United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1990
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that the Congress and the States shall have power to prohibit the act of physical desecration of the U.S. flag and to set criminal penalties for such act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1990
Directs the President to report to the Congress on whether the Government of India is preventing human rights organizations from visiting India to monitor human rights conditions. Terminates development assistance to India (except for assistance for specified health projects) if the President reports that the Government of India is implementing such policy. Provides for the resumption of assistance to India if the President reports to the Congress that India is no longer implementing such policy.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1990
Calls immediately for Greyhound Lines, Inc., and the Amalgamated Transit Union to resume negotiations under the auspices of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service and the Secretary of Labor.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1990
Condemns the restrictions of the print and electronic media imposed by the Soviet Union on journalists attempting to cover events in Lithuania. Urges: (1) General Secretary Gorbachev to rescind restrictions on the admission of Western journalists to, and on freedom of the press in, Lithuania; and (2) President Bush to take steps to facilitate the readmission of Western journalists to Lithuania.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1990
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the administration should: (1) be commended for its quick action in addressing the humanitarian crisis in northern Ethiopia; and (2) impress upon Ethiopia's opposition groups that the U.S. attitude toward each such group will be greatly influenced by their cooperation in facilitating relief efforts and by steps they take in negotiating a lasting political settlement. Requests the President to urge: (1) the parties to the conflict in northern Ethiopia to agree to a ceasefire, to accept free passage of relief, and to permit the United Nations (U.N.) to assume a prominent role in coordinating international relief efforts; (2) Soviet President Gorbachev to press the Ethiopian Government to agree to such actions; and (3) nations supplying military assistance to the warring parties in Ethiopia to use their influence to facilitate a ceasefire and end external military flows. Urges the President: (1) until the Ethiopian Government takes such actions, to oppose favorable treatment of such Government by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), to continue to oppose upgrading of U.S. diplomatic relations with such Government, and to prohibit the importation of Ethiopian coffee; and (2) after the Ethiopian Government takes such actions and has made substantial progress in effecting macroeconomic reform and in negotiating a settlement of Ethiopia's internal wars, to begin the normalization of relations and to support an expanded World Bank and IMF role in Ethiopia.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1990
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for an inflation adjustment to the inclusion in gross income of old-age, survivors and disability insurance and certain railroad retirement benefits when there is an increase in such benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1990
Mortgage Servicing Transfer Disclosure Act of 1990 - Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to prescribe mortgage servicing disclosure requirements for each person making a federally related mortgage loan to a consumer (including the identity of the person to whom the mortgage servicing contract is transferred). Sets forth guidelines for the treatment of consumer loan payments during the period in which the mortgage loan servicing contract is being transferred. Sets forth liability guidelines for violations of this Act. Authorizes consumer class action suits. Sets forth guidelines for annual notification to the consumer by the mortgage servicer of the consumer's escrow account status, including itemized expenses and anticipated charges.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1990
Veterans' Employment and Training Amendment of 1990 - Provides eligibility for veterans' counseling, training, and placement services to veterans who have served on active duty for more than 180 days and who are eligible for discharge or release from such duty under conditions other than dishonorable within 90 days.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1990
Department of Veterans Affairs Health Professionals Compensation and Labor-Relations Act of 1990 - Title I: Physicians and Dentists Special Pay - Revises provisions of Federal law relating to special pay for health-care professionals of the Veterans Health Services and Research Administration (HSRA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (Department). Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in order to recruit and retain highly qualified physicians and dentists, to provide special pay upon the execution of a written agreement between the Secretary and the individual involved providing that the individual shall serve a required period of obligated service within the HSRA. Provides that such an individual is not entitled to such special pay during the first three years of such service, except at the discretion of the Secretary for full-time services. Prohibits the payment of special pay to those physician and dentist positions for which there is no significant recruitment and retention problem. Outlines requirements of a written agreement, including provisions providing for: (1) a covered period of one to four years; (2) refunding of special pay for unfulfilled service; (3) the waiver of such refund requirement due to circumstances beyond the control of the physician or dentist; and (4) submission to the Secretary of agreements where an individual is entering into a second or subsequent agreement for a specified amount of special pay. Authorizes the Secretary to adjust amounts of special pay to reflect changes in the status of a physician or dentist. Directs the Secretary to provide special pay to eligible full-time physicians based upon specified factors, including: (1) tenure within the HSRA; (2) service in a medical specialty for which it is extremely difficult to recruit and retain qualified professionals; (3) service in certain executive positions; (4) specialty or board certifications; and (5) service in a geographic location for which there are extraordinary difficulties in the recruitment or retention of qualified personnel. Requires the maximum amount of special pay to be paid to the Chief Medical Director (CMD) and the Deputy Chief Medical Director (DCMD). Directs the Secretary to provide special pay to part-time eligible physicians based upon similar factors. Requires the Secretary to pay each such physician an amount of special pay equal to the proportion of full-time service that a physician performs. Directs the Secretary to provide special pay to eligible full-time and part-time dentists based upon similar factors. Prohibits physicians and dentists provided special pay and serving in certain executive positions from being paid scarce specialty pay (another form of special pay that rewards scarce specialty areas of practice). Requires, with regard to the payment of special pay, determinations: (1) that there are extraordinary difficulties in recruitment or retention; (2) of the amount of special pay based upon the special pay factors for each individual; and (3) of whether there are extraordinary difficulties in a specific geographic location in the recruitment or retention of qualified physicians or dentists. Outlines considerations for determinations with respect to extraordinary recruitment and retention difficulties and the payment of scarce specialty pay for individual medical facilities of the Department. Outlines the manner in which special pay is to be considered for purposes of other benefits laws for Federal employees. States that it is the policy of the Congress to assure that total pay for HSRA physicians and dentists is comparable to total pay of other Government physicians and dentists and to the income of non-Federal physicians and dentists. Directs the Secretary: (1) in order to assist in implementing such policy, to obtain measures of income of such non-Department physicians and dentists and to define the bases for pay distinctions; (2) to report to the President quadrennially on appropriate amounts of special pay to HSRA physicians and dentists to carry out such policy; and (3) to report to specified congressional committees annually on the use of authorities under this title. Directs the Secretary to reimburse any full-time board-certified physician or dentist appointed in the HSRA for expenses incurred, up to $1,000 per year, for continuing professional education. Title II: Nurses Pay Grades and Pay Administration - Directs the Secretary to restructure the current nurse pay grades so as to provide four grade levels (entry, intermediate, senior, and director grade levels). Requires the Secretary to maintain the four new grade levels established for nurses employed in the Department. Provides GS-levels for each nurse grade, with appropriate step increments. Requires Department nurses serving as head nurses to receive basic pay at a rate two steps above the otherwise applicable rate. Authorizes the director of a medical center of the Department to provide step promotions or cash bonuses to nurses who have qualifications, experience, or achievements which the director determines exceed the standards for the nurse's current grade. Outlines factors to be considered by the director in making such determinations. Directs the Secretary to provide that the director of a medical center of the Department may appoint a nurse at a basic pay rate in excess of the minimum rate otherwise applicable if necessary to obtain the services of qualified nurses at that medical center. Requires the director to document and include the reasons for taking such action in his or her next budget submission. Repeals a current limitation on the hourly rate of overtime pay permissible for nurses within the Department. Title III: Labor-Management Relations - Revises Federal provisions concerning personnel administration and collective bargaining procedures within the Department. Includes all employees appointed in the HSRA under such provisions. Provides that the authority of the Secretary to prescribe regulations with regard to such employees is subject to the right of Federal employees to engage in the collective bargaining process with respect to conditions of employment. States that such collective bargaining may not cover, or have any applicability to, any matter or question arising out of professional conduct or competence. Provides that the issue of whether a matter concerns or arises out of professional conduct or competence shall be decided by the Secretary and is not subject to collective bargaining. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe regulations establishing conditions under which employees of the HSRA who are nationally recognized in the area of medical research may be permitted to accept payment from non-Federal entities and individuals for travel and reasonable expenses for attending meetings, performing advisory services, and accepting awards. Requires any person who engages in such extra-professional activities to work a minimum 80-hour biweekly amount. Outlines activities and responsibilities that such a person may not engage in or take on while an employee of the Department. Provides that whenever the CMD brings charges against a Department employee based on conduct or performance and, as a result of those charges, an adverse (disciplinary) action is taken against the employee, the employee shall have the right to appeal the action, either through: (1) a Disciplinary Appeals Board; (2) Department procedures; or (3) grievance procedures provided through collective bargaining, depending on the type of action involved. Requires the Secretary to publish in the Federal Register any proposed regulations concerning the collective bargaining or adverse action procedures. States that Disciplinary Appeals Boards shall have exclusive jurisdiction to review any case: (1) which arises out of a question of professional conduct or competence of an employee of the Department employed on a full-time basis under a permanent appointment; and (2) in which a major adverse action was taken (suspension, transfer, reduction in grade or pay, or discharge). Gives employees involved in such a case the right to: (1) advance written notice of the charges and actions that could be taken if the charges are sustained; and (2) an opportunity to be heard both orally and in writing on such charges. Requires a decision on such case by a deciding official within 21 days after the employee's response to the charges. Allows for a delay in a proposed action for up to one year while an employee seeks counseling or treatment for a condition covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Allows the Secretary to require an employee to make a written or oral response to the charges within 30 days of receipt, with extension for good cause shown. Outlines further administrative action to be taken by the Board in a major adverse action appeals procedure, together with time limitations involved in each step. States that the Secretary's execution of the Board's decision shall be the final administrative action in the case, with the affected employee entitled to judicial review of the order or decision. Requires the Secretary to prescribe procedures for the consideration of grievances of Department employees arising from adverse actions in which each action taken either: (1) is not a major adverse action; or (2) does not arise out of a question of professional conduct or competence. States that Disciplinary Appeals Boards shall not have jurisdiction to review such matters. States that review of an adverse action shall be provided through either Department procedures or through grievance procedures provided through collective bargaining. Outlines the rights of employees under the Department procedures to: (1) a formal review by an impartial examiner within the Department; (2) a prompt report of findings; (3) a prompt review of the examiner's findings by a higher official; and (4) legal or other representation. Requires the Secretary to appoint Disciplinary Appeals Boards to hear appeals of major adverse actions taken against full-time Department employees based on professional conduct or performance. Authorizes the chairman of such a Board to authorize disclosure to the affected employee of records or information to be reviewed during an appeal procedure. Provides for the protection of the privacy of the individuals whose records are involved. Requires the Secretary to periodically designate Department employees qualified to serve on Disciplinary Appeals Boards and to announce that a list of such qualified employees is available to any person requesting such list. Requires the Secretary to provide training in the functions and duties of such Boards and grievance procedures for employees selected to be on the panel. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Exempts the Veterans Health Services and Research Administration, Medical Care Account from sequestration or reduction under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). Authorizes the Secretary to carry out certain administrative reorganizations of regional and district offices as described in a prior communication to the Congress. Requires judges of the U.S. Court of Veterans Appeals to receive the salary rate received by judges of the U.S. Court of Military Appeals. Makes licensed practical nurses, vocational nurses, and nurse assistants eligible for premium pay on the same basis as registered nurses.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1990
Loans to One Borrower Transition Rule Act of 1990 - Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act to establish a transition period during which specified limits apply to total loans and credit extensions offered by savings associations to any one borrower. Requires the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision to prescribe regulations to implement this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1990
Commends the United Nations Human Rights Commission for extending the mandate of the Cuba Working Group with regard to the human rights situation in Cuba. Condemns the Government of Cuba for engaging in a consistent pattern of human rights violations and harassment of human rights activists. Calls upon the Cuban Government to: (1) honor its guarantees that individuals who testified before the Cuban Working Group would not be subject to reprisals; (2) release all human rights activists and other political prisoners; and (3) meet universally recognized standards of human rights.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1990
Department of Defense Civilian Employee Retirement Incentive Act - Allows certain employees of the Department of Defense serving in entities undergoing a major reorganization, reduction in force, or transfer of functions to elect to have five years added to their age upon separation, their total creditable service, or a combination thereof (not to exceed five years) for purposes of determining retirement eligibility and benefits under the Civil Service and Federal Employees' Retirement Systems.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1990
Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to provide that the definition of "owner or operator" (for purposes of liability) does not include: (1) a designated lending institution which acquires control of a facility pursuant to the terms of a security interest held by the person in such facility or in connection with a lease subject to Federal or State banking authorities; (2) a corporate fiduciary which operates or has legal title to a facility pursuant to the terms of an estate or trust; (3) an individual or institution that serves as an indenture trustee and acquires control of a facility as the result of default on a financing document between the trustee and the issuing entity; and (4) an individual fiduciary who has legal title to a facility for purposes of administering an estate or trust.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1990
Underwater Pipeline Leak Prevention Act of 1990 - Amends the Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Act of 1979 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to promulgate regulations that require operators of underwater pipelines to report on: (1) the condition and safety of such pipelines; and (2) the identification of sections of the pipeline facility which are most likely to cause environmental damage to a sensitive aquatic area. Requires the Secretary to develop model laws (including regulations) for the mapping and survey of underwater pipelines and encourage States to adopt them. Requires States as a condition to receiving Federal grants for pipeline safety programs to have such laws in effect and enforce them. Requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations relating to the safe operation of underwater pipelines and pipeline facilities operating in sensitive aquatic environments. Requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations requiring all underwater pipelines to accommodate instrumented internal inspection devices (smart pigs). Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations to prevent collisions between ships and pipeline facilities located under water of a depth of 50 feet or less. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to study the effects of hydrostatic testing of pipeline facilities. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations establishing standards for the operation and inspection of pipeline facilities that operate at a stress level of 20 percent or less of the specified minimum yield strength of the line pipe.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1990
Medicare Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Payment Amendments of 1990 - Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish uniform national fee schedule payment rates for certified registered nurse anesthetist services.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1990
Textile, Apparel, and Footwear Trade Act of 1990 - Limits the 1990 imports of textiles and textile products classified under a category to an amount equal to 101 percent of the total 1989 imports classified under such category. Limits the 1990 imports of nonrubber footwear classified under a nonrubber footwear category to an amount equal to: (1) the total 1989 imports of nonrubber footwear classified under such category; and (2) in the case of high priced nonrubber footwear, the total 1989 imports of high priced nonrubber footwear classified under such category. Provides for a one-percent annual growth in the amount of permitted imports of textiles and textile products after 1990. Exempts from the limitations imposed under this Act imports of textiles and textile products from U.S. possessions if such articles are exempt from duty under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States and are manufactured by U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents of such a possession. Limits the imports of certain sweaters made in Guam to a specified amount during FY 1990 and to such amount increased by one percent per year in subsequent years. Declares such limitations shall not apply to Canada or Israel. Sets forth limitations on the amount of textile and textile products, classified under certain import categories, which may be imported from beneficiary countries under the Caribbean Basin Initiative. Authorizes the President to: (1) enter into trade agreements to grant new concessions as compensation to the extent required under U.S. trade agreements for the import limits imposed by this Act; and (2) proclaim such modification or continuance of any existing duty on textiles and textile products and on nonrubber footwear as necessary to carry out such agreements. Prohibits the President from reducing any rate of duty by more than ten percent. Requires the President, before entering into such trade agreements, to consider whether a country has violated trade concessions of benefit to the United States and the violation has not been adequately offset. Sets forth requirements governing staged rate reductions in the tariffs of articles affected by this Act. Prohibits the President, except as authorized by this Act, from entering into trade negotiations with any country with respect to duties on textiles, textile products, and nonrubber footwear. Prohibits the President, except as provided in this Act, from decreasing or proposing a decrease in any such duty by any means, including an implementing bill or a proclamation. Requires the President to report annually to the Congress on the administration of this Act. Requires the Secretary of Commerce, ten years after enactment of this Act, to study and report to the Congress on its operation. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a pilot program for the issuance and sale to U.S. companies at public auction of import licenses applicable to categories of textiles. Terminates such licensing program on December 31, 1991, and requires a report to the Congress on its administration.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1990
Condemns the Government of Iraq for its forced resettlement program of Kurdish and Assyrian villages, its human rights violations, and its covenants. Urges the Government of Iraq to: (1) allow international relief personnel access to the Kurdish inhabited areas of northern Iraq; and (2) extend to all people in Iraq certain fundamental rights. Calls upon the Secretary of State to continue to: (1) encourage the Government of Iraq to implement human rights reforms and to establish a multiparty democracy; (2) call attention to human rights violations in international fora; (3) cooperate with other governments to focus attention on the situation in Iraq; and (4) provide, and urge others to provide, refugee and humanitarian assistance for those Kurds who have been forced to flee their homeland and promote international efforts to address the needs of the refugees.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1990
Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (the Secretary), in conjunction with the Secretary of Defense, to make grants to qualifying medical schools to assist in the establishment of new medical research centers. Outlines qualifications for medical schools eligible for such grants, including: (1) being primarily State-supported; (2) having no established research center in the field for which application is made; (3) being located in proximity to a Department of Veterans Affairs medical facility which has an affiliation with a medical facility of the Department of Defense; and (4) having demonstrable potential for successful development of such a new research center. Requires the Secretary to ensure that centers for which grants are made are geographically dispersed within the United States. Requires the Secretary to establish an advisory committee to advise a medical school with respect to activities of the center for which a grant is made. Prohibits the Secretary from entering into an agreement to make a grant unless the Secretary finds that the school will maintain arrangements with the Department medical facility with which it is affiliated as to be mutually beneficial in carrying out the mission of the respective medical facilities and the school. Requires facilities of such research centers to be made available on a competitive basis. Requires the fact of Federal funding for such centers to be acknowledged in the activities and publications of the center. Requires that grants may only be provided from funds specifically appropriated for such grants. Requires matching appropriations to the Department of Defense for research, development, testing, and evaluation whenever an appropriation is made to the Department for such grants. Requires an agreement for such grants to include certain assurances with respect to the sufficiency of non-Federal funding for such research centers. Authorizes the Secretary to increase grant amounts due to cost increases, within specified limits. Sets forth application requirements from medical schools desiring to receive such grants. Requires the Secretary, in considering such applications, to give priority to applications which emphasize research in one or more of the following areas: (1) diabetes and metabolic diseases; (2) prosthetics and rehabilitation medicine; (3) mental health, behavioral medicine, and neurological disease; (4) acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and related diseases; (5) Alzheimer and dementia; (6) degenerative cardiopulmonary disease; (7) cancer; (8) technology assessment; and (9) toxicology. Requires the Secretary to use a merit review process in considering applications and awarding grants under this Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1994. Entitles the Secretary to recover from grant recipients any amount not used for appropriate grant purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1990
Commends the United Nations Human Rights Commission for extending the mandate of the Cuba Working Group with regard to the human rights situation in Cuba. Condemns the Government of Cuba for engaging in a consistent pattern of human rights violations and harassment of human rights activists. Calls upon the Cuban Government to: (1) honor its guarantees that individuals who testified before the Cuban Working Group would not be subject to reprisals; (2) release all human rights activists and other political prisoners; and (3) meet universally recognized standards of human rights.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1990
World War II 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should recognize the 50th anniversary of World War II by minting and issuing commemorative coins. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue and mint such coins in five dollar, one dollar, and half dollar denominations. Mandates that surcharges received from the sale of such coins be deposited in a coinage profit fund and allocated, upon separate congressional authorization, to the American Battle Monuments Commission to establish a World War II memorial. Directs the Secretary to report semiannually to the Congress regarding implementation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1990
Title I: Establishment of Clean Coastal Beaches Council and Guidelines for Clean Beaches - Beaches Environmental Assessment, Closure, and Health Act of 1990 - Directs the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to establish a Clean Coastal Beaches Council to: (1) develop environmental quality criteria that establish guidelines for pathogens and floatables in coastal zone recreation waters; (2) develop uniform monitoring and testing protocols related to the environmental quality and safety of such waters; and (3) submit such criteria and protocols to coastal States. Directs the Council to develop and periodically update a study to determine the most effective indicators for assessing environmental quality of such waters. Requires the study to provide technical information and assistance to States. Title II: Coastal Beaches Plan: Amendments to State Coastal Zone Management Programs - Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to require States with approved management programs to submit plans to the Under Secretary that: (1) identify coastal zone recreation waters and the means by which the State assures that such waters comply with environmental quality criteria; (2) contain monitoring and testing procedures for such waters; (3) describe processes for closure and reopening of areas pursuant to environmental quality guidelines; and (4) assess penalties against persons whose activities result in beach closures. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1990
Innovative Boot Camp Prison Act of 1990 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize grants to States to carry out projects that demonstrate innovative alternatives to the imprisonment of individuals convicted of nonviolent offenses. Includes boot camp prisons as such alternatives, in conjunction with drug treatment, literacy education, vocational education, and job training programs. Makes drug testing and treatment mandatory for drug offenders. Sets forth: (1) application procedures and requirements for grants; and (2) procedures for review of applications. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1990
Congratulates: (1) the people of Lithuania on their recent multiparty elections; (2) the new Government on its decision to restore Lithuanian independence; and (3) the new Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania. Urges the Soviet Government to enter into negotiations with the new Lithuanian Government on an equal basis and to refrain from acts of political and economic intimidation against Lithuania. Urges the President to: (1) strengthen and seek ways to demonstrate his commitment to an independent and democratic Lithuania; (2) take steps toward normalizing diplomatic relations with the Lithuanian Government; (3) seek effective political support among our allies as Lithuania attempts to negotiate credits in Western markets; and (4) seek ways to make appropriate technical assistance available to the Lithuanian people.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1990
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cover colon cancer preventive screening examinations, an annual physical examination performed by a physician or nurse practitioner, and verbal and written mental health screening examinations if a demonstration project to be conducted by the Secretary of Health and Human Services proves such examinations to be cost-effective or of moderate cost but measurably health enhancing.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1990
Depository Institution Golden Parachute Prohibition Act of 1990 - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to authorize the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Board of Directors to prohibit any insured depository institution from making golden parachute payments as defined in the Internal Revenue Code (payments resulting from an agreement during the pendency of a tender offer to increase the compensation of senior management personnel).
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1990
Affordable Housing and First Home Buyer Assistance Act of 1990 - Title I: First Home Ownership Accounts - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permit a personal deduction for specified contributions to a first home ownership account. Treats such account as an individual retirement account upon a first home purchase. Title II: Repeal of Taxation of Gain on Sale of Principal Residence - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the taxation of gain on the sale of a principal residence. Title III: Mortgage Bonds and Credit Certificates - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 1993 the issue period for qualified mortgage bonds. Title IV: Mortgage Insurance - Amends the National Housing Act with regard to adjustable rate single family mortgages to: (1) increase maximum interest adjustments; and (2) repeal the aggregate fiscal year limit on such insured mortgages and loans. Authorizes a first-time homebuyer downpayment insurance demonstration program. Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act to provide a secondary market for downpayment loans. Amends the National Housing Act to authorize insurance for downpayment loans. Amends the National Housing Act to establish minimum Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund reserves. Title V: Study Regarding Shared Equity Reserves - Directs the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on shared equity mortgages for first-time homebuyers. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1990
Raises the minimum per annum rates of basic pay for entry level grades GS-3 through GS-10 for Federal law enforcement officers on a sliding scale with larger adjustments at the lower levels. Directs the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to prescribe regulations to: (1) readjust the rates of pay for such entry level grades every three years, based upon comparisons of State and local compensation for comparable work, in order to keep starting salaries of Federal law enforcement officers competitive with those paid to State and local law enforcement officers; and (2) establish a mechanism to adjust the rates of pay of Federal law enforcement officers serving in certain high cost-of-living areas in order to recruit and retain the best-qualified individuals. Sets forth procedures for identifying those regions for which higher pay rates are needed. Terminates a pay rate payable to Federal law enforcement officers that is based on a particular region if such an officer is transferred or reassigned to a place outside of such region. Requires pay rates established under this Act to be based on data compiled by the National Advisory Commission on Law Enforcement. Directs the Bureau of Labor Statistics to survey State and local law enforcement salaries every three years to compile the data needed to carry out this Act. Authorizes Federal agency heads, in order to retain highly qualified law enforcement officers who possess special skills or experience or whose continued services are particularly important due to factors associated with the geographic area to which they are assigned, to pay Federal law enforcement officers who are eligible for retirement an allowance of up to $10,000 per year provided the officers agree to complete at least one year of additional service in the agency involved. Makes Federal law enforcement officers who are transferred to an area within the United States having higher than average housing costs eligible for a relocation payment of up to $20,000 provided they agree to remain in Federal law enforcement for a specified period. Authorizes Federal agencies to offer rates of pay higher than the minimum rates for positions of GS-3 (currently, GS-11) or above if necessary to attract well qualified entry-candidates for Federal law enforcement service. Authorizes Federal agencies to pay law enforcement officers who possess and make substantial use of foreign language proficiency while performing their official duties a cash award of up to 25 percent of basic pay. Raises the mandatory age for Federal law enforcement officers to retire under the Civil Service and Federal Employees' Retirement Systems from 55 to 57. Changes the method of computing overtime for Federal law enforcement officers to one and one-half times the hourly rate of basic pay for work performed in excess of 40 hours per week. Limits the aggregate rate of pay (including premium pay) for Federal law enforcement officers in a calendar year to the pay rate for level V of the Executive Schedule. Prohibits application of other limitations on premium pay for administratively uncontrollable overtime. Excludes members of the U.S. Secret Service, Uniformed Division, Diplomatic Security Service special agents, postal inspectors, and pretrial services and probation officers from receiving premium pay except for night, Sunday, and holiday work.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1990
Condemns the recent violence against unarmed civilians in Nimba County, Liberia. Calls upon all parties to the conflict to comply with provisions of the Geneva Convention which establish the right of noncombatants to humane treatment. Urges the President to: (1) convey to the Government of Liberia U.S. concerns about human rights abuses in Liberia since 1980; (2) urge such Government to quickly resolve the conflict in a manner which permits Liberian refugees to return to their homes; (3) support efforts to meet humanitarian needs of such refugees in neighboring countries; (4) bar U.S. military advisors from accompanying Liberian troops in fighting the insurgency in Nimba County; and (5) consider recent events in such County in making the assessment related to human rights required under the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1990. Sets forth conditions for resumption of military assistance to Liberia in the event that the suspension of foreign assistance is no longer required under provisions restricting assistance to countries in default on foreign assistance loans. Calls on the Liberian Government to honor its commitment to hold scheduled elections in 1991 and to ensure a free and fair election process.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1990
Designates April 6, 1990, the 88th birthday of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, as Education Day, U.S.A. Calls on heads of state of the world to join the President of the United States in this tribute by signing scrolls of honor commemorating the 40th anniversary of Schneerson's leadership of the Lubavitch movement. Welcomes the cooperation of the Department of State in extending the good office of the U.S. missions to the Lubavitcher emissaries.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1990
Urges the President and the United States Trade Representative: (1) not to include civil air transport services under the General Agreement on Trade in Services that is being negotiated under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade; nor (2) to require future negotiations to include such services under such Agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1990
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide educational and vocational counseling and related services to: (1) individuals eligible for educational assistance under the armed forces educational assistance program; (2) individuals discharged or released from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable within the past year; and (3) individuals serving on active duty and within 180 days from being released or discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. Requires the Secretary to make available information concerning the need for general education and for trained personnel in the various crafts, trades, and professions. Requires the Secretary to acquaint all eligible individuals with the availability of counseling services offered under this Act. Provides entitlement to a veterans' rehabilitation program for persons hospitalized for a service-connected disability in a hospital over which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs has jurisdiction. Includes the payment of handling fees by the Secretary as part of the scope and services authorized to be provided to a veterans' rehabilitation program. Authorizes the payment of a subsistence allowance to veterans pursuing a vocational rehabilitation program in a Federal, State, or local governmental agency. (Currently, such allowance is offered only to veterans pursuing a program at the Federal level.) Repeals certain reporting requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1990
Extends eligibility for the disabled veterans' outreach program to: (1) all disabled veterans who are participating in or have completed a program of vocational rehabilitation (currently limited to disabled veterans of the Vietnam era who have such rehabilitation); and (2) members of the armed forces who are within 180 days of discharge or released from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable. Requires disabled veterans' outreach program specialists to provide employment and training information to members of the armed forces about to be released or discharged. Requires local veterans' employment representatives to provide employment and training information and services to such members. Redesignates the Secretary of Labor's Committee on Veterans' Employment as the Advisory Committee on Veterans Employment and Training within the Department of Labor. Requires the Committee to: (1) assess the employment and training needs of veterans; (2) determine the extent to which the programs and activities of the Department are meeting such needs; and (3) carry out appropriate activities and submit certain reports.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1990
Veterans Recruitment Authority Act of 1990 - Revises the policy of the United States with respect to the provision of veterans' recruitment appointment authority (the offering of post-service Federal employment opportunities) to declare a Government obligation to assist veterans in readjusting to civilian life. Waives the current maximum GS-9 level for such appointments. Makes all qualifying veterans eligible for such appointments without regard to the number of years of education completed. Gives a preference to such appointments to veterans entitled to veterans' disability compensation or who were discharged or released from active duty for a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty. Requires veterans receiving such an appointment to receive appropriate training or education by the agency involved, complete the prescribed probationary period, and acquire a competitive civil service status. Extends eligibility for veterans' recruitment appointment authority to veterans who first became members of the armed forces or entered active duty after January 1, 1977, and were discharged or released from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable. Limits appointment authority for such members to five years from such release or discharge or from the enactment of this Act, whichever is later. Waives such limitation for veterans with service-connected disabilities or who served on active duty for which a campaign badge was authorized.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1990
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 - Provides for the sale of Benjamin Franklin commemorative coins at a surcharge of which 25 percent shall be paid to the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial and the remainder be distributed in specified percentages to the National Fire Center and Museum Account, the National Hero Scholarship Account, the Firefighter Tuition Assistance Account, the Hazardous Materials Response Computer Account, the Research and Education Account, and the Burn Research Grant Account of the Firefighter Assistance Trust Fund (Fund). Prohibits the issuance of such coins from resulting in any net cost to the Federal government. Title II: Fire Service Bill of Rights - Fire Service Bill of Rights Act - Amends the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to establish a fire service bill of rights. Establishes the National Fire Center and Museum in the District of Columbia to provide information about the fire service and safety to the public and fire services. Establishes a National Hero Scholarship to fund the higher education of a child, spouse, or dependent parent of a deceased firefighter. Establishes a scholarship providing tuition assistance to firefighters for higher education in fire safety or protection. Authorizes the Administrator of the United States Fire Administration to use amounts in the Research and Education Account of the Fund to fund other specified programs under the Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 and the provision of information concerning surplus Federal property and infectious diseases pursuant to this Act. Establishes the Firefighter Assistance Trust Fund. Places the National Academy for Fire Prevention and Control within the United States Fire Administration. Directs the Administrator to provide States with funds from the Hazardous Materials Response Computer Account of the fund for distribution to local fire services that wish to purchase computer equipment. Directs the Administrator to make a grant from the Burn Research Grant Account of the Fund to one national firefighter's burn foundation dedicated to reducing burn injuries. Requires the Administrator to prepare and make available to fire services, upon request, a manual describing Federal procedures for disposing of surplus property and highlighting how fire services could obtain such property. Directs the Administrator to distribute to such marshals information on the infectious diseases to which firefighters are particularly vulnerable. Permits the Administrator, in certain circumstances, to award to a domestic firm a contract that, under the use of competitive procedures, would be awarded to a foreign firm.
![Official portrait of Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000522_200.jpg)