United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1992
Condemns the treatment of William F. Buckley, Colonel William Higgins, and Peter Kilburn by their captors in Lebanon and the disrespect shown to their remains. Urges the President to work with the nations of the Middle East to seek the extradition of the parties responsible for their torture and death and to bring such parties before an international tribunal for trial.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1992
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should: (1) place the highest priority on the success of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), particularly through the personal participation of the President of the United States; (2) negotiate international agreements that effectively reduce the threat of climate change and biological diversity loss; (3) propose an initiative on financing Agenda 21 (the plan of action to be approved by UNCED when it meets) and other global cooperation efforts that takes into account the concerns of developing countries regarding additional costs of international environmental protection and the basic development goals of those countries and that increases accountability for the use of funds provided for environmental purposes; (4) seek to advance the development of a stronger international legal framework, and the creation of appropriate institutional mechanisms, for protecting the global environment; (5) promote public participation in environmental and development decisions at all levels; (6) pursue with the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean a cooperative strategy to address environmental concerns in the Western Hemisphere; and (7) evaluate U.S. assistance programs in Latin America and the Caribbean to determine if they address U.S. national security interests in the region by apportioning sufficient funding to environmental concerns. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should support: (1) international and national programs aimed at encouraging a global transition to environmentally sustainable energy systems; (2) new programs and institutions to help developing countries become more energy efficient and otherwise increase their capacity for acquiring and using technology to make their economies more environmentally sustainable; (3) global goals of slowing deforestation of primary forests, increasing worldwide forest cover, and preserving a specified amount of mature forests; (4) improved national forests strategies that integrate all policy issues related to the loss of forests and eliminate economic incentives for deforestation; (5) the development of a new international agreement to eliminate land-based sources of marine pollution and cooperative efforts to address these sources of pollution at the regional level; (6) a process of international consultations aimed at identifying ways that poverty can be alleviated and natural resources better conserved through reduction of developing country debt burdens; and (7) the development of a timetable for industrialized nations and the United Nations to adopt a reformed system of national accounting that would reflect full environmental and social costs.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991
National Electromagnetic Fields Research and Public Information Dissemination Act - Establishes the Electromagnetic Fields Interagency Committee, designating the Department of Energy, through the Office of Health, as the Committee's lead agency. Establishes the National Electromagnetic Fields Advisory Committee. Establishes a program to conduct research on the possible human health effects of electromagnetic fields. Authorizes grants and contracts for the research. Establishes a program to collect, compile, publish, and disseminate to the public information on electromagnetic fields. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991
Endangered Species Act Amendments of 1992 - Title I: Recovery Plans - Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to require the Secretary (either the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Commerce, as program responsibilities are vested) to: (1) develop and implement recovery plans by December 31, 1996, for listed endangered and threatened species for which such plans have not been developed as of December 31, 1992; and (2) do the same for such non-listed species as of December 31, 1992, within two years after the species is listed. Title II: Penalties and Enforcement - Waives the 60-day notice requirement with respect to the filing of a civil suit by an individual in the case of an action against any person respecting an emergency posing a significant risk to the well-being of any listed species of fish or wildlife. Authorizes the Secretary, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating to promulgate regulations to carry out the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and the resolutions of its parties as well as to enforce this Act. Title III: Habitat Conservation Plans - Authorizes the Secretary to enter into a cooperative agreement with any State, municipality, county, or local government to assist in the development of a plan for the conservation of any threatened or endangered species. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and loans, under specified conditions, to any such entities: (1) in the development of such plans; (2) to carry out biological and other studies in connection with it; and (3) related tasks. Establishes the Habitat Conservation Planning Fund for the deposit of all appropriated sums to assist in the development of conservation plans. Title IV: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a rulemaking proceeding to review and modify regulations on measuring noise in areas surrounding airports.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991
Anti-Boycott MFN Restriction Act of 1991 - Prohibits application of nondiscriminatory treatment (most-favored-nation treatment) to the products of countries that participate in, or cooperate with, the international economic boycott of Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991
Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to require the United States Trade Representative to include in the National Trade Estimate information with respect to the Arab boycott of U.S. persons who do business with or invest in Israel, or who do business with a person who does business with or invests there.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should continue to support the full protection of the African elephant through the unqualified listing of all populations of the African elephant on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991
Recognizes the rights of the citizens of the Slovak and Czech republics to determine their own political future. Supports a unified Czech and Slovak Federal Republic. Calls on the peoples, political parties, and parliaments of the Czech and Slovak republics to make unity of the common state the highest priority.
United States · United States Congress · 25 November 1991
Consumer Products Safe Testing Act - Declares the policy that Federal departments and agencies shall encourage the development and use of product testing procedures that accurately reflect the acute health effects on humans of certain products, including consumer products and products containing hazardous or toxic substances, but which do not rely upon animals. Directs each Federal department or agency head (head), within one year, to: (1) review and evaluate any regulation, guideline, or recommendation issued by such department or agency which requires, recommends, or encourages the use of the Draize or other animal acute toxicity test for the purpose of evaluation of the safety of a regulated product; (2) review and evaluate nonanimal alternatives with the potential for partial or full replacement of the products regulated; and (3) promulgate regulations, guidelines, or recommendations that specify that a nonanimal acute toxicity test or battery of tests (NATT) should be used instead of an animal acute toxicity test unless that head determines that the NATT is less likely to predict the acute health effects on humans of a product than the animal acute toxicity test. Requires the appropriate head, if a determination is made that no NATT is as likely to predict the human reaction to the regulated product as the Draize or other animal acute toxicity test, to publish in the Federal Register an explanation of all options considered and the justification for continuing the animal acute toxicity test, which shall be subject to public comment. Provides for periodic review of animal acute toxicity testing regulations. Makes this Act inapplicable to regulations, guidelines, or recommendations related to medical research.
United States · United States Congress · 25 November 1991
Government Securities Reform Act of 1991 - Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to extend Federal securities rulemaking authority. Amends provisions with respect to: (1) market surveillance; (2) large trader reporting; (3) exempted securities regulation; (4) broker-dealer supervision; (5) sales practices; and (6) market information. Requires the General Accounting Office to conduct a study of the regulatory effectiveness of government securities brokers and dealers.
United States · United States Congress · 22 November 1991
Commends: (1) the people of Guam for their patriotism, bravery, loyalty to the United States, and many sacrifices during World War II, particularly during the invasion and occupation of the Guam territory; (2) the members of the Navy Insular Force and U.S. Navy and Marine Corps for the efforts and sacrifices they made in defense of the U.S.; (3) the Hawaiians for their sacrifices and contributions to the U.S. war effort during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941; and (4) the Hawaii Territorial Guard members, Varsity Victory Volunteers, the civilian workers at the Pearl Harbor Naval Ship Yard and other Hawaiian military installations, 100th Infantry Battalion, Military Intelligence Service, and 442nd Regimental Combat Team for their sacrifices and contributions to the U.S. war effort during such attack.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 1991
Haitian Refugee Protection Act of 1991 - Directs the President to: (1) assure the protection of Haitian nationals under U.S. control; and (2) reallocate at least 2000 federally funded FY 1992 refugee admissions to Haiti. Provides for temporary protected status for certain Haitian nationals.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 1991
Satellite Home Viewer Act Amendments of 1991 - Amends Federal copyright law to grant satellite distributors standing to sue satellite carriers for price discrimination practiced against home dish distributors for superstation and network station programming. Sets forth unlawful discrimination standards.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 1991
Calls upon the President, as part of the Uruguay Round General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) talks, to initiate negotiations to make GATT compatible with the Marine Mammal Protection Act and other U.S. health, safety, labor, and environmental laws, including laws to protect the environment outside of the United States. Declares that the Congress will not approve legislation to implement any trade agreement (including the Uruguay Round of the GATT and the U.S.-Mexico Free Trade Agreement) that jeopardizes such laws, including the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Clean Air Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1991
Educators' and Drug-Exposed Children's Assistance Act - Amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to establish a program authorizing the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) to make supplemental grants to States for demonstration programs regarding certain drug-exposed infants, toddlers and children. Sets conditions for such grant assistance. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require certain national clearinghouse activities relating to drug-exposed children. Directs the Secretary, in conjunction with such clearinghouse activities to provide consultation and technical assistance to educational personnel regarding educational needs of drug-exposed children and recommend effective strategies for assisting such children. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to schools of education at institutions of higher education for development, and instruction in the use of curricula and instructional materials that provide teachers and other personnel with effective strategies for educating drug-exposed children. Gives priority to schools located in or near communities with large numbers or rates with respect to drug abuse problems or drug-exposed infants or preschool or school children. Sets conditions for such grant assistance. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1991
Children of Substance Abusers Amendments Act - Title I: Services for Children of Substance Abusers - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, to make grants for the Federal share of the cost of community outreach services and services for children of substance abusers. Sets forth program requirements, including providing comprehensive services for the entire family. Sets forth requirements regarding: (1) the distribution of grants among specified types of entities; and (2) information and assurances which must be included in grant applications. Sets the Federal share at 90 percent. Authorizes appropriations. Provides for grants for the training of professionals and other staff who provide services to, or come in contact with, children and families of substance abusers. Requires the Administrator to identify the training needs of such professionals and other staff and develop a strategy for satisfying the needs. Prescribes the uses of the grant funds. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Home-Visiting Services for At-Risk Families - Directs the Secretary to make competitive three- to five-year grants for the Federal share of the costs of home visiting services, including help in obtaining health and social services. Sets forth priorities in awarding grants and information and assurances which must be included in grant applications. Sets the Federal share at 90 percent. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1991
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) there is a need for the development of a comprehensive, coordinated strategy to encourage investment in human and material resources, to harness our inventive genius to the marketplace, to secure the education and training of a competitive citizenry and workforce, and to stimulate cooperative efforts between the private and public sectors at all levels of business, education, and government; and (2) such a strategy will help the United States achieve its goal of being the strongest Nation on Earth economically and militarily, so that it remains the greatest Nation in support of human dignity, freedom, and democratic ideals.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1991
Amends the Airport Noise and Capacity Act of 1990 to exempt metropolitan airports from the program for the review of airport noise and access restrictions. Requires the application for a waiver of compliance with Stage 3 noise levels to contain assurances that operations of aircraft which do not so comply will not be concentrated at one or more airports. Prohibits an airport noise or access restriction on the operation of Stage 2 or Stage 3 aircraft to or from an airport in effect on November 5, 1990, from being modified, superseded, or repealed to make such restriction less stringent.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1991
National Commission on the Environment and National Security Act - Establishes a National Commission on the Environment and National Security to study the changing nature of U.S. national security and new environmental threats to natural and ocean resources and the atmosphere. Directs the Commission to report on such study and make specific recommendations with respect to: (1) new national security priorities in light of new environmental threats and global political changes; (2) additional Federal funding required to respond to such threats; and (3) possible institutional changes in the executive and legislative branches to ensure that environmental threats receive adequate priority in the national security policies and budgetary allocations of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 1991
House of Representatives Campaign Spending Limit and Election Reform Act of 1991 - Title I: Expenditure Limitations, Contribution Limitations, Matching Funds, and Reduced Third-Class Mail Rate for Eligible House of Representatives Candidates - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to set forth limitations regarding House of Representatives election expenditures, contributions, and matching funds. Limits aggregate contributions received and expenditures made by an eligible House of Representatives candidate in an election cycle to $600,000, with specified additional limitations in general, special, and runoff elections. Establishes the Make Democracy Work Fund (the Fund) for payment of funds and initial expenditures incurred by the Federal Election Commission (FEC) in the administration of this Act. Outlines FEC examination, audit, and repayment procedures to determine candidate compliance with this Act. Subjects FEC actions to judicial review. Directs the FEC to report to the House of Representatives regarding: (1) candidate expenditures made and balances remaining in the Fund after each election; and (2) a detailed explanation and justification of rules, regulations, and forms it has issued under this Act. Precludes a House of Representatives candidate from receiving funds from the Make Democracy Work Fund without prior certification that any television commercial was prepared or distributed by the candidate in a manner that readily permits closed captioning of the commercial's oral content by way of specified broadcast technology. Amends Federal Postal Service law to provide reduced third-class mailing rates to eligible House of Representatives candidates during a general election period. Title II: Limitations on Political Committee and Large Donor Contributions That May Be Accepted By House of Representatives Candidates; Miscellaneous Provisions Relating To Contributions Under The Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 - Sets forth limitations on political committee and large donor contributions (and contributions by dependents not of voting age) that may be accepted by House of Representatives candidates. Mandates that contributions to candidates from State and local political party committees be aggregated. Increases the amount that multicandidate political committees may contribute to national political party committees. Deems corporate or labor union expenditures for candidate appearances, debates, or voter guides to be contributions if the corporate or labor organization expressly advocates the election or defeat of a candidate or favors one candidate over another. Title III: Requirement of Budget Neutrality - Provides that the net costs of providing certain benefits under this Act must be fully offset by specified measures that either raise revenues or reduce spending by a specified deadline (thus achieving budget neutrality). Title IV: Independent Expenditures - Modifies definitions relating to independent expenditures. Sets forth reporting requirements for certain independent expenditures. Title V: Bundling and Soft Money - Prohibits any person from acting as conduit or intermediary for any contribution to any candidate, except in specified circumstances. States that such persons are likewise prohibited from conducting or participating in joint fundraising activities with or on behalf of any candidate. Sets forth limitations upon the combined political activities of political committees of political parties. Prohibits incumbents and candidates for Federal office from soliciting contributions to certain organizations substantially engaged in voter registration or get-out-the-vote campaigns. Mandates that political committees established and maintained by a national political party shall report all receipts and disbursements during the reporting period, whether or not in connection with an election for Federal office. Title VI: Prohibitions Relating to Political Committees and Foreign Nationals - Prohibits a candidate for Federal office from establishing, maintaining, or controlling any political committee other than a principal campaign committee, or certain authorized committees (thereby prohibiting the use of leadership committees). Allows such leadership committees to continue making contributions until one year after January 1, 1993, after which time all funds must be disbursed in one or more specified manners. Prohibits an unauthorized political committee from using the name of any candidate in any fundraising activity on its behalf in a context which suggests that the committee is the candidate's authorized committee. Prohibits a foreign national from controlling, influencing, or participating in election-related activities, including making contributions or expenditures relating to any political election or the administration of a political committee. Title VII: Campaign Surplus - Mandates that the funds exceeding $600,000 of incumbents who are House of Representatives candidates be deposited in a separate account subject to the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971. Title VIII: Campaign Advertising - Prescribes guidelines for campaign advertising related to: (1) printed communication; and (2) broadcast or cablecast communication. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to entitle House of Representatives candidates to the lowest unit rate charged by a licensee for the same amount of time (currently, the same class and amount of time for the same period on the same date, during the 30 (currently 45) days prior to the primary election and the 45 (currently 60) days prior to the general election). Prohibits the licensee from pre-empting such a candidate's use of the station except in an emergency. Title IX: Contribution Solicitation - Proscribes the solicitation of contributions by false representation by any person as a candidate or as a representative of a candidate or of a political party or committee. Title X: Reporting Requirements - Requires certain reports to identify any person (other than a committee) who contributes more than $50 (currently, more than $200). Directs the FEC to: (1) require with respect to specified reports that operating expenditures be reported on an election cycle basis, by category, as specified by the FEC; and (2) maintain computerized indices of contributions of $50.00 or more. Title XI: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1991
Commends the film industry for its commitment to making films more accessible to the hearing-impaired. Urges such industry to continue to make the development of open-captioning and other technology to aid the hearing-impaired an integral part of the film production and distribution process. Encourages: (1) filmmakers to produce and distribute versions of some films that are open-captioned or have advanced amplification systems; and (2) movie theatres to have at least some preannounced screenings of versions of featured films that are open-captioned.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1991
Congratulates Levon Ter-Petrosian for becoming the first democratically elected President of the Republic of Armenia. Commends the Armenian people for successfully executing Armenia's first free, fair, and democratic presidential election. Urges the President to recognize Armenia's declaration of independence, extend full diplomatic recognition, and support Armenia's application to join international organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1991
Puppy Protection Act - Provides remedies for consumers who purchase unfit dogs from pet dealers if, within specified periods of the date of sale, a licensed veterinarian makes certain certifications to the consumer with respect to the dog's condition (or, if the dog dies, not as a result of accident or injury, concerning the cause of death). Sets forth: (1) limitations on recovery; and (2) deadlines for notification to, and provision of remedy by, the dealer. Authorizes any consumer who is damaged by the failure of a dealer to comply with any obligation of such dealer under this Act to initiate a civil action to recover specified remedies in State or Federal court, subject to specified limitations. Provides for recovery of attorney fees and costs of appeal by a prevailing consumer. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to enjoin any dealer from failing to comply with any obligation under this Act. Grants the U.S. district courts jurisdiction over any such action brought by the Secretary. Requires each dealer: (1) at the time of the purchase of any dog by a consumer, to provide written notice of the consumer's rights and remedies and the dealer's obligations under this Act, to orally explain to the consumer the written notice, and to obtain from the consumer the consumer's address, a written acknowledgement that the consumer received and fully understands the written notice and oral explanation; (2) to conspicuously display at the dealer's business premises a written notice of the consumer's rights and remedies, the dealer's obligations, and the Secretary's authority under this Act; and (3) to conspicuously display at such premises, and in close proximity to any dog for sale, a written notice that identifies the State in which the dog was bred. Sets forth record-keeping requirements (to be maintained by the dealer and provided upon request of the Secretary). Authorizes the Secretary to impose a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per violation against any dealer who commits specified violations of this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish standards and procedures governing the imposition of civil penalties (after opportunity for a hearing on the record by the dealer) under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1991
Herbicide Reduction Act of 1991 - Prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture, with specified exceptions, from obligating funds for applied research to develop herbicide resistant plants. Directs the Secretary to reallocate existing funds for such purpose to alternative weed control systems. Directs: (1) the Secretary to survey land grant colleges to determine the extent to which the private sector is supporting such research; and (2) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to review herbicide resistant plant research.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1991
Designates December 4, 1991, as Federal Civilian Employee Remembrance Day to recognize contributions provided by Federal civilian employees during the attack on Pearl Harbor and during World War II.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1991
Prohibits the President from recommending for a 12-month period in 1992 continuation of a waiver of human rights and emigration requirements for nondiscriminatory treatment (most-favored-nation treatment) for the Soviet Union under the Trade Act of 1974 unless a specified report is submitted to the Congress stating that the Soviet Union has: (1) terminated all military and economic aid to Cuba; or (2) will terminate such aid to it within a reasonable time. Provides for the termination of such waiver if such requirements are not met.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1991
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Authorization Act of 1991 - Title I: National Ocean Service - Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Commerce for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for: (1) mapping, charting, and geodesy; (2) observation and assessment; and (3) ocean and coastal management. Prohibits funds under this Act from being used to conduct analyses of samples collected under the National Status and Trends Program until completion of a specified water circulation model for Long Island Sound. Earmarks observation and assessment funds for such a model. Title II: National Marine Fisheries Service - Amends the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Marine Fisheries Program Authorization Act to authorize appropriations to the Department of Commerce for the National Marine Fisheries Service for: (1) information collection and analysis; (2) conservation and management; and (3) State and industry assistance. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements with, and provide financial assistance to, State, marine fisheries commissions, regional fishery management councils, and academic institutions for research on marine animals, endangered species, and fisheries conservation and management. Mandates a study in the eastern Gulf of Mexico and a report to specified congressional committees on the effects of feeding of noncaptive dolphins by human beings. Requires establishment in NOAA of the National Shellfish Indicator Study Project to conduct research on pathogenic indicators of contamination of shellfish growing areas, to be conducted in accordance with a specified existing cooperative agreement between NOAA and the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to release certain previously-appropriated funds for shellfish water standards research. Authorizes appropriations. Mandates a comprehensive economic study and a report to the Congress to provide baseline information to guide policy decisions on the future of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic shrimp fishery. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Oceanic and Atmospheric Research - Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary for NOAA for: (1) climate and air quality research; and (2) atmospheric research. Requires the Office of the Chief Scientist of NOAA to submit to the Congress a plan for implementation of a nationwide climate services system and applied climatology program. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary for NOAA for ocean and Great Lakes research. Authorizes appropriations to the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OOAR) of NOAA for the Cooperative Institute for Limnology and Ecosystems Research. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary for the OOAR for a large lakes research plan. Title IV: National Weather Service - Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary for NOAA's National Weather Service (NWS) for operations and research. Mandates establishment of: (1) an advisory committee on Atlantic tropical cyclone research and reconnaissance; and (2) a five-year program for data collection, research, and analysis on such cyclones; and (3) a management plan for the five-year program. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary for the NWS for public warning and forecast systems, including systems acquisition. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary to complete the acquisition and deployment of the Next Generation Weather Radar system and the Automated Surface Observing Systems. Directs the Secretary to provide at least one NWS liaison officer for each area receiving such public institution liaison and community preparedness services, as of the date of enactment of this Act, from a Weather Service Office (WSO), a Weather Service Meteorological Observatory (WSMO), or an Agricultural Weather Service Center (AWSC). Requires such officer to be provided for at least two years after the WSO, WSMO, or AWSC is closed, consolidated, automated, or relocated. Directs the Secretary to provide such areas with sufficient personnel to ensure that modernization and restructuring of the NWS do not result in degradation in public institution liaison and community preparedness of such areas. Requires the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to identify areas for which there is significant doubt that the Secretary will be able to make a certification that such actions regarding a WSO or a Weather Service Forecast Office will not result in degradation of weather services to the affected area. Requires the Comptroller General to report to specified congressional committees regarding any areas certified by the Secretary which are listed by the NAS as significantly doubtful of certification. Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1989 to add removal of any NWS radar to the list of actions requiring such certification by the Secretary. Modifies the required contents of the certification and associated procedure. Title V: National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service - Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary for NOAA for: (1) satellite observing systems; and (2) completion of the procurement of specified Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites and Polar Orbiting Environmental Satellites and the launching and supporting ground systems for each; and (3) data and information services. Amends the Land Remote-Sensing Commercialization Act of 1984 to mandate that any license issued under specified provisions of that Act specify that the licensee shall promptly make available all unenhanced data which the Secretary of the Interior (currently, the Secretary of Commerce) may request under specified provisions of the Act relating to archiving of data. Amends provisions of the Act relating to archiving in order to transfer from the Secretary of Commerce to the Secretary of the Interior responsibility for: (1) providing for long-term storage, maintenance, and upgrading of the basic, global, land remote-sensing data set; (2) requesting data needed for the basic data set from a system operator; (3) making data which is in the public domain available to requesting parties; and (4) using existing Government facilities, to the extent practicable, to carry out these functions. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to consult with the Secretary of Commerce to ensure that archiving activities are consistent with the terms and conditions of any contract, agreement, or license under specified provisions of the Act. Title VI: Buy America Provisions - Sets forth Buy American provisions regarding any contract or subcontract made with funds authorized under this Act for articles, materials, or supplies. Declares ineligible for any contract or subcontract from NOAA any person determined by a court or Federal agency to have affixed a fraudulent "Made in America" label to any product. Authorizes awarding to a domestic firm a contract under this Act for goods that, under competitive procedures, would be awarded to a foreign firm, if certain circumstances exist. Title VII: Tropical Cyclone Research Program - Tropical Cyclone Research Act of 1991. Directs the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Commerce to establish a five-year joint program, which expands on the plan established in provisions of this Act relating to Atlantic tropical cyclones, for collecting operational and reconnaissance data, conducting research, and analyzing data on tropical cyclones to assist the forecast and warning program and increase the understanding of the causes and behavior of tropical cyclones. Sets forth the responsibilities of each Secretary. Directs those Secretaries to jointly develop and submit to the Congress management plans for: (1) the program established by this Act; and (2) continued tropical cyclone surveillance and reconnaissance which will adequately protect the citizens of U.S. coastal areas. Mandates that the management plan and program: (1) provide for a minimum of the same level and quality of protection as the current tropical cyclone surveillance and reconnaissance program; and (2) in no way allow any reduction in the level, quality, timeliness, sustainability, and area of served of both the existing principal and back-up severe storm reconnaissance and tracking systems. Title VIII: Program Support - Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary for NOAA for: (1) executive direction and administrative activities; (2) acquisition, construction, maintenance, and operation of facilities; (3) marine services; and (4) reactivation and operation of a specified research vessel. Directs the Secretary to acquire space from the Administrator of General Services that meets the long-term needs of NOAA on Near Island in Kodiak, Alaska, provided the annual lease costs do not exceed a specified amount. Prohibits deactivation of any NOAA research vessel until an equivalent replacement is operational. Prohibits construction of any NOAA vessel or its major components in a foreign shipyard. Prohibits NOAA vessels homeported in the United States from being overhauled, repaired, or maintained in a foreign shipyard, except for voyage repairs. Directs the Secretary to consult with the Oceanographer of the Navy regarding interoperability of NOAA vessels with Navy vessels. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary for modernization of the NOAA fleet. Mandates submission to the Congress of a detailed fleet replacement and modernization plan. Authorizes the Secretary to acquire NOAA vessels by purchase, lease, lease-purchase, or otherwise, under one or more multi-year contracts. Imposes requirements and conditions on such contracts. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary for NOAA for aircraft services. Title IX: Miscellaneous Provisions - Requires notice to specified congressional committees: (1) before the Secretary may carry out a major reorganization of, or reprogram over a specified amount of funds appropriated for, any NOAA program or activity; and (2) annually regarding any new NOAA program or activity. Requires the Comptroller General to submit to the Congress an audit of: (1) natural resource damage assessment and restoration activities of NOAA under specified Acts; and (2) the Damage Assessment and Restoration Revolving Fund. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on a two-year budget cycle for NOAA. Freezes the price of nautical charts or other nautical products produced or published by NOAA. Mandates a report to the Congress by the Committee on Earth and Environmental Sciences of the Federal Coordinating Council for Science, Engineering, and Technology regarding: (1) the most urgent current needs of oceanographic researchers for remote sensing capabilities and remotely sensed data; and (2) the major goals of satellite oceanography for the next ten years. Directs the Secretary to submit to specified congressional committees a report on how current and planned Federal satellite capabilities can aid in the enforcement of Federal fisheries laws and international fisheries conservation programs. Establishes in NOAA a Cooperative Institute of Fisheries Oceanography in partnership with Duke University and the Consolidated University of North Carolina. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to acquire space from the Administrator of General Services in the area of Newport News-Norfolk, Virginia, for consolidating and meeting the long-term space needs of NOAA in a cost-effective manner. Authorizes exchange of Department of Commerce real property for other real property in the area. Directs the Secretary to complete and make publicly available a manual describing requirements for recipients of NOAA financial assistance. Prohibits, after enactment of this Act, subjecting such assistance to review by the Financial Assistance Review Board. Sets forth procedures applicable to nondiscretionary assistance programs. Declares that, notwithstanding any other provision of law, financial assistance provided under a program for which the recipient is specified by statute to be, or has customarily been, a State or an interstate fishery commission may be provided on a sole-source basis. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary for implementing the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990. Prohibits using amounts appropriated under this Act for activities authorized separately under the Deep Seabed Hard Minerals Resources Act. Repeals the National Ocean Pollution Planning Act of 1978. Authorizes the Secretary to make a grant of a specified amount to a qualified institution to develop and promote innovative post-secondary education and research in seafood business management and vessel operations. Establishes in NOAA the Chesapeake Bay Estuarine Resources Office. Earmarks funds for the establishment of the Office. Requires, notwithstanding any other provision of law, that amounts received by the United States (after enactment of this Act or with respect to the grounding of the Exxon Valdez) as reimbursement of expenses related to oil or hazardous substance spills response activities conducted by NOAA: (1) be deposited in NOAA's Damage Assessment and Restoration Revolving Fund; (2) be available for use in accordance with the law under which the activities are conducted; and (3) not be considered to be an augmentation of appropriations. Requires reversion to the Humbolt Bay Harbor Recreation and Conservation District of certain property on Woodley Island in Eureka, California, acquired from that District and determined to be excess property.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1991
Makes the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in each even numbered year a legal public holiday known as Democracy Day (exept for purposes of statutes relating to pay and leave of Federal employees).
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1991
Long Island Sound Restoration Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to carry out a demonstration program to make annual grants to the States of New York and Connecticut for: (1) demonstrating methods of restoring and maintaining the water quality of designated bays and harbors of Long Island Sound at which water quality standards pursuant to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act have not been achieved or at which other significant water quality degradation has occurred; (2) demonstrating the importance of controlling nonpoint sources of pollution in restoring and maintaining water quality; (3) enhancing opportunities for water-dependent recreational activities, maintaining a healthy ecosystem, protecting and enhancing marine life, minimizing health risks associated with human consumption of shellfish and finfish, and ensuring that social and economic benefits to the public associated with the Sound are advanced; and (4) advancing goals and recommendations of the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan of the Long Island Sound Study. Requires the States of New York and Connecticut, in order to be eligible for grants, to designate bays and harbors of the Sound at which eligible activities will be carried out. Sets forth designation requirements. Requires grants to be used to: (1) carry out eligible activities and monitoring programs at designated bays and harbors; and (2) educate the public on the implementation and results of such activities. Allocates 2/3 and 1/3 of the amounts appropriated in a fiscal year for such grants to New York and Connecticut, respectively. Sets the non-Federal share of the costs of such activities at 30 percent. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1991
Urges: (1) the Government of the People's Republic of China to cancel all arms deals with the Government of Burma until all political prisoners are unconditionally released, martial law is lifted, and the results of the May 1990 elections are fully implemented; and (2) the President to instruct the Secretary of State to call for an end to China's military sales and economic support to Burma during any visit to Beijing or in other high-level contacts with Chinese representatives and to advise such Government that its continued support for the State Law and Order Restoration Council (the Burmese military government) will be a factor in the administration's consideration of extension of nondiscriminatory (most favored nation) trading status for China in 1992.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1991
Clean Water Act Research Amendments of 1991 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to revise the authorized activities of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency with respect to water pollution control and investigations. Establishes a National Water Quality Research Committee to advise the Administrator on research activities. Requires the Committee to report annually to the Congress on: (1) research conducted in the preceding year; (2) highest priority research needs for the following five-year period; (3) planned research activities; and (4) opportunities to coordinate Federal and State research. Establishes a Water Quality Monitoring Council to ensure the coordination of Federal and State surface and groundwater quality monitoring programs. Directs the Administrator to conduct a program of research and development of methods for the control of nonpoint sources of pollution. Requires the Administrator to: (1) conduct a national survey of data regarding bottom sediment contamination; and (2) conduct a program of research and development of methods for improved remediation and control of pollution problems resulting from contaminated sediments. Directs the Administrator to conduct a program of research and investigation concerning groundwater quality. Requires the Administrator to: (1) conduct a program of research and development to improve understanding of the status and trends of ecosystems and to develop improved predictive models upon which to base standardized protocols; and (2) issue protocols based on such program for use by States in conducting water quality assessments. Requires protocols to include requirements for monitoring rivers, streams, estuaries, coastal waters, and lakes. Directs the Administrator to conduct a research technology development and demonstration program to identify and demonstrate cost-effective preventive measures for sources of pollution in complex watersheds having a mix of land use types. Requires the Adminstrator to conduct a basic research, development, and demonstration program for wetlands. Revises provisions concerning grants for research and development to require the Administrator to establish a program to demonstrate practices for the prevention and control of industrial and municipal sources of water pollution. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants or enter into contracts with persons to demonstrate such practices. Sets forth conditions for the receipt of such assistance. Requires the Administrator to publish annual solicitations for proposals to demonstrate practices which may be effective in controlling sources of water pollution. Sets forth application and approval procedures. Limits the amount of Federal funding for projects. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1991
Nuclear Testing Moratorium Act - Prohibits the Secretary of Energy from conducting any explosive nuclear weapons test during the one-year period following the enactment of this Act unless the President certifies to the Congress that the Soviet Union has conducted such a test during such period.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1991
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) it should be U.S. policy to pursue discussions regarding Syria and terrorism at the Middle East peace conference in Madrid, Spain, in October and November of 1991; and (2) Syria should renounce all forms of terrorism, cease all support of terrorism, and close all terrorist training bases on Syrian territory and Syrian-controlled Lebanese territory.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1991
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) encourage the Contracting Parties to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) to support the world environment and world wildlife by discouraging trade in goods and services harmful to them; and (2) oppose any GATT action which impinges on the ability of the United States to protect them.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1991
Commends: (1) the participants in the Middle East Peace Conference scheduled to convene in Madrid on October 30, 1991; (2) Secretary of State Baker for bringing the parties to the Arab-Israeli conflict to the negotiating table; (3) President Bush for his support of the peace process; and (4) Israel and the Soviet Union for resuming diplomatic relations. Encourages: (1) the participants to continue to overcome their distrust and enmity in the pursuit of peace and security; and (2) Secretary Baker to continue his active role to facilitate the parties in their direct negotiations. Restates the Congress's unequivocal support of, and commitment to, the peace process.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1991
Federal Employee Fairness Act of 1991 - Amends title VII (Equal Employment Opportunities) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to provide for coverage and administrative determination by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) of Federal employee discrimination claims under title VII. Requires Federal agencies to make voluntary counseling and a voluntary alternative dispute process available to Federal employees to resolve complaints. Prohibits such agencies from: (1) requiring Federal employees to participate in such counseling or dispute process; or (2) discouraging them from filing title VII discrimination complaints. Entitles the Federal employee, if a settlement agreement has not been reached with the respondent, to either: (1) file with the EEOC a request for determination of the title VII claim by an EEOC administrative judge or, under certain conditions, by the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), or under certain administrative and judicial procedures under Federal law relating to Federal employees; or (2) commence a civil action in an appropriate U.S. district court for de novo review of such title VII claim. Amends the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) with respect to nondiscrimination on account of age in Federal Government employment and EEOC enforcement of the prohibition. Allows aggrieved individuals to either: (1) file a complaint with the Commission in accordance with, and in the same manner as claims under, title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; or (2) commence a civil action, within a specified period, in an appropriate U.S. district court for de novo review of the violation. Requires the EEOC to: (1) notify promptly all persons named in the notice as prospective defendants in such action; and (2) take any appropriate action to eliminate any unlawful practice. Allows individuals with a complaint pending before the EEOC during a specified period the opportunity to commence a civil action within a specified period. Amends Federal law relating to Federal employees with respect to grievance procedures and actions involving discrimination. Allows a Federal employee to commence, within 120 days after a final decision in a grievance procedure, a civil action in an appropriate U.S. district court for de novo review of a complaint of discrimination prohibited by any law administered by the EEOC. Allows a Federal employee or applicant for Federal employment to file a complaint with the EEOC in accordance with title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and select specified administrative and judicial procedures under title VII or other Federal law relating to Federal employees for grievance procedures or actions involving discrimination. Directs the agency (including the EEOC and the MSPB) that carries out such selected procedures to apply the appropriate substantive law. Allows a Federal employee who elected specified procedures, if the EEOC dismisses the claim under title VII, to raise the action within a certain time period under other specified procedures relating to Federal employees, except that no allegation of a kind involving specified Federal laws against discrimination cited in the dismissed complaint may be thus raised. Entitles a Federal employee to file within a specified period a civil action in the appropriate U.S. district court for de novo review of the action raised under specified procedures if there is no judicially reviewable action at the end of a specified period. Directs the EEOC, within one year after enactment of this Act, to issue rules to: (1) assist Federal Government entities to comply with this Act; and (2) establish a uniform written notice and requirements applicable to collecting and preserving documents and information.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1991
Local Partnership Act of 1991 - Establishes a revenue sharing program of payments to local governments. Sets forth the general framework for the timing of payments and for adjustments. Establishes in the Treasury a Local Government Fiscal Assistance Trust Fund (trust fund), with the Secretary of the Treasury as the personal trustee, and authorizes FY 1993 through 1997 appropriations to finance it. Describes qualifying criteria for and conditions to be met by local governments seeking payments under the program. Withholds payments in cases of noncompliance. Requires the Secretary, in accordance with specified formulae, to determine the amount from the trust fund to be allocated to each State for further allocation to county, municipal, and township local governments as well as to Indian tribes and Alaskan native villages. Permits State variation of certain local government allocations. Sets forth special rules governing adjustments in local government allocations, including a limit on allocations to local government units based on a specified formula. Specifies the information to be used in making allocations under the program. Requires public hearings on proposed uses of program payments in relation to the local government's budget. Requires public disclosure of information on proposed payment uses and proposed budgets of local governments both prior to the hearing and after adoption of the budget. Prohibits discrimination under a local government program or activity on the basis of race, color, national origin, or sex if such program or activity is paid for with funds provided under this Act. Lists additional prohibitions applicable to such programs or activities. Prescribes procedures for: (1) instituting administrative proceedings for violations of such prohibitions; (2) suspending and terminating payments; and (3) judicial review of such sanctions. Sets forth provisions providing for: (1) enforcement by the Attorney General of such prohibitions; (2) civil actions by persons adversely affected by such prohibitions; (3) independent audits of local government finances; (4) investigations by the Secretary of possible violations of this Act; (5) reviews by the Comptroller General of activities of the Secretary, State governments, and local government units to determine compliance with this Act; (6) annual reports by the Secretary to the Congress on both the trust fund and the administration of the payment program; and (7) annual reports by local govermental units to the Secretary on program payments.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1991
Medicaid Moratorium Amendments of 1991 - Amends the Technical and Miscellaneous Revenues Act of 1988 to: (1) delay until September 30, 1992, the issuance of regulations changing the treatment under the Medicaid program (title XIX of the Social Security Act) of voluntary contributions and provider-specific taxes; and (2) maintain current regulations that allow intergovernmental transfers as a source of a State's expenditures for which Federal matching funds are available under the Medicaid program. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to submit to specified congressional committees a report on: (1) regulations to limit the use of voluntary contributions and provider-specific taxes to obtain Federal financial participation; (2) specific types of voluntary contributions and provider-specific taxes that may be used as sources of State expenditures for which Federal financial participation is available; and (3) any legislation that the Secretary believes is appropriate. Sets forth budget compliance provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 1991
Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), acting through the Office of Research and Development, to enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study of the environmental research basis for wetlands delineation. Requires the Academy to report the findings of the study to the Congress, along with recommendations for legislative and administrative actions. Authorizes appropriations. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the EPA should not adopt proposed revisions to the Federal Manual for Delineating Wetlands until six months after the Academy submits such report.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 1991
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the International Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement should include Magen David Adom (MDA) as a legitimate national society of the Movement; (2) the Star of David should be recognized as a legitimate symbol of humanitarian concern when utilized by MDA; and (3) all other national societies of the Movement should support full MDA membership.
![Official portrait of Rep. Scheuer, James H. [D-NY-8]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/7e670fd18b46ab357b2266777634a548_200.jpg)