United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Recyclable Materials Technology and Markets Development Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) conduct a study of markets for postconsumer materials (defined as materials that have served their intended end-use by an entity other than an industrial establishment); and (2) establish an Office of Recycling Research and Information in the Department of Commerce. Requires the Director of Recycling Research and Information to: (1) make grants for studies and scientific research relating to recycling of postconsumer materials; and (2) conduct a public outreach program to provide information to secondary school students, State and local governments, and the general public. Requires each manufacturer of a recyclable product to recycle, or provide for the recycling of, increasing minimum percentages of the products manufactured during specified years. Directs the Secretary to designate a product as recyclable if it may feasibly be recycled, as determined by the Secretary. Prohibits manufacturing a product for which the prescribed recycling rate was not met for the preceding year. Provides for civil fines for violating the prohibition. Prohibits manufacturing a nonrecyclable product if a recyclable substitute is readily available. Directs the Secretary to designate a product as nonrecyclable if it is not technically or economically feasible to be recycled. Authorizes the Secretary to require nonrecyclable products to be so labeled. Provides for civil fines for violating the prohibition. Provides for recycling seals of approval for recyclable products and for products containing a certain percentage of recycled postconsumer materials.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Pay Equity Technical Assistance Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to develop and implement a continuing program of information dissemination, research, and technical assistance to public and private entities with respect to correction of wage-setting practices, and reduction or elimination of wage disparities, to the extent that they are based on the sex, race, or national origin of the employee, rather than on the work performed and other appropriate factors.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Merchant Mariners Fairness Act of 1991 - Provides that certain qualified service of a member of the U.S. merchant marine, including a vessel crewmember of the U.S. Army Transport Service, during World War II constituted active military service for purposes of eligibility for various veterans' benefits under the GI Bill Improvement Act of 1977. Requires the Secretary of Defense to issue an honorable discharge under such Act to each merchant marine member whose qualified service warrants such a discharge. Defines "qualified service." Prohibits the payment of any retroactive benefits under this Act. Mandates a processing fee of a specified amount for any benefit application for such qualified service. Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to add references to components or ingredients of equipment, materials, or commodities in certain cargo preference provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Beaches Environmental Assessment, Closure, and Health Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue water quality criteria for pathogens in coastal recreation waters. Requires States to adopt water quality standards for such waters consistent with such criteria. Directs the Administrator to promulgate standards for States that fail to do so. Requires the Administrator to publish regulations specifying methods to be used by States to monitor coastal recreation waters, during periods of use by the public, for compliance with standards. Directs States to notify local governments and the public of violations of water quality standards for coastal recreation waters. Requires the Administrator to: (1) issue guidance on uniform assessment and monitoring procedures for floatable materials in coastal recreation waters; and (2) specify the conditions under which the presence of floatable material constitutes a threat to public health and safety. Authorizes States to delegate responsibility for monitoring and posting of coastal recreation waters to local governments. Directs the Administrator to conduct an ongoing study and report to the Congress on additional information for developing better indicators for detecting the presence of harmful bacteria and viruses in coastal recreation waters. Requires State coastal zone management agencies to provide technical assistance to local governments to ensure that coastal recreation waters and beaches are as free as possible from floatable materials. Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to authorize grants to eligible coastal States for the reduction of floatable materials in coastal recreation waters. Permits the use of grants for the acquisition of beach and coastal recreation water clean-up equipment. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to States to fulfill requirements under this Act. Limits the total amount of grants to States. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Freedom of Choice Act of 1991 - Provides that a State may not restrict the right of a woman to choose to terminate a pregnancy: (1) before fetal viability; or (2) at any time, if such termination is necessary to protect the life or health of the woman. Allows a State to impose requirements medically necessary to protect the life or health of such women.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Civil Rights Act of 1991 - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to provide for the burdens of proof which must be met by the various parties when an allegation of an unlawful employment practice is based on disparate impact. ( Wards Cove Packing Co. Inc. v. Atonio, 1989, held that, in cases brought under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the burden is on the plaintiff to prove an employer had no business necessity for a practice with discriminatory effects.) Allows a rule barring employment based on illegal discriminatory intent. Declares that, when an employment practice is alleged to have mixed motives, an unlawful employment practice is established when it is shown that a discriminatory basis was a contributing factor, even though other factors also contributed. Bars certain types of relief and limits damages to the injury that is attributable to the unlawful practice. Provides for the finality of litigated or consent judgments or orders resolving an employment discrimination claim, barring actions (challenging an employment practice that implements and is within the scope of a judgment or order) by persons who had certain types of notice and opportunity. Modifies the time limitations within which certain actions must be taken in alleged employment discrimination cases. (In Lorance v. AT&T Technologies, the Supreme Court held that seniority plans cannot be challenged as discriminatory unless complaints are filed soon after the plans are adopted.) Declares the application of a seniority system, if the system was included in a collective bargaining agreement with discriminatory intent, an unlawful employment practice. Allows punitive damages, certain types of compensatory damages, and jury trials only in connection with certain claims of intentional discrimination under the Act or under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Allows any party, if compensatory or punitive damages are sought, to demand a jury trial. Includes expert fees and other litigation expenses in attorney's fees which may be awarded in certain circumstances. Prohibits consent orders or judgments settling a claim, or stipulations of dismissal, unless the parties or their counsel attest that a waiver of all or substantially all attorney's fees was not compelled as a condition of the settlement.( Independent Federation of Flight Attendants v. Zipes held that attorneys' fees can be recovered under Title VII against losing intervenors only if the intervenor's action is frivolous, unreasonable, or without foundation.) Allows the court, in its discretion to promote fairness, in a proceeding in which a judgment or order granting relief under employment discrimination provisions is challenged, to allow the prevailing party in the original action to recover attorney's fees and costs incurred in defending the judgment or order. Extends the time limit for filing against the Government a civil action involving employment discrimination. Requires, except for prejudgment interest on compensatory damages, the same interest payment by the Government as in cases involving non-public parties. Requires all Federal civil rights laws to be interpreted broadly to provide equal opportunity and provide effective remedies. Prohibits, except as expressly provided, interpreting any Federal civil rights law to repeal or amend by implication any other such law. Prohibits using this Act as a basis for limiting civil rights laws not expressly amended by this Act. Amends Federal law to declare that: (1) for purposes of provisions relating to equal rights under the law, the right to make and enforce contracts includes the making, performance, modification, and termination of contracts, and the enjoyment of all benefits, privileges, terms, and conditions of the contract; and (2) the rights protected by the amended provisions are protected against impairment by non-governmental discrimination as well as against impairment under color of State law. (In 1989, the Supreme Court ruled, in Patterson v. McLean Credit Union, that an 1866 law forbidding discrimination in contracts applies only to hiring agreements, not on-the-job bias.) Prohibits construing the amendments made by this Act to: (1) require or encourage an employer to adopt hiring or promotion quotas; or (2) affect court-ordered remedies, affirmative action, or conciliation agreements that are otherwise in accordance with the law. Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to apply equal employment opportunities provisions to the Congress, with enforcement as determined by each House of the Congress. Amends the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 to modify requirements, including time limitations, regarding filing of a civil action. Requires the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to notify the person aggrieved if an age discrimination charge is dismissed by the Commission. Allows a civil suit to be brought within a specified time limit after the dismissal. Encourages the use of alternative means of dispute resolution to resolve disputes arising under the Acts amended by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Family and Medical Leave Act of 1991 - Title I: General Requirements for Leave - Establishes certain requirements for family and medical leave for permanent employees. (Excludes from such coverage: (1) employees at worksites at which the employer employs less than 50 persons, if the total number of employees of that employer within 75 miles of that worksite is less than 50; and (2) Federal officers and employees covered under title II of this Act.) Entitles employees to 12 workweeks of leave during any 12-month period because of: (1) the birth of their child; (2) the placement of a child for their adoption or foster care; (3) their care of a child, spouse, or parent who has a serious health condition; or (4) their own serious health condition which makes them unable to perform the functions of their position. Conditions such leave for the birth or placement of a child as follows: (1) the entitlement ends 12 months after the birth or placement; (2) both parents may not take such leave at the same time; and (3) such leave may not be taken intermittently unless employee and employer agree otherwise. Allows all leave to which an employee is entitled under this title: (1) to be taken on a reduced leave schedule, upon agreement with the employer; and (2) to consist of unpaid leave, except under specified conditions when substitution of certain types of paid leave may be elected or required. Declares that nothing in this Act shall require an employer to provide paid sick or medical leave in any situation in which the employer would not normally provide any such paid leave. Requires employees to: (1) give reasonable notice of the need for leave to which they are entitled under this Act, when foreseeable; and (2) make a reasonable effort to schedule medical treatment or supervision so as not to disrupt unduly the employer's operations, subject to approval of the health care provider. Allows limitation of the dual aggregate leave entitlement to 12 weeks in any 12-month period, in the case of spouses employed by the same employer, if such leave is for the birth or placement of a child or for the care of a sick parent. Sets forth conditions of certification for leave entitlements under this Act, including provisions relating to: (1) sufficient certification; (2) explanation of inability to perform job functions; (3) second opinion; (4) resolution of conflicting opinions; and (5) subsequent recertification. Sets forth employment and benefits protections relating to leave entitlements under this Act, including provisions relating to: (1) restoration to position; (2) denial of such restoration in the case of certain highly compensated employees; (3) maintenance of health benefits; and (4) no bar to agreement concerning alternative employment. Prohibits employers or other persons from interfering with employee rights under this Act or from discriminating against any individual because of participation in proceedings or inquiries under this Act. Provides for administrative enforcement of this title by the Secretary of Labor, as well as enforcement by civil action. Sets forth provisions for investigative authority, injunctive and monetary relief, attorneys' fees, and limitation of actions. Sets forth special rules concerning employees of local educational agencies, including provisions relating to intermittent leave for instructional employees, periods near the completion of an academic term, and reduction of liability. Requires employers to post notice of the pertinent provisions of this title. Requires fines for willful violations of such requirement. Directs the Secretary of Labor to prescribe regulations to carry out this title. Title II: Family Leave and Temporary Medical Leave for Civil Service Employees - Amends specified Federal law to entitle civil service employees to family and temporary medical leave for specified periods. Allows such employees up to: (1) 18 administrative workweeks in any 24-month period for family leave (i.e., leave because of the birth or placement of a child or care of a sick child or parent), but such leave may not be used at a time more than 12 months after such birth or placement; and (2) 26 administrative workweeks during any 12-month period for temporary medical leave. Provides that such leave will be without pay. Allows employees to substitute other types of paid leave for part of such leave. Provides for protection for job position and health insurance benefits of employees using such leave. Sets forth certification provisions and prohibitions against coercion. Directs the Office of Personnel Management to prescribe regulations for administration of this title which are consistent with the regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Labor under title I of this Act. Title III: Commission on Leave - Establishes the Commission on Leave. Requires the Commission to report on its study of family and medical leave (which may include legislative recommendations concerning coverage of small businesses and alternative and equivalent State enforcement of this Act with respect to employees of local educational agencies) to the Congress within two years after the Commission first meets. Terminates the Commission within 30 days after its report to the Congress. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth the effect of this Act on existing laws and existing employment benefits. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to discourage employers from adopting more generous leave policies. Directs the Secretary of Labor to prescribe regulations to carry out this title within 60 days. Title V: Coverage of Congressional Employees - Applies the rights and protections under title I of this Act to employees of the House of Representatives, except for the exemption concerning highly compensated employees. Requires that the remedies and procedures under the Fair Employment Practices Resolution be applied in administering such coverage.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Amends the National Labor Relations Act and the Railway Labor Act to make it an unfair labor practice for an employer to offer or grant: (1) permanent replacement employee status during a labor dispute; or (2) any employment preference to an individual who worked or indicated a willingness to work during a labor dispute over an employee who exercised specified rights during such dispute and who is working for, or has unconditionally offered to return to work for, the employer.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act - Makes it unlawful for any licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer to sell, deliver, or transfer a handgun to an unlicensed individual unless: (1) after the most recent proposal of such transfer by the individual, the transferor has received a statement of eligibility from the individual, has notified the chief law enforcement officer for such individual's place of residence about the proposed transfer, and either has received a response indicating that such transfer is not prohibited by law or has not received a response indicating otherwise within seven days; (2) the individual has presented to the transferor a statement from the officer, issued in the past ten days, that the individual requires a handgun because of a threat to him or his family; (3) the individual has presented to the transferor a permit to possess a handgun that has been issued in the past five years by the State in which the transfer is to take place under a State law which requires law enforcement verification of the individual's legal qualification to possess a handgun; (4) State law either requires a waiting period of at least seven days or requires that an authorized government official verifies that the information available to such official does not indicate that possession of a handgun by the purchaser would be unlawful; or (5) the transferor has received a report from any system of felon identification established by the Attorney General under the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 that the individual's possession or receipt of the handgun would not violate Federal, State, or local law. Requires the statement of eligibility to include a statement that the individual: (1) is not under indictment for and has not been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year; (2) is not a fugitive; (3) is not an unlawful user of, or addicted to, a controlled substance; (4) has not been adjudicated as a mental defective or committed to a mental institution; (5) is not an alien who is illegally in the United States; (6) has not been dishonorably discharged from the armed forces; and (7) is not a person who has renounced U.S. citizenship. Requires any transferor who, after a transfer, receives a report from such officer that receipt or possession of the handgun by the individual violates the law, to: (1) furnish information about the transfer and the individual to the chief law enforcement officer of the transferor's place of business and the individual's place of residence; and (2) keep confidential any information received which is not otherwise available to the public, with exceptions. Requires a transferor to retain a copy of the individual's statement. Requires the law enforcement officer to destroy any copy of the individual's sworn statement and any record containing information derived from such statement within 30 days, unless such officer determines that the transaction would violate Federal, State, or local law.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Veterans' Compensation Amendments of 1991 - Increases the rates of: (1) veterans' disability compensation; (2) additional compensation for veterans' dependents; (3) the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans; (4) dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children; and (5) supplemental dependency and indemnity compensation for disabled adult children. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to adjust administratively the rates of disability compensation payable to persons who are not in receipt of compensation for service-connected disability or death.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Extends the time for performing certain tax-related acts by reason of service in a combat zone for those individuals performing Desert Shield services. Declares such extended time to be the period during which such individual performs such services and the next 60 days thereafter. Allows the payment of interest on any overpayments due such individuals, starting April 15. (Generally, interest will be paid only on refunds made more than 45 days after a return is filed.) Applies this Act for any period of continuous hospitalization outside the United States attributed to an injury incurred while performing Desert Shield services.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the requirement that the amount of monthly benefits payable to a spouse, surviving spouse, or parent be reduced by the amount such individual receives in monthly payments from a Federal or State pension plan.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the exclusion from gross income of amounts received under qualified group legal services plans. (Under current law the exclusion expired as of September 30, 1990.)
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991
Establishes in the House of Representatives the Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control to conduct continuing oversight and review of the problems of narcotics, drug, and polydrug abuse and control.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1990
Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to set forth provisions concerning the "Foreign Relations of the United States" historical series, a documentary record of major U.S. foreign policy decisions and diplomatic activity. Requires all Federal agencies engaged in foreign policy to develop procedures for their historical offices to coordinate with the Department of State's Office of the Historian in selecting materials for inclusion in the series. Directs the Advisory Committee on the Foreign Relations of the United States Historical Series for the Department of State to review and make recommendations concerning the documents to be included. Requires selected documents to be selected for declassification review. Directs Federal agencies, if a document is not declassifiable because of a need to protect sources, methods, or sensitive national security information, to make deletions in the text to make the document declassifiable. Requires Federal agencies, if the meaning of a document is so altered by such deletions that it would be misleading, to prepare an unclassified summary of the document. Sets forth congressional reporting requirements for agencies that refuse to prepare declassified documents or unclassified summaries. Establishes the Advisory Committee on the Foreign Relations of the United States Historical Series for the Department of State. Authorizes the Advisory Committee to approve the withholding of a document or a portion of a document from publication in the historical series if necessary to: (1) avoid publication of matters which would impede current diplomatic negotiations or official activities of the U.S. Government; or (2) condense the record and avoid repetition of details. Directs the Secretary of State to ensure that the historical series is published within 30 years after the events documented. Requires all Department of State documents to be automatically declassified 30 years after the events documented and made available to the public at the National Archives unless such documents would: (1) compromise weapons technology important to the U.S. national defense or provide access by other nations to weapons design information or to cryptologic systems or codes; (2) disclose the names of living persons who provided confidential information to the United States where disclosure would result in harm to such persons; or (3) impede current diplomatic negotiations or official activities of the U.S. Government. Directs the Advisory Committee to review and report annually to the Information Security Oversight Office, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and the House Foreign Affairs Committee on the State Department's declassification procedures and documents representative of State Department documents that remain classified after 30 years.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1990
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the 1981 Israeli preemptive strike against the Iraqi nuclear reactor at Osirak was` a legitimate and justifiable exercise of self-defense which also reduced the threat of Iraqi nuclear aggression against countries bordering Iraq; and (2) the United States should seek the repeal of United Nations Security Council Resolution 487 which condemned the strike.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1990
Congratulates the Government and the people of New Zealand during the sesquicentennial of the Treaty of Waitangi (New Zealand's principal founding document), and pays tribute to the 151st anniversary of the United States-New Zealand relationship.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1990
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the European Community should accept Turkey's request for membership at the next available opportunity and should not defer action on such request until 1993.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 1990
Prohibits the proposed sales to Saudi Arabia of armored vehicles (including M1A2 tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles), AH-64 APACHE attack helicopters, PATRIOT guided missile units, and related defense articles and services, that were reported to the Congress pursuant to the Arms Export Control Act on September 27, 1990.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1990
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President and Secretary of State should personally intervene with the Soviet President and Foreign Minister to secure permission for Anatoly Genis to emigrate from the Soviet Union without further delay to reunite with his family.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 1990
Urban Schools of America (USA) Act of 1990 - Title I: Urban School Improvement - Directs the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) to reserve specified funds for: (1) national activities to evaluate urban school improvement programs; and (2) competitive grant awards to exemplary school programs. Directs the Secretary to allot, from remaining amounts, to each eligible local educational agency (LEA) with an approved application an amount based on relative numbers of students enrolled in the LEA's jurisdiction. Makes an LEA eligible if it: (1) serves the largest city in a State; or (2) enrolls 30,000 or more students as of October 1, 1987, and serves a city with a population of at least 200,000 in a metropolitan statistical area. Requires LEAs to use such funds to: (1) increase the academic achievement of urban school children to at least the national average; (2) prepare all urban children for school; (3) increase the graduation rates of urban students to at least the national average; (4) prepare urban school graduates to enter higher education, pursue careers, and exercise their responsibilities as citizens; (5) recruit and retain qualified teachers; and (6) decrease the use of drugs and alcohol by urban students, enhancing their physical and emotional health. Sets forth program requirements: (1) in general, for initial grants, renewal grants, and renewal of school participation; (2) for achievement, including demonstration of improvement; and (3) data collection. Authorizes the Secretary to reserve funds for competitive awards to schools participating in projects assisted under this title that demonstrate exemplary progress in meeting program requirements. Directs the Secretary, by January 1, 1991, to report on the effects of Federal and State education regulations on urban public schools. Requires LEAs desiring to receive a grant under this Act to establish a local advisory group to: (1) design and conduct a needs assessment for participating schools; (2) assist in planning for community-wide collaboration in service delivery for youths in participating schools; (3) advise the LEA and the community on how they can work together to use multiple service providers; and (4) monitor program implementation and oversee program evaluation. Allows use of a comparable existing local advisory group to comply with such requirement. Sets forth special rules relating to ranking of schools to determine relative needs, in general, on the basis of achievement, poverty, and number of minority students. Requires each LEA receiving a grant to serve between ten and 20 percent of its schools. Requires eligible LEAs to have flexibility to serve homeless children, desegrating students, immigrants, migrants, or other highly mobile populations, even if they do not attend a project school. Deems certain approved programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 for education of disadvantaged children to be sufficient to meet plan and criteria requirements of this Act. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Repair and Renovation of Urban School Buildings - Authorizes the Secretary to make three-year grants to eligible LEAs for: (1) repair and renovation of school buildings; and (2) improvements related to environmental concerns and safety. Directs the Secretary to allocate funds for both such types of grants on the basis of the number of: (1) children from families below the poverty line; (2) school buildings used for instructional purposes; and (3) school buildings more than 25 years old used for instructional purposes. Requires annual grant review by the Secretary. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Urban School Research - Directs the Secretary to reserve specified funds for the National Urban Research Center established under this title. Allows programs and projects assisted under this title to include: (1) collaborative and coordinated research and evaluation of educational techniques or approaches in multiple cities served by eligible LEAs; (2) evaluation of projects assisted under title I; (3) dissemination of information on successful projects and approaches under title I; (4) design and implementation of programs for LEA provision of technical assistance to individual schools and teachers involved in title I projects; (5) data and information management services for schools participating in a title I program; (6) staff training in such schools; and (7) evaluation of progress in meeting national educational goals by LEAs receiving assistance under this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish and operate a National Urban Research Center to: (1) evaluate, monitor, and disseminate activities assisted under this title; (2) conduct independent research in urban education; and (3) serve as a clearinghouse on urban education research fundings, policies, and practices. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Equalization of State Spending for Public Education - Requires any State, after January 1, 1996, in order to receive Federal assistance to support its public schools under any program administered by the Secretary: (1) to certify that the Secretary has reviewed and determined that the State's method of financing its public elementary and secondary schools is equitable; or, in the alternative, (2) to have in operation a State equalization plan that meets specified requirements. Requires such State equalization plans to: (1) be submitted within one year after the State receives notice that its public school financing method is inequitable; (2) describe how the State will equalize such method within five years; and (3) be approved by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary annually to: (1) review each State's public school financing method; and (2) certify each State determined to have an equitable method. Sets forth review standards, requiring consideration of: (1) relative numbers of children from families dependent on public assistance or with below poverty level income, with limited English proficiency, and with disabilities; (2) the municipal overburden of the residents of the eligible city in relation to the statewide average burden; and (3) the amount of taxes paid by residents within the LEA to support schools relative to their capacity to pay such taxes, as compared to the statewide average. Mandates that Federal funds prohibited to a noncomplying State be distributed to LEAs within that State on a basis determined to carry out the purposes for which they were made available and to meet the equalized spending standards. Title V: General Provisions - Establishes the Interagency Council on Urban Schools to: (1) review Federal programs to determine effects on urban schools' ability to meet national education goals; (2) track school progress toward such goals; (3) solicit advice and information for urban education experts and urban school representatives on improvement of Federal programs; (4) review Federal regulations for duplication or contradiction; (5) report annually to the Congress and the President on urban school progress; (6) review and recommend improvement or streamlining of Federal data collection in urban schools; and (7) conduct research to help urban school practitioners improve school performance. Directs the President to conduct a White House Conference on Urban Education before October 30, 1992. Requires the Conference to advise on development of: (1) recommendations and strategies for improving urban education; (2) methods for combining forces of the private sector, governmental agencies at all levels, parents, teachers, communities, and education officials to assist urban schools in meeting national goals; and (3) a permanent national advisory commission on urban education. Requires a report to the President. Authorizes appropriations. Establishes a National Commission on Urban Education as an independent agency within the executive branch. Directs the Commission to: (1) study specified issues relating to urban schools; and (2) report, and recommend changes in Federal legislation, to the President and appropriate congressional committees. Terminates the Commission three years after its first meeting. Authorizes appropriations. Requires eligible LEAs to use Federal funds received under this Act only to supplement but not supplant non-Federal funds.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 1990
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the crisis created by Iraq's invasion and occupation of Kuwait must be addressed and resolved separately from other conflicts in the region; and (2) the President should continue to thwart any effort to link such crisis with the Arab-Israeli conflict.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1990
Aviation Security Improvement Act of 1990 - Title I: Aviation Security - Amends Federal law to establish an Assistant Secretary for Transportation Security and Intelligence for the development of transportation security. Requires the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to report annually to the Congress on transportation security. Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to require the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) (Administrator) to report annually (currently, semiannually) to the Congress on the effectiveness of screening procedures for passengers boarding aircraft. Establishes in the FAA an Assistant Administrator for Civil Aviation Security. Requires the Assistant Administrator to review and develop measures to strengthen air transportation security, including: (1) controls over checked baggage in air transportation; (2) control over individuals with access to aircraft; (3) testing of security systems; (4) use of modern x-ray equipment; and (5) preflight screening of passengers. Directs the Administrator to establish the position of: (1) Federal Security Manager for each U.S. airport that needs one; and (2) Foreign Security Liaison officer for each such airport outside of the United States. Directs the Administrator to issue regulations that subject to employment investigation, including criminal history record checks, all air carrier personnel, and individuals applying for air carrier positions, with unescorted access to domestic and foreign aircraft or to secured areas of domestic airports serving U.S. or foreign air carriers. Directs the Administrator to prescribe standards for the hiring, continued employment, and contracting of air carrier and airport security personnel. Requires foreign air carriers to adopt and use a security program approved by the Administrator. Requires the Administrator and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to conduct an assessment of current and potential threats to the domestic air transportation system, including the security of individual airports. Directs the Administrator to establish a program to accelerate and expand the research, development, and implementation of technologies and procedures to counteract terrorist acts against civil aviation. Requires the Administrator to: (1) complete a review of threats to civil aviation; and (2) establish a scientific advisory panel, as a subcommittee of the Research, Engineering and Development Advisory Committee, to review and advise on the progress of such program, including the need for long-range research programs to detect and prevent catastrophic damage to commercial aircraft by the next generation of terrorist weapons. Authorizes appropriations. Prohibits the deployment or purchase of explosive detection equipment unless the Administrator certifies that it can reliably detect explosive material which can cause catastrophic damage to commercial aircraft with 60 or more passenger seats. Requires air carriers, airport operators, travel agents, and employees who receive information of a threat to civil aviation to provide such information to: (1) an official of the FAA; (2) the Assistant Secretary of Transportation for Transportation Security and Intelligence; or (3) other appropriate officials. Requires the Administrator to cancel flights in the event that passenger safety from such a threat cannot be ensured. Requires the Administrator to develop guidelines to ensure notification to the public and to the flight and cabin crews of an air carrier flight of any threats to its security. Directs the Administrator to develop guidelines for airport design and construction to allow for maximum security enhancement. Directs the heads of the agencies of the intelligence community to promulgate policies and procedures to ensure that intelligence reports concerning international terrorism are made available to other members of the intelligence community, the Department of Transportation, and the FAA. Directs the Director of Central Intelligence to designate at least one intelligence officer of the Central Intelligence Agency to serve in a senior staff position in the Office of the Secretary of the Department of Transportation. Requires the Administrator to study whether additional requirements should be imposed to enhance the security requirements for the transportation of mail and cargo by passenger aircraft. Title II: United States Response to Terrorism Affecting Americans Abroad - Declares that the Department of State (the Department) shall be responsible for negotiating aviation security agreements with foreign countries concerning implementation of U.S. rules and regulations which affect the foreign operations of U.S. air carriers, foreign air carriers, and foreign international airports. Directs the Secretary of State to enter into negotiations for bilateral and multilateral agreements: (1) to enhance aviation security; (2) to implement the Foreign Airport Security Act and the foreign airport assessment program; and (3) to achieve improved availability of passenger manifest information. Makes the Coordinator for Counterterrorism responsible for the coordination of international aviation security for the Department. Requires the Administrator to require all U.S. air carriers to provide a passenger manifest of any flight to appropriate representatives of the Department within three hours after the carrier is notified of an aviation disaster outside the United States involving such flight. Authorizes the use of passport fees collected by the Department for the acquisition and production of machine-readable U.S. passports and visas and compatible reading equipment. Declares it to be the policy of the Department to notify promptly the families of victims of aviation disasters abroad, including timely written notice. Directs the Secretary of State to issue guidelines to provide that in the event of a disaster, particularly an aviation tragedy, involving U.S. citizens abroad, the Department will assign a specific individual, and an alternate, as the Department liaison for the family of each such citizen. Requires the Secretary to ensure that a toll-free telephone number is reserved for the use of the families of citizens who have been involved in such disasters. Requires the Secretary to institute a supplemental program of training in disaster management for all consular officers. Directs the Secretary to issue guidelines to provide in the event of an international aviation disaster involving U.S. citizens that at least: (1) one senior officer from the Bureau of Consular Affairs of the Department shall be dispatched to the disaster site; and (2) one Department employee shall be dispatched to such site to provide assistance and to act as an ombudsman with foreign local authorities for the victims' families. Requires the Secretary to promulgate: (1) criteria for Department staffing of disaster sites abroad; and (2) procedures for the deployment of a crisis team. Declares it to be the policy of the Department to provide arrangements for the preparation and transport to the United States of the remains of citizens who die abroad, as well as for disposition of personal effects. Requires the Secretary to compile an assessment of the Department response to the Pan American Airways Flight 103 disaster over Lockerbie, Scotland, together with guidelines for future response to such disasters, for distribution to Embassy and consular posts abroad. Requires the Secretary to promulgate guidelines with respect to recognition for the families of U.S. citizens who are killed through acts of terrorism abroad. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should take appropriate action to increase limits on carrier liability established by the Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules Relating to International Transportation by Air (Warsaw Convention). Directs the President to submit to the Congress a legislative proposal to authorize the United States to provide monetary and tax relief as compensation to U.S. citizens who are victims of terrorism. Exempts the victims of the Lockerbie air disaster from income tax liability for any taxable year including December 21, 1988, and the prior year. Requires the Secretary to issue regulations to establish, under the Bureau of Consular Affairs, an electronic bulletin board accessible to the general public. Authorizes appropriations for antiterrorism assistance. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize training services, including short term refresher training, with respect to antiterrorism, to be conducted, under specified circumstances, outside of the United States. Directs the Secretary of State to develop and publish guidelines for thwarting efforts by international terrorists to enlist unwitting assistance of international aviation travelers in terrorist activities. Requires the Secretary of State to publish U.S. rewards for information on international terrorist-related activities. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Secretary should take measures to utilize and train U.S. employees at U.S. airports and abroad in the detection of explosives and firearms which could threaten international civil aviation. Requires the Secretary of State to propose to the International Civil Aviation Organization the establishment of a security program which includes: (1) training for airport security personnel; (2) grants for security equipment acquisition for certain nations; and (3) expansion of canine teams in the detection of explosive devices in all airports, including passenger screening areas and nonpublic baggage assembly and processing areas.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1990
Designates the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center located at 113 Holland Avenue in Albany, New York, as the Samuel S. Stratton Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1990
United States Policy on Iraqi Aggression Resolution - Sets forth objectives with respect to U.S. policy in the Persian Gulf. Declares that the United States and the international community must continue to oppose Iraq's armed aggression against Kuwait. States that the United States and the international community should: (1) continue to condemn Iraq for aggression and specified human rights and terrorist offenses; and (2) hold Iraq and its leaders accountable for such actions. Supports the deployment of U.S. armed forces to the Persian Gulf region and expresses appreciation to such forces. Commends the President for his efforts to promote international consensus and cooperation in response to the Persian Gulf crisis. Declares that the United States should continue to: (1) strengthen the international consensus against Iraq's aggression; (2) obtain additional military forces and increased financial assistance from other nations in support of multinational forces deployed in the Persian Gulf; and (3) obtain international assistance for nations that have suffered financial losses as a result of support for the United Nations trade embargo against Iraq and international humanitarian assistance for foreign nationals who have fled Iraq and Kuwait. States that the United States should continue to: (1) seek international consensus to contain Iraq's conventional, chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs and stop the export to Iraq of dual use technology and military components; (2) seek international consensus to address regional problems of arms proliferation and ensure that conventional weapons transfers to the region reflect legitimate security needs of the recipient nation; (3) maintain Israel's economic well-being and military advantage in the Middle East and achieve an Arab-Israeli peace settlement; and (4) promote respect for human rights and support the development of democratic institutions throughout such region. Commends the United Nations and the United Nations Security Council for their response to Iraq's aggression against Kuwait. Affirms support for specified United Nations Security Council resolutions and calls on all nations to comply with such resolutions and strengthen sanctions against Iraq. Declares that the United States and other members of the international community should continue efforts to achieve a diplomatic solution to the Persian Gulf crisis. Supports the President's emphasis on diplomatic efforts, international sanctions, and negotiations under the auspices of the United Nations to achieve U.S. objectives. Sets forth findings with respect to the War Powers Resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1990
Expresses the sense of the Congress that President Mubarak of Egypt should be commended for: (1) his efforts to effect a peaceful resolution of the Persian Gulf crisis prior to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait; (2) his leadership in mobilizing a multinational Arab force for the defense of Saudi Arabia; and (3) his efforts to secure both the withdrawal of Iraqi forces from Kuwait and the restoration of Kuwaiti sovereignty.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1990
International Narcotics Control Act of 1990 - Authorizes appropriations for economic and development assistance for FY 1991 for Andean countries under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (FAA). Specifies an amount of such economic assistance that should be used to provide assistance for Bolivia, Colombia, and Peru for: (1) administration of justice programs; (2) protection of judges, other government officials, and members of the press against narco-terrorist attacks; and (3) training, technical assistance, and equipment for the Office of Special Investigations and the Special Prosecutor for Human Rights in Colombia. Extends authority for administration of justice programs under the FAA. Authorizes appropriations for military and law enforcement assistance for Andean countries under the Arms Export Control Act (AECA). Conditions such aid on: (1) the country having a democratic government; and (2) the armed forces and law enforcement agencies of the country not engaging in a consistent pattern of gross human rights violations. Specifies authorized uses of funds for law enforcement (anti-narcotics) training and equipment, subject to certain monetary limitations, and sets forth conditions under which such assistance may be increased. Specifies forms of assistance subject to limitation. Limits the aggregate acquisition cost to the United States of excess defense articles ordered by the President in FY 1991 for delivery to Bolivia, Colombia, and Peru under the FAA. Waives existing grant limitations on the transfer of excess defense articles with respect to such countries in FY 1991 under the FAA and AECA. Authorizes the use of funds from appropriations for military and law enforcement assistance for Andean countries under the AECA to finance the leasing of aircraft under such Act, subject to specified requirements concerning payment of the cost of such leases and reimbursement of the Special Defense Acquisition Fund. Conditions the provision of economic and development assistance and military and law enforcement assistance under this Act and the transfer of excess defense articles to Bolivia, Colombia, and Peru under the FAA upon a presidential determination that: (1) the recipient country is implementing programs to reduce the flow of cocaine to the United States in accordance with a bilateral or multilateral agreement to which the United States is a party; (2) the armed forces and law enforcement agencies of such country are not engaged in a consistent pattern of gross human rights violations and the government of such country has made certain progress in protecting such rights; and (3) such government has effective control over police and military operations related to counternarcotics and counter insurgency activities. Requires the President, not less than 15 days before such funds are obligated, to transmit to specified congressional committees a written notification specifying the country receiving assistance, the type and value of such assistance, the law enforcement agencies or other units that will receive the assistance, and an explanation of how such assistance will further specified narcotics-control objectives. Waives: (1) certain requirements with respect to narcotics-related assistance for Andean countries, such as the Brooke-Alexander Amendment, provided the President has made such determination; and (2) the FAA requirement to withhold 50 percent of assistance pending certification, if the President determines that application of the certification requirement would be contrary to the national interest and so notifies the appropriate congressional committees. Authorizes appropriations under the FAA for international narcotics control assistance. Authorizes the President to provide development and economic assistance to a foreign country under the FAA to promote the production, processing, and marketing of products or commodities to reduce dependence upon the production of crops from which narcotic and psychotropic drugs are derived. Makes exceptions to the FAA requirement that aircraft provided to foreign countries for narcotics control purposes be leased rather than sold. Requires the President to submit to the Congress a monthly report listing the number of members of the U.S. armed forces assigned to each Andean country. Authorizes certain increases in the number of members of the U.S. armed forces in Bolivia, Colombia, and Peru where the President determines that such increases are required by U.S. national interests. Amends the International Narcotics Control Act of 1989 to make certification procedures inapplicable to certain major drug-transit countries for FY 1991. Authorizes the transfer of foreign military financing program funds to economic programs. Authorizes the Secretary of State to order the surrender of a U.S. citizen to a foreign country, even if the United States is not obligated to do so by treaty, upon request of such country if the other requirements of such treaty are met. Requires the President to notify specified congressional committees at least 15 days before obligating FAA or AECA funds for narcotics-related assistance for Afghanistan. Directs the President to: (1) implement a program of instruction to train host country pilots and other flight crew members to fly the aircraft involved in counter narcotics efforts in Andean countries that have been made available by the U.S. Government; and (2) ensure that, within 18 months, flight crews composed of host country personnel replace all U.S. Government pilots and other flight crew members in airborne counternarcotics operations in the Andean countries. Bars the use of FAA or AECA funds for the procurement of surface water craft for counternarcotics programs in the Andean countries until the Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense have jointly assessed, audited, and submitted a report to the Congress on the specific goals and objectives of such programs. Amends: (1) the FAA to authorize the use of excess defense articles transferred to a major illicit drug producing country if such country ensures that such articles will be used primarily (currently, only) in support of antinarcotics activities; and (2) the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to make certain restrictions under such Act and under the AECA inapplicable to the sale of defense articles or services made on or before September 30, 1992 (under current law, 1990).
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1990
International Medical Graduate Equity Act of 1990 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for the establishment of a clearinghouse that, upon the request of an individual applying for a license as a physician in the United States, would: (1) maintain and verify documents relating to the applicant's educational background and credentials; and (2) provide information in the clearinghouse to medical licensing boards and related entities. States that the clearinghouse will not be operated within the Federal Government. Allows it to impose fees to cover some or all of its operational costs. Requires the Secretary to obtain information on a periodic basis from the physician licensing authority of at least ten States with respect to license applications and periodically report on such information to the Congress. Deems it unlawful for a graduate medical residency training program to deny a medical residency to a qualified individual who graduated from a foreign medical school if such residency cannot be filled by the graduate of a medical school in the United States or Canada.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1990
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Congress should retain the current Federal tax deduction for State and local income and property taxes.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1990
Sanctions Against Iraq Act of 1990 - Title I: Imposition of Trade Embargo - Sets forth congressional declarations concerning Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. Requires the President to inform and consult with the Congress regarding the international crisis caused by such invasion, including U.S. actions. Directs the President to impose the following sanctions against Iraq: (1) blocking of all Iraqi property within the possession or control of the United States; (2) prohibiting the importation of Iraqi goods or services; (3) prohibiting the exportation of U.S. goods (including agricultural products) and technology or services, except food and medical supplies, to Iraq; and (4) prohibiting any transportation involving Iraq or Iraqi persons, vessels, or aircraft. Sets forth additional import sanctions. Title II: Additional Sanctions with Respect to Iraq - Sets forth congressional findings with respect to human rights violations by Iraq. Prohibits: (1) the United States from selling any items on the United States Munitions List to Iraq; (2) the issuing of licenses for the export of such items to Iraq; and (3) the issuing of licenses under the Export Administration Act of 1979 for the export to Iraq of chemical or biological agents for the production of chemical or biological weapons. Presumes denial of export license applications for the export of goods or technology: (1) which could enhance the ability of Iraq to support international terrorism; or (2) to an end user in such country that is engaged in missile or chemical or biological weapons proliferation activities. Sets forth a list of specified items for which a license is required to export such items to Iraq. Prohibits the Nuclear Regulatory Commission or the Secretary of Commerce from issuing a license for the export of nuclear material or technology to Iraq. Requires the United States to oppose financial or technical assistance to Iraq by international financial institutions. Requires the denial of credits or credit guarantees through the Export-Import Bank to Iraq. Authorizes the President to waive the sanctions authorized under this Act in certain circumstances if he certifies to the Congress Iraq's compliance with specified demands. Calls upon the President to seek multilateral cooperation to: (1) deny dangerous technologies to Iraq; and (2) induce such country to respect internationally recognized human rights, especially in the areas in northern Iraq which are inhabited by Kurds.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1990
Public Disclosure of Religious Dietary Certification Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to deem a food to be misbranded if its label bears a religious dietary certification symbol and there is not on file with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, available for public inspection, a copy of: (1) a certification letter, signed by a certifying authority, declaring that in his or her opinion the food conforms to religious dietary standards; and (2) a public disclosure statement providing specified information concerning the food, its manufacturer or processor, and the certifying authority. Makes Federal law penalizing those who knowingly and willfully make or use false or fraudulent statements applicable to the materials required to be filed pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1990
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that October 1990 should be designated as National Ellis Island Month, in recognition of Ellis Island's upcoming centennial.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1990
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should exercise certain authorities with respect to emergency and disaster assistance to provide earthquake relief assistance to the Philippines.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1990
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Government of Angola and the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) should: (1) reaffirm that deprivation of food and medicine will not be used as a weapon in their political and military conflict; (2) agree to free passage arrangements for the safe delivery of relief assistance; (3) enter into discussions with international relief organizations and countries offering famine relief assistance to develop an agreement for the most efficient and cost-effective means of delivering relief supplies; (4) work toward a cessation of hostilities and conclude negotiations aimed at ending the civil war; and (5) encourage other southern African countries to cooperate in the delivery of famine relief supplies. Declares that: (1) the Agency for International Development should participate in and contribute to any famine relief plan consistent with such agreement; and (2) all entities supplying external military support to the Angolan Government or UNITA should promote an end to the war.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1990
Amends the Trademark Act of 1946 to prohibit an action for infringement of a registered mark that is used or intended to be used to identify and distinguish the goods or services of a professional sports team if: (1) the team was located in a city or other locality and the action would be for infringement of the mark with respect to its association with that city or locality; (2) the team has moved more than 50 miles from such city; and (3) the alleged infringement occurred after the move.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1990
Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1990 - Prohibits a governmental authority from restricting any person's free exercise of religion unless: (1) the restriction is in the form of a rule of general applicability that doesn't intentionally discriminate against religion or among religions; and (2) the governmental authority demonstrates that application of the restriction to a person is essential to furthering a compelling governmental interest and the least restrictive means of doing so. Authorizes a party aggrieved by a violation of such prohibition to obtain relief, including attorney fees, in a civil action.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1990
Seneca Nation Settlement Act of 1990 - Provides for payments from the United States and New York State to settle lease payment claims of the Seneca Nation of Indians of the Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Oil Spring Reservations, provided the Nation offers new leases to the city of Salamanca, New York, in accordance with a specified agreement. Provides that such new leases shall not be subject to approval by the United States or New York State. Earmarks specified amounts of such payments for economic and community development of the Nation. Authorizes appropriations.
![Official portrait of Rep. Solarz, Stephen J. [D-NY-13]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000673_200.jpg)