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United States · Official source
799 records where Rep. Sangmeister, George E. [D-IL-4] 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 · 1 August 1990
Illinois Wilderness Act of 1990 - Designates the following lands in the Shawnee National Forest, Illinois, as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System: (1) Bald Knob Wilderness; (2) Bay Creek Wilderness; (3) Burden Falls Wilderness; (4) Clear Springs Wilderness; (5) Garden of the Gods Wilderness; (6) Lusk Creek Wilderness; and (7) Panther Den Wilderness. Designates the East Fork Area and the Eagle Creek Area of the Shawnee National Forest as special management, mining, and prospecting areas. Sets a time limit for such prospecting and mining. Provides that these areas shall be designated as wilderness and components of the National Wilderness Preservation System 20 years after enactment of this Act (or eight years after enactment if no prospecting for fluorspar and associated minerals has been done).
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1990
Banking Law Enforcement Act of 1990 - Title I: Enhanced Criminal Penalties - Amends Federal criminal law to establish criminal penalties (including imprisonment) for the concealment of assets from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) (acting as conservator or receiver), the Resolution Trust Corporation (RTC), or the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) Board (acting as conservator or liquidating agent). Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the Federal Credit Union Insurance Act to prohibit certain felons convicted of dishonesty or breach of trust from controlling or participating in the affairs of a depository institution for a minimum ten-year period. Amends Federal criminal law to establish criminal penalties (including imprisonment) for obstructing any examination of a financial institution. Increases from 20 years to 30 years the maximum prison term for bank fraud and embezzlement. Establishes a ten-year statute of limitations for the prosecution of racketeering offenses involving financial institutions. Extends money laundering prohibitions to include funds from specified bank crimes. Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to promulgate guidelines for increased penalties for certain bank crime convictions in which the defendant derived more than $1,000,000 in gross receipts from the offense. Provides for restoration of forfeited property and for restitution to bank crime victims. Sets forth maximum criminal fines and minimum imprisonment terms for certain continuing financial crime enterprises (i.e., certain violations committed by at least four persons acting in concert). Title II: Protecting Assets from Wrongful Disposition - Authorizes the Attorney General to obtain a court order enjoining or restraining the alienation or disposition of property obtained as a result of a banking law violation. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the Federal Credit Union Act to set forth attachment procedures. Amends Federal bankruptcy law to provide that the trustee shall be deemed to have assumed a debtor's commitment to a Federal depository institution regulatory agency to maintain the capital of an insured depository institution (thus precluding the trustee from rejecting such commitment as an executory contract which can be avoided as a discharge in bankruptcy). Exempts a Federal depository institution regulatory agency acting as conservator for an insured depository institution from the requirement of proving reasonable reliance upon a false writing supplied by a debtor who is an institution-affiliated party. Prohibits a discharge in bankruptcy for debts resulting from the debtor's failure to fulfill a commitment to a Federal financial institution regulatory agency to maintain the capital of an insured depository institution. Exempts a Federal depository institution regulatory agency acting as conservator for an insured depository institution from the requirement of a timely nondischargeability request (including notice and hearing) when seeking to recover a debt relating to malfeasance. Declares that for specified cases of deceitful conduct, any institution-affiliated party of an insured depository institution (or credit union) shall be deemed to have been acting in a fiduciary capacity with respect to any debt owed to a Federal banking regulatory agency (thus making such debt nondischargeable in bankruptcy). Sets forth as a prerequisite for a bankruptcy reorganization plan that the debtor will: (1) maintain any commitment to a Federal banking regulatory agency to maintain the capital of an insured depository institution; and (2) continue to be obligated for any debt to such agency for failure to fulfill such commitment. Makes certain debts owed by an institution-affiliated party to an insured depository institution under Federal receivership nondischargeable under a consumer debt bankruptcy plan. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the Federal Credit Union Act to empower the FDIC and the NCUA (acting as conservators) to avoid fraudulent conveyances by a debtor institution-affiliated party. Prohibits an insured depository institution or credit union which does not meet minimum Federal capitalization requirements from making golden parachute payments, covered benefit payments, or certain payments in anticipation of insolvency to an institution-affiliated party without prior written Federal agency approval. Cites conditions under which insured depository institutions and credit unions may make golden parachute payments and covered benefits payments with FDIC or NCUAB approval. Amends the Federal criminal code to revise the civil and criminal forfeiture guidelines for: (1) property affecting a financial institution; and (2) fraudulent offenses involving the sale of assets held by Federal banking regulatory agencies. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the Federal Credit Union Act to prohibit certain convicted felony debtors whose default to an insured financial institution in receivership will cause substantial loss from acquiring any asset of the institution (except with respect to repayment). Title III: Improved Procedures for Handling Banking-Related Cases - Amends Federal criminal law to authorize wiretaps for bank fraud and related offenses. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the Federal Credit Union Act to set forth reciprocal assistance guidelines for foreign investigations by Federal banking agencies and investigations on behalf of foreign banking authorities. Amends the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 (FIRREA) to extend from five to ten years the statute of limitations for commencing a civil action for Federal bank law violations. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the National Credit Union Act to grant the FDIC, the RTC, and the NCUA subpoena authority. Title IV: Structural Reforms to Improve the Federal Response to Crimes Affecting Financial Institutions - Establishes within the Office of the Deputy Attorney General in the Department of Justice a Financial Institutions Fraud Unit, headed by a Special Counsel who shall report directly to the Deputy Attorney General. Terminates such Office five years after enactment of this Act. Empowers the Special Counsel to investigate and prosecute criminal activity involving the financial services industry. Directs the Attorney General to establish: (1) financial institutions fraud task forces; and (2) a senior interagency group to assist in identifying the most significant financial institution fraud cases, to allocate investigative and prosecutorial resources, and to expedite interagency coordination and prosecution of financial institutions fraud. Amends Federal criminal law to authorize the Secret Service (under the direction of the Secretary of the Treasury) to detect and arrest persons who violate banking laws with respect to financial institutions and the Resolution Trust Corporation (RTC). Title V: Reporting Requirements - Directs the Attorney General to report quarterly to the Congress regarding financial institution crimes. Requires the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to present annual statistical tables to the Congress on the business imposed on the Federal courts by the savings and loan crisis. Title VI: National Commission on Financial Institution Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement - Establishes the National Commission on Financial Institution Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement to make investigations and recommendations regarding specified aspects of the savings and loan crisis. Requires the Commission to submit a final report to the President and the Congress within one year after enactment of this Act. Terminates the Commission 30 days after the submission of such final report. Authorizes appropriations. Title VII: Authorizations - Amends the FIRREA to authorize appropriations to the Attorney General and the Federal Court System for bank crime cases.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1990
Veterans' Compensation Amendments of 1990 - Title I: Compensation Rate Increases - Increases the rates of: (1) veterans' disability compensation; (2) additional compensation for veterans' dependents; (3) the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans; (4) dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children; and (5) supplemental dependency and indemnity compensation for disabled adult children. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to adjust administratively the rates of disability compensation payable to persons who are not in receipt of compensation for service-connected disability or death. Title II: Miscellaneous Program Amendments - Increases from three to six months the period during which a veteran having neither spouse nor child and being furnished domiciliary care by the Department of Veterans Affairs will be paid a monthly pension by the Secretary. Requires that any amount of pension being withheld from a veteran due to the provision of domiciliary or nursing home care by the Department shall be paid in a lump sum after the veteran's discharge or release. Limits such payment to $5,000. Provides that in order to continue to receive payments of pension, compensation, or emergency officers' retirement pay after being rated incompetent, a veteran receiving Government hospital treatment or domiciliary care may not have an estate the value of which exceeds $4,500 (currently $1,500). Authorizes the Secretary to accept gifts, devises, and bequests which enhance the Secretary's ability to provide services or benefits. Allows the payment of parents dependency and indemnity compensation less frequently than monthly if the amount of the annual benefit is less than four percent of the maximum annual rate payable. Prohibits a readjustment in the rating schedule from causing a veteran's compensation amount to be reduced unless an improvement in the veteran's disability is shown to have occurred. Makes the presumptive period (the period after service in a radiation-risk activity during which a disease must become manifest in order to be considered service-connected and, therefore, compensable as disability compensation) for leukemia 40 years (currently, 30). Creates a 40-year presumptive period for members of the reserves who were exposed to atmospheric detonation of a nuclear device during active duty or inactive duty for training and who contract specified diseases or illnesses within such period. States as an exception the disease of leukemia, which is given a 30-year manifestation period in such reserve members. Increases the amount of Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance available to a veteran owning a home to the lesser of $90,000 or the amount of the loan outstanding on the home. (Currently, the amount is the lesser of $40,000 or such amount.) Increases from one to two years the required time after discharge or release permitted to qualify for National Service Life Insurance (for service-disabled veterans). Title III: Agent Orange - Veterans Agent Orange Exposure and Vietnam Service Benefits Act of 1990 - Provides that the disease of chloracne in Vietnam veterans shall be considered to have been service-connected if such disease became manifest to a ten percent or more degree of disability within one year after the last date on which the veteran performed such service in Vietnam. Presumes the following diseases to be service-connected for veterans who performed active service in Vietnam during the Vietnam era, notwithstanding that there is no record of evidence of such disease during the period of such service: (1) non-Hodgkins lymphoma; (2) soft-tissue sarcoma; and (3) melanoma and basal cell carcinoma. Provides a presumption of service-connection in the case of a Vietnam veteran suffering from a disease associated with effects of exposure to certain dioxins or other herbicide agents during such service in Vietnam. Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations listing a positive association between any disease and the biological effects of exposure to an herbicide agent in Vietnam. Requires the Secretary to update such list continually. Requires the Secretary, in prescribing and revising such list, to obtain by contract the determinations and estimates of a contract scientific organization. Requires such organization to: (1) determine which diseases have any degree of association with the biological effects of exposure to an herbicide agent; and (2) estimate the extent of association between each such disease and each such biological effects. Requires the organization to determine such association specifically with respect to non-Hodgkins lymphoma, each soft-tissue sarcoma, lung cancer, and each other cancer. Outlines contract provisions required in such agreements between the Secretary and the scientific organization, including surveys, evaluations, and periodic determinations. Requires such scientific organization to provide reports to the Secretary and the Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committees regarding its determinations and evaluations. Requires such organization to determine, in the effect of a positive association, whether there is reasonable basis for concluding that a Vietnam veteran with the highest level of exposure to that herbicide agent in Vietnam was exposed to such agent under the circumstances necessary for such biological effects. Requires a report from the organization to the Secretary and the veterans' committees when there is no such reasonable basis found. Requires the Secretary to make certain determinations and follow-up reports after receiving such reports from the contract scientific organization, including the issuance of a report to the veterans' committees and the promulgation of positive associations regulations if necessary. Requires benefits to be continued even though a disease is removed from the regulations listing diseases having positive associations. Terminates such contracting authority ten years after the first day of the fiscal year in which a scientific organization transmits its first report to the Secretary. Provides special effective dates. Directs the Secretary to compile and analyze all clinical data that: (1) is obtained by the Department in connection with examinations and treatment of veterans for disabilities related to exposure to certain herbicides or to service in Vietnam; and (2) is likely to be scientifically useful in determining the association, if any, between the disabilities of such veterans and their exposure to such herbicides and other toxic substances. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the veterans' committees concerning such analysis and its results. Directs the Secretary to consult with the Director of the National Institutes of Health Research and Grants Division (NIH) before compiling and analyzing such information. Requires the Director of NIH to review each annual report submitted by the Secretary and transmit to the Secretary an evaluation of the contents of each report. Directs the Secretary to establish and maintain a system for the collection and storage of voluntarily contributed samples of blood and tissue of veterans who performed active service in Vietnam during the Vietnam era. Outlines provisions concerning the security and authorized uses of such specimens as well as limitations on the acceptance of such samples. Requires the Secretary to consult with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to the extent that an agreement has been reached with the NAS serving as the contract scientific organization for the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to consult with the Director of the Medical Follow-up Agency in the event of no agreement with NAS. Directs the Secretary to establish a program to provide for the conduct of studies of the feasibility of conducting additional scientific research on health hazards resulting from: (1) exposure to dioxin; (2) exposure to other toxic agents in herbicides used in support of U.S. and allied military operations in Vietnam during the Vietnam era; and (3) active military, naval, or air service there. Requires the Secretary to report to the veterans' committees on the results of such studies. Requires the Secretary to consult with the NAS before undertaking such studies and requires the NAS to review such studies and report recommendations to the Secretary and the veterans' committees, to the extent provided under any agreement between the Secretary and NAS. Amends the Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 1988 to require the Secretary to annually furnish updated information to veterans listed in the Department of Veterans Affairs' Agent Orange Registry on health risks resulting from exposure to dioxin or other toxic agents in herbicides as a result of service in Vietnam during the Vietnam era. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to the veterans' committees on the research being conducted to develop treatments for physiological absorption of dioxin and other toxic agents used in herbicides by the United States in Vietnam, including research relating to exposure to dioxin and other toxic agents outside Vietnam. Extends through December 31, 2000, the eligibility for hospital and nursing home care for veterans exposed to toxic substances in Vietnam. Amends the Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 1988 to authorize direct consultation between the Ranch Hand Advisory Committee and Department of the Air Force scientists conducting the Ranch Hand Study (a study of the long-term health effects of exposure to phenoxy herbicides and contaminants). Requires the preparation and submission of annual reports and a final report in connection with such study.
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
Designates the Labor Day Weekend beginning on September 1, 1990, as National Drive for Life Weekend.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1990
Designates August 6, 1990, as Voting Rights Celebration Day.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1990
Designates May 1991 as National Trauma Awareness Month.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1990
Department of Veterans Affairs Codification Act - Revises provisions of Federal law which established the Department of Veterans Affairs as an executive department. Redesignates the Veterans Health Services and Research Administration as the Veterans Health Administration. Includes the Veterans' Canteen Service and the Board of Contract Appeals within the Department. Establishes within the Department an Under Secretary for Health, who shall be the head of the Veterans Health Administration. Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a commission to recommend individuals to the President whenever a vacancy occurs in the position of the Under Secretary. Redesignates the Chief Benefits Director of the Veterans Benefits Administration as the Under Secretary for Benefits Administration. Requires the Secretary to establish a commission to recommend individuals to the President whenever a vacancy occurs in the position of the Under Secretary. Revises and codifies provisions relating to the authority and various duties of the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe all rules and regulations necessary or appropriate to carry out the laws administered by the Department. Provides for judicial review of such rules and regulations. States that the Veterans Benefits Administration shall be operated by the Under Secretary for Benefits Administration and that the Administration shall be responsible for the following programs: compensation and pension; vocational rehabilitation and educational assistance; veterans' home loan; veterans' and service members' life insurance programs; and outreach and other veterans' services programs. Revises and reorganizes provisions relating to the organization and functions of the Veterans Health Administration. Directs the Under Secretary of the Administration to prescribe all regulations necessary for its administration. Provides specific experience criteria for several of the Assistant Under Secretaries appointed to the Administration. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish and conduct a comprehensive program to monitor and evaluate the quality of health care furnished by the Administration; and (2) delineate the responsibilities of the Under Secretary with respect to the quality-assurance program. Requires the Under Secretary to periodically evaluate the mortality and morbidity rates for surgical procedures performed by the Administration against prevailing national standards and to explain and report on any significant deviations. Provides that a person may not serve as Chief of Staff of a Department health-care facility if the person is not serving on a full-time basis. Makes technical and conforming amendments. Adds savings provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1990
Establishes the Financial Services Crime Division within the Department of Justice (DOJ), to be headed by an Assistant Attorney General (AAG). Requires the AAG to be responsible for ensuring that all investigations and prosecutions are coordinated within DOJ to: (1) provide the greatest use of civil proceedings and forfeitures to attack the financial resources of those who have committed fraud or engaged in other criminal activity in or against the financial services industry; and (2) ensure that adequate resources are made available in connection with criminal investigations and prosecutions of fraud and other criminal activity in the industry. Establishes the position of Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Division. Designates all field offices established by the Attorney General for purposes of this Act as the Financial Services Crime Division Strike Forces. Requires the Division to coordinate its activities with other Federal agencies in the investigation and prosecution of crime in the financial services industry. Requires semiannual Division reports to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations.
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
Designates February 16, 1991, as Lithuanian Independence Day.
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 · 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
Housing and Memorial Affairs Amendments of 1990 - Makes eligible for various veterans' home loan benefits any individual not otherwise eligible for benefits who has completed a total of at least six years of service in the Selected Reserve and who was discharged honorably, placed on the retired list, or transferred to an element of the Ready Reserve other than the Selected Reserve. Defines the amount of loan fee to be paid by a veteran qualifying under the Selected Reserve eligibility provisions. Provides that, as of October 1, 1990: (1) the limitation on the number of homes purchased by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for which loan guaranty defaults occurred which may be financed by a loan made by the Secretary shall cease to have effect; and (2) the Secretary may sell any note evidencing such a loan with or without recourse if the amount received is not less than the unpaid balance of such loan. Prohibits the Secretary from selling any note evidencing a loan for which the Guaranty and Indemnity Fund is available. Extends such property management provisions through December 31, 1993. Makes permanent (current law expires on March 1, 1991) the authority of the Secretary for default procedures for loans made, guaranteed, or insured by the Department. Extends through FY 1993 (currently, FY 1990) the procedure for real estate appraisals to be followed by the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out an administrative reorganization that involves closing the loan guaranty division at the Togus Veteran Affairs Medical and Regional Office Center, Togus, Maine, and transferring such functions to the Manchester Veterans Affairs Regional Office, Manchester, New Hampshire. Provides that, in the making of a claim on a manufactured home on which a loan was made or guaranteed by the Department, the holder of the loan shall have the election of submitting a claim to the Secretary based on the value of the property securing the loan as determined by the Secretary, or on the actual proceeds from the liquidation sale of the property securing the loan. Allows payments of a claim on a guaranty to be made only after the filing of an accounting with the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to provide for flat grave markers in the section of the Florida National Cemetery in which replaced grave liners were installed before July 30, 1988. Directs the Secretary, at the request of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, to certify whether an applicant for assistance under any law administered by HUD is a veteran. Provides that an applicant for a loan made, guaranteed, or insured by the Department shall not be subject to reporting requirements applicable to requests for, or receipts of, Federal contracts, grants, loans, or cooperative agreements except to the extent that such requirements are provided for in or by the Secretary pursuant to the veterans' housing loan guaranty program. Directs the Secretary to carry out a demonstration project, during FY 1991 and 1992 and in at least two but not more than ten regional offices, for guaranteeing loans in a manner similar to which the Secretary of HUD insures adjustable rate mortgages under applicable provisions of the National Housing Act. Requires a report from the Secretary to the Congress on the implementation of such project.
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
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 · 24 May 1990
Increases from 30 to 40 years after a veteran last participated in radiation-risk activities the period during which the manifestation of leukemia shall be presumed to be service-connected for purposes of eligibility for veterans' disability compensation.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1990
Designates November as National American Indian Heritage Month, beginning in 1990.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1990
Designates the week of October 14 through 20, 1990, as National Radon Action Week.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1990
Designates October 3, 1990, as National Teacher Appreciation Day.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1990
Designates June 25, 1990, as Korean War Remembrance Day. Authorizes and requests the President to urge that the American flag be flown at half staff on such day in honor of the Americans who died as a result of their service in the Korean War.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1990
Designates October 1990 as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1990
Medigap Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act of 1990 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to penalize individuals who issue, sell, or renew Medicare supplemental policies which are in violation of this Act's standards or offer to sell a policy in a State that has not approved such policy. Requires that Medicare supplemental policy issuers: (1) cover a core group of basic benefits and, if they offer other benefits, issue a policy covering only such basic benefits; (2) provide prospective purchasers of a policy with a summary information sheet describing policy benefits and the amount of any premiums attributable to optional benefits; (3) guarantee the renewability of policies; (4) offer each group policyholder terminating their coverage or group membership the right to continued coverage under an individual policy (the policyholder ending his or her group membership may also opt for continued coverage under the group policy) or, if the old group policy is replaced by a new group policy, the right to coverage under a new group policy without exclusion for preexisting conditions; and (5) suspend policy benefits and premiums upon the policyholder's indication that he or she is entitled to Medicaid (title XIX of the Social Security Act) benefits. Requires the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) or, upon the NAIC's default, the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate simplification standards which set the core group of basic benefits policies must provide, limit the additional benefit packages that may be provided, and establish a uniform language and format to be used with respect to policy benefits. Prohibits the sale of policies which do not meet such standards, though permits approved waivers of such standards to test new or innovative benefits. Directs the Secretary to request the NAIC to educate Medicare beneficiaries on the simplification standards. Increases the civil monetary penalty for knowingly selling a policy which duplicates health benefits to which an individual is already entitled. Permits persons aggrieved by duplicative coverage to recover triple damages in a civil suit. Prohibits a policy issuer from selling a policy without: (1) obtaining a written statement of the buyer indicating any health policies of the same type or Medicaid coverage the buyer may have; and (2) notifying the buyer of the possibility and effect of their coverage under the Medicaid program and the address and telephone number of any State Medicare supplemental policy counseling program and the State Medicaid office. Prohibits the issuer from selling a policy to a person who indicates that he or she is covered by the Medicaid program or has duplicative health benefits. Penalizes individuals who sell a policy in violation of such requirements. Increases the percentage of premiums which must be returned to policyholders as benefits. Establishes a process whereby States must approve premium increases prior to their implementation. Requires public hearings for any premium increase request exceeding twice the percentage increase in the medical care component of the consumer price index. Limits Medicare supplemental policy sales commissions. Authorizes appropriations for a matching grant program to assist States in establishing counseling programs to aid Medicare-eligible individuals in choosing Medicare supplemental policies. Prohibits such policies from denying a claim for losses incurred more than six months from the effective date of coverage for a preexisting condition.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1990
Air Traffic Controller Incentive and Retention Act - Increases the premium pay differential for certain air traffic control system employees and other specified employees of the Federal Aviation Administration and the Department of Defense from five to 15 percent of the applicable rate of basic pay. Entitles such employees to Sunday premium pay for work performed on Saturday. Eliminates the age limitation on annuity eligibility under the Civil Service and Federal Employees' Retirement Systems for air traffic controllers with 20 years of service.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1990
Victims of Child Abuse Act of 1990 - Title I: Child Abuse Offense - Requires the United States Sentencing Commission to promulgate guidelines or amend existing guidelines to provide that a defendant convicted of a sexual offense or crime of violence in which the victim was under age 14 shall receive a sentence at an offense level two levels higher than that which obtains when no victim was under age 14. Title II: Improving Investigation and Prosecution of Child Abuse Cases - Authorizes the Administrator of the Office for Victims of Crime to make grants to develop and implement multidisciplinary child abuse investigation and prosecution programs. Enumerates program criteria, including requirements identifying an appropriate site for counseling child victims of sexual and serious physical abuse and neglect, referring cases to the appropriate law enforcement agency within 24 hours, minimizing the number of interviews the child victim must attend, and assigning volunteers or staff advocates to each child's family. Directs the Administrator to make grants to national organizations to provide technical assistance and training to attorneys and others instrumental to the criminal prosecution of child abuse cases in State or Federal courts for the purpose of improving the quality of investigation and criminal prosecution. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1993. Title III: Court Appointed Special Advocate Program - Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to expand the court-appointed special advocate program. Requires the Administrator to establish criteria to be used in evaluating grant applications, which shall include a program providing screening, training, and supervision of court-appointed special advocates. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1993. Title IV: Child Abuse Training Programs for Judicial Personnel and Practitioners - Authorizes the Administrator to provide technical assistance and training to judicial personnel and attorneys to improve the judicial system's handling of child abuse and neglect cases. Directs the Administrator to make grants to national organizations to develop model technical programs to improve the judicial system's handling of such cases. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to or for juvenile and family courts and State judicial systems for programs that implement model child abuse and neglect programs. Directs that the grant criteria give priority to programs which improve procedures for preventing placement of children in foster care, make reasonable efforts to reunite the family, and coordinate information and services. Authorizes appropriations. Requires that at least 80 percent of such funds be used for juvenile and family court and State judicial system programs. Title V: National Commission to Improve Domestic Relations Courts - Establishes the National Commission to Improve Domestic Relations Courts to develop suggestions to improve domestic relations courts, with special attention to the handling of child abuse and neglect cases, to suggest whether new model State legislation is needed, and to identify barriers to the nationwide use of specialized, comprehensive family court systems. Specifies membership, qualifications, terms of office, pay, powers, and reporting requirements of such Commission. Authorizes appropriations. Title VI: Federal Victims' Services, Protections, and Rights - Requires the Attorney General to: (1) establish an evaluation system to rate law enforcement officers on their compliance with laws protecting victims of crime; and (2) create a set of standards to govern services to victims and witnesses in Federal cases and serve as a model to States and localities. Requires the Office for Victims of Crime to report at least annually to the public, the Congress, and the President on the protection of victims generally and, specifically, on compliance with such standards. Authorizes the court to appoint a guardian ad litem at the earliest possible stage of all proceedings where a child was a victim of a crime involving abuse or exploitation to protect the best interests of the child. Sets forth guidelines with respect to criteria in choosing, and the duties of, such guardian. Grants a child testifying at a criminal proceeding the right to be accompanied by an adult to provide emotional support to the child, subject to certain restrictions. Authorizes the court to order that a child's testimony be taken by closed-circuit TV if it finds that: (1) the child would be so intimidated, or otherwise inhibited, by the physical presence of the defendant that the child would be rendered incompetent or unable to testify; (2) there is a substantial likelihood that the child will suffer serious trauma from testifying in the same room as the defendant; and (3) conduct on the part of the defendant or defense counsel during the hearing or trial causes the child to be unable to continue the child's testimony. Sets forth provisions governing: (1) the court's questioning of a child; (2) a child's live testimony by two-way closed circuit TV; (3) videotaped depositions of child witnesses; (4) a videotape record of any examination of the child; (5) age appropriate questions; (6) testimonial aids; (7) competency examinations; (8) privacy and address protection of a child victim or witness; (9) closing the courtroom; (10) victim impact statements; and (11) speedy trial motions. Amends the Federal Rules of Evidence to make an exception to the hearsay rule to include within the definition of "unavailability" certain situations in which the declarant is a child. Prohibits any statute of limitations that would prevent the prosecution of abuse of a child under age 18 from taking effect before the child reaches age 20.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1990
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to permit the deferral of payments on student loans during professional internships of any duration (by removing a two-year limitation).
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1990
Provides that members of the Reserve or National Guard who participated in atmospheric nuclear detonation testing during active duty for training or inactive-duty training and who have contracted certain radiation-related diseases within specified periods following such testing shall be deemed to have contracted such diseases during active military services for purposes of eligibility for the following benefits administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs: (1) disability compensation; (2) dependency and indemnity compensation; (3) hospital, nursing home, domiciliary, and medical care; (4) burial, cemetery, and memorial benefits; and (5) survivors' and dependents' educational benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1990
Calls immediately for Greyhound Lines, Inc., and the Amalgamated Transit Union to resume negotiations under the auspices of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service and the Secretary of Labor.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1990
Condemns the restrictions of the print and electronic media imposed by the Soviet Union on journalists attempting to cover events in Lithuania. Urges: (1) General Secretary Gorbachev to rescind restrictions on the admission of Western journalists to, and on freedom of the press in, Lithuania; and (2) President Bush to take steps to facilitate the readmission of Western journalists to Lithuania.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1990
Urges the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to: (1) use "Super 301" under the Trade Act of 1974 to identify Japan as a priority country for purposes of negotiating the elimination of barriers to U.S. exports; (2) identify as trade-liberalization priorities under "Super 301" Japanese practices that are most costly in terms of lost U.S. exports and most resistant to change through market adjustment or prior negotiations; and (3) in determining such practices, give substantial weight to the worsening bilateral trade deficit in any sector where they prevail. Declares that the Congress considers that: (1) the identification of the trade-liberalization priorities in the 1990 "Super 301" report would reinforce other bilateral trade discussions such as the Structural Impediments Initiative talks and the negotiations regarding priorities in the 1989 "Super 301" report; and (2) use of the "Super 301" trade-liberalization incentive would improve prospects for reducing the U.S.-Japanese trade imbalance.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1990
Designates the month of October 1990 as Crime Prevention Month.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1990
Designates May 13, 1990, as National Day in Support of Freedom and Human Rights in China and Tibet.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1990
Designates January 6 through January 12, 1991, as National Law Enforcement Training Week.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1990
Declares that the Congress should: (1) establish a program of research for the development of methods of contraception and methods of diagnosing and treating infertility; (2) provide adequate long-term resources for the program; (3) ensure that Federal programs with respect to sexually transmitted diseases adequately respond to the role of such diseases in infertility; (4) ensure public education on contraception and infertility; (5) establish as Federal goals the development, by the year 2010, of improved barrier methods to protect against pregnancy and diseases, new methods of contraception for use by men, a vaccine-like drug for women that prevents pregnancy for a significant period of time without other specified effects, and new and improved techniques of diagnosing and treating infertility; (6) require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to reestablish the Ethical Advisory Board in order to facilitate research with respect to infertility; (7) review the policies and procedures of the Food and Drug Administration with respect to expediting approval of drugs and devices for use by the public, especially with respect to contraception and infertility; and (8) determine to what extent measures can be implemented by public or private entities to resolve liability issues involved with drugs and devices concerned with contraception and infertility.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1990
Department of Veterans Affairs Health Professionals Compensation and Labor-Relations Act of 1990 - Title I: Physicians and Dentists Special Pay - Revises provisions of Federal law relating to special pay for health-care professionals of the Veterans Health Services and Research Administration (HSRA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (Department). Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in order to recruit and retain highly qualified physicians and dentists, to provide special pay upon the execution of a written agreement between the Secretary and the individual involved providing that the individual shall serve a required period of obligated service within the HSRA. Provides that such an individual is not entitled to such special pay during the first three years of such service, except at the discretion of the Secretary for full-time services. Prohibits the payment of special pay to those physician and dentist positions for which there is no significant recruitment and retention problem. Outlines requirements of a written agreement, including provisions providing for: (1) a covered period of one to four years; (2) refunding of special pay for unfulfilled service; (3) the waiver of such refund requirement due to circumstances beyond the control of the physician or dentist; and (4) submission to the Secretary of agreements where an individual is entering into a second or subsequent agreement for a specified amount of special pay. Authorizes the Secretary to adjust amounts of special pay to reflect changes in the status of a physician or dentist. Directs the Secretary to provide special pay to eligible full-time physicians based upon specified factors, including: (1) tenure within the HSRA; (2) service in a medical specialty for which it is extremely difficult to recruit and retain qualified professionals; (3) service in certain executive positions; (4) specialty or board certifications; and (5) service in a geographic location for which there are extraordinary difficulties in the recruitment or retention of qualified personnel. Requires the maximum amount of special pay to be paid to the Chief Medical Director (CMD) and the Deputy Chief Medical Director (DCMD). Directs the Secretary to provide special pay to part-time eligible physicians based upon similar factors. Requires the Secretary to pay each such physician an amount of special pay equal to the proportion of full-time service that a physician performs. Directs the Secretary to provide special pay to eligible full-time and part-time dentists based upon similar factors. Prohibits physicians and dentists provided special pay and serving in certain executive positions from being paid scarce specialty pay (another form of special pay that rewards scarce specialty areas of practice). Requires, with regard to the payment of special pay, determinations: (1) that there are extraordinary difficulties in recruitment or retention; (2) of the amount of special pay based upon the special pay factors for each individual; and (3) of whether there are extraordinary difficulties in a specific geographic location in the recruitment or retention of qualified physicians or dentists. Outlines considerations for determinations with respect to extraordinary recruitment and retention difficulties and the payment of scarce specialty pay for individual medical facilities of the Department. Outlines the manner in which special pay is to be considered for purposes of other benefits laws for Federal employees. States that it is the policy of the Congress to assure that total pay for HSRA physicians and dentists is comparable to total pay of other Government physicians and dentists and to the income of non-Federal physicians and dentists. Directs the Secretary: (1) in order to assist in implementing such policy, to obtain measures of income of such non-Department physicians and dentists and to define the bases for pay distinctions; (2) to report to the President quadrennially on appropriate amounts of special pay to HSRA physicians and dentists to carry out such policy; and (3) to report to specified congressional committees annually on the use of authorities under this title. Directs the Secretary to reimburse any full-time board-certified physician or dentist appointed in the HSRA for expenses incurred, up to $1,000 per year, for continuing professional education. Title II: Nurses Pay Grades and Pay Administration - Directs the Secretary to restructure the current nurse pay grades so as to provide four grade levels (entry, intermediate, senior, and director grade levels). Requires the Secretary to maintain the four new grade levels established for nurses employed in the Department. Provides GS-levels for each nurse grade, with appropriate step increments. Requires Department nurses serving as head nurses to receive basic pay at a rate two steps above the otherwise applicable rate. Authorizes the director of a medical center of the Department to provide step promotions or cash bonuses to nurses who have qualifications, experience, or achievements which the director determines exceed the standards for the nurse's current grade. Outlines factors to be considered by the director in making such determinations. Directs the Secretary to provide that the director of a medical center of the Department may appoint a nurse at a basic pay rate in excess of the minimum rate otherwise applicable if necessary to obtain the services of qualified nurses at that medical center. Requires the director to document and include the reasons for taking such action in his or her next budget submission. Repeals a current limitation on the hourly rate of overtime pay permissible for nurses within the Department. Title III: Labor-Management Relations - Revises Federal provisions concerning personnel administration and collective bargaining procedures within the Department. Includes all employees appointed in the HSRA under such provisions. Provides that the authority of the Secretary to prescribe regulations with regard to such employees is subject to the right of Federal employees to engage in the collective bargaining process with respect to conditions of employment. States that such collective bargaining may not cover, or have any applicability to, any matter or question arising out of professional conduct or competence. Provides that the issue of whether a matter concerns or arises out of professional conduct or competence shall be decided by the Secretary and is not subject to collective bargaining. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe regulations establishing conditions under which employees of the HSRA who are nationally recognized in the area of medical research may be permitted to accept payment from non-Federal entities and individuals for travel and reasonable expenses for attending meetings, performing advisory services, and accepting awards. Requires any person who engages in such extra-professional activities to work a minimum 80-hour biweekly amount. Outlines activities and responsibilities that such a person may not engage in or take on while an employee of the Department. Provides that whenever the CMD brings charges against a Department employee based on conduct or performance and, as a result of those charges, an adverse (disciplinary) action is taken against the employee, the employee shall have the right to appeal the action, either through: (1) a Disciplinary Appeals Board; (2) Department procedures; or (3) grievance procedures provided through collective bargaining, depending on the type of action involved. Requires the Secretary to publish in the Federal Register any proposed regulations concerning the collective bargaining or adverse action procedures. States that Disciplinary Appeals Boards shall have exclusive jurisdiction to review any case: (1) which arises out of a question of professional conduct or competence of an employee of the Department employed on a full-time basis under a permanent appointment; and (2) in which a major adverse action was taken (suspension, transfer, reduction in grade or pay, or discharge). Gives employees involved in such a case the right to: (1) advance written notice of the charges and actions that could be taken if the charges are sustained; and (2) an opportunity to be heard both orally and in writing on such charges. Requires a decision on such case by a deciding official within 21 days after the employee's response to the charges. Allows for a delay in a proposed action for up to one year while an employee seeks counseling or treatment for a condition covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Allows the Secretary to require an employee to make a written or oral response to the charges within 30 days of receipt, with extension for good cause shown. Outlines further administrative action to be taken by the Board in a major adverse action appeals procedure, together with time limitations involved in each step. States that the Secretary's execution of the Board's decision shall be the final administrative action in the case, with the affected employee entitled to judicial review of the order or decision. Requires the Secretary to prescribe procedures for the consideration of grievances of Department employees arising from adverse actions in which each action taken either: (1) is not a major adverse action; or (2) does not arise out of a question of professional conduct or competence. States that Disciplinary Appeals Boards shall not have jurisdiction to review such matters. States that review of an adverse action shall be provided through either Department procedures or through grievance procedures provided through collective bargaining. Outlines the rights of employees under the Department procedures to: (1) a formal review by an impartial examiner within the Department; (2) a prompt report of findings; (3) a prompt review of the examiner's findings by a higher official; and (4) legal or other representation. Requires the Secretary to appoint Disciplinary Appeals Boards to hear appeals of major adverse actions taken against full-time Department employees based on professional conduct or performance. Authorizes the chairman of such a Board to authorize disclosure to the affected employee of records or information to be reviewed during an appeal procedure. Provides for the protection of the privacy of the individuals whose records are involved. Requires the Secretary to periodically designate Department employees qualified to serve on Disciplinary Appeals Boards and to announce that a list of such qualified employees is available to any person requesting such list. Requires the Secretary to provide training in the functions and duties of such Boards and grievance procedures for employees selected to be on the panel. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Exempts the Veterans Health Services and Research Administration, Medical Care Account from sequestration or reduction under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). Authorizes the Secretary to carry out certain administrative reorganizations of regional and district offices as described in a prior communication to the Congress. Requires judges of the U.S. Court of Veterans Appeals to receive the salary rate received by judges of the U.S. Court of Military Appeals. Makes licensed practical nurses, vocational nurses, and nurse assistants eligible for premium pay on the same basis as registered nurses.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1990
Loans to One Borrower Transition Rule Act of 1990 - Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act to establish a transition period during which specified limits apply to total loans and credit extensions offered by savings associations to any one borrower. Requires the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision to prescribe regulations to implement this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1990
Ancient Forest Protection Act of 1990 - Establishes the National Ancient Forest Reserve System. Designates certain lands in California, Oregon, and Washington as components of such System. Declares that all Federal lands in such States which qualify as ancient forest or associated forest and are not designated as components of the System shall be managed as if they are. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to issue regulations with respect to the removal of commercial timber from such lands. Declares it to be U.S. policy to develop and utilize scientific information to study and identify the biological and ecological requirements of ancient forest ecosystems. Directs the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality to study and report to appropriate congressional committees on the biological and physical requirements for the survival of such ecosystems.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1990
Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to provide that the definition of "owner or operator" (for purposes of liability) does not include: (1) a designated lending institution which acquires control of a facility pursuant to the terms of a security interest held by the person in such facility or in connection with a lease subject to Federal or State banking authorities; (2) a corporate fiduciary which operates or has legal title to a facility pursuant to the terms of an estate or trust; (3) an individual or institution that serves as an indenture trustee and acquires control of a facility as the result of default on a financing document between the trustee and the issuing entity; and (4) an individual fiduciary who has legal title to a facility for purposes of administering an estate or trust.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1990
Medicare Physician Regulation Relief Amendments of 1990 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require carriers and peer review organizations to release the medical review screen or the associated screening parameter to a physician before notifying such physician that payment for his or her service has been denied. Permits Medicare reimbursement of a patient's regular physician for services provided to such patient by another physician who occasionally covers for the regular physician. Requires Medicare carriers to provide physicians, upon request and without charge, with carrier-generated information which physicians need to submit a payment claim or respond to a carrier inquiry. Allows a medical society or other professional organization representing physicians to represent a group or class of physicians in Medicare payment determinations, reconsiderations, or appeals. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to appoint, based on nominations submitted by national medical organizations representing physicians, a Practicing Physicians Advisory Council with which the Secretary must consult concerning changes in the Medicare program and proposed changes in regulations and carrier operation policies.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1990
Textile, Apparel, and Footwear Trade Act of 1990 - Limits the 1990 imports of textiles and textile products classified under a category to an amount equal to 101 percent of the total 1989 imports classified under such category. Limits the 1990 imports of nonrubber footwear classified under a nonrubber footwear category to an amount equal to: (1) the total 1989 imports of nonrubber footwear classified under such category; and (2) in the case of high priced nonrubber footwear, the total 1989 imports of high priced nonrubber footwear classified under such category. Provides for a one-percent annual growth in the amount of permitted imports of textiles and textile products after 1990. Exempts from the limitations imposed under this Act imports of textiles and textile products from U.S. possessions if such articles are exempt from duty under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States and are manufactured by U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents of such a possession. Limits the imports of certain sweaters made in Guam to a specified amount during FY 1990 and to such amount increased by one percent per year in subsequent years. Declares such limitations shall not apply to Canada or Israel. Sets forth limitations on the amount of textile and textile products, classified under certain import categories, which may be imported from beneficiary countries under the Caribbean Basin Initiative. Authorizes the President to: (1) enter into trade agreements to grant new concessions as compensation to the extent required under U.S. trade agreements for the import limits imposed by this Act; and (2) proclaim such modification or continuance of any existing duty on textiles and textile products and on nonrubber footwear as necessary to carry out such agreements. Prohibits the President from reducing any rate of duty by more than ten percent. Requires the President, before entering into such trade agreements, to consider whether a country has violated trade concessions of benefit to the United States and the violation has not been adequately offset. Sets forth requirements governing staged rate reductions in the tariffs of articles affected by this Act. Prohibits the President, except as authorized by this Act, from entering into trade negotiations with any country with respect to duties on textiles, textile products, and nonrubber footwear. Prohibits the President, except as provided in this Act, from decreasing or proposing a decrease in any such duty by any means, including an implementing bill or a proclamation. Requires the President to report annually to the Congress on the administration of this Act. Requires the Secretary of Commerce, ten years after enactment of this Act, to study and report to the Congress on its operation. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a pilot program for the issuance and sale to U.S. companies at public auction of import licenses applicable to categories of textiles. Terminates such licensing program on December 31, 1991, and requires a report to the Congress on its administration.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1990
Designates May 13, 1990, as Infant Mortality Awareness Day.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1990
Designates the week of November 11 through 17, 1990, as National Women Veterans Recognition Week.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1990
Designates July 19, 1990, as Flight Attendant Safety Professionals' Day.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1990
Expresses the sense of the Congress that foreign language instruction should begin at the elementary school level. Urges State and local educational agencies to initiate programs of foreign language instruction in elementary schools. Supports the statements of: (1) the National Governors' Association calling for such programs; and (2) the Follow-Up Committee to the Wingspread Consultation on Elementary School Foreign Languages, calling for establishment of a Blue Ribbon Commission to address the national agenda for foreign language instruction in elementary schools.