires that an authorized government official verifies that the information available to such official does not indicate that possession of a handgun by the purchaser would be unlawful; or (5) the transferor has received a report from any system of felon identification established by the Attorney General under the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 that the individual's possession or receipt of the handgun would not violate Federal, State, or local law. Requires the statement of eligibility to include a statement that the individual: (1) is not under indictment for and has not been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year; (2) is not a fugitive; (3) is not an unlawful user of, or addicted to, a controlled substance; (4) has not been adjudicated as a mental defective or committed to a mental institution; (5) is not an alien who is illegally in the United States; (6) has not been dishonorably discharged from the armed forces; and (7) is not a person who has renounced U.S. citizenship. Requires any transferor who, after a transfer, receives a report from such officer that receipt or possession of the handgun by the individual violates the law, to: (1) furnish information about the transfer and the individual to the chief law enforcement officer of the transferor's place of business and the individual's place of residence; and (2) keep confidential any information received which is not otherwise available to the public, with exceptions. Requires a transferor to retain a copy of the individual's statement. Requires the law enforcement officer to destroy any copy of the individual's sworn statement and any record containing information derived from such statement within 30 days, unless such officer determines that the transaction would violate Federal, State, or local law.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Airline Bankruptcy Passenger Protection Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to issue an order authorizing a covered air carrier to develop an air transportation plan which protects airline ticket holders in the event it becomes a debtor in bankruptcy proceedings after the ticket purchase date. Provides that if satisfactory plans have not been submitted by a specified deadline, the Secretary must promulgate regulations requiring all covered air carriers to provide air transportation for such ticket holders.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Federal Bureau of Investigation First Amendment Protection Act of 1991 - Prohibits the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) from initiating or conducting any investigation that may involve the collection of information about the exercise by a U.S. person of first amendment rights, except as specified. Requires the Attorney General to issue guidelines for investigations covered by this Act. Sets forth standards to be followed by the FBI in the conduct of an investigation, the disposition of any records obtained, and the periodic review of open investigations. Provides a civil remedy for any person aggrieved by a violation of this Act. Waives the provisions of this Act with respect to background investigations conducted with the consent of the subject regarding: (1) nominees to judicial and executive branch positions requiring the advice and consent of the Senate; (2) employees of the Department of Justice; or (3) the granting or retention of security clearances.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Decennial Census Accuracy Improvement Act of 1991 - Amends Federal census law to require the Secretary of Commerce to determine whether the tabulations of population of the respective States should be adjusted in order to correct for any under- or over-counting. Provides that the tabulation for a State shall not be complete unless: (1) the Secretary determines that no adjustment is required in the tabulation of population for any State; or (2) appropriate adjustments for each State have been made, if it is determined that adjustment would improve the accuracy of census counts. Requires that any incomplete tabulation reported to a State to be identified as preliminary and subject to adjustment. States that if the deadline cannot be met to complete and report such data to the respective States the Secretary shall: (1) provide advance written notice to the Congress (including a statement of reasons and the anticipated compliance date); and (2) have until the second July 15th after the decennial census date to complete and report the tabulation of population to the respective States. Applies this Act to data obtained from the 1990 decennial census or any to follow. Deems as a reference to such tabulation in its completed form as determined by this Act, any requirement under Federal law that a tabulation of population for a State (as obtained in the 1990 or a later decennial census) be used. Requires the Secretary to report on the data obtained from the 1990 decennial census to the appropriate congressional committees. Declares that the authority to use the "sampling" statistical method shall be governed by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Federal Employees' Political Activities Act of 1991 - Prohibits an employee from using or attempting to use official authority or influence to interfere with or affect the result of any election. Prohibits an employee from using or attempting to use official authority to intimidate, threaten, coerce, command, or influence: (1) any individual for the purpose of interfering with the right of any individual to vote as the individual may choose, or of causing any individual to vote, or not to vote, for any candidate or measure in any election; (2) any person to give or withhold any political contribution; or (3) any person to engage, or not to engage, in any form of political activity. Prohibits an employee from using, attempting to use, or permitting the use of any official information, unless such information is available to the general public. Prohibits an employee from: (1) giving or offering to give a political contribution to any individual either to vote or to refrain from voting, or to vote for or against any candidate or measure, in any election; (2) soliciting, accepting, or receiving a political contribution to vote or refrain from voting, or to vote for or against any candidate or measure, in any election; or (3) giving or handing over a political contribution to a superior of the employee. Prohibits an employee from soliciting, accepting, or receiving, or from being in any manner concerned with soliciting, accepting, or receiving, a political contribution: (1) from another employee (or a member of another employee's immediate family) with respect to whom the employee is a superior; or (2) in any room or building occupied in the discharge of official duties by a Federal employee or official or an individual receiving salary or compensation from the Treasury. Prohibits an employee from soliciting, accepting, or receiving a political contribution from, or giving a political contribution to, any person who: (1) has, or is seeking to obtain, contractual or other business or financial relations with the employing agency; (2) conducts operations or activities which are regulated by that agency; or (3) has interests which may be substantially affected by the performance of the employee's official duties. Directs the Special Counsel of the Merit Systems Protection Board to prescribe regulations which exempt employees from such prohibitions. Prohibits an employee from engaging in political activity: (1) while on duty; (2) in any room or building occupied in the discharge of official duties by a Federal employee or official; (3) while wearing a uniform or official insignia identifying the office or position of the employee; or (4) while using any vehicle owned or leased by the Government. Exempts certain high level political appointees from such prohibitions if the costs associated with the political activity are not paid for by money derived from the Treasury. Authorizes leave without pay or accrued annual leave to an employee who is a candidate, upon request, to allow such employee to engage in activities relating to that candidacy. Declares that such request may be denied if the exigencies of the public business so require. Declares that such employee may be required to take leave without pay or accrued annual leave in order to be a candidate if activities relating to the candidacy interfere with the employee's performance of duties. Applies this Act to postal employees and employees of the Postal Rate Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a 100 percent tax on income from frozen Iraqi assets. Authorizes the President to modify such tax if the armed forces of Iraq withdraw from Kuwait within the time and in the manner determined by the President.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State on account of sex.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Establishes in the House of Representatives the Select Committee on Hunger to conduct a continuing comprehensive study of the problems of hunger and malnutrition.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should fundamentally reassess the necessity of underground nuclear explosions and instruct his representatives to the Limited Test Ban Treaty Amendment Conference to support a comprehensive test ban amendment.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Supports the President's actions to defend Saudi Arabia and his diplomatic and economic initiatives to resolve the Persian Gulf crisis. Demands that Iraq immediately withdraw from Kuwait. Finds that the Constitution vests all power to declare war in the Congress. Declares that any offensive action against Iraq must be explicitly approved in advance by the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1990
Declares that a named individual shall be considered to have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act if he applies for permanent residence status within a specified period.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1990
Central Coast National Marine Sanctuary Act - Declares that the waters of the Central Coast in California meet the standards set forth in specified provisions of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 and designates them as a national marine sanctuary. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to prepare for such sanctuary: (1) a draft environmental impact statement; and (2) a draft management plan.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 1990
Ethics in Foreign Lobbying Act of 1990 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit multicandidate political committees or separate segregated funds of certain organizations or corporations which are controlled by foreign persons from making any contributions or expenditures with respect to an election for Federal office. Directs the Federal Election Commission to require reporting of ownership interest percentages and to list them. Prohibits foreign nationals from participating in the decisionmaking process of domestic organizations engaged in Federal, State, or local election-related activities. Establishes within the Federal Election Commission a clearinghouse of public information regarding the political activities of foreign principals and their agents. Amends the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938 to require agents to file quarterly supplemental registration statements. Provides that a foreign principal's legal representative in U.S. courts may only be exempted from filing registration statements upon the submission of an affirmative request for such exemption. Establishes civil penalties for violation of the registration requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 1990
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a 100 percent tax on income from frozen Iraqi assets. Authorizes the President to modify such tax if the armed forces of Iraq withdraw from Kuwait within the time and in the manner determined by the President.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 1990
Prohibits the proposed sales to Saudi Arabia of armored vehicles (including M1A2 tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles), AH-64 APACHE attack helicopters, PATRIOT guided missile units, and related defense articles and services, that were reported to the Congress pursuant to the Arms Export Control Act on September 27, 1990.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 1990
Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1990 - Title I: Committee on Agriculture - Agricultural Reconciliation Act of 1990 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make deficiency payments available to producers of the 1992 through 1995 crops of wheat, feed grains, upland cotton, and rice. Provides for acreage reduction programs for: (1) the 1991 through 1995 crops of wheat; and (2) the 1992 through 1995 crops of feed grains, upland cotton, and rice. Sets forth the 1991 through 1995 price supports for soybeans. Establishes 1991 through 1995 authorization levels for Rural Electrification Administration and Farmers Home Administration loans. Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to authorize appropriations for FY 1991 through 1995. Amends the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 to authorize appropriations for the FY 1991 through 1995 commodity distribution and supplemental food programs. Authorizes appropriations under the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 for FY 1991 through 1995. Prohibits any Federal action that would have the effect of restricting the borrowing or obligation guaranty authority of specified Government corporations. Requires annual reports to this committee by the Secretary of the Treasury on: (1) farm credit and the issuance and redemption of related notes; and (2) (jointly with the Comptroller General) on the effect of changes of Federal tax and revenue laws on farm credit and on agriculture generally. Title II: Committee on Banking, Finance and Urban Affairs - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act with respect to: (1) elimination of premium ceilings; and (2) assessment rates. Amends the National Housing Act with respect to mortgage insurance, including mutual mortgage insurance, a new periodic mortgage insurance safety and soundness premium, and an auction alternative to mortgage assignments. Amends the National Housing Act to extend the crime insurance program through FY 1995, and the National Flood Insurance Act to extend its program through FY 1995. Prohibits any Federal action that would have the effect of restricting the borrowing or obligation guaranty authority of specified Government corporations. Requires annual reports to this Committee by the Secretary of the Treasury on: (1) credit and the issuance and redemption of notes; and (2) (jointly with the Comptroller General) on the effect of changes in Federal tax and revenue laws on credit, housing, urban development, banks and the banking industry, and monetary policy. Title III: Education and Labor Committee - Subtitle A: Student Loan Program Savings - Student Loan Default Prevention Initiative Act of 1990 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 with respect to student loan programs, especially their default prevention measures. Subtitle B: Amendments Relating to Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 with respect to: (1) treatment of reversions of qualified plan assets to employers; (2) transfer of excess pension assets to retiree health accounts; and (3) an increase in basic premium rates. Subtitle C: Labor Civil Penalties and Fines - Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 with respect to civil money penalties for violation of such Act. Subtitle D: Early Childhood Education and Development - Early Childhood Education and Development Act of 1990 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1995 for specified programs under the Head Start Act, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, and the Child Care Quality Improvement Act. Amends the Head Start Act with respect to financial asssistance, allocation of funds, and expanded eligibility. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to mandate grants to States to assist in the expansion or creation of before- and after-school child care or early childhood development programs. Child Care Quality Improvement Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide financial assistance to States and Indian tribes and tribal organizations for child care quality improvement programs. Establishes a National Advisory Committee on Recommended Child Care Standards. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a program of grants to eligible businesses to pay start-up costs incurred to provide child care services, or to provide additional child care services, needed by their employees. Authorizes appropriations. Prohibits any Federal action that would have the effect of restricting the borrowing or obligation guaranty authority of specified Government corporations. Title IV: Committee on Energy and Commerce - Subtitle A: Provisions Relating to Medicare Program and Regulation of Medicare Supplemental Insurance Policies - Amends the Social Security Act with respect to Medicare physicians' services, other items and services, peer review organizations, beneficiary premiums and deductibles, and standards for Medicare supplemental insurance policies. Subtitle B: Medicaid Program - Amends the Social Security Act with respect to Medicaid program reductions in spending, protection for low-income Medicare beneficiaries, improvements in child health, nursing home reform, Medicare payments, eligibility and coverage, health maintenance organizations, demonstration projects, and home- and community-based waivers. Subtitle C: Energy and Miscellaneous User Fees - Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 with respect to solar, wind, waste, and geothermal power production incentives. Directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to assess and collect annual user fees and charges. Amends the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to establish a schedule of railroad user fees. Amends the International Travel Act of 1961 to direct the Secretary to charge incoming aliens a U.S. Travel and Tourism Administration user fee. Provides for radon testing and motor vehicle compliance program fees. Title V: Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs - Subtitle A: Nuclear Regulatory Commission User Fees - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to direct the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to assess and collect annual fees and charges from utilization facility licensees in order to cover 100 percent of the Commission's budget authority. Subtitle B: Tongass Timber Reform - Tongass Timber Reform Act - Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act to: (1) require annual appropriations for timber management and resource conservation in the Tongass National Forest; (2) require termination of certain long-term timber sale contracts; (3) designate specified additional wilderness areas; and (4) provide for sustained production of old-growth forest resources within the Forest. Subtitle C: Oil Shale Claims Reform - Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to provide for resolution of certain unpatented oil shale claims on Federal lands. Subtitle D: Reclamation Fees - Amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 with respect to the deposit of fees and use of money in the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund. Establishes the Abandoned Minerals and Mineral Materials Mine Reclamation Fund for the reclamation and restoration of land and water resources adversely affected by past minerals and mineral materials mining. Requires allocation of Fund expenditures in grants to States for State reclamation programs. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle E: Bryce Canyon Coal Lease Sale - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a competitive coal lease sale for an area of Bryce Canyon, Utah, that includes the Manti-Sal Lands. Subtitle F: Bureau of Land Management - Authorizes appropriations for the Bureau of Land Management for FY 1991 through 1994. Amends the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 with respect to specified Bureau activities. Title VI: Committee on the Judiciary - Mandates Patent and Trademark Office user fees FY 1991 through 1995. Title VII: Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee Provisions - Subtitle A: Miscellaneous - Amends Federal law with respect to tonnage charges and U.S. Coast Guard user fees. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish and collect fees for FY 1991 through 1995 for services and things of value provided by EPA. Merchant Mariners Fairness Act of 1990 - Deems services in the United States merchant marine during World War II to be active military service for provision of benefits under the GI Bill Improvement Act of 1977. Subtitle B: Coastal Zone Management - Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments of 1990 - Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to reauthorize and revise its grant programs for FY 1991 through 1995. Subtitle C: Clean Beaches - Beaches Environmental Assessment, Closure, and Health Act of 1990 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to direct the Administrator of EPA to: (1) review and revise water quality criteria for coastal recreation waters; and (2) promulgate regulations for State testing of coast recreation waters and uniform assessment and monitoring procedures for floatable materials in such waters. Requires State to adopt criteria based on Federal criteria. Authorizes grants to States for use in fulfilling requirements established under such criteria. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1992. Title VIII: Committee on Post Office and Civil Service - Subtitle A: Civil Service - Amends Federal law to eliminate lump-sum retirement benefits for Federal employees after November 1, 1990. Revises the health benefits program for such employees. Subtitle B: Postal Service - Amends Federal law with respect to: (1) the funding of cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for U.S. Poastal Service annuitants and survivor annuitants; (2) funding of health benefits for Postal Service retirees and survivors of Postal Service employees or retirees; and (3) treatment of contribution requirements. Subtitle C: Coordination - Declares that any transfer of outlays, receipts, or revenues from one fiscal year to an adjacent fiscal year that occurs pursuant to this title shall be treated as altering the deficit or producing a new deficit reduction under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Reaffirmation Act of 1987. Title IX: Public Works and Transportation - Subtitle A: Surface Transportation - Surface Transportation Reconciliation Act of 1990 - Authorizes supplemental appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund for FY 1991 through 1995. Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to authorize supplemental appropriations for FY 1991 for the mass transit program. Authorizes additional supplemental appropriations for such program for FY 1992 through 1995. Subtitle B: Aviation Safety and Capacity Expansion - Aviation Safety and Capacity Expansion Act of 1990 - Amends the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982 to reauthorize specified airport and airway improvement programs through FY 1992. Subtitle C: Federal Aviation Administration Research, Engineering, and Development - Federal Aviation Administration Research, Engineering, and Development Authorization Act of 1990 - Amends the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982 to reauthorize aviation research activities through FY 1992. Authorizes the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish a research grant and consortium program. Subtitle D: Aging Aircraft Safety - Aging Aircraft Safety Act of 1990 - Directs the Administrator of the FAA to: (1) initiate a rulemaking proceeding to issue a rule to assure the continuing airworthiness of aging aircraft; and (2) establish certain aircraft maintenance safety programs. Subtitle E: Off Budget Treatment of Transportation Trust Funds - Transportation Trust Funds Off Budget Act of 1990 - Declares that receipts and disbursements of the Highway Trust Fund, the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, the Inland Waterways Trust Fund, and the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund allocable to the transportation-related operations of each such Trust Fund shall be excluded from the Federal and congressional budgets and exempted from any general budget limitation imposed by Federal law on U.S. Government spending and net lending (budget outlays). Declares the sense of Congress reaffirming: (1) that all highway fuel taxes and aviation user taxes should be deposited into their respective Trust Funds; and (2) that these Trust Funds should be used for surface transportation and aviation programs only and not for deficit reduction. Subtitle F: Water Resources - Directs the Administrator of EPA to assess and collect certain fees and charges in FY 1991 through 1995, with a specified maximum aggregate for services and activities under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Requires the Secretary of the Army to study and report to Congress on certain Corps of Engineers' fees charged for the issuance and processing of certain permits under the Water Pollution Control Act and the Rivers and Harbors Appropriations Act of 1899. Title X: Science, Space, and Technology - Sutitle A: User Fees - Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1989 and the Nuclear Waste Policy Act with respect to user fees. Directs the Administrator of EPA to conduct research to develop, test, and evaluate radon and radon progeny measurement methods and protocols. Directs the appropriate Secretaries or Administrators to study user fee assessment and collection practices of the Department of Energy, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to study options for the assessment and collection of licensing fees under the Commercial Space Launch Act. Subtitle B: Aviation Safety and Capacity Expansion - Aviation Safety and Capacity Expansion Act of 1990 - Amends the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982 to reauthorize specified airport and airway improvement programs through FY 1992. (This subtitle is very similar to Subtitle B of Title IX.) Subtitle C: Federal Aviation Administration Research, Engineering, and Development - Federal Aviation Administration Research, Engineering, and Development Authorization Act of 1990 - Amends the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982 to reauthorize aviation research activities through FY 1992. Authorizes the Administrator of the FAA to establish: (1) a research grant and consortium program; and (2) a catastrophic failure prevention research grant program. (This subtitle is very similar to Subtitle C of Title IX.) Title XI: Committee on Veterans' Affairs - Amends Federal law with respect to veterans': (1) compensation and pension benefits; (2) health care benefits; (3) education and employment; (4) housing and loan guaranty assistance; (5) burial and grave marker benefits; and (6) other specified matters. Title XII: Committee on Ways and Means: Spending - Amends the Social Security Act with respect to Medicare payments for hospital, physicians', and related services. Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 and the Revenue Act of 1987 to extend the authority for Customs user fees and Internal Revenue Service user fees. Provides for recovery of OASDI overpayments by means or reduction in tax refunds. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make an annual study of the financial safety and soundness of the activities of all Government-sponsored enterprises and the impact of their operations on Federal borrowing. Increases the public debt limit. Title XIII: Committee on Ways and Means: Revenue Provisions - Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1990 - Subtitle A: Increase in Earned Income Tax Credit - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the earned income tax credit. Subtitle B: Excise Taxes - Increases certain user-related excise taxes and excise taxes related to health and the environment. Imposes new taxes on certain luxury items (including passenger vehicles, boats, aircraft, jewelry, and furs) and on refined petroleum products. Subtitle C: Other Revenue Increases - Revises provisions related to: (1) insurance policy acquisition costs; (2) treatment of salvage recoverable; (3) waiver of estimated insurance tax penalties; (4) tax compliance; (5) treatment of reversions of qualified plan assets to employers; (6) transfers to retiree health accounts; (7) corporate taxation; and (8) the employment tax.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1990
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the people of the province of Punjab, India, should have the right to self determination and should be afforded the opportunity to decide their future through a plebiscite sponsored by the United Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1990
Establishes the U.S.S. Potomac National Historical Site in Oakland, California. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) acquire title to and possession of the U.S.S. Potomac (the yacht owned by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt); (2) enter into a long-term lease of Roosevelt Pier; and (3) acquire title to and possession of the adjacent land area for an interpretive center. Requires the Secretary to submit a general management plan for the site to specified congressional committees. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1990
Approves of the initial U.S. response to the invasion of Kuwait. Expresses support for necessary actions to maintain Saudi Arabia's borders and to protect U.S. armed forces. Declares that any offensive action taken against Iraq must be explicitly approved by the Congress before such action may be initiated. Urges that the U.S.-led allied military activity in the Persian Gulf be transformed into a United Nations (UN) police action with U.S. participation, through the establishment of a UN command.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1990
Declares that: (1) the President should withdraw his request for authority to forgive the military assistance debts owed to the United States by the Egyptian Government; (2) if the President fails to withdraw that request, the Congress should reject it; and (3) the President should develop a plan for the sharing of the costs and responsibilities of checking Iraq's aggression.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1990
Motor Vehicle Fuel Efficiency Act of 1990 - Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to establish average fuel economy standards for passenger automobiles for model years 1995 and thereafter and automobiles other than passenger automobiles (light trucks) for model years 1995 and thereafter. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary), after FY 1995, to modify such standards for model year 2001 and thereafter. Directs the Secretary, in response to petitions filed at least 12 months in advance of the model year, to conduct a rulemaking proceeding to determine whether to increase or decrease such standard to a level that is the maximum feasible average fuel economy for that model year, except that such standard shall not be reduced below a 30 percent increase over the average fuel economy achieved by the manufacturer of such vehicle for model year 1988. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to report annually to specified congressional committees on a study which: (1) examines the accuracy of fuel economy testing of passenger automobiles and light trucks; and (2) assesses the extent to which fuel economy deteriorates during the lifetime of such vehicles. Directs the Secretary of Energy to distribute at least 100 explanatory booklets each year to every dealer and additional numbers if requested. Requires the Secretary to provide for a review and report to the Congress by the National Academy of Sciences of the current state of research and development in light truck fuel economy and passenger automobile fuel economy and an assessment of the potential for improving the fuel efficiency and reducing the energy consumption of passenger automobiles and light trucks. Requires the Secretary of Energy to study and report to the Congress on the future options for regulating the fuel efficiency of such vehicles beyond 2001. Doubles the civil penalty for repeated violations of the fuel economy standard. Sets forth criteria with respect to the testing of fuel economy for small passenger automobiles that contain airbags.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1990
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 · 3 August 1990
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) 1991 should be considered as Rebuild America Year; (2) a national effort to rebuild the infrastructure of the United States should be undertaken to provide assistance to States and localities in meeting core infrastructure needs; (3) the multibillion dollar balances in the Highway and Airport and Airway Trust Funds should be spent to rebuild the infrastructure of the United States; (4) the President should work with the Congress to establish a comprehensive national infrastructure policy and to revitalize and supplement existing programs to achieve this goal; (5) the Federal Government along with State and local governments and the private sector should share their expertise and support in formulating and developing a national effort to rebuild the infrastructure of the United States; and (6) the President and the Congress should dedicate appropriate funding to implement a national effort to rebuild the infrastructure of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1990
California Tribal Status Act of 1990 - Title I: Recognition of California Indian Tribal Groups - California Indian Recognition and Restoration Act of 1990 - Extends Federal recognition to six unidentified California Indian groups. Restores Federal recognition to specified California Indian tribal groups and their members whose relationship with the United States was terminated. Title II: Acknowledgment Procedures for California Indian Tribal Groups - California Indian Tribal Acknowledgment Procedures Act of 1990 - Authorizes any California Indian tribal group to apply for acknowledgment as an Indian tribe by submitting a petition containing specified information. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a review to determine whether the petitioner is entitled to be recognized as an Indian tribe. Grants petitioners the right to file a writ of mandamus in Federal court if the Secretary fails to take required actions concerning the petition. Requires petitions from parties to treaties to receive priority consideration. Authorizes the Commissioner of the Administration for Native Americans of the Department of Health and Human Services to make grants to enable California Indian groups seeking acknowledgement to: (1) conduct the research necessary to substantiate petitions under this Act; and (2) maintain essential tribal governmental functions while a petition is under consideration. Prohibits grants from being made to a group whose petition was submitted under a different name and denied acknowledgment. Title III: Commission on Policies and Programs Affecting California Indians - Establishes the Commission on Policies and Programs Affecting California Indians to: (1) study the social and economic status of California Indians and the effectiveness of U.S. and California policies and programs that affect California Indians; (2) conduct public hearings on the subjects of such study; and (3) recommend specific action to the Congress with respect to the needs of the Indians for economic self-sufficiency, improved education and health, and a reduction in social problems. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: General Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to accept real property for a California Indian tribal group recognized under this Act. Requires each California Indian tribal group recognized under this Act to submit current membership rolls to the Secretary. Directs each group to determine qualifications for inclusion on the membership roll. Requires the Secretary, upon request of a recognized California Indian tribal group, to develop and submit to the Congress an economic development plan for such group. Sets forth required provisions of the plan. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1990
Declares that the President should: (1) reorder U.S. priorities concerning nuclear weapons to take into account the reduced necessity for nuclear testing and the urgent need for environmental cleanup; (2) convey to the Soviet Union the desire of the United States to resume bilateral nuclear testing talks and agree on a timetable for the early achievement of a verifiable comprehensive test ban; and (3) express to the signatories of the Limited Test Ban Treaty U.S. willingness to pursue negotiations in the conference called to amend the Treaty and provide for such test ban.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1990
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 used 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 by means of exposing lead to the atmosphere. 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. Requires the Administrator to establish a recycling percentage that is two points higher than the existing recycling rate for spent lead in used lead-acid batteries. 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 or importers of lead-acid batteries to create credits for recycling an amount of batteries greater than required; and (2) producers or importers 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 · 24 July 1990
Condemns political killings and disappearances in Guatemala and the Guatemalan Government's failure to stem human rights abuses. Declares that: (1) Guatemala should not receive military assistance until the government exercises control over the security forces and human rights abuses have ended; and (2) withheld military assistance and economic assistance should be used to support civilian institutions in Guatemala. Calls upon the Guatemalan Government to investigate and bring to justice those implicated in human rights abuses and to appoint a commission to investigate disappearances. Commends President Bush and the Secretary of State for taking specific actions with respect to Guatemala and urges the Bush Administration to continue monitoring human rights in Guatemala. Supports negotiations by the Guatemalan National Reconciliation Commission and the Guatemalan National Revolutionary Union and calls upon the government and the military to facilitate and strengthen this process.
![Official portrait of Rep. Panetta, Leon [D-CA-16]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/p000047_200.jpg)