United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1991
Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow grants and contracts relating to health care for rural areas to be used for model programs to: (1) conduct interdisciplinary research; and (2) deliver health care promotion and disease prevention services to individuals residing in rural areas. Adds to the list of eligible applicants nonprofit public organizations and schools of, or programs in, physical therapy. Declares that the Pacific Basin is included in the definition of "rural area." Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1991
Directs the Administrator of the General Services Administration to provide for the installation of bicycle racks or lockers at each Federal office building.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1991
Multiple Employer Health Benefits Protection Act of 1991 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to establish certification standards under title I (Protection of Employee Beneift Rights) for multiple employer welfare arrangements (MEWAs) providing health benefits. Treats as employee welfare benefits plans, and exempts from certain restrictions on preemption, a MEWA which provide benefits consisting solely on specified medical care, which is not fully insured, and with respect to which a specified certificate of compliance is in effect or there is pending a complete application for such a certificate and the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary) determines that provision protection under this Act is appropriate. Sets forth requirements for such certificate of compliance, including provisions for: (1) application information and filing fee; (2) issuance of certificate; (3) treatment of party seeking the certificate where the party is subject to disqualification for specified reasons; and (4) franchise networks. Sets forth additional filing requirements, including: (1) notice of material changes; (2) annual reports; (3) engagement of qualified actuary; and (4) filing certificates of compliance with States. Sets forth requirements for disclosures to participating employees. Requires MEWAs with certificates of compliance under this Act and which are not fully insured to maintain specified types of reserves. Requires a specified minimum amount for certain of such reserves. Sets forth transitional rules for meeting escrow requirements. Requires the qualified actuary to include, in determining the amount of such required reserves, a margin for error and other fluctuations taking into account the specific circumstances of such MEWA. Requires such MEWAs to establish and maintain for each plan year aggregate and specific excess/stop loss coverage in a prescribed manner and amount. Sets forth corrective actions which such MEWAs' operating committees must take: (1) to avoid suspension or revocation of certification; or (2) in connection with termination of the MEWA. Sets forth provisions for certification: (1) expiration and renewal; (2) suspension or revocation by the Secretary or under court proceedings; (3) surrender and notification of participating employees; and (4) expiration, suspension, and revocation publication. Sets forth provisions for review of actions by the Secretary with respect to denials of applications for, or suspensions or revocations of, such certificate of compliance. Revises ERISA provisions relating to: (1) a specified exemption from preemption; (2) the definition of plan sponsor; and (3) treatment of single employer arrangements. Directs the Secretary to prescribe an alternative means of distribution of summary plan descriptions by participating employers, in the case of MEWAs. Requires MEWAs which provide medical care health benefits and which are not fully insured and which have not been certified under this Act to file specified registration statements with the Secretary and with the Insurance Commissioner (or similar official) of each State in which they conduct business.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1991
World Cup USA 1994 Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue a specified number of five-dollar gold coins, one-dollar silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins in commemoration of the 1994 World Cup and the unique appeal of soccer. Sets forth certain features of such coins and provides for their design, issuance, and sale. Requires that all sales include a surcharge of $35 per coin for the five-dollar coins, $7 per coin for the one-dollar coins, and $1 per coin for the half-dollar coins. Requires that all surcharges be paid to the Organizing Committee to organize and stage the 1994 World Cup. Requires that ten percent of such funds shall be made available through the U.S. Soccer Federation Foundation, Inc., for distribution to institutions for scholastic scholarships to qualified students.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1991
Constitutional Amendment - Requires the Congress and the President, prior to each fiscal year, to agree on an estimate of total receipts (except those derived from borrowing) for that fiscal year by enactment of a law devoted solely to that subject. Prohibits outlays for that year (except those for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding this amount unless the Congress, by a three-fifths roll call vote of each House, authorizes a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Requires a three-fifths roll call vote of each House to increase the public debt. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to the Congress. Requires the approval of a majority of the total membership of each House by roll call vote before any bill to increase revenue may become law. Waives these provisions when a declaration of war is in effect. Makes this article effective beginning with FY 1995 or with the second fiscal year after its ratification, whichever is later.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1991
Medicare Physician Regulatory Relief Amendments of 1991 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) prohibit the denial of physician claims because of patient failure to complete Medicare secondary payer questionnaires; (2) prohibit carriers from using extrapolation to recover the amounts they reimbursed physicians for claims for which Medicare disallows payment, if the physician requests that each such claim be individually identified; (3) prohibit the imposition of specified user fees on physicians; (4) require consideration of physician comments in annual carrier performance reviews; (5) allow individuals (including physicians) to file administrative appeals when they have suffered damages as a result of the failure of a carrier to carry out Medicare policies; and (6) require review of medical necessity denials by physicians in the same medical specialty as the physician providing the service. Amends the Medicare and Medicaid (title XIX of the Social Security Act) programs to permit the reimbursement of a patient's regular physician for services provided by another physician who covers for the regular physician under contractual arrangements. Amends title XI of the Social Security Act to repeal the peer review requirement for certain surgical procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1991
Expresses the sense of the Congress commending and encouraging President-elect Yeltsin to continue his leadership on behalf of democratic, pluralistic, and free-market principles as a basis for local and national government and society in the Russian national republic and in other republics and nations.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1991
James Madison-Bill of Rights Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury (the Secretary) to mint and issue five-dollar gold coins emblematic of the Bill of Rights, and one-dollar silver coins emblematic of James Madison. Sets forth guidelines for their sale and issuance, and for financial assurances. Mandates that the surcharges received by the Secretary shall be transmitted to the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Trust Fund. Authorizes audits by the Comptroller General. Provides a general waiver of procurement regulations when implementing this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1991
Generic Drug Enforcement Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require that any person convicted of a felony under Federal law for conduct relating to the development or approval, including the process for development or approval, of any abbreviated drug application (ADA) be debarred from submitting any ADA. Allows debarment, if there is reason to believe the person may undermine the regulatory process, of a person: (1) convicted of a Federal misdemeanor or a State felony in connection with an ADA; (2) convicted of bribery, fraud, or similar crimes; (3) convicted of obstruction of justice; (4) who materially participated in acts that were the basis for such convictions; or (5) who knowingly used the services of a debarred person. Provides for: (1) the term of debarment; (2) termination of debarment; and (3) publication of a list of debarred persons. Allows an ADA to be denied in certain circumstances, including: (1) involving a bribe or a pattern of false statements; or (2) if a significant question has been raised regarding the integrity of the approval process or the reliability of data. Requires, in the case of a bribe or a pattern of false statements, or if there are flagrant, repeated, and uncorrected violations of good manufacturing practice or good laboratory practice which may undermine the safety and efficacy of the drugs: (1) the suspension of distribution of all drugs the development or approval of which was related to such actions; or (2) the suspension of all drugs approved under ADAs of such person. Allows waiver of the suspension requirement if necessary to protect the public health. Provides for termination of suspensions. Adds a requirement that an ADA contain: (1) a certification that the applicant did not and will not use the services of a person debarred in connection with the application; and (2) a list of all convictions within the last five years of the applicant and affiliated persons responsible for the development or submission of ADAs. Prescribes civil penalties for certain actions in connection with ADAs, including: (1) false statements or bribes; (2) destruction, alteration, or secretion of evidence; (3) failure to disclose facts; (4) obstruction; (5) use of a debarred person; or (6) provision of services by a debarred person. Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make a monetary award for information leading to the imposition of a civil penalty. Declares the Secretary's decision on such an award not reviewable. Requires withdrawal of approval of an ADA facilitated, in whole or in part, through bribery, fraud, or false statement. Allows withdrawal if the applicant has repeatedly demonstrated a lack of ability to produce the drug with the formulations or manufacturing practice in the ADA and has introduced, or attempted to introduce, the adulterated or misbranded drug into commerce. Authorizes the Inspector General (IG) to investigate certain matters, including any allegation of: (1) misconduct by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) employees; (2) violation of existing provisions listing prohibited acts; (3) violation, or a class of violations, which the FDA Commissioner has requested the IG to investigate; and (4) violation, or a class of violations, for which the Secretary delegates authority to the IG or requests the IG to investigate. Mandates maintaining for public inspection, with regard to each ADA, the applicant's name, the name of the drug, and the persons and dates of assignment for chemistry and bioequivalence reviews. Repeals provisions requiring a hearing before the Secretary reports a violation to a U.S. attorney for institution of a criminal proceeding.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1991
Benjamin Franklin Memorial Fire Service Bill of Rights Act - Title I: Minting of Benjamin Franklin National Memorial Commemorative Coin - Benjamin Franklin National Memorial Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue: (1) five dollar gold coins emblematic of Benjamin Franklin's contributions to the advancement of science; (2) one dollar silver coins emblematic of Benjamin Franklin's contributions to the American Fire Service. Sets forth sale and issuance guidelines, including a general waiver of procurement regulations and surcharge distributions. Title II: Fire Service Bill of Rights - Fire Service Bill of Rights Act - Amends the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to set forth a fire service bill of rights, including the right of responding fire services to: (1) know the kind of danger presented by hazardous materials they face in emergency responses; and (2) be fully informed of infectious diseases their members face during the course of life safety activities. Declares that the bill of rights does not create any private right of action.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1991
National Institute of Nursing Research Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to redesignate the National Center for Nursing Research as the National Institute of Nursing Research. Includes the Institute in the list of national research institutes of the National Institutes of Health.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1991
Farm Animal and Research Facilities Protection Act of 1991 - Amends title XIV of the Food Security Act of 1985 to add a new subtitle prohibiting (and establishing criminal penalties for) specified acts of destruction, theft, or damage to farm animal, research, and educational facilities. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture and the Attorney General to jointly conduct a study of the extent and effect of terrorism on animal research, production, and processing facilities. Grants jurisdiction for cases arising under these provisions to U.S. district courts. Establishes a private right of action.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1991
Reclamation Recreation Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal Water Projects Recreation Act to require non-Federal public bodies to agree to bear at least half (currently, all) of the costs of operation, maintenance, replacement, and expansion (currently, excludes expansion) allocated to fish and wildlife enhancement of Bureau of Reclamation project land and water areas. Provides that, if such bodies execute an agreement after initial operation of the project (currently, within ten years after initial operation) the remainder of the costs of lands, facilities, and project modifications provided under Federal provisions shall be non-reimbursable. Authorizes recreation facilities constructed under such Act to be expanded if the facilities were designed for less use than they actually receive and an approved resource management plan recommends expansion. Limits the Federal share of expanding a facility to 50 percent of the cost of such expansion. Repeals a limitation of $100,000 for any one reservoir for project purposes. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to establish reasonable filing, use, recreation, and user fees, reasonable charges, and commissions with respect to applications, agreements, contracts, and other documents relating to reclamation lands and their use. Directs the Secretary to: (1) prepare and issue rules and regulations as the Secretary deems necessary to implement this Act with respect to the management, use, and protection of reclamation lands and facilities, for the protection, comfort, and well-being of the public, and to protect public safety and resource values; (2) prepare and maintain on a continuing basis an inventory of resources and uses made of Reclamation lands and resources deemed to be suitable and appropriate for public use, keep records of such inventory, and make the records available to the public; (3) ascertain the boundaries of reclamation lands and provide a means for public identification; and (4) develop, maintain, and revise resource management plans for all reclamation lands determined by the Secretary to be suitable and appropriate for resource management. Requires that resource management plans: (1) be consistent with all relevant statutes, rules, regulations, and executive orders and be developed in consultation with appropriate Federal and non-Federal agencies and appropriate public participation; (2) provide for the development, use, conservation, protection, enhancement, and management of resources on reclamation land in a manner and to the extent compatible with the original authorized purposes of the reclamation projects; and (3) be prepared within ten years. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) acquire property and dispose of interests in reclamation lands; (2) manage recreational, fish and wildlife, and other resources on reclamation lands consistent with resource management plans, applicable State law, and contractual obligations; (3) enter into agreements for appropriate land management activities; and (4) authorize the use of resources by means of easements, permits, and other forms of conveyance instruments as appropriate (and where a nonpublic entity is authorized to provide services or facilities for which a fee is charged, the Secretary is authorized and directed to seek adequate compensation for the use of reclamation resources). Specifies that: (1) nothing in this Act shall be construed to change the authorized purposes of any reclamation project, or authorize or allow any reduction in the availability of the water supply from a reclamation project to project beneficiaries; and (2) this Act shall not result in any increase in the cost of operation, maintenance, and repair of the water supply or water delivery to reclamation project beneficiaries of contracting entities without their express agreement, with exceptions.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1991
Campus Sexual Assault Victims' Bill of Rights Act of 1991 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to require each eligible institution participating in any program under HEA title IV (Student Assistance) to include a statement of policy regarding the rights of victims of sexual assault, that complies with specified requirements, in its disclosure of campus security policy and campus crime statistics. Requires each institution of higher education to establish and implement a written policy establishing a campus sexual assault victims' bill of rights which provides that specified rights shall be accorded to such victims by all campus officers, administrators, and employees of such institution.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow farmers' cooperatives to elect to treat as ordinary income or loss certain capital gains and losses from the disposition of assets used in conducting business with or for patrons.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1991
Constitutional Amendment - Requires the Congress, prior to each fiscal year, to adopt a statement in which total Federal outlays (except those for repayment of debt principal) do not exceed total receipts (except those derived from borrowing), unless a three-fifths vote of both Houses authorizes a specific excess. Limits the rate of increase in receipts in the statement to that of the increase in national income in the previous calendar year, unless law is enacted solely to approve specific additional receipts. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget. Authorizes waiver of these provisions in time of war. Sets a permanent limit on the amount of Federal public debt, prohibiting any increase unless legislation enacted by a three-fifths majority of both Houses becomes law.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1991
Provides for the awarding of the Purple Heart to former prisoners of war held captive before April 25, 1962, on the same basis at it may be awarded former prisoners of war captured on or after such date.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1991
Federal Facilities Compliance Act of 1991 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to waive the sovereign immunity of the United States for purposes of enforcing Federal, State, interstate, and local requirements with respect to solid and hazardous waste management. Absolves Federal employees from personal liability for civil penalties under any Federal or State solid or hazardous waste law if the act or omission was within the scope of official duties. Makes such employees subject to criminal sanctions under such laws. Prohibits Federal agencies from being subject to such sanctions. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to commence an administrative enforcement action against any Federal agency pursuant to the authorities of the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Requires fines collected by States from the Federal Government for violations of hazardous and solid waste management requirements to be used only for projects to improve or protect the environment or to defray the costs of environmental protection or enforcement.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1991
Just Compensation Act of 1991 - Requires the head of any Federal agency who takes an action under the Endangered Species Act, the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977, or under specified provisions of the National Trails System Act or of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act relating to wetlands to compensate the owner of private property for any diminution in value caused by the action. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1991
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that nothing in the Constitution shall prohibit the inclusion of voluntary prayer in any public school program or activity. Provides that neither the United States nor any State shall prescribe the content of any such prayer.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1991
Amends rules XXI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require a three-fifths majority vote on the passage of any bill, amendment, or conference report that increases revenues. Amends rule XI to prohibit the Committee on Rules from reporting any rule or order to waive such requirement.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1991
Amends the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1991 to extend the phase-in period for State licensed appraisals. Prohibits the Appraisal Subcommittee from establishing a minimum experience requirement in excess of 500 hours as a licensing standard or qualification for State licensed appraisers.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1991
Antarctica Tourism Act of 1991 - Directs the Under Secretary of Commerce for Travel and Tourism to issue regulations applicable to tour operators and tourists traveling to Antarctica to prevent or minimize harmful effects from tourism on: (1) native mammals, birds, and plants and the living conditions of such mammals and birds; (2) the scientific value of Antarctica; and (3) the land and marine environment of Antarctica. Lists minimum requirements of such regulations, including: (1) the establishment of qualifications for tour guides; (2) a requirement that tour operators employ a sufficient number of guides to educate, supervise, and monitor tourists; (3) a prohibition on entering specially protected areas; (4) the establishment of specified guidelines for tourist activities; and (5) the establishment of training programs on the requirements of this Act and the Antarctic Treaty System. Requires the Under Secretary, in issuing such regulations, to: (1) consider designating areas of Antarctica for visits by tourists and limiting the size of tourist groups and the number of tours to Antarctica in a specified period of time; and (2) review measures implemented by the National Park Service and the Government of Ecuador (with respect to the Galapagos Archipelago) to control the impacts of tourism. Directs the Under Secretary to issue regulations governing solid waste storage and disposal practices of tour operators. Requires the Under Secretary to issue regulations to: (1) annually determine whether excursions of tour operators will have an impact on Antarctica's environment; and (2) mitigate such impact. Directs tour operators to submit proposed tour itineraries to the Under Secretary and permits the Under Secretary to require adjustments in such itineraries to mitigate negative effects on Antarctica's environment. Requires tour operators, at least 90 days before commencing a tourist excursion to Antarctica, to report to the Under Secretary on: (1) the anticipated number of persons on, and route for, the excursion; (2) points of interest that the excursion will visit; and (3) any other information required by the Under Secretary. Directs tour operators, within 30 days of completing such an excursion, to report to the Under Secretary on: (1) the actual number of passengers on, and the route for, the excursion; (2) the points of interest visited, the length of time spent at each point of interest, and the number of persons visiting each point of interest; (3) any interference with or disruption of native fauna, flora, or habitat that may have occurred on the excursion; (4) any injuries or loss of life or property that may have occurred on the excursion; and (5) any other information required by the Under Secretary. Requires the Under Secretary to issue regulations establishing requirements for licensing tour operators. Prohibits tour operators from providing services for excursions to Antarctica except in compliance with a license. Prohibits any person from constructing, financing, or providing assistance for the development of any land-based tourist facilities in Antarctica. Requires the Under Secretary to establish a program under which a certified observer shall accompany tourist expeditions to Antarctica to monitor tour compliance with specified laws and carry out educational and scientific functions. Directs the Under Secretary to collect annual fees from tour operators to cover the costs of providing observers. Establishes the Antarctica Tourism Observer Fund and provides for the deposit of fees in the Fund. Prescribes civil penalties for violations of this Act. Sets forth provisions concerning citizen suits.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1991
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to require the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations requiring the use of child safety restraint systems on commercial aircraft. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States representative to the International Civil Aviation Organization should seek an international standard to require that airline passengers be restrained on takeoff and landing and when directed by the captain of such aircraft.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1991
Designates September 20, 1991, as National POW/MIA recognition Day. Requires the display of the National League of Families POW/MIA flag: (1) at all national cemeteries and the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial on May 30, 1991 (Memorial Day), September 20, 1991 (National POW/MIA Recognition Day), and November 11, 1991 (Veteran's Day); and (2) on, or on the grounds of, the White House, and the buildings containing the primary offices of the Secretaries of State, Defense, and Veterans Affairs, and the Director of the Selective Service Commission on September 20, 1991 (National POW/MIA Recognition Day).
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1991
Day Care Provider Tax Simplification Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a revised allocation formula for determining deductions allowable to home day care providers for the business use to their homes.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1991
Consolidated Maternal and Child Health Services Act of 1991 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, for each fiscal year, to make payments to each State for maternal and child health care and related services, including: (1) for women, providing health services related to pregnancy; (2) for infants and children, providing preventive health services; (3) for infants not exceeding one year of age, providing comprehensive health services; (4) training individuals in administering such services for women, infants, and children; (5) conducting evaluations of such services; and (6) conducting surveys or studies required by the Secretary under this Act. Requires a State to determine eligibility, giving preference to individuals from low-income families (as defined by the State). Requires that all the services, except inpatient services, be provided at a single facility in the community. Authorizes States to expend the payments to make grants to public and nonprofit entities and to enter into contracts with public and private entities. Declares that, notwithstanding any other law, if an individual is eligible for any service or item under these provisions, the individual may not receive the service or item under any other Federal program providing services or items with respect to maternal or child health, subject to exception. Repeals titles X (Population Research and Voluntary Family Planning Programs) and XX (Adolescent Family Life Demonstration Projects) of the Public Health Service Act and provisions of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 relating to a special supplemental food program for women, infants, and children (commonly known as the WIC Program). Requires the head of the agency that administers each program consolidated by this Act to make a determination regarding any amendments which should be made to any Act affecting that program and report to the appropriate committees of the Congress. Prohibits payments to a State unless the State agrees that the payments will not be expended to pay for any abortion, or for any counseling on or referral for obtaining any abortion, except where the life of the mother would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term. Requires that the State agree to provide services without regard to the ability of an individual to pay and make charges, if any, pursuant to a public schedule. Directs the Secretary, for FY 1993, to make a supplemental allotment for each State that has made satisfactory progress toward: (1) providing all State-assisted maternal and child health services and items without regard to whether the services and items are provided with Federal financial assistance; and (2) providing the services and items pursuant to a single, standardized application form through which all desired services and items can be simultaneously requested. Sets forth special provisions applicable to Indian tribes or tribal organizations. Authorizes appropriations. Requires any amounts paid to a State to remain available to the State for one year after the State receives the amounts.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1991
Amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to set forth the Antarctic Oil Spill Protection Act of 1991. Makes it unlawful for any person or vessel subject to U.S. jurisdiction to discharge oil into the Antarctic Treaty area. Prescribes civil penalties for violations of this Act. Increases such penalties if a discharge is the result of gross negligence or willful misconduct of the responsible party. Authorizes the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to request the Attorney General to bring civil actions to recover such penalties. Requires persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction who discharge oil from a vessel into the Antarctic Treaty area, and owners or operators of vessels from which oil is discharged into such area, to remove the oil, restore the affected environment, and compensate persons for removal and restoration costs and damages. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations requiring potential dischargers to maintain evidence of financial responsibility to cover such costs and damages. Requires owners or operators of more than one vessel operating in such area to maintain financial responsibility only with respect to the vessel having the maximum potential for liability. Permits the Secretary to take the following actions with respect to vessels that do not produce evidence of financial responsibility: (1) deny the vessel entry to any U.S. facility in Antarctica; or (2) detain the vessel at the facility. Subjects vessels without evidence of financial responsibility at such facilities to seizure and forfeiture by the United States. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations requiring owners or operators of vessels operating in Antarctica to submit plans for responding to substantial threats of an oil discharge into the Antarctic marine environment. Lists plan requirements. Prohibits vessels without approved plans from operating in the Antarctic Treaty area. Absolves the United States from liability for damages resulting from actions or omissions relating to response plans. Requires the United States to retain civil penalties collected under this Act and restoration and removal costs and damages in a revolving trust account to be used for Antarctic Treaty area protection and for the environmental education and training of U.S. Antarctic Program personnel. Directs the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on whether existing laws and regulations are adequate to ensure the safe navigation of U.S. vessels in the Antarctic Treaty area.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1991
Antarctic Environmental Protection Act of 1991 - Amends the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978 to require the Director of the National Science Foundation to: (1) prepare, periodically update, and implement a waste management plan for waste produced or disposed of in Antarctica by U.S. citizens; and (2) issue regulations requiring U.S. citizens in Antarctica to comply with specified waste management practices. Requires the Director to establish a long-term program for the removal of specified wastes. Requires the Director to implement an environmental education and training program for all persons engaged in the U.S. Antarctic Program. Directs the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to issue regulations requiring all vessels to: (1) install compaction, storage, and incineration equipment in the construction of any vessel built after the promulgation of such regulations; (2) stockpile waste, plastic, and other garbage (other than untreated sewage) outside of the Antarctic Treaty area or at U.S. facilities in Antarctica; (3) incinerate waste if stockpiling interferes with the operation of a vessel or affects the life and safety of the crew as long as such incineration is conducted in incinerators designed to eliminate harmful emissions; and (4) discharge waste, plastic, and other garbage at reception facilities outside of the Antarctic Treaty area. Makes it unlawful for any U.S. citizen to charter, contract for, or employ a vessel unless such citizen has certified to the Secretary that the vessel will comply with the requirements of this Act. Makes it unlawful for any vessel or U.S. citizen to: (1) discharge hazardous substances into the Antarctic marine environment; (2) dispose of plastic or other garbage into such environment; and (3) dispose of food waste or discharge sewage within 12 nautical miles of the closest land or ice shelf. Makes vessels used in the violation of this Act liable in rem for any civil penalty. Requires U.S. citizens who discharge a hazardous substance into the Antarctic Treaty area, and owners or operators of vessels from which hazardous substances are discharged into such area, to remove the hazardous substance, restore the affected environment, and compensate persons for removal and restoration costs and damages. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations requiring potential dischargers to maintain evidence of financial responsibility to cover such costs and damages. Requires owners or operators of more than one vessel operating in such area to maintain financial responsibility only with respect to the vessel having the maximum potential for liability. Permits the Secretary to take the following actions with respect to vessels that do not produce evidence of financial responsibility: (1) deny the vessel entry to any U.S. facility in Antarctica; or (2) detain the vessel at the facility. Subjects vessels without evidence of financial responsibility at such facilities to seizure and forfeiture by the United States. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations requiring owners or operators of vessels operating in Antarctica to submit plans for responding to substantial threats of a hazardous substance discharge into the Antarctic marine environment. Lists plan requirements. Prohibits vessels without approved plans from operating in the Antarctic Treaty area. Absolves the United States from liability for damages resulting from actions or omissions relating to response plans. Requires the United States to retain civil penalties collected under this Act or restoration and removal costs and damages in a revolving trust account to be used for Antarctic Treaty area protection and for the environmental education and training of U.S. Antarctic Program personnel. Adds violators of Antarctic marine pollution prevention and response requirements to the list of violators subject to civil penalties. Provides for increases in existing penalties. Requires the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to develop and implement an environmental monitoring program for Antarctica. Directs the Administrator to: (1) inspect U.S. facilities in Antarctica biannually to assess compliance with this Act and obligations under the Antarctic Treaty; and (2) provide the results of such inspections to the public. Requires regulations promulgated pursuant to the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978 to include requirements for specially-protected areas. Establishes deadlines for the promulgation of specified regulations concerning: (1) the designation as pollutants of substances liable to create health hazards or harm Antarctica; and (2) actions to prevent or control the discharge of pollutants in Antarctica. Applies the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to all Federal activities in Antarctica.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1991
National Commemorative Events Advisory Act - Establishes the President's Advisory Commission on National Commemorative Events to: (1) establish criteria for recommending to the President that a proposed commemorative event be approved or disapproved; (2) review proposals for national commemorative events submitted in accordance with procedures published by the Commission; and (3) issue recommendations to the President concerning each proposal reviewed. Terminates the Commission within five years after the date of its first meeting.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code and title II of the Social Security Act (Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) with respect to the social security exemption for election officials and election workers employed by State and local governments to increase the allowed remuneration paid to such workers.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1991
Amends the Federal criminal code to require a minimum sentence of five years' imprisonment, without an opportunity for parole, for the unlawful possession of a firearm by any person: (1) who has been convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year's imprisonment; (2) who is a fugitive from justice; (3) who is an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance; (4) who has transported in interstate commerce any stolen firearm; or (5) who has received any stolen firearm. Increases from $5,000 to $10,000 and from five years to ten years the fine and term of imprisonment, respectively, for violation of Federal firearm laws. Increases the penalties for possession of a firearm in connection with a crime of violence or drug trafficking.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit tax-exempt private foundations and community foundations to establish tax-exempt cooperative service organizations to operate exclusively for charitable purposes. Declares that the excise tax based on investment income applies to such organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1991
Authorizes the President, if he determines that a foreign person has violated the United Nations Iraq sanctions, to prohibit for up to three years: (1) such person from contracting with, or providing products and services for procurement by, any U.S. Government agency; and (2) the importation into the United States of any product or service of such person.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1991
Operation Desert Storm Commemorative Coin Act - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to issue one dollar and ten dollar coins emblematic of the United States military's participation in Operation Desert Storm. Prescribes guidelines for the sale of such coins, including the solicitation by the Secretary of the Treasury and the President of the United Service Organizations of bids for proposals from marketing organizations to implement a coin marketing agreement. Mandates that such agreement not indicate in any manner that any portion of the sales price to the public constitutes a tax deductible contribution. Sets forth a surcharge distribution scheme. Mandates that: (1) all amounts received from the sale of such coins be deposited in the coinage profit fund; and (2) the minting and issuing of such coins not result in any net cost to the Federal Government.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1991
Comprehensive Energy Policy Act of 1991 - Title I: Conservation and Energy Efficiency in the Electricity Sector - Subtitle A: Electricity and Utilities - Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to declare that the rates charged by a State-regulated electric utility shall be such that its net income after implementation of cost effective conservation measures is at least as high as it would have been if such measures had not been implemented. Directs the Tennessee Valley Authority to use least-cost planning in its decision-making regarding increased electric power demand. Requires unregulated utilities to initiate or expand efforts to ensure that cost-effective energy efficiency is pursued by customer utilities. Sets forth energy efficiency guidelines for unregulated utilities. Requires unregulated utilities to submit an annual energy efficiency status report to the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary). Authorizes the Secretary to provide energy efficiency and conservation grants to State regulatory authorities upon their submission of an energy efficiency and conservation plan. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Residential, Commercial, and Federal Energy Use - Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to direct the Secretary to establish a technical assistance program for States and localities to update the energy efficiency provisions of residential and commercial building codes. Mandates certification by each State that it has updated its residential and commercial building energy codes. Directs the Secretary to establish a task force to advise in the development of the energy efficiency update program. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary to promulgate procedures that may be used by governmental entities and the private sector to assign efficiency ratings to residential buildings. Requires the Secretary to implement a technical assistance program utilizing energy efficiency rating systems based on such promulgated procedures. Directs the Secretary to report to the President and the Congress on such procedures and State actions to implement them. Authorizes appropriations. Sets a deadline by which each Federal agency must: (1) install energy conservation measures in Federal buildings with a specified payback period; (2) submit a list of projects to the Secretary which meet such payback criterion; and (3) have substantially completed at least 25 percent of such projects or as many as would account for 25 percent of total energy savings. Directs the Secretary to develop guidelines for the selection of energy service contractors by Federal agencies. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish the Federal Energy Efficiency Fund to provide grants to Federal agencies to enable them to meet energy conservation requirements in Federal buildings; and (2) report annually to the Congress on progress. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes Federal agency participation in energy conservation programs conducted by gas or electric utilities. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a financial bonus program to reward outstanding facility energy managers in Federal agencies; (2) study the monetary value of the environmental benefits resulting from energy efficiency improvements in Federal buildings; (3) establish a program to install in Federal buildings commercial energy efficiency technologies developed by entities receiving Federal financial research and development assistance; and (4) disseminate an evaluation of each energy efficiency technology included in the program. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Administrator of the General Services Administration to: (1) issue guidelines to Federal Product Schedule users to encourage their purchase of preferred energy efficient models based upon a life-cycle-cost-benefit analysis; (2) provide assistance to manufacturers whose energy efficient products are not listed on the Federal Product Schedule to encourage inclusion of their products on it; and (3) submit a status report to the Congress on manufacturers on the Schedule. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Standards and Information - Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide financial assistance to support a voluntary national window rating program to develop energy ratings and labels for windows and window systems; (2) develop voluntary national standards for industrial insulation; (3) review and report to the Congress on energy audit procedures in commercial, agricultural, and industrial sectors; (4) establish test procedures and develop energy conservation standards for lamps, appliance motors, and small package air conditioners; (5) evaluate for the Congress the feasibility of requiring electric lights and utility distribution transformers to meet minimum energy efficiency levels (and the possible replacement of existing transformers); and (6) submit to the Congress a program plan for promoting the early introduction of high-efficiency appliances by utilities and appliance manufacturers. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle D: Tax Provisions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) exclude from gross income the value of energy and water conservation subsidies provided by a public utility to a customer; and (2) restore the tax credit for energy conservation expenditures on oil-heated homes. Title II: Conservation in the Transportation Sector - Subtitle A: Alternative Fuels - Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to direct the Secretary of Transportation when amending fuel economy standards: (1) not to consider the fuel economy of alcohol-powered automobiles or natural gas-powered automobiles; but (2) to consider dual energy automobiles and natural gas dual energy automobiles to be operated exclusively on gasoline or diesel fuel. Sets forth acquisition and credit allocation guidelines for owners, operators and lessees of fleets of alternative fuel vehicles. Prescribes civil and administrative penalties for noncompliance with this Act. Subtitle B: Natural Gas as a Transportation Fuel - Amends the Natural Gas Act to state that its provisions shall not apply to a person solely because such person sells or transports natural gas for subsequent use as a fuel in transportation vehicles. Preempts any State regulation prior to January 1, 1989, with respect to natural gas transportation in closed containers, or the sale of natural gas for use as a fuel in transportation vehicles. Declares that a company shall not be considered a gas utility company under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 solely because it distributes or sells natural gas as a fuel for transportation vehicles. Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to define a "high-priority user" as any person who uses natural gas as a fuel in transportation vehicles. Subtitle C: Fuel Economy - Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to direct the Secretary of Transportation to amend the average fuel economy standard to levels which the Secretary determines are the maximum feasible average fuel economy level for model years beginning after model year 1996. Extends from ten to 30 days the period during which the Secretary of Energy may provide the Secretary of Transportation with written comments on the level of proposed amended fuel economy standards. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to determine by rule an appropriate fuel economy credit to be given to electric vehicle manufacturers. Subtitle D: Miscellaneous - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross income of an employee the value of any qualified transportation benefit provided by the employer. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue regulations providing for appropriate credits for complying with the Clean Air Act to persons who operate programs for the scrapping of older, less fuel efficient vehicles. Directs the Secretary of Energy to study whether consumers use automotive fuel octane ratings higher than needed to operate their vehicles, and, if so, to take appropriate consumer education steps to reduce the excess use of premium gasoline. Declares certain conservation requirements under the Clean Air Act applicable to all employers of 100 or more persons in standard metropolitan statistical areas of 250,000 or more people. Declares it is U.S. policy that by 2000 at least ten percent of the Nation's vehicle transportation needs shall be served by domestic non-petroleum fuels. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish an electric vehicle research and development grant program to fund joint venture demonstrations of electric vehicles, and to develop an electric vehicle infrastructure. Authorizes appropriations. Declares that for purposes of the Natural Gas Act, vehicular natural gas, including gas sold wholesale or transported by persons with service area determinations, shall be deemed to be ultimately consumed in the State in which physical delivery of a natural gas sale occurs, whether or not physical combustion occurs in another State. Directs the Administrator of EPA to approve use of methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT) in unleaded gasoline in amounts up to .03125 grams per gallon. Title III: Renewable Energy Sources - Subtitle A: PURPA Size Cap and Co-Firing Reform - Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA) to direct the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to prescribe rules requiring electric utilities to offer to purchase electric capacity from alternative power production facilities only through competitive acquisition. Subjects alternative power production facilities to current cogeneration and small power production rules. Subtitle B: Hydroelectric Power Regulatory Reform - Amends the Federal Power Act to direct FERC to require hydroelectric power project license applicants to consult with certain Federal and State agencies and Indian tribes and file a plan and schedule for conducting studies as part of the licensing process. Sets forth guidelines for additional licensing procedures. Directs FERC to coordinate a single, consolidated licensing review (including review under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969) of a hydropower project license application by all interested Federal and State agencies and Indian tribes. Removes from FERC jurisdiction hydropower projects with installed capacities of five megawatts or less that have not received a license by the date of enactment of this Act. Permits such projects with licenses to petition for their surrender. Subtitle C: Credit for Electricity Generated Using Solar, Wind, or Geothermal Energy - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax credit for electricity generated using solar, wind, or geothermal energy (renewable electricity generating credit). Extends the period allowing existing solar and geothermal energy credits. Subtitle D: Study of Tax and Rate Treatment of Renewable Energy Projects - Directs the Secretary of Energy to study and report to the Congress on the tax and rate treatment of renewable energy projects. Subtitle E: Encouragement of Energy Recovery From Waste - Requires each Federal agency to adopt policies and institute regulatory changes to encourage and remove regulatory obstacles to the burning of high-BTU secondary materials as a fuel substitute. Title IV: Electric Power - Subtitle A: Public Utility Holding Company Act Reform - Sets forth regulatory guidelines for the treatment of public utility holding companies as exempt wholesale generators. Subtitle B: Miscellaneous - Amends the Federal Power Act to mandate that FERC, as a prerequisite to approving a rate or charge filed as the result of an agreement between a public utility and a wholesale seller, require the purchasing utility to certify that the charge conforms to its least-cost planning as approved by a regulatory authority, or, if no such plan exists, that the charge is less than, or equal to, the utility's avoided cost. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Energy for electronic switching research. Requires the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on legislative and regulatory reforms and incentives to provide improved electric transmission transfer capability between the councils comprising the North American Electric Reliability Council. Title V: Natural Gas Regulatory Reform - Directs FERC to: (1) issue regulations to expedite pipeline certifications; and (2) report to certain congressional committees on recommended reforms to facilitate increased deliverability of natural gas to consumers. Amends the Natural Gas Act to provide that, for purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, a FERC certificate of public convenience and necessity for a natural gas facility construction or extension is the only Federal action requiring a detailed environmental impact statement. Directs FERC to permit natural gas facility construction on operation applicants to prepare such statements. Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to authorize an interstate pipeline to construct facilities incidental to transportation service upon 30 days notice to the affected State commission. Amends the Natural Gas Act to declare that a natural gas transportation rate mutually agreed-upon by a natural-gas company and the customer is deemed just and reasonable and in compliance with this Act. Sets forth expedited certification procedures for natural gas transportation and related facilities construction. Provides for the construction and operation of natural gas transportation facilities with an option not to obtain a certificate of public convenience and necessity (thus taking such facility out of the jurisdiction of the Act). Sets forth deadlines for a rehearing under the Natural Gas Act. Declares that facilities repair or replacement does not require a certificate of public convenience and necessity. Sets forth certification procedures for priority natural gas facility. Title VI: Oil and Gas Production - Subtitle A: Arctic Coastal Plain Domestic Energy Leasing - Arctic Coastal Plain Domestic Energy Leasing Act of 1991 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to implement a competitive oil and gas leasing program for the Coastal Plain Study Area of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. States that this Act shall be considered the primary land management authorization for all exploration and production activities on the Coastal Plain. Provides that no land management review shall be required except as specifically authorized by this Act. Mandates that all receipts from sales, rentals, bonuses, and royalties on leases under this Act be deposited into the Treasury. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations to ensure that oil and gas exploration and transportation activities are conducted to achieve the reasonable protection of animal and environmental resources (including subsistence uses of the Coastal Plain). States that the "Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska, Coastal Plain Resource Assessment," prepared by the Secretary, satisfies all legal requirements for such promulgation and that no further studies or assessments shall be required. Directs the Secretary to provide impact aid and other assistance to communities on the North Slope and elsewhere in Alaska in order to ensure the public services needed to accommodate oil and gas production and transportation activities on the Coastal Plain. Subtitle B: Tax Incentives for Oil and Natural Gas Exploration and Production - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to allow as an income tax credit 15 percent of: (1) any qualified investment in crude oil and natural gas exploration activities; and (2) the qualified cost of each barrel of eligible crude oil (marginal production credit). Declares that intangible drilling and development costs with respect to oil and gas wells shall also apply to surface casting costs and geological and geophysical costs for ascertaining the existence, location, extent or quality of domestic oil or gas deposits (thus qualifying them for deduction). Repeals the taxable income limitation on oil and gas well depletion allowances. Defines tar sands for IRC purposes. Removes from the alternative minimum tax purview oil and gas well depletion allowances and intangible drilling costs. Declares that the tax treatment with respect to mineral sharing arrangements shall be determined without regard to Revenue Ruling 77-176. Subtitle C: Oil Pipeline Deregulation - Oil Pipeline Regulatory Reform Act - Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to terminate FERC jurisdiction over oil and other pipelines except the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Authorizes the Attorney General to petition the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) for an adjudication of whether Commission rate regulation of an existing pipeline in any market is in the public interest. Prescribes adjudication guidelines. Provides that pipeline rates for service to markets which are not identified in a mandatory published adjudications list will no longer be subject to FERC regulatory jurisdiction. Prescribes adjudication guidelines under which the Secretary shall find that regulation of a pipeline is in the public interest only if it is demonstrated that such regulation is necessary to constrain the exercise of substantial market power in the supply and demand of products transported by the pipeline in that market. States that new pipelines shall not be subject to existing Commission regulatory jurisdiction or rate regulation, but shall be subject to common carrier regulation under such Act. States that Commission rate regulation shall be prospective only. Prohibits terminated Commission regulatory jurisdiction from reverting to any other Federal agency. Confers exclusive, original jurisdiction over any petition for judicial review upon the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Precludes from such judicial review any action of the Attorney General under this Act, including adjudication petitions. Outlines the parameters within which pipelines are required to operate as common carriers. Requires pipelines to file terms of carriage schedules (except carriage rates) with the Commission. Sets forth guidelines for maximum rates, on a market by market basis, subject to price cap regulation based on base rates and cumulative changes in a Competitive Pipeline Price Index. Precludes a pipeline from conditioning its services upon entering into other transactions or on taking or refraining from any action. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress regarding the results of this Act five years after the conclusion of all adjudications. Retains the applicability of antitrust laws to pipeline transportation of crude oil or refined oil products. Subtitle D: Leasing of Naval Petroleum Reserve - Naval Petroleum Reserve Leasing Act - Authorizes the President to lease Naval Petroleum Reserve Numbered 1 (California) if it is not necessary for national defense purposes. Sets forth leasing and antitrust guidelines. Mandates the use of competitive leasing procedures, minimum royalty payments, and crude oil set asides for sale to small refiners by Reserve lessees. Authorizes the President to take certain steps to arrange and conduct a leasing action. Authorizes the President to acquire privately owned lands or physical improvements within a Naval Petroleum Reserve if a lease of Naval Petroleum Reserve Numbered 1 cannot be arranged. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to authorize the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) to store within the Strategic Petroleum Reserve a Defense Petroleum Inventory of petroleum products (in addition to any other acquisition and storage for such Reserve required by law). Directs the Secretary to obligate the United States share of funds available in the Naval Petroleum Reserve Lease Proceeds Special Account (created by this Act) for the acquisition of 10,000,000 barrels of petroleum products for the Defense Petroleum Inventory. Declares that upon request of the Secretary of Defense: (1) petroleum products acquired for or dedicated to the Defense Petroleum Inventory shall be drawn down and distributed by the Secretary of Energy for the Department of Defense for use, sale, or exchange; and (2) the Secretary of Energy shall replace in the Defense Petroleum Inventory those petroleum products drawn down on behalf of the Department of Defense. Requires the Department of Defense to reimburse the Department of Energy for services rendered under this Act. Establishes the Naval Petroleum Reserve Lease Proceeds Special Account in the Treasury to implement this Act. Funds such Special Account with amounts realized from the lease of any United States interest in Naval Petroleum Reserve Numbered 1. Sets forth a payment scheme under which lease proceeds shall be used to make payments to the State of California. Declares that: (1) the authority to lease under this Act extends to specified sections within Naval Petroleum Reserve Numbered 1; and (2) this Act does not affect the withdrawal of lands provided for in certain school land grants. Subtitle E: Outer Continental Shelf Local Impact Assistance - Coastal State and Community Outer Continental Shelf Impact Assistance Act - Establishes the Coastal State and Community Outer Continental Shelf Impact Assistance Fund whose revenues shall be paid to and used by coastal States, especially for subdivisions socially or economically impacted by mineral development on the Outer Continental Shelf. Subtitle F: Western Hemisphere Energy Policy - Directs the President to report to the Congress on actions taken to implement U.S. policy to focus attention in trade negotiations and international consultations on investment policies that expand worldwide production capacity and diversity of oil suppliers. Title VII: Coal and Coal Technology - Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) conduct (and report annually to the Congress regarding) an advanced coal-based technologies research and development program; and (2) submit to the Congress a domestic coal export expansion plan. Establishes the Clean Coal Technology Export Coordinating Council to: (1) expand the export and use of clean coal technologies with an emphasis on their use in lesser developed countries; and (2) provide certain congressional committees with a plan detailing actions to be taken to address specified recommendations of the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to: (1) submit a status report to the Congress on commercialization of coal fuel mixtures; and (2) conduct a research and demonstration program for utilizing "ultra-clean coal-water slurry" in diesel locomotive engines. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to restore investment credits for pollution devices required by the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990. Title VIII: Nuclear - Nuclear Standardization and Safety Reform Act of 1991 - Subtitle A: Licensing Reform - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to direct the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to issue a combined construction and operating license to an applicant after holding a public hearing and determining that facility construction and operation will comply with NRC rules and regulations. Directs the NRC to propose implementing regulations regarding combined license applications. Subtitle B: Amendment of PUHCA - Amends the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 (PUHCA) to require the Securities and Exchange Commission to exempt a public utility holding company from coverage under such Act if it controls utility assets pursuant to an NRC-approved management agreement and otherwise meets at least one of the other criteria for exemption. Permits the acquisition of securities of a public utility company controlling utility assets by an affiliate or an affiliate of another public utility or holding company if the control is pursuant to such an agreement. Subtitle C: Fast Flux Test Facility - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a research, development, and production center known as the "Research Reactor User Complex" (RRC) at the Hanford Reservation in Richland, Washington. Mandates that a contractor under contract with the Department of Energy to operate the RRC maintain and operate the Fast Flux Test Facility for the Department's account. Establishes the "RRC Fund" from which the Secretary may make expenditures to offset the cost of operating the RRC. Subtitle D: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date of this title.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1991
Private Property Rights Act of 1991 - Prohibits any regulation issued by an executive agency from becoming effective until that agency is certified by the Attorney General as being in compliance with Executive Order 12630 or similar procedures to assess the potential for, and minimize, the taking of private property by regulatory activity. Limits judicial review of an action taken pursuant to this Act to the question of certification. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) study the effect this Act will have on the farm economy and agricultural production; and (2) report to specified congressional comittees on necessary actions to limit that effect and on Department of Agriculture procedures to minimize the taking of private property in regulatory procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1991
Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to provide that it shall not be in order for either House of Congress to consider any legislation which would impose any requirement on State or local governments which is likely to result in an annual cost to such governments of $50,000,000 or more for any particular program, project, or activity, except for legislation which complies with any sequestration order issued under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). Requires the report of the Committee on the Budget of each House accompanying the concurrent resolution on the budget to identify changes in Federal aid programs for State and local governments on a program-by-program basis.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to remove charitable contributions of appreciated capital gain property as an item of tax preference for purposes of the alternative minimum tax.
![Official portrait of Rep. Schaefer, Dan [R-CO-6]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000109_200.jpg)