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United States · Official source
8,067 records where Rep. Roe, Robert A. [D-NJ-8] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1990
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Congress should retain the current Federal tax deduction for State and local income and property taxes.
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
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that October 1990 should be designated as National Ellis Island Month, in recognition of Ellis Island's upcoming centennial.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1990
Church Retirement Benefits Simplification Act of 1990 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to recodify and revise qualifications for church retirement and pension plans. Makes employee contributions to such plans nonforfeitable. Allows ten-year vesting with a nonforfeitable right to 100 percent of accrued benefits derived from employer contributions. Allows five-to-fifteen year vesting with a nonforfeitable right to a percentage (25% to 100%) of such accrued benefits. Requires the plan to meet minimum vesting requirements. Provides that no employee shall be considered an officer, shareholder, supervisor, or highly compensated employee if such employee receives less than $50,000 per year. Excludes from such consideration employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement if retirement benefits were a subject of good faith bargaining. Recodifies the authority of a church or a convention or association of churches to be treated as an employer making contributions to retirement income accounts. Subjects church-related hospitals and universities to certain coverage and related rules in the case of a contract purchased by a church. Requires distributions from retirement income accounts provided by churches to be in accordance with distributions under cash or deferred arrangements. Provides for determining the beginning date for such distributions. Allows self-employed ministers and chaplains who work for non-church employers to participate in their church plans. Provides that certain rules aggregating employees do not apply to churches. Restores qualified voluntary employee contributions to church plans. Treats self-employed ministers as employees for purposes of certain welfare benefit plans and retirement income accounts. Allows a deduction for contributions to retirement income accounts by such ministers. Provides that a church plan maintained by more than one employer shall not be treated as a single plan. Provides that accounting methods of deferred compensation plans of State and local governments and tax-exempt organizations do not apply to a church plan. Exempts a church plan from the requirement to maintain separate accounts for medical benefits for key employees. Provides that the special rules for computing employee contributions to pension plans do not apply to certain foreign missionaries. Repeals the elective deferral catch-up limitation for church retirement income accounts. Allows church plans to annuitize benefits and increase benefit payments. Provides that rules for self-insured medical reimbursement plans are not applicable to church plans.
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
Designates October 1990 as Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1990
Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) for a study and report to the Congress on: (1) mechanisms for supporting training in the environmental sciences and environmental research through an umbrella research arm, the National Institutes of the Environment, considering research in a wide variety of disciplines; (2) the current state of extramural research support and undergraduate and graduate training relevant to tropical deforestation, species extinction, ecosystem degradation, biological restoration, use of underutilized resources and sustainable resource use, economic consequences of environmental change, and the impacts of humans and the environment on one another; and (3) mechanisms that can be used to advance environmental research and training, their relationship to existing research programs, and appropriate levels and resources of funding. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1990
James Madison-Bicentennial of the Bill of Rights Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue a specified number of one dollar silver coins emblematic of James Madison and the bicentennial of the adoption of the first ten Amendments to the U.S. Constitution (known as the Bill of Rights). Sets forth certain features of such coins and provides for their design, issuance, and sale. Requires that all sales include a surcharge of $7 each. Requires that all surcharges be paid to the James Madison Fellowship Program established by the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Act to encourage teaching and graduate study of the American Constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1990
Designates October 27, 1990, as National Hostage Awareness Day, in recognition of the 43d birthday of Terry Anderson and his six years in captivity.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1990
Prohibits the receipts and disbursements of the Highway Trust Fund (for both the Federal Aid Highway program and the Mass Transit Account) and the Airport and Airway Trust Fund which are allocable to the transportation-related operations of such Funds from being included in either the Federal budget as submitted by the President, or in the congressional budget. Exempts such trust funds from any general statutory budget limitation. Amends the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982 to require the Secretary of Transportation to estimate: (1) the amount of unfunded aviation authorizations at the close of the next fiscal year; and (2) the net aviation receipts for the 24-month period beginning at the close of such fiscal year. Prescribes adjustment procedures for certain unfunded aviation authorizations and for aviation apportionments. Requires the Secretary to report such estimates to specified congressional committees. Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to exempt specified Airport and Airway Trust Fund and Highway Trust Fund activities from any sequestration order issued under a certain section of the Act. Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to: (1) exclude receipts and disbursements allocable to transportation-related operations of the Funds in calculating the Federal budget deficit; and (2) prohibit the Congress from considering specified changes to such Funds.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1990
Omnibus Biotechnology Act of 1990 - Title I: Biotechnology Science Coordinating Committee - Establishes the Biotechnology Science Coordinating Committee within the Office of Science and Technology Policy to take certain actions with regard to risks to human health and the environment which are or may be caused by genetically modified organisms. Declares that the Committee has no authority to control, affect, or delay the regulatory decisions of Federal agencies. Title II: Biotechnology Science Research Program - Establishes the Biotechnology Science Research Program within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) coordinate the use of private and public resources to create a data base to support the review and regulation of the biotechnology sciences; (2) identify areas of research; and (3) review recommendations from the Committee and Federal agencies for purposes of developing a research agenda. Requires the Program to: (1) function under the supervision of a Board of Governors selected by the Committee from people outside the Federal Government; and (2) be funded by both private and Federal sources, with the Federal contribution limited to one-half. Title III: Environmental Release of Genetically Modified Organisms - Prohibits any person from intentionally releasing a genetically modified organism into the environment for research and development or for commercial purposes without a permit, issued under specified provisions, from the Administrator of the EPA, the Secretary of Agriculture, or the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Title IV: EPA Regulation of the Release and Use of Genetically Modified Organisms - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to prohibit any person from intentionally releasing a genetically modified organism into the environment for research and development or commercial purposes without a permit in one of three classes: general, research and development, or commercial. Requires, under general permits, only notice to the Administrator of the EPA before release for research and development or commercial purposes. Requires, for a research and development permit or a commercial use permit, submission of an application including specified information. Allows a commercial use permit to be issued only if a research and development permit has been issued for an organism and only after submission of the data required by the permit. Directs the Administrator to include in any of the three permits such conditions and restrictions as the Administrator deems necessary to protect human health and the environment. Prohibits the Administrator from issuing a research and development or commercial permit if the Administrator determines that activities authorized by the permit may constitute an unreasonable risk to human health or the environment. Places on the applicant the burden of demonstrating that the activities would not constitute an unreasonable risk. Provides for revocation and modification of a permit. Exempts organisms subject to a permit under this title from other provisions of the TSCA. Directs the Administrator to establish a permanent Biotechnology Science Advisory Committee. Declares that the issuance of a general, research and development, or commercial permit shall not increase, reduce, or otherwise affect the liability of the permit recipient to other persons, under statute or common law, for any harm or damage which may result. Adds failure or refusal to comply with the requirements of this title to the list of prohibited acts under the TSCA. Title V: USDA Regulation of the Release and Use of Genetically Modified Organisms - Prohibits any person from intentionally releasing a genetically modified organism into the environment for agricultural research and development or commercial agricultural purposes without a permit in one of three classes: general, research and development, or commercial. Requires, under general permits, only notice to the Secretary of Agriculture before release for agricultural research and development or commercial agricultural purposes. Requires, for an agricultural research and development permit or a commercial agricultural permit, submission of an application including specified information. Allows a commercial use permit to be issued only if an agricultural research and development permit has been issued for an organism and only after submission of the data required by the permit. Directs the Secretary to include in a permit such conditions and restrictions as the Secretary deems necessary to protect human health and the environment. Prohibits the Secretary from issuing a permit if the Secretary determines that activities authorized by the permit may constitute an unreasonable risk to human health or the environment. Places on the applicant the burden of demonstrating that the activities would not constitute an unreasonable risk. Provides for revocation and modification of a permit. Directs the Secretary to establish a permanent Agricultural Biotechnology Research Advisory Committee. Declares that the issuance of a general, research and development, or commercial permit shall not increase, reduce, or otherwise affect the liability of the permit recipient to other persons, under statute or common law, for any harm or damage which may result. Makes failure or refusal to comply with the requirements of this title subject to the penalties in specified provisions of the TSCA. Title VI: Application Management Board - Establishes the Application Management Board in the executive branch. Requires a person who proposes to release into the environment a genetically modified organism, or an agency which reviews an application with such a proposal, to submit an application to the Board. Requires the Board to direct the person to submit an application under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), title V of this Act, the Virus, Serum, Toxin Act, or the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Allows the Board, if necessary for the proper review of a permit application, to require the agency to which the application is referred to obtain the concurrence of other agencies before granting a permit. Title VII: State Review - Requires any person making an application under the TSCA or title V of this Act to provide a copy of the application to the agency designated by the Governor to receive applications in the State where the proposed release is located. Requires a State receiving a copy to protect confidential business information under guidelines equivalent to those under Federal laws and regulations. Relieves an applicant from the duty to provide a copy to a State if the State has not established enforceable guidelines. Allows the States to submit comments, either from its own agency or reflecting comments from public hearings, to the Federal agency reviewing the application. Requires the Federal agency to respond to State comments and, if requested by the State to present its comments to the agency's science advisory committee or the official making the final determination. Prohibits States and their subdivisions from regulating or prohibiting releases which are subject to a research and development permit under the TSCA or title V of this Act. Allows States to regulate, but not prohibit, the release within their borders of organisms approved for a general permit or a commercial permit. Title VIII: Conforming Amendments - Amends the Hatch Act of 1887 to require each college and university receiving funds from the Secretary of Agriculture for research involving genetic modification to establish an Institutional Biosafety Committee as prescribed in the recombinant DNA guidelines of the National Institutes of Health. Requires each Committee to notify the Secretary of Agriculture of all projects which provide for the intentional release into the environment of genetically modified organisms. Requires the Secretary to determine whether the Secretary has jurisdiction to review the release or use of the organism and, if so, to evaluate the proposed release. Requires the Secretary if the Secretary does not have jurisdiction, to refer the notification to the Application Management Board. Requires all research projects funded by the Department of Agriculture which involve the release of genetically modified organisms into the environment to include risk assessment data under guidelines determined by the Agricultural Biotechnology Research Advisory Committee and the Institutional Biosafety Committee of the institution involved. Title IX: Sunset Provision - Declares that specified provisions of this Act, and specified provisions of the TSCA as added by this Act, expire seven years after enactment unless specifically reauthorized by the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1990
Designates the Labor Day Weekend beginning on September 1, 1990, as National Drive for Life Weekend.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1990
Women's Health Research Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health the Office of Women's Health to coordinate all activities and research of the Department of Health and Human Services relating to disease, disorders, or other health conditions that are unique to, more prevalent in, or more serious for women, or for which risk factors or interventions are different for women. Establishes within the National Institutes of Health (NIH) the National Center for Women's Health Research and Development to provide funding, from amounts appropriated under specified existing provisions and with regard to women's health research, for research conducted or supported by the NIH or the Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration (ADAMHA). Requires the Center Director to: (1) investigate the inclusion of women as subjects in clinical research conducted or supported by the NIH and ADAMHA; and (2) prepare and annually review a plan for establishing a program for clinical research in obstetrics and gynecology to be conducted by the Director of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHHD). Requires the NICHHD Director to conduct the program in accordance with the plan. Requires the Center Director to establish: (1) the National Women's Health Data Bank to collect, store, analyze, retrieve, and disseminate data regarding women's health conditions; and (2) the National Women's Health Clearinghouse to disseminate information to health professionals, patients, and the public on women's health conditions. Requires the Center Director to establish within the Center the National Women's Health Clinical Research Advisory Board. Directs the Secretary to establish the Interagency Council on Women's Health Research and Development. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1990
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to declare that the Congress recognizes that prompt U.S. assistance is necessary to alleviate the emergency in Lithuania caused by the Soviet blockade. Directs the Administrator of the Agency for International Development to: (1) furnish humanitarian assistance to Lithuania during such emergency; and (2) solicit donations of humanitarian assistance for Lithuania and cooperate with private relief agencies attempting to provide such assistance. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to provide all necessary airlift and sealift to transport such assistance as soon as an agreement between the United States and the nations surrounding Lithuania has been concluded. Urges the President to begin negotiations with the nations surrounding Lithuania regarding the importation of critical humanitarian assistance. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1990
Omnibus Biotechnology Act of 1990 - Title I: Biotechnology Science Coordinating Committee - Establishes the Biotechnology Science Coordinating Committee within the Office of Science and Technology Policy to take certain actions with regard to risks to human health and the environment which are or may be caused by genetically engineered organisms. Declares that the Committee has no authority to control, affect, or delay the regulatory decisions of Federal agencies. Title II: Biotechnology Science Research Program - Establishes the Biotechnology Science Research Program within the Office of Science and Technology Policy to: (1) coordinate the use of private and public resources to create a data base to support the review and regulation of the biotechnology sciences; (2) identify areas of research; and (3) review recommendations from the Committee and Federal agencies for purposes of developing a research agenda. Requires the Program to: (1) function under the supervision of a Board of Governors selected by the Committee from people outside the Federal Government; and (2) be funded by both private and Federal sources, with the Federal contribution limited to one-half. Title III: Environmental Release of Genetically Engineered Organisms - Prohibits any person from intentionally releasing a genetically engineered organism into the environment for research and development or for commercial purposes without a permit, issued under specified provisions, from the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Secretary of Agriculture, or the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Title IV: EPA Regulation of the Release and Use of Genetically Engineered Organisms - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to prohibit any person from intentionally releasing a genetically engineered organism into the environment for research and development or commercial purposes without a permit in one of three classes: general, research and development, and commercial. Requires, under general permits, only notice to the Administrator of the EPA before release for research and development or commercial purposes. Requires, for a research and development permit, submission of an application including specified information. Directs the Administrator to include in a permit such conditions and restrictions as the Administrator deems necessary to protect human health, welfare, and the environment. Prohibits the Administrator from issuing a permit if the Administrator determines that activities authorized by the permit may constitute an unreasonable risk to human health, welfare, or the environment. Places on the applicant the burden of demonstrating that the activities would not constitute an unreasonable risk. Provides for revocation and modification of a permit. Allows a commercial use permit to be issued only to: (1) the holder of a research and development permit after submission of the data required by the permit; or (2) any person if the organism is covered by a general permit. Directs the Administrator to modify a permit if the Administrator determines that modifications are necessary to protect human health, welfare, or the environment. Exempts organisms subject to a permit under this title from other provisions of the TSCA. Directs the Administrator to establish a permanent Biotechnology Science Advisory Committee. Declares that the issuance of a research and development or commercial permit shall not increase, reduce, or otherwise affect the liability of the permit recipient to other persons, under statute or common law, for any harm or damage which may result. Adds failure or refusal to comply with the requirements of this title to the list of prohibited acts under the TSCA. Title V: USDA Regulation of the Release and Use of Genetically Engineered Organisms - Prohibits any person from intentionally releasing a genetically engineered organism into the environment for research and development or commercial purposes without a permit in one of three classes: general, research and development, and commercial. Requires, under general permits, only notice to the Secretary of Agriculture before release for research and development or commercial purposes. Requires, for a research and development permit, submission of an application including specified information. Directs the Secretary to include in a permit such conditions and restrictions as the Secretary deems necessary to protect human health, welfare, and the environment. Prohibits the Secretary from issuing a permit if the Secretary determines that activities authorized by the permit may constitute an unreasonable risk to human health, welfare, or the environment. Places on the applicant the burden of demonstrating that the activities would not constitute an unreasonable risk. Provides for revocation and modification of a permit. Allows a commercial use permit to be issued only to: (1) the holder of a research and development permit after submission of the data required by the permit; or (2) any person if the organism is covered by a general permit. Directs the Secretary to modify a permit if the Secretary determines that modifications are necessary to protect human health, welfare, or the environment. Directs the Secretary to establish a permanent Agricultural Biotechnology Research Advisory Committee. Declares that the issuance of a research and development or commercial permit shall not increase, reduce, or otherwise affect the liability of the permit recipient to other persons, under statute or common law, for any harm or damage which may result. Makes failure or refusal to comply with the requirements of this title subject to the penalties in specified provisions of the TSCA. Title VI: Application Management Board - Establishes the Application Management Board in the executive branch. Requires a person who proposes to release into the environment a genetically engineered organism of certain types, or an agency which reviews an application with such a proposal, to submit an application to the Board. Requires the Board to direct the person to submit an application under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), title V of this Act, the Virus, Serum, Toxin Act, or the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Allows the Board, if necessary for the proper review of a permit application, to require the agency to which the application is referred to obtain the concurrence of other agencies before granting or denying a permit. Provides for failure of the Board to take action within 14 days on an application submitted to it. Title VII: State Review - Requires any person making an application under the TSCA or title V of this Act to provide a copy of the application to the appropriate agency in the State where the proposed release is located. Requires a State receiving a copy to protect confidential business information under guidelines equivalent to those under Federal laws and regulations. Relieves an applicant from the duty to provide a copy to a State if the State has not established enforceable guidelines. Allows the State to submit comments, either from its own agency or reflecting comments from public hearings, to the Federal agency reviewing the application. Requires the Federal agency to respond to State comments and, if requested by the State to present its comments to the agency's science advisory committee or the official making the final determination. Prohibits States and their subdivisions from regulating or prohibiting releases which are subject to a research and development permit under the TSCA or title V of this Act. Allows States to regulate, but not prohibit, the use within their borders of organisms approved for a general permit or a commercial permit. Title VIII: Conforming Amendments - Amends the Hatch Act of 1887 to require each college and university receiving funds from the Secretary of Agriculture for research involving genetic engineering to establish an Institutional Biosafety Committee as prescribed in the recombinant DNA guidelines of the National Institutes of Health. Requires each Committee to notify the Department's Office of Agricultural Biotechnology of all projects which provide for the intentional release into the environment of genetically engineered organisms. Requires the Office to determine whether the Secretary of Agriculture has jurisdiction to review the release or use of the organism and, if so, to evaluate the proposed release. Requires the Office, if it determines the Secretary does not have jurisdiction, to refer the notification to the agency or agencies having jurisdiction. Requires all research projects funded by the Department of Agriculture which involve the release of genetically engineered organisms into the environment to include risk assessment data under guidelines determined by the Agricultural Biotechnology Research Advisory Committee and the Institutional Biosafety Committee of the institution involved. Title IX: Sunset Provision - Declares that specified provisions of this Act, and specified provisions of the TSCA as added by this Act, expire seven years after enactment unless specifically reauthorized by the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1990
Designates the week of August 13 through 19, 1990, as Home Health Aide Week.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1990
Designates September 16 through 22, 1990, as National Rehabilitation Week. Urges each State Governor and local government chief executive to issue proclamations calling upon their citizens to observe such week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1990
Ice Enforcement and Prevention Act of 1990 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act and the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to set forth penalties for offenses involving crystalline methamphetamine. Requires: (1) the Department of Education and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) to jointly develop model, community-based curricula for disseminating comprehensive information on methamphetamine, crystal methamphetamine, and chemically related stimulants and to distribute such curricula to every primary and secondary school in the country; and (2) the Department to establish at least four statewide or regional methamphetamine prevention demonstration programs, including one project in States that are experiencing serious methamphetamine abuse problems. Authorizes appropriations for such demonstration programs. Requires the Director of NIDA to prioritize the development of a drug to treat addictions to amphetamine, methamphetamine, crystal methamphetamine, and chemically related stimulants. Requires the Director of Health and Human Services to investigate the syndrome that results from methamphetamine addiction at birth and to develop a protocol for treating newborns afflicted with methamphetamine addiction.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1990
Designates the week of April 7 through 13, 1991, as National County Government Week.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1990
Urges the President to enter into negotiations with the President of Romania to reach an agreement that would allow American families to adopt Romanian children.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1990
Indoor Air Quality Act of 1990 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a national research, development, and demonstration program to ensure the quality of indoor air and to coordinate and accelerate efforts related to the causes, detection, and correction of contaminated air. Authorizes the Administrator to assist technology demonstration projects which reduce exposure to indoor air contaminants, provided certain conditions are met. Limits Federal funding for such projects to 75 percent of the total costs. Directs the Administrator to consider indoor human exposure to contaminants when developing air quality standards and emissions standards for hazardous air pollutants under the Clean Air Act. Requires the Administrator to: (1) conduct a national assessment to survey the seriousness and extent of indoor air contamination in buildings owned by local educational agencies and child care facilities; and (2) establish an advisory group of interested parties to provide guidance and direction in developing such assessment. Directs the Administrator to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) for the Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology to study and report to the Congress on chemical sensitivity disorders. Requires the Administrator to enter into an agreement with the NAS for the Institute of Medicine to study indoor allergens. Directs the Administrator to publish bulletins providing an assessment of technologies and management practices for the control and measurement of indoor air contaminants. Requires the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to develop a model indoor air quality training course to provide training in ventilation system operation and maintenance and in identifying and reducing indoor air contaminant exposures. Authorizes the Director to establish a fee for such training. Requires the Administrator to publish health advisories on indoor air contaminants that are known to occur at concentrations which may have adverse human health effects. Lists substances to be addressed by such advisories. Provides for the revision of advisories at least every five years. Requires a technology and management practice bulletin to be published concurrently with each advisory addressing a specific contaminant. Directs the Administrator to publish a strategy for a national response to indoor air quality problems. Requires the Administrator to conduct research on radon and radon progeny measurement methods and protocols. Directs the Administrator to issue guidance documents that: (1) provide information on the results of such research; and (2) describe model State radon measurement and mitigation programs. Requires the Administrator to establish a mandatory program that requires: (1) products offered for sale, or devices used in connection with public services, for radon measurement to meet minimum performance criteria; and (2) operators of devices, or persons employing techniques, used in connection with public services for radon measurement to meet minimum proficiency levels. Directs the Administrator to establish user fees for persons seeking certification under such program. Provides for the deposit of such fees into a Radon Service Account. Requires the national indoor air quality response strategy to evaluate: (1) the range and reliability of indoor air quality diagnostic and mitigation services; and (2) the range of knowledge and mastery of indoor air quality and energy efficiency techniques of ventilation system operators. Provides for the biennial update of such strategy. Requires the Director to: (1) develop a program to evaluate indoor air contamination in Federal buildings; and (2) develop and disseminate to all Federal agencies a model indoor air quality remediation program. Directs Federal agencies responsible for Federal buildings to submit to the Director a specific remediation program for each building, with priority given to buildings based on the health threat and numbers of persons exposed. Requires the Director to review at least five percent of such programs and assess their ability to improve indoor air quality. Directs such agencies to implement systematic programs for the assessment of indoor air quality and the correction of conditions resulting in inadequate air quality. Requires Federal agencies responsible for the design and construction of buildings for Federal occupancy to employ up-to-date design, commissioning, and operating practices for optimal indoor air quality and energy efficiency. Directs persons entering into new leases or lease renewal contracts for Federal buildings to require building owners to demonstrate and guarantee that the building is operating at design specifications for the existing ventilation system and that all portions of the building are accessible for indoor air quality monitoring and evaluation. Provides that buildings that operate at current ventilation rate standards shall be given priority for leasing when available at competitive cost. Requires Federal agencies to designate an Indoor Air Quality Coordinator for each Federal building. Directs Coordinators and their assistants to complete an indoor air training course. Authorizes grants to: (1) States for the development and implementation of indoor air quality management strategies; and (2) States and local air pollution control agencies for air quality response programs. Sets forth grant limitations and selection criteria. Directs the Administrator to establish the Office of Indoor Air Quality within the EPA Office of Air and Radiation. Establishes a Council on Indoor Air Quality to coordinate Federal indoor air quality activities and review and comment on the national indoor air response strategy. Requires the Indoor Air Panel of the EPA Science Advisory Board to be expanded to include technical advisors with expertise in technologies and management practices for the control and measurement of indoor air contaminants. Directs the Administrator to establish a national indoor air quality clearinghouse which shall operate a toll-free hotline on indoor air quality. Requires the Director to implement a building Assessment Demonstration Program to support the development of methods, techniques, and protocols for assessing indoor air contamination in non-residential, non-industrial buildings and to provide contamination reduction assistance and guidance to building owners and occupants. Sets forth building assessment report requirements. Repeals the Radon Gas and Indoor Air Quality Research Act of 1986. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1990
Radon Measurement Proficiency Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct research on radon and radon progeny measurement methods and protocols. Requires the Administrator to issue guidance documents that: (1) provide information on the results of such research; and (2) describe model State radon measurement and mitigation programs. Directs the Administrator to establish a mandatory program that requires: (1) products offered for sale, or devices used in connection with public services, for radon measurement to meet minimum performance criteria; and (2) operators of devices, or persons employing techniques, used in connection with public services for radon measurement to meet a minimum level of proficiency. Requires the Administrator to establish user fees for persons seeking certification under such program. Provides for the deposit of such fees into a Radon Service Account.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1990
Designates May 1991 as National Trauma Awareness Month.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1990
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the memory of Walt Disney should be honored on the 35th anniversary of his contribution to the American dream (the opening of Disneyland).
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1990
Designates October 1990 as Ending Hunger Month.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1990
Designates the week of September 31 (sic), 1990, through October 6, 1990, as National Job Skills Week.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1990
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income interest on any obligation of the United States issued after enactment of this Act. Amends Federal law to require Federal obligations to be made available in denominations not exceeding $1,000.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1990
American Technology Preeminence Act - Title I: Department of Commerce Research and Technology - Technology Administration Authorization Act of 1990 - Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Commerce to carry out the following activities of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST): (1) measurement research and standards; (2) materials science and engineering; (3) engineering measurements and standards; (4) computer science and technology; (5) research support activities; and (6) cold neutron source facility; and (7) technology services. Earmarks specified amounts for: (1) steel technology; (2) the Center for Building Technology; (3) the Center for Fire Research; (4) the technical competence fund; and (5) the evaluation of nonenergy-related inventions and related technology extension activities. Permits transfers of funds among activities under specified conditions. Prohibits the merger of the Center for Building Technology and the Center for Fire Research. Authorizes the use of certain funds to pay the Federal share of the cost of a pilot program to assist in the development of comprehensive industrial standards for countries that have requested such assistance, if other conditions are met. Authorizes additional appropriations for FY 1990 through 1992 for: (1) the Office of the Under Secretary of Commerce for Technology; (2) carrying out the Japanese Technical Literature Act of 1986; (3) modernization of the National Technical Information Service (NTIS); (4) the Clearinghouse for State and Local Initiatives on Productivity, Technology, and Innovation; and (5) adjustments in salary, pay, retirement, and other employee benefits which may be provided for by law. Requires NTIS operating costs associated with the acquisition and storage of information to be recovered through the collection of fees. Amends Federal law to remove the cap on expenditures for construction and improvement of NIST buildings and facilities which requires congressional approval, but retains the requirement that such expenditures be within the limits of funds appropriated to NIST. Amends Federal law to authorize appropriations for the Regional Centers for the Transfer of Manufacturing Technology (Centers). Amends the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 to authorize appropriations to carry out provisions mandating a nationwide study of current State technology extension services. Removes provisions terminating on a specified date certain cooperative agreements between NIST and State technology extension services. Amends Federal law to establish within NIST an Office of Technology Services to supervise the Centers Program, NIST's assistance to State technology programs, and other activities or programs as the Secretary or the NIST Director may specify. Prohibits funds appropriated for NIST activities from being expended unless the activities have been specifically authorized by law. Title II: Advanced Technology Program Amendments - Emerging Technology Research and Development Act of 1990 - Amends Federal law to authorize the Secretary of Commerce, through the Director of NIST, to provide assistance to identify and solve generic technology and manufacturing problems in emerging technology fields including high resolution information systems and advanced materials research and development so as to speed commercialization of products and services based on these technologies, and to establish procedures for technology sharing and technology transfer among members of a joint research and development venture (joint venture) while protecting against transfer of intellectual properties, trade secrets, or proprietary data overseas. Allows the Secretary to aid such joint ventures through grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts. Requires, in selecting for contracts or awards among proposals of relatively equal merit, that preference be given to those requiring the lowest percentage of Federal funds. Limits, subject to exception, the dollar amount and duration of any such contract or award (currently, contract or cooperative agreement). Directs the Secretary, through the Director, to negotiate an agreement with each recipient of such assistance: (1) delineating their activities and responsibilities; and (2) specifying a period of time during which the Federal Government shall receive payments from any profits of the venture in proportion to the Federal share of the cost or, as an alternative, an option to pay an amount determined by the Secretary to be equal to the full Federal investment plus a reasonable return on such investment. Sets forth criteria for determining whether a company shall be considered a U.S. business and other eligibility criteria. Requires that the grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements be designed to support high risk projects with potential for eventual substantial widespread commercial application. Authorizes the Secretary, the Under Secretary of Commerce for Technology, and the Director to organize such industry advisory committees as appropriate. Authorizes the use of up to a specified percentage of the funds appropriated for carrying out provisions relating to the Advanced Technology Program (ATP) for standards development in support of those provisions. Authorizes appropriations for the ATP. Title III: Amendments to Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 - Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (Stevenson-Wydler Act) to remove fiscal year limitations from provisions requiring that each Federal agency transfer an amount to NIST for the Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer. Adds references to intellectual property to provisions defining "cooperative research and development agreement." Amends the definition of "Federal agency" to include any agency of the legislative branch. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to use appropriated funds to carry out the Secretary's responsibilities under the Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Improvement Act of 1987. Title IV: Office of Science and Technology Policy - Amends Federal law to add the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to the list of positions at level I of the Executive Schedule and remove a similar title from the level II list, making the salary increase subject to the availability of appropriations. Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to report annually to the Congress on all major science and technology proposals involving more than one country and having a total estimated cost greater than a specified sum. Amends the National Science and Technology Policy, Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976 (STPOP) to add a new title to be cited as the National High Performance Computer Technology Program Act of 1990. Directs the President, through the Federal Coordinating Council for Science, Engineering, and Technology, to develop a National High Performance Computer Technology Plan containing recommendations for a five-year national effort. Mandates that the plan include: (1) funding requirements; and (2) the establishment of a multi-gigabit-per-second research and education computer network by 1996, to be known as the National Research and Education Network, to link government, industry, and the higher education community, to provide computer users with access to supercomputers, data bases, and other research facilities, and to meet other goals. Requires the Plan to define the organizational arrangement for managing the operation of the Network. Requires the Council to develop the Plan, coordinate the high performance computing research and development activities of Federal agencies, and establish an advisory board. Amends the STPOP to establish a Presidential Commission on Reducing Capital Costs for Emerging Technology to develop recommendations to increase the competitiveness of U.S. industry by encouraging investment in quality, product and process improvements, and new product development and marketing. Terminates the Commission six months after submission of its final report. Authorizes appropriations. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the research and experimentation tax credit be permanently extended and raised to 25 percent, and the research and development costs allocation rules for deduction of expenses from foreign income be revised so as to not discourage activities in the United States and not penalize companies exporting U.S. made products or providing services through U.S. citizens stationed abroad. Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to establish within that Office a Commission on Procurement and Technology to develop recommendations for changes to Federal procurement laws, procedures, and policies with respect to the development of advanced technologies. Terminates the Commission six months after submission of a mandated report. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Information Collection and Dissemination - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to report to specified congressional committees on the feasibility of establishing and operating a Federal Online Information Product Catalog (FEDLINE) at the National Technical Information Service (NTIS). Amends the National Technical Act of 1988 to add producing and disseminating products in electronic format to the duties of the NTIS. Title VI: High Resolution Information Systems - Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to establish within that office a High Resolution Information Systems Board to foster and monitor the development of U.S. based high resolution information systems industries. Includes high definition television in the definition of such systems. Title VII: Reports - Amends the National Science and Technology Policy, Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976 (STPOP) to require that the biennial national critical technologies report include the most economically important emerging civilian technologies during the ten-year period following the report, together with the estimated current and future size of domestic and international markets for products derived from these technologies. Allows a product or process technology to be considered to be a national critical technology if it is essential for U.S. long-term national security or (currently, and) economic prosperity. Requires each report to identify technology base gaps between the United States and its major trading partners and list the technologies and markets targeted by major trading partners for development or capture. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to report to the Congress on the feasibility and advisability of establishing, in affiliation with NIST, a Quality Institute and privately-funded foundation to support that Institute. Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to propose to the Congress a strategy for improving the university research capabilities of those States which historically have received relatively little Federal research and development funding. Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation to enter into a contract with the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis for the development of a methodology or approach that can be used in the establishment of international product standards. Authorizes the use of a specified sum of the amounts authorized under the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 1988 to carry out such requirement.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1990
Designates February 16, 1991, as Lithuanian Independence Day.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1990
Older Women's Breast Cancer Prevention Act of 1990 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cover screening mammographies for Medicare-eligible women whose last screening mammographies were performed more than 11 months previously. Determines the payment amount for such service pursuant to a fee schedule.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1990
Korean War Veterans Memorial Thirty-Eighth Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should recognize the 38th anniversary of the Korean War by minting and issuing a silver dollar coin. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue one-dollar silver coins to commemorate the 38th anniversary of the ending of the Korean War. Terminates such authority after December 31, 1991. Mandates that surcharges from the sale of such coins be used for the Korean War Veterans Memorial.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1990
Designates October 1990 as Country Music Month.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1990
Designates October 1990 as Polish-American Heritage Month.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1990
Creates in the House of Representatives a Select Committee to Investigate Financial Institution Fraud, Mismanagement, Oversight, and Supervision to conduct a full and complete investigation and study of fraud, mismanagement, oversight, and supervision in federally and State insured financial institutions.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1990
Designates October 1990 as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1990
Designates the post office building in Carpentersville, Illinois, as the Robert McClory Post Office.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1990
Designates July 1, 1990, as National Ducks and Wetlands Day.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1990
Designates July 22, 1990, as Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Family Appreciation Day.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1990
Designates October 20 through 28, 1990, as National Red Ribbon Week for a Drug-Free America.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1990
Designates the third Sunday in August 1990 as National Senior Citizens Day.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1990
Designates as South African Freedom Week the week in 1990 coinciding with the first visit of Nelson Mandela to the United States after his release from prison in South Africa.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1990
Authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor posthumously to Ruben Rivers for acts performed by him in the United States Army during World War II.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1990
Urges the President to instruct the Attorney General to appoint an independent counsel to investigate the involvement of Government officials in the savings and loan scandal.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1990
1992 Olympic Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue 1992 Olympic Games commemorative five-dollar gold coins and one-dollar silver coins. Prescribes guidelines for the sale and pricing of such coins and directs the Secretary to ensure that their issuance will not result in any net cost to the United States. Mandates that surcharges be paid to the U.S. Olympic Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1990
Federal Aviation Administration Research, Engineering, and Development Authorization Act of 1990 - Amends the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982 to authorize appropriations for FY 1991 and 1992 for aviation research, engineering and development, and demonstration projects. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 and 1992 to reimburse the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for the cost of providing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with weather reporting services. Authorizes the Administrator of the FAA to make grants to colleges, universities, and nonprofit research organizations to: (1) conduct aviation safety research; and (2) establish a research consortium, consisting of regional centers for continuing research with respect to civil aviation. Requires the Administrator to make an annual report to specified congressional committees with regard to such research grant program.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1990
National Recyclable Commodities Act of 1990 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a Bureau of Recyclable Commodities within the Department of Commerce to promote the recycling of materials contained in municipal refuse. Requires the Secretary to gather and publish statistics on municipal refuse, pre-consumer refuse, specified types of materials contained in municipal refuse, and recycled materials. Provides for the annual updating of such statistics. Directs the Secretary to: (1) designate between six and ten multi-State regions for the purpose of regional data collection; and (2) collect and compile statistics for such regions. Requires the Secretary to revise the standard industrial classification system, as necessary, to facilitate the collection of statistics and other information on recycling and related activities. Requires the Secretary to identify and, to the extent practicable, standardize: (1) the types and grades of municipal refuse material covered under this Act that qualify as recyclable commodities; (2) the technical specifications applied to the use of recyclable commodities as raw materials or feedstocks for recycling; and (3) the test methods used in determining whether refuse materials meet specifications that apply to each commodity. Provides for the periodic revision of types and grades, as necessary. Authorizes the Secretary to assign municipal refuse materials to multiple types and grades. Requires the periodic revision of specifications and test methods to ensure continuing conformance to industry recycling standards. Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory panel to support the identification of specifications and test methods for recyclable commodities. Permits industries or local governments engaged in recycling activities to petition the Secretary for the revision of types, grades, specifications, or test methods to prevent or minimize interference with current recycling techniques. Requires the Secretary to issue a recycling advisory to potentially affected parties if a physical or chemical property or contaminant of a recyclable commodity is not adequately addressed by specifications or test methods and is interfering with: (1) current recycling techniques; (2) marketing of recycled goods manufactured from the commodity; or (3) handling of the recyclable commodity prior to recycling. Directs the Secretary to make reports available to the public, at least on a quarterly basis, on prevailing market prices for recyclable commodities. Requires the Secretary to make reports available to the public, at least annually, on: (1) the prevailing national recycling rate for each recyclable commodity; and (2) the technical and economic factors that may influence future foreign and domestic markets for recyclable commodities. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on the potential for expanded recycling of waste paper and paperboard, lead scrap, rubber scrap, plastic scrap, ferrous and nonferrous scrap, waste glass, and yard and food waste. Requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations requiring labeling on the recyclability and composition of packaging, containers, and nondurable goods. Sets deadlines for the promulgation of such regulations, requiring regulations for all covered items within four years of this Act's enactment. Directs the Secretary, when determining the type of label to be required on an item, to determine the recyclability of such item. Sets forth label requirements. Requires nonrecyclable items to bear a label stating that they are nonrecyclable by Federal standards. Authorizes the Secretary to establish an alternative label requirement if such alternative conveys information equivalent to labels required by this Act. Authorizes exemptions from labeling requirements if the Secretary determines that labeling will interfere with normal use or handling. Prohibits such exemptions if the manufacturer's or distributor's trade name appears on the packaging, container, or nondurable good. Requires the Secretary to review and, as necessary, revise labeling regulations. Permits industries or local governments engaged in recycling activities to petition the Secretary for revisions of regulations or labeling requirements. Directs the Secretary to publish a standardized, national recyclability seal to further assist purchasers in identifying recyclable packaging, containers, and nondurable goods. Authorizes the Secretary, when a person is in violation of labeling requirements, to: (1) issue a recall order requiring the removal of the item from sale or distribution in commerce; or (2) commence a civil action against such person. Permits the assessment of civil penalties for noncompliance with an order. Requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations defining minimum content requirements for packaging, containers, or nondurable goods labeled as recycled. Directs the Secretary to issue and periodically revise guidelines for the use of procuring agencies in complying with this Act. Requires such guidelines to set forth information concerning the procurement of recycled items. Sets deadlines for the revision and issuance of guidelines for specified items. Requires the Secretary to establish standards for the level of recycled content in recycled paper and paperboard goods purchased by procuring agencies. Phases in minimum recycled content standards for such goods, requiring 50 percent of paper goods procured by Federal agencies to have a recycled content of at least 50 percent by 1992. Permits the Secretary to establish more stringent targets and schedules for the procurement of recycled paper goods. Authorizes the Secretary to establish minimum content standards for other items, as necessary. Requires procuring agencies which procure items designated in the guidelines to procure items composed of the highest percentage of recycled content practicable or which are in conformance with minimum content standards issued by the Secretary. Makes exceptions to such requirements if procurement items: (1) are not reasonably available within a reasonable period of time; (2) fail to meet performance standards set forth in specifications or standards of the procuring agencies; or (3) are only available at an unreasonable price. States that an unreasonable price is one which exceeds the price of alternative items by more than ten percent. Requires contracting offices at procuring agencies to require vendors to: (1) certify that the percentage of recycled content used in the contract will be at least the amount required by specifications or contractual requirements; and (2) estimate the percentage of the total material used in the contract which is recycled. Applies such requirements to contracts in which the purchase price of procurement items exceeds $10,000. Directs procuring agencies to develop affirmative procurement programs to assure that items composed of recycled content will be purchased to the maximum extent practicable. Requires such agencies to: (1) adopt procedures equivalent to those specified in the guidelines and to set equivalent minimum content standards; and (2) maintain records on types, quantities, and percentages of items composed of recycled content which are purchased or contracted for by the agency and report such statistics annually to the Secretary. Repeals a provision of the Solid Waste Disposal Act concerning Federal procurement of recovered materials. Directs the Secretary to review and, if necessary, revise guidelines issued by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency after November 8, 1984, pursuant to Federal procurement provisions of the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Requires the Secretary to develop a program to promote the export of recyclable commodities for recycling by foreign industries. Directs the Secretary to make available to the public information identifying potential foreign buyers of recyclable commodities. Requires the Secretary to develop a program to promote the export of recycled goods produced in the United States. Directs the Secretary to integrate this program with existing programs promoting such exports. Requires the Secretary to make available to the public statistics and information on: (1) recycling techniques employed by foreign industries; (2) available export markets for recyclable commodities; (3) specifications and test methods employed by foreign industries to assess commodity quality; (4) prevailing prices in foreign markets for recyclable commodities; and (5) other information on export markets. Directs the Secretary to establish a national recycling clearinghouse through which all statistics and other information on recycling and related activities shall be made available to the public. Requires the Secretary to conduct a national advertising campaign to promote recycling and the purchase of recycled goods. Prohibits the Secretary from endorsing specific products or trade names. Authorizes the Secretary to publish recycling rates for specific refuse materials or recyclable commodities and for types of containers, packaging, or goods. Requires the Secretary to establish a program for the source separation and collection of materials contained in refuse from Federal agencies. Directs the Secretary to issue guidelines for such program. Requires Federal office facilities with more than 25 workers to carry out such programs. Provides for the retention by a Federal agency of any funds received from the sale of collected materials and any savings in refuse disposal costs resulting from the implementation of such programs. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct an independent technical assessment of any product specification or standard that may: (1) disfavor the use of a recyclable commodity as a substitute for comparable virgin feedstocks or raw materials in the manufacture of the product; and (2) have a substantial adverse impact on existing or potential markets for the recyclable commodity. Prohibits the Secretary from reviewing specifications or standards established by individual firms or persons. Requires the Secretary to publish and make available to the public the findings of the technical assessment. Permits industries or local governments engaged in recycling activities to petition for an independent technical assessment of any specification or standard. Requires the Secretary to establish an interagency working group to assist in the development of regulations and guidelines and the collection of information required by this Act. Sets forth provisions concerning citizen suits and judicial review of final regulations. Authorizes appropriations. Repeals a section of the Solid Waste Disposal Act concerning resource and recovery functions of the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1990
Aviation Training Research Act of 1990 - Requires the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to conduct a program of research and development with respect to technologies and techniques for training air traffic controllers and electronics technicians. Requires the Administrator of the FAA to conduct a five-year demonstration program to determine the feasibility of: (1) conducting aptitude screening and initial training of training schools; and (2) performing initial air traffic controller training at the Aeronautical Center of the Federal Aviation Administration. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1990
Earthquake Hazards Reduction Amendments Act - Amends the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 to add carrying out the insurance program established by this Act to the list of duties of the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Requires the Director to: (1) publish in the Federal Register and in local newspapers in the applicable area a tentative identification of areas subject to earthquake hazards; (2) notify the chief executive officer of communities in any such areas not already participating in the national earthquake insurance program of the identification, and of loss reduction measures as provided in this Act; (3) on a continuing basis, identify earthquake related factors in any earthquake-prone area; (4) make information available to the public and any agency or official regarding an earthquake hazard, the insurance program, and estimated actuarial premium rates and chargeable premium rates under the insurance program; and (5) encourage local officials to disseminate information widely. Allows communities identified to apply to participate in the insurance program or, within 90 days of notification, submit technical data establishing that the community is not earthquake-prone. Requires the Director to appoint an earthquake insurance advisory committee. Requires the National Institutes of Standards and Technology to develop comprehensive criteria for State and local land use and management ordinances, building codes, and other loss reduction measures, and to periodically update the criteria. Requires the Director to coordinate with and provide technical assistance to State, interstate, and local officials and agencies. Prohibits participation in the insurance program unless the appropriate public body has adopted and is enforcing loss reduction measures in conformance to this Act. Prohibits coverage of any property declared to be in violation of State or local law regulating location or construction in earthquake-prone areas. Requires earthquake insurance coverage in certain amounts in order to get Federal financial assistance for acquisition or construction in an earthquake-prone area. Requires each Federal instrumentality regulating financial institutions to issue regulations requiring earthquake insurance coverage on any loan secured by improved real estate or a mobile home in an earthquake-prone area. Exempts State-owned property that is covered under an adequate State policy of self-insurance from these requirements. Requires each Federal instrumentality regulating financial institutions to issue regulations requiring that, in connection with the making, increasing, extending, or renewing of any loan secured by improved real estate or a mobile home in an earthquake-prone area, the purchaser or lessee be notified that: (1) the area has been identified as earthquake-prone; and (2) Federal earthquake disaster relief may not be available if the community does not participate in the program or if the property is not covered in the required amount. Prohibits Federal financial assistance for acquisition or construction in an earthquake-prone area unless the community in which the area is located is participating in the insurance program. Requires each Federal instrumentality regulating financial institutions to issue regulations prohibiting loans secured by improved real estate or a mobile home located in such an area unless the community is participating. Authorizes the Director to establish and carry out a national program to provide insurance against loss resulting from physical damage to or loss of real property or related personal property, in the United States, arising from any earthquake. Conditions operation of the program on participation by private insurers representing at least 80 percent of the net written premiums for homeowners' multiple peril insurance written in the United States. Requires private insurers participating in the program to reimburse the Director for 15 percent of all costs that exceed the amounts in the Insurance Fund established under this Act. Allows the Director to arrange for participation, on other than a risk-sharing basis, by private insurers, insurance agents and brokers, insurance adjustment organizations, and other persons. Provides for the scope of the program and the terms and limitations of insurance coverage. Requires the Director: (1) to set chargeable premium rates and associated terms and conditions; (2) in establishing rates that are less than actuarial rates, to consider the objective of making the insurance available at reasonable cost. Requires, notwithstanding other provisions of this Act, that the rate with respect to new construction or substantial improvement of property, started after identification of an area as earthquake-prone becomes final, not be less than the actuarial rate. Sets forth special rules for newly eligible construction. Requires the Director to establish in the Treasury a National Earthquake Insurance Fund. Authorizes the Director to borrow from the Treasury to the extent that the assets of the Fund are insufficient to pay claims and expenses. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Director, upon establishment of the insurance program, to establish a national earthquake excess loss reinsurance program, to be available only to private insurers that are participating in the insurance program. Allows reinsurance coverage to cover not more than 90 percent of the losses of each private insurer that are in excess of ten percent of the insurer's countrywide subject net written premium after the insurance industry has sustained losses in certain lines that exceed ten percent of the industry countrywide subject net written premium. Specifies the covered lines of insurance. Requires any private insurer that purchases reinsurance to purchase coverage for all the lines. Requires the Director to establish premium rates. Prohibits reinsurance liability for property declared in violation of State or local law regulating location or construction in earthquake-prone areas or that is otherwise uninsurable at the time it is insured by the private insurer. Requires the Director to establish in the Treasury a National Earthquake Reinsurance Fund. Authorizes the Director to borrow from the Treasury, with a limit on obligations outstanding at any one time, to the extent that the assets of the Fund are insufficient to pay claims and expenses. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1990
Airport and Airway Trust Fund Protection Act of 1990 - Declares that the receipts and disbursements of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund allocable to transportation-related operations: (1) shall not be included in the totals of the Federal budget or the congressional budget; (2) shall be exempt from general budget limitations on expenditures and net lending; and (3) shall be exempt from any sequestration order under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) and shall not be counted for purposes of calculating the Federal deficit.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1990
Designates October 28, 1990, as Statue of Liberty Day.