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Official portrait of Rep. Thornton, Ray [D-AR-4]

Rep. Thornton, Ray [D-AR-4]

United States · Official source

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384 records where Rep. Thornton, Ray [D-AR-4] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 293 (102nd)passed

Commending the people of Guam and Hawaii for the sacrifices and contributions they made during World War II.

United States · United States Congress · 22 November 1991

Commends: (1) the people of Guam for their patriotism, bravery, loyalty to the United States, and many sacrifices during World War II, particularly during the invasion and occupation of the Guam territory; (2) the members of the Navy Insular Force and U.S. Navy and Marine Corps for the efforts and sacrifices they made in defense of the U.S.; (3) the Hawaiians for their sacrifices and contributions to the U.S. war effort during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941; and (4) the Hawaii Territorial Guard members, Varsity Victory Volunteers, the civilian workers at the Pearl Harbor Naval Ship Yard and other Hawaiian military installations, 100th Infantry Battalion, Military Intelligence Service, and 442nd Regimental Combat Team for their sacrifices and contributions to the U.S. war effort during such attack.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 284 (102nd)referred

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that there is a need for a comprehensive, coordinated strategy to help the United States achieve its goal of being the strongest Nation on Earth economically and militarily, so that it remain the greatest Nation in support of human dignity, freedom, and democratic ideals.

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1991

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) there is a need for the development of a comprehensive, coordinated strategy to encourage investment in human and material resources, to harness our inventive genius to the marketplace, to secure the education and training of a competitive citizenry and workforce, and to stimulate cooperative efforts between the private and public sectors at all levels of business, education, and government; and (2) such a strategy will help the United States achieve its goal of being the strongest Nation on Earth economically and militarily, so that it remains the greatest Nation in support of human dignity, freedom, and democratic ideals.

Bill· HRH.R. 3748 (102nd)open

Justice for Wards Cove Workers Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 November 1991

Justice for Wards Cove Workers Act - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1991 to remove a provision excluding from application of the Act any disparate impact case filed before March 1, 1975, and decided after October 30, 1983. (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.)

Bill· HRH.R. 3732 (102nd)passed

Budget Process Reform Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1991

Budget Process Reform Act of 1991 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to: (1) eliminate the division of discretionary appropriations into three categories (defense, international, and domestic) for purposes of discretionary spending limits for FY 1993; and (2) consolidate them into a single limit for budget authority and outlay. Directs the Office of Management and Budget to recalculate any adjustments made to such spending limits before enactment of this Act under the sequestration provisions of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). Requires the President to report revised discretionary spending limits for FY 1993 to the Congress by the fifth day after enactment of this Act.

Law· HRH.R. 3654 (102nd)enacted

1996 Atlanta Centennial Olympic Games Commemorative Coin Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1991

1996 Atlanta Centennial Olympic Games Commemorative Coin Act - Provides for the minting and sale of commemorative gold and silver coins to support the 1996 Atlanta Centennial Olympic Games and the programs of the United States Olympic Committee.

Bill· HRH.R. 3636 (102nd)referred

Nuclear Testing Moratorium Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1991

Nuclear Testing Moratorium Act - Prohibits the Secretary of Energy from conducting any explosive nuclear weapons test during the one-year period following the enactment of this Act unless the President certifies to the Congress that the Soviet Union has conducted such a test during such period.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 257 (102nd)referred

To express the sense of the House of Representatives regarding enforcement of the oilseeds GATT panel ruling against the European Community.

United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1991

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the United States Trade Representative should take action under the Trade Act of 1974 to compensate for any trade losses caused by the European Community's (EC) failure to adopt by October 31, 1991, a new oilseeds regime that conforms with the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) panel oilseed ruling; and (2) such actions should remain in effect until the EC's oilseed regime conforms with its GATT obligations.

Bill· HRH.R. 3601 (102nd)open

Local Partnership Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1991

Local Partnership Act of 1991 - Establishes a revenue sharing program of payments to local governments. Sets forth the general framework for the timing of payments and for adjustments. Establishes in the Treasury a Local Government Fiscal Assistance Trust Fund (trust fund), with the Secretary of the Treasury as the personal trustee, and authorizes FY 1993 through 1997 appropriations to finance it. Describes qualifying criteria for and conditions to be met by local governments seeking payments under the program. Withholds payments in cases of noncompliance. Requires the Secretary, in accordance with specified formulae, to determine the amount from the trust fund to be allocated to each State for further allocation to county, municipal, and township local governments as well as to Indian tribes and Alaskan native villages. Permits State variation of certain local government allocations. Sets forth special rules governing adjustments in local government allocations, including a limit on allocations to local government units based on a specified formula. Specifies the information to be used in making allocations under the program. Requires public hearings on proposed uses of program payments in relation to the local government's budget. Requires public disclosure of information on proposed payment uses and proposed budgets of local governments both prior to the hearing and after adoption of the budget. Prohibits discrimination under a local government program or activity on the basis of race, color, national origin, or sex if such program or activity is paid for with funds provided under this Act. Lists additional prohibitions applicable to such programs or activities. Prescribes procedures for: (1) instituting administrative proceedings for violations of such prohibitions; (2) suspending and terminating payments; and (3) judicial review of such sanctions. Sets forth provisions providing for: (1) enforcement by the Attorney General of such prohibitions; (2) civil actions by persons adversely affected by such prohibitions; (3) independent audits of local government finances; (4) investigations by the Secretary of possible violations of this Act; (5) reviews by the Comptroller General of activities of the Secretary, State governments, and local government units to determine compliance with this Act; (6) annual reports by the Secretary to the Congress on both the trust fund and the administration of the payment program; and (7) annual reports by local govermental units to the Secretary on program payments.

Bill· HRH.R. 3507 (102nd)reported

American Industrial Quality and Training Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1991

American Industrial Quality and Training Act of 1991 - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce, through the Technology Administration, to make competitive matching grants to establish and operate American workforce quality partnership programs for workforce training consortia of industry and higher education institutions. Requires such programs to establish partnerships between one or more technology-based or manufacturing sector firms and a local community or technical college to train and educate a significant portion of the industrial partners' employees at all organizational levels through workplace and classroom training programs. Requires each partnership to establish an advisory board. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish, in the Technology Administration, the American Industrial Quality Foundation to further the ability of U.S. industry to compete internationally. Sets forth the Foundation's functions, including identifying and disseminating information on best practices. Sets forth provisions for a Director and staff, an advisory committee, and user fees. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make competitive grants to develop and operate youth technical apprenticeship programs. Gives special consideration to applications providing for non-Federal contributions. Provides planning grants for such programs. Requires each grant recipient to establish an advisory board. Directs the Secretary of Labor, together with other appropriate entities, to establish and maintain a clearinghouse of youth apprenticeship programs in the United States. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make competitive matching grants to States for statewide technical education and training networks to develop plans or strategies to establish statewide systems to provide technical, technician, or technological skills and education by building upon Federal, State, and local programs through various methods. Requires State Governors to submit evaluation reports within three years of award of such grants. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary of Labor, in conjunction with the Small Business Administration and other relevant agencies, to compile information and statistics on the total annual expenditure of U.S. industry on formal worker training programs, quantity of training, and other relevant worker training information, by firm size, sector, industry, job classification, and purpose of training (as well as any other available and appropriate data such as international comparative data). Requires a biennial report to the Congress on such information in a useful format. Requires making such information available to U.S. industry. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary of Education, in conjunction with the Secretary of Commerce, to report to the Congress on the feasibility of adopting principles of total quality management, as embodied in the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, to improve the quality and relevance of secondary and postsecondary education.

Bill· HRH.R. 3427 (102nd)referred

Defense Manufacturing and Critical Technologies Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1991

Defense Manufacturing and Critical Technologies Act of 1991 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to conduct a program providing for the establishment of cooperative arrangements (partnerships) between the Department of Defense (DOD) and certain entities in order to encourage and provide for R&D of dual-use critical technologies (technologies having both military and nonmilitary commercial applications). Allows such entities (at least two participating jointly with DOD) to include one or more Federal laboratories, institutions of higher education, State governmental agencies, and other appropriate participants, as determined by the Secretary. Requires the joint participants to have a lead institution other than DOD to direct the activities of the partnership. Requires the non-DOD participants to contribute at least 50 percent of the total cost of the partnership activities. Provides for the protection of information disclosed concerning the R&D activities of the participants. Requires the Secretary to evaluate proposals for partnerships on a merit basis using a competitive selection process. Outlines selection criteria. Directs the Secretary, in consultation and coordination with the Secretary of Commerce, to conduct a program to provide assistance for the activities of eligible regional critical technology application centers (centers) in the United States. Outlines provisions concerning eligible centers, program participants, and assistance authorized, including financial and technical assistance for authorized center activities. Limits such assistance period to six years. Requires: (1) the sponsoring agency of a center to pay at least 30 percent of the total costs incurred for center activities; and (2) the eligible firms participating in a center to pay at least 40 percent of such costs. Requires a center to operate under a management plan that requires participating firms to have the primary responsibility for directing the activities of the center and to exercise such responsibility through majority voting membership of such firms on the board of directors of the center. Outlines provisions concerning program administration as well as selection criteria for centers receiving such assistance. Establishes within the Office of the Director of Defense Research and Engineering the Clearinghouse of Foreign Defense Technology Monitoring and Assessment (Clearinghouse) to: (1) maintain within DOD a central library for the compilation and dissemination of information and assessments regarding significant foreign activities in the R&D and applications of defense critical technologies; (2) establish and maintain data bases on such information and assessments; (3) perform certain liaison activities; (4) provide for public availability of such information and assessments; and (5) cooperate with the Department of Commerce in the dissemination of information and assessments regarding defense critical technologies having potential commercial uses. Directs the Secretary to establish a foreign critical technology monitoring and assessment grant program for the awarding of grants to participating organizations for the establishment of foreign critical technology monitoring and assessment offices in Europe, Pacific Ocean border foreign countries, and other countries as considered appropriate by the Secretary. Makes eligible for such grants any nonprofit industrial or professional organization that has economic and scientific interests in R&D and applications of commercial critical technologies. Requires each grantee to collect, evaluate, and disseminate to its organization and to the Departments of Defense and Commerce assessments of significant activities in R&D and applications of critical technologies that are conducted in the geographic area in which the office is located. Provides funding for FY 1992 and 1993 for critical technology programs and activities. Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress at least biennially a multiyear strategic road map for each critical technology. Requires each road map to: (1) cover at least four fiscal years; (2) provide an assessment of current strengths and weaknesses in the national capability to develop and apply the technologies covered in the road map, and the sources of such strengths and weaknesses which enhance or hinder the development and application of such technologies; (3) ensure that results of federally-funded and conducted R&D of national critical technologies covered by the road map are appropriately disseminated to U.S. industry; and (4) include a discussion of the achievements of the activities conducted pursuant to the road map. Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to establish one or more national critical technologies advisory committees. Directs the President to establish a schedule for the submission of such road maps at regular intervals between the enactment of this Act and October 1, 1996. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative arrangements (partnerships) with certain entities to encourage and provide for R&D of advanced manufacturing technologies with the potential for having a broad range of applications. Requires each partnership to be composed of participants from two or more eligible firms. Allows the inclusion of one or more Federal laboratories, institutions of higher education, State entities, and other participants as deemed appropriate by the Secretary. Outlines provisions concerning program administration and participant selection criteria. Requires the Secretary to establish three or more partnerships within one year after the enactment of this Act. Provides FY 1992 and 1993 funding for such partnerships. Directs the Secretary to establish a program: (1) to support manufacturing extension programs of States, local governments, and private, non-profit organizations; (2) to promote the development of a broad range of such extension programs, including programs that provide for productivity and quality improvement activities; and (3) to increase the involvement of appropriate segments of the private sector in such programs. Establishes a Council on Manufacturing Extension to: (1) prescribe policies and procedures for the implementation of the program; (2) serve as a means for coordinating such program with related programs conducted by various Federal departments and agencies; and (3) develop a long-range strategic plan for the manufacturing extension activities of the Federal Government. Outlines application procedures for persons wishing to receive financial assistance for participation in the program, as well as criteria for choosing program participants. Limits the amount of financial assistance awarded to 50 percent of the cost of the program for the period in which the assistance is provided. Provides such assistance for at least five years, unless it is terminated earlier for good cause as determined by the Secretary. Allows a program participant to reapply after a terminated period of assistance. Provides FY 1992 and 1993 funding for such program. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with the Directors of the National Science Foundation (NSC) and the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), to establish a program for making grants to institutions of higher education to support the: (1) enhancement of existing programs in manufacturing engineering education that are conducted by grantee institutions and meet specified requirements; and (2) establishment of new programs in manufacturing engineering education that meet such requirements. Requires at least one-third of the grants to be awarded for the latter purpose. Directs the Secretary to avoid geographical concentration of such awards. Directs the Secretary and the Director of NSC to enter into an agreement for carrying out the grant program. Outlines grant program requirements. Directs the Secretary to solicit from institutions of higher education proposals for grants to be awarded for the support of programs of manufacturing engineering education. Requires applications to be evaluated on a merit basis under competitive procedures. Outlines grantee selection criteria. Limits the Federal contribution of such assistance to 50 percent of the estimated cost of the activities involved. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, to conduct a program to support specified activities of one or more manufacturing managers and experts at the institution of higher education involved. Outlines provisions concerning program administration and applicant selection criteria. Limits the Federal support of such program to 50 percent of the costs of activities to be supported by such assistance. Requires the Secretary to award at least ten such grants within one year after enactment of this Act. Provides FY 1992 and 1993 funding. Allows the Secretary to authorize the Secretaries of the military departments to enter into cooperative agreements and other transactions for advanced research projects. (Currently, only the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is authorized to enter into such agreements or transactions.) Makes permanent (currently expires September 30, 1991) the authority to enter into such agreements. Directs the Secretary to report to the defense committees a plan for collecting and assessing information on the extent to which the defense industrial base of the United States: (1) procures weapons systems, subsystems, and components of such systems from foreign sources; and (2) is dependent upon such foreign sources for such procurement. Directs the Secretary to report to the defense committees a plan for the removal of barriers to the effective integration of the commercial and defense sectors of the U.S. industrial base. Requires the Secretary to designate an official within his Office to develop the plan. Requires annual development and submission to the Congress by the Secretary of a National Defense Manufacturing Technology Plan. Places FY 1992 and 1993 funding limitations on manufacturing technology-related R&D not specifically included in such annual Plan. Directs the Secretary to conduct a program for the development and use of advanced flexible computer integrated manufacturing capabilities in each of the military departments and the U.S. defense industrial base. Requires the continued development of Rapid Acquisition of Manufactured Parts technologies and applications as part of such program. Provides FY 1992 and 1993 funding for such program, with a specified capabilities-duplication prohibition within the military departments. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, to establish a program to award grants on a competitive basis to U.S. institutions of higher education and other nonprofit organizations for the conduct of programs for U.S. scientists, engineers, and managers to learn Japanese language and culture.

Bill· HRH.R. 3360 (102nd)referred

Federal Fire Safety Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1991

Federal Fire Safety Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to prohibit the use of Federal funds to: (1) construct, purchase, or lease a newly constructed Federal office building, other than housing, having more than 25 full-time Federal employees nor to renovate one with five or more stories unless the entire building includes automatic sprinkler systems or an equivalent level of safety, with specified exceptions; and (2) increase the number of employees in such building by more than 100 employees over that as of enactment of this Act without such system or level of safety. Prohibits the use of such funds after the enactment of this Act: (1) to construct, purchase, lease, rebuild, or operate Federal Government housing for Federal employees and their dependents; (2) multifamily housing for Federal employees subsidized by the Federal Government; and (3) rental assistance housing, without automatic sprinkler systems and smoke detectors (in some cases smoke detectors alone). Directs the: (1) Administrator of the National Fire Prevention and Control Administration (Administrator) to promulgate regulations implementing this Act; and (2) head of any Federal agency that owns, leases, or operates a federally-funded building or housing unit, to invite the local agency or voluntary organization with fire protection responsibility in the jurisdiction of such building or housing unit to prepare, and biennially review, a prefire plan for it.

Law· HRH.R. 3337 (102nd)enacted

1992 White House Commemorative Coin Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 September 1991

1992 White House Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue one dollar silver coins emblematic of the White House. Mandates that the total surcharges received from the sale of such coins shall be promptly paid to the White House Endowment Fund to assist its efforts to raise an endowment as a permanent source of support for the White House Collection of fine art and historic furnishings, and for the maintenance of the historic public rooms of the White House.

Bill· HRH.R. 3215 (102nd)open

Inter-American Scientific Cooperation Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1991

Inter-American Scientific Cooperation Act of 1991 - Directs the National Science Foundation to establish the Inter-American Scientific Cooperation Program aimed at increasing science and technology cooperation between the United States and Latin America. Requires the Program to identify and cooperate with private and governmental funding bodies. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Program to encourage the use of debt-for-science exchanges to finance cooperative scientific research projects. Requires the Program Director to make funds available, in accordance with the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, to non-Federal organizations for such exchanges. Requires intent by a debtor nation to contribute at least 75 percent of the full face value of the discounted debt, or at least 20 percent over the current market purchase price of the debt. Requires the Director to appoint a Board of Governors for the U.S. side of a United States-Mexico Binational Science Endowment. Requires that the Endowment be an independent, nongovernmental, nonadvocacy, not-for-profit organization operated exclusively for scientific and educational purposes, receiving funds and supporting projects of potential benefit to both nations. Authorizes the use of a limited amount of funds authorized under specified Acts to carry out this Act. Authorizes and encourages the Administrator of the Agency for International Development to provide a specified amount from the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 for certain purposes of this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 3038 (102nd)referred

No Net Gain in Federal Lands Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1991

No Net Gain in Federal Lands Act of 1991 - Requires that there be no net gain in Federal land ownership in the acquisition and disposition of Federal lands during any fiscal year. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to conduct an annual inventory and review, and report to the President and the Congress on the determination of compliance with such requirement. Directs the President, if there is a determination of net gain, to dispose of an amount of land sufficient to achieve compliance, within 24 months beginning on the date of the determination. Requires, if compliance has not been achieved by the end of such period, the President to auction to the highest bidders sufficient amounts of land to comply, notwithstanding any other provision of law. Sets forth regional divisions and other provisions relating to application of such requirement for no net gain in Federal lands, with exceptions for specified types of lands, waters, interest, and real property. Requires, notwithstanding any other provision of law, the sale at public auction to the highest bidder of any real property acquired by any department, agency, or independent establishment of the United States in its capacity as a receiver, conserver or liquidating agent which is so held pending disposal, if it has not been disposed of by the end of the 24 months beginning on the date of such acquisition.

Bill· HRH.R. 2941 (102nd)open

Surface Transportation Research and Development Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1991

Surface Transportation Research and Development Act of 1991 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to develop a national plan for surface transportation research and development. Requires the Secretary to initiate research and development programs in the areas of: (1) highway vehicle research; (2) automated highway and vehicle systems; (3) high speed rail systems; (4) magnetic levitated train systems; and (5) lightweight, rubber-tired multiple-unit passenger transportation systems. Directs the Secretary to establish an independent surface transportation research advisory committee. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· HRH.R. 2936 (102nd)referred

Scientific and Technical Education Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1991

Technical Education and Training Act of 1991 - Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to carry out an advanced technical education and training program under which accredited associate-degree-granting colleges, using matching non-Federal funds, provide training in technical competencies in strategic fields, with emphasis on collaborative programs with local employers and on attracting nontraditional students seeking to upgrade skills, recent high school graduates, and high school dropouts. Sets forth program elements, including: (1) model instructional programs in state-of-the-art competencies in advanced-technology occupations; (2) faculty development in laser technology, robotics, fiber optics, electronics, and other advanced technologies; and (3) private sector participation and provision of work experience opportunities. Requires the Director to: (1) award competitive grants to associate-degree-granting colleges; and (2) establish an inventory of advanced technical education and training programs. Requires the appointment of a National Advisory Council on Advanced Technical Education and Training to ensure the program is consistent with the needs of industries and provide other advice and evaluations. Requires an annual report from the Council to the NSF and the Congress. Requires the program to give emphasis to training to accommodate working people, parents, and the handicapped. Requires the designation of ten centers of excellence among associate-degree-granting colleges to serve as national and regional clearinghouses for educational institutions striving to upgrade their technical education programs and mathematics and science courses. Requires the Director to make: (1) no fewer than 20 grants annually to associate-degree-granting colleges to develop partnerships in mathematics and science education with secondary schools in the community; and (2) grants for partnerships with four-year academic institutions to enable students to achieve bachelor degrees in mathematics, science, engineering, or technology.

Bill· HRH.R. 2898 (102nd)open

Social Security Protection Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1991

Social Security Protection Act of 1991 - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to exclude the appropriations for the administration of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund from Federal budget deficit calculations and to exempt such appropriations from sequestration under such Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 2797 (102nd)open

Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1991

Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1991 - Prohibits any agency, department, or official of the United States or any State (the government) from burdening a person's exercise of religion even if the burden results from a rule of general applicability, except that the government may burden a person's exercise of religion only if it demonstrates that application of the burden to the person: (1) is essential to further a compelling governmental interest; and (2) is the least restrictive means of furthering that compelling governmental interest. Sets forth provisions pertaining to judicial relief, attorney's fees, and applicability.

Bill· HRH.R. 2566 (102nd)referred

Federal Aid Surface Transportation Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1991

Federal Aid Surface Transportation Act of 1991 - Title I: Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1991 - Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1991 - Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Account of the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) for: (1) the National Highway and Bridge System; (2) the Urban and Rural Highway and Bridge Program; (3) emergency relief; (4) the Federal Lands Highway Program; (5) the University Transportation Centers Program; (6) the Right-of-Way Revolving Fund; and (7) the Territorial Highway Program. Specifies that unobligated balances of funds apportioned or allocated to a State under Federal highway provisions before October 1, 1991, shall be available for obligation in such State under the law, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to the obligation and expenditure of those funds in effect on September 30, 1991. Repeals the FY 1993 authorization under the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956. Authorizes appropriations for Interstate construction to complete the Interstate System out of the Highway Account of the HTF for each of FY 1992 through 1995. Provides for certain allocations for Massachusetts for such fiscal years. Sets forth a formula for the apportionment of authorized funds for such fiscal years among the States. Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Account of the HTF for highway projects for the Interstate Substitution Program. Sets forth provisions with respect to obligation ceilings for Federal-aid highway programs, distribution of and limitations on obligation authority, and redistribution of unused obligation authority. Declares that national resources should be focused upon preserving the nation's investment in its Interstate systems, that broad national defense, economic, safety, and international policy goals are advanced by efficient transportation systems, that national transportation investments should increasingly encourage domestic and international commerce and trade, and that, based on congressionally established national transportation policy and objectives, a new Federal high priority highway network should be designated. Establishes the National Highway and Bridge System, to consist of all currently designated Interstate highways, an appropriate portion of the rural and urban principal arterial routes, including toll facilities, and national defense highways, and routes which meet specified criteria (including nationally significant truck routes, routes that provide nationally significant commodities with access to markets, access points to significant national parks, facilities that will provide logical connection between major population centers and the National Highway and Bridge System, and major urban corridors). Specifies that the National Highway System shall be based on a functional reclassification of roads and streets in each State which shall be designated not later than September 30, 1993, in accordance with guidelines issued by the Secretary of Transportation, and that the Secretary may add segments to the National Highway System as necessary to meet National Highway Program objectives. Directs the Secretary to establish criteria for reviewing projects to be funded as part of the National Highway and Bridge System which: (1) define eligible projects to include rehabilitation, resurfacing, restoration, capacity expansion, operational improvement, safety, and new highway construction; (2) ensure as a first priority for the use of available funds the protection of investments made in the Interstate highways in each State and the provision of suitable traveling quality by such highways; (3) permit funding in urbanized areas to be used to improve highway and transit systems, where it can be shown that the improvement will increase the level of service within the corridor of the National Highway and Bridge System; and (4) permit the use of such funds for intercity rail projects and projects for access to ports, airports, and related facilities. Sets forth additional provisions with respect to the discharge of responsibilities by the Secretary for National Highway and Bridge System projects. Directs the Secretary to establish an Urban and Rural Highway and Bridge Program to provide a category of funds that minimizes Federal requirements and provides flexibility in the use of available funds for either highway or transit projects. Specifies: (1) that the Urban and Rural Highway and Bridge Program shall consist of all public highways (including bridges) functionally classified as arterials, urban collectors, and rural collectors other than those designated as part of the National Highway and Bridge System; (2) that each State shall establish guidelines for implementing this program; and (3) eligible highways and projects. Sets forth provisions with respect to the obligation of funds, and the Federal share of projects, for the construction of toll roads, bridges, tunnels, and ferries. Requires the Secretary, in each fiscal year, to allocate among the States amounts sufficient to ensure that: (1) the total of apportionments and minimum allocation for each State in each such fiscal year shall not be less than 90 percent (currently, 85 percent) of the percentage of estimated tax payments into the Highway Account of the HTF attributable to highway users in the State of total apportionments in each such fiscal year and allocations for the prior year; and (2) each State's total apportionment from the Highway Account of the HTF for the year is not less than that made during FY 1991 (excluding any Interstate construction funds in excess of FY 1992 one-half percent minimum, Interstate substitution, and amounts for demonstration or discretionary funding programs or projects). Directs the Secretary to cooperate with State and local officials in urbanized areas in the development of transportation plans and programs which are formulated with due consideration to comprehensive long-range land use plans, development objectives, innovative financing mechanisms, overall social, economic, environmental, and system performance, energy conservation goals and objectives and with due consideration to their probable effect on the future development of the area. Specifies that the transportation planning process, at a minimum, shall cover the existing urbanized area and the area expected to become urbanized within the forecast period, and that it may encompass the entire Metropolitan Statistical Area/Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Area at the discretion of the Governor and the affected units of local government. Requires that transportation plans and programs in urbanized areas of more than 200,000 population be based on a continuing transportation planning process which: (1) is carried out by a metropolitan planning organization and is comprehensive to the degree appropriate based on the complexity of transportation problems in the area, including transportation-related air quality problems; and (2) considers all modes of transportation, including intermodal connectivity, the balance between future development and transportation needs, and an areawide multimodal congestion management system. Specifies that in nonattainment areas for transportation-related pollutants the multimodal congestion management system shall address air quality considerations and be coordinated with the process for development of the transportation element of the State Implementation Plan required by the Clean Air Act. Requires that the costs and impacts of proposed action on both mobility and air quality be evaluated. Bars the Secretary from approving any highway project in urbanized areas of more than 200,000 population that by reconstruction or new construction significantly increases the vehicle carrying capacity of a transportation corridor unless the project is consistent with the congestion management system. Directs the metropolitan planning organization to cooperate with the State in the development of a congestion management, bridge management, pavement management, safety management, and traffic monitoring system. Requires that: (1) a metropolitan planning organization be designated in each urbanized area by agreement among the units of general purpose local government and the Governor to carry out such transportation planning process; (2) such organization develop a transportation improvement program that includes all projects proposed for funding within the study area under the National Highway and Bridge Program, the Urban and Rural Highway and Bridge Program, and the Bridge Program; and (3) in urbanized areas of 200,000 population or less, such organization, the State, and transit operators, at a minimum, meet the requirements of this Act by the development of such a transportation improvement program (including consideration of transportation-related air quality problems.) Requires the Federal highway research program to include coordinated long-term programs of research: (1) on Intelligent Vehicle Highway Systems; and (2) for the development, use, and dissemination of performance indicators to measure the performance of the surface transportation system. Requires such program to continue those portions of the Strategic Highway Research Program that the Secretary deems important. Directs the Secretary to create and administer the Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship Program, a program to attract qualified students to the field of transportation engineering and research. Provides for the funding of such program. Directs the Secretary to cooperate with the States in carrying out: (1) statewide transportation planning; and (2) State highway research. Sets forth provisions regarding State matching fund requirements and waiver of such requirements. Directs the Secretary: (1) in the Secretary's reports regarding future highway needs of the nation, to report as well on the condition and performance of the existing system and on the bridge needs of the nation; and (2) beginning with the report due in January 1995, to include the results of studies of the air quality impacts of transportation programs including the air quality benefits realized from transportation control measures required under the Clear Air Act. Establishes within the Department of Transportation a Bureau of Transportation Statistics, which shall pursue a comprehensive, long-term program for the collection and analysis of data relating to the performance of the national transportation system. Requires the Director of such Bureau to: (1) produce annually unbiased and comparable estimates of factors including productivity in the various portions of the transportation sector, traffic flow, travel times, travel costs of intracity commuting and intercity trips, frequency of vehicle and transportation facility repairs, accidents, and collateral damage to the human and natural environment; and (2) submit reports beginning on October 1, 1992, and every 12 months thereafter, to specified congressional committees describing the status of the U.S. transportation system. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) undertake, on a cost-shared basis, collaborative research and development with non-Federal entities, including State, local, and foreign governments; and (2) enter into cooperative research and development agreements, except that the average Federal share in such agreements shall not exceed 50 percent (but allows the Secretary to approve a higher Federal level of participation where there is substantial public interest or benefit). Authorizes the Secretary to withhold project approvals on National Highway and Bridge Program projects for failure of a State to have a bridge management, pavement management, safety management, and congestion management system. Requires each State to have a traffic monitoring system to provide statistically-based traffic data. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) acquisition of rights-of-way; (2) private, State, and local donations; (3) access to rights-of-way to accommodate needed passenger or commuter rail, high speed ground transportation systems (including magnetic levitation systems), and highway and nonhighway public mass transit facilities; and (4) the definition and scope of the Interstate System. Declares that: (1) the nation must redirect its efforts toward moving people, information, and goods rather than moving vehicles; (2) the new Federal program shall refocus national policies to respond to increasing inter-regional travel, relieving urban congestion, improving rural access, fostering intermodalism, enhancing air quality, conserving energy, and giving priority to projects that offer the best solutions to the transportation problems and environmental considerations of each region; and (3) the essential element for an effective future program is a new Federal, State, and local partnership that provides more funding, greater program flexibility, and greater program management and resource contribution responsibilities at the State and local levels. Sets forth provisions with respect to the apportionment of funds, including apportionment formulas under the: (1) National Highway and Bridge Program, based on the State's rural and urban lane miles, rural vehicle miles traveled, and diesel fuel consumption; and (2) Urban and Rural Highway and Bridge Program, in the ratio of tax payments of the Highway Account of the HTF attributable to the highway users of each State. Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) project agreements and obligations of funds; (2) availability of funds; (3) the Federal share payable with respect to certain projects; (4) project litigation expenses; and (5) the allocation and administration of Federal lands highways funds, and the establishment of a coordinated Federal Lands Highways Program. Authorizes (subject to specified limitations): (1) States to use Federal highway funds to construct improved lanes, paths, or shoulders, traffic control devices, shelters, and parking facilities for bicycles and pedestrians, and carry out nonconstruction projects related to safe bicycle and pedestrian use; (2) the Secretary, where a highway bridge deck being replaced or rehabilitated with Federal financial participation is located on a highway on which bicycles or pedestrians are permitted to operate at each end of the bridge and the Secretary determines that the safe accommodation of bicycles or pedestrians can be provided at reasonable cost, to replace or rehabilitate such bridge, making such accommodations; (3) Federal lands highways funds to be used for the construction of pedestrian walkways and bicycle routes; and (4) a State to expend Urban and Rural Highway and Bridge Program funds for such construction. Provides for: (1) a functional reclassification of all public roads; (2) the transfer of funds for transit projects to, for administration by, the Urban Mass Transportation Administration; and (3) a recodification of Federal highway-related provisions. Requires that construction standards adopted for the National Highway and Bridge System be those approved by the Secretary in cooperation with the State highway departments and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (currently, with respect to construction standards for the Interstate System, cooperation with such Association is not required). Directs the Secretary to issue guidelines for minimizing soil erosion from highway construction. Bars the Secretary from approving projects that will result in the severance or destruction of an existing major route for nonmotorized transportation traffic and light motorcycles, unless the project provides a reasonable alternative route or an alternative route exists. Requires: (1) projects for resurfacing, restoring, or rehabilitating specified highways to be constructed in accordance with standards to preserve and extend highway service life and enhance highway safety; and (2) States to charge, at a minimum, fair market value for the sale, use, lease, or lease renewals of right-of-way airspace acquired as a result of a project funded in whole or in part with Federal assistance made available from the Highway Account of the HTF, with exceptions. Provides that: (1) Indian contractors certified by State transportation or highway departments shall receive preference in the award of contracts on Indian reservations to the maximum extent practicable; and (2) contracts for Urban and Rural Highway and Bridge Program projects may be entered into with the prior concurrence of the Secretary in the award. Authorizes: (1) the State transportation or highway department to include warranty or guarantee provisions in construction contracts which, if used, shall be for a specified construction product or feature and may not include routine maintenance; and (2) projects (currently, requires projects) approved to include the amount of any interest earned and payable on bonds issued by the State to the extent that the proceeds of the bonds have actually been expended in the construction of the project. Authorizes the Secretary, except for projects administered under the Urban and Rural Highway and Bridge Program, to make payments to a State for costs incurred on a project. (Current law authorizes payment to States for construction.) Specifies that total payments shall not exceed total costs incurred by the State for the project. Requires any State transportation or highway (currently, highway) department which submits plans for a National Highway and Bridge Program or Interstate System project (currently, Interstate System project) to make its certification and report, indicating that consideration was given to the economic, social, environmental, and other effects of the plan, highway location or design, and various alternatives which were raised during the hearing or which were otherwise considered (current law does not mention the latter requirement). Authorizes the Secretary to approve for Federal financial assistance from National Highway and Bridge Program funds: (1) projects designed to encourage the use of carpools, subject to specified limitations; and (2) the construction of exclusive or preferential high occupacy vehicle (HOV) lanes, highway traffic control devices, intercity and urban bus passenger loading areas and facilities, and fringe and transportation corridor parking to serve HOV, intercity bus, and public transportation passengers. Specifies that if fees are charged for the use of any carpool or other publicly owned parking facility constructed pursuant to Federal highway provisions, the revenue in excess of that required for maintenance and operation of the facility and the cost of providing shuttle service to and from the facility including compensation to any person for operating the facility and for providing shuttle service shall be used for purposes authorized under Federal highway provisions. Requires that National Highway and Bridge System funds be made available to finance the Federal share of projects for exclusive or preferential HOV, truck, and emergency vehicle routes or lanes. Permits such routes on the Interstate System to have less than four lanes of traffic. Prohibits the approval of HOV projects unless the Secretary has received assurances from the owner or operator of the facility that HOV vehicles will fully utilize the proposed project and that essential operations and enforcement support of the facility will be provided. Specifies that, in any case where sufficient land exists within the publicly acquired rights-of-way of the National Highway System to accommodate needed nonhighway public mass transit facilities and where the accommodation can be accomplished without impairing automotive safety or future highway improvements, the Secretary may authorize a State to make those lands and rights-of-way available without charge to a publicly owned mass transit authority for such purposes wherever the public interest will be served. Directs the Secretary to require assurance from any State desiring to avail itself of benefits under Federal highway provisions that employment in connection with proposed projects be provided without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, or sex (currently, specifies "without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, or sex"). Requires that not to exceed one fourth of one percent of the funds apportioned to a State be available for highway construction training. Prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex under programs or activities receiving Federal assistance. Repeals a requirement that each State certify that it is enforcing all speed limits on public highways and that the Secretary not approve projects in States failing to make such certification. Requires each State to establish a procedure to certify that highway bridge inspectors meet national qualifications. (Current law requires that standards established by the Secretary include a procedure for national certification of such inspectors.) Directs the Secretary to withhold ten percent of the amount to be appropriated to any State on the first day of each fiscal year in which the purchase or public possession in that State of any alcoholic beverage by a person who is less than 21 years of age is lawful (current law specifies five percent on the first day of the fiscal year succeeding the first fiscal year beginning after September 30, 1985, and ten percent after the second fiscal year beginning after such date). Specifies that funds withheld from apportionment shall be apportioned to the other States in compliance and remain available for the period of time applicable to the category of funds withheld (currently, treatment of such funds varies based on whether funds were withheld on or before September 30, 1988). Directs that construction estimated to cost $50,000 (currently, $15,000) or more per mile or per project for projects with a length of less than one mile on forest development roads and trails be advertised and let to contract, and allows projects with less than such cost, if no acceptable bid is received, to be done by the Secretary of Agriculture. Repeals provisions under the Territorial Highway Program: (1) that Federal financial assistance be granted on the basis of a Federal contribution of 100 percent of the cost of any project; and (2) under which the Governor must agree not to impose any toll, or permit any such toll to be charged, for use by vehicles or persons of any portion of the facilities constructed or operated to qualify for funding. Provides that, in addition to a specified percentage, sums provided (currently, two percent) for each fiscal year may be expended upon request of the Governor with the Secretary's approval under such Program. Requires (currently, authorizes the Secretary to make) expenditures with respect to the reconstruction of the Alaska-Canada international highway. Authorizes the Secretary to give priority of approval to, and expedite the construction of, projects that are recommended as important to the national defense. Modifies provisions regarding the National Highway Institute to: (1) require that private agencies and individuals pay the full cost of any education and training received by them; and (2) authorize the Institute to engage in all phases of contract authority for training purposes authorized under Federal highway provisions and to carry out its authority independently or in cooperation with any other branch of Government, authority, association, or person. Authorizes the Institute to establish and collect fees from any entity and place them in a special account.

Bill· HRH.R. 2546 (102nd)open

Communications Competitiveness and Infrastructure Modernization Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1991

Communications Competitiveness and Infrastructure Modernization Act of 1991 - Title I: Communications Infrastructure Modernization Policy - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 (the Act) to establish a new national goal that by 2015 the United States will have established an advanced, interactive, interoperable broadband communications system nationwide. Requires local telephone companies to submit a plan to achieve such goal for approval by the appropriate agency in each State in which they operate. Requires disapproval only when the plan is not in the public interest. Requires such plan to give priority consideration to accelerated deployment of such a system for educational institutions, health care facilities, and small businesses. Requires such plan to provide for deployment to less densely populated and economically disadvantaged areas at a rate reasonably related to the rate of deployment in more populous and affluent areas. Requires the FCC, after final State action, to review the plan to certify compliance with the goals and objectives of this Act. Requires FCC procedures for local telephone companies to ensure coordinated communications network planning in the development of a nationwide communications infrastructure and to assure broad availability of information services. Title II: Regulatory Changes to Promote Efficient Multiple Uses of Communications Technologies - Amends the Act to establish a policy to permit multiple uses of communications technologies and to eliminate restrictions on communications technologies to single lines of services in order to promote communications technology deployment in a manner which secures communication services for the public at reasonable costs. Title III: Modification of Impediments to Convergence of Telephone and Video Technologies - Amends the Act to modify ownership restrictions to permit local telephone companies to provide video programming subject to specified regulatory safeguards to prevent anti-competitive activities only after the FCC makes the certification described under title I and certifies that the company has filed a plan pledging it to comply with such safeguards. Outlines safeguards against telephone company monopolization of the cable service industry, including those: (1) requiring separate video programming subsidiaries for telephone companies; (2) allowing competitors attachment rights to telephone poles and conduits and rights-of-way within telephone company service areas; (3) prohibiting cross-subsidization between local telephone companies and affiliated video programming subsidiaries and marketing by a local telephone company of its subsidiary's video programming; and (4) subjecting local telephone companies to local cable franchise requirements. Requires local telephone companies which distribute affiliated video programming over a broadband communications system to provide video gateway services to facilitate user access to video programming. Exempts from the safeguards outlined above a carrier which provides video programming in rural areas with a population of 10,000 or below in which it also provides local exchange service. Requires periodic FCC evaluation of the effect of the provision of video programming by telephone companies on the video marketplace and recommendations to the Congress concerning any modifications needed as a result of such evaluation. Requires FCC and State rules and regulations to prevent consumers from paying more for telephone services as a result of their local telephone company's provision of video programming. Revises multiple cable franchise provisions. Requires an FCC report to the Congress regarding competition and consumer choice in the delivery of video programming and telephone services. Requires an FCC review of the rural exemption described above to determine how to expedite access to broadband multichannel video programming for all parts of the United States. Sets forth penalties for violations of the safeguards outlined above to prevent telephone company monopolization of the cable service industry.

Bill· HRH.R. 2407 (102nd)open

Animal Enterprise Protection Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1991

Farm Animal and Research Facilities Protection Act of 1991 - Amends title XIV of the Food Security Act of 1985 to add a new subtitle prohibiting (and establishing criminal penalties for) specified acts of destruction, theft, or damage to farm animal, research, and educational facilities. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture and the Attorney General to jointly conduct a study of the extent and effect of terrorism on animal research, production, and processing facilities. Grants jurisdiction for cases arising under these provisions to U.S. district courts. Establishes a private right of action.

Bill· HRH.R. 2282 (102nd)reported

National Science Foundation Authorization Act Amendments of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1991

National Science Foundation Authorization Act Amendments of 1991 - Amends the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 1988 to authorize appropriations to the National Science Foundation (NSF) for: (1) research and related activities (including these subcategories: mathematical and physical sciences; engineering; biological, behavioral, and social sciences; geosciences; computer and information science and engineering; and scientific, technological, and international affairs); (2) education and human resources; (3) U.S. Antarctic Program; (4) academic research facilities modernization; (5) Academic Research Instrumentation Program; (6) salaries and expenses; and (7) Office of the Inspector General. Prohibits funds authorized under this Act for FY 1992 from being available for construction of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory. Amends the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 to remove provisions declaring ineffective, after the end of FY 1989, provisions: (1) allowing the National Science Foundation Board to delegate authority to the NSF Director to make grants, contracts, and other arrangements, and allowing the Board to impose conditions on such delegation; and (2) limiting any such delegations and conditions to two years.

Law· HRH.R. 2042 (102nd)enacted

Fire Administration Authorization Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1991

Amends the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to authorize appropriations for FY 1992 through 1994. Sets forth priority activities for the United States Fire Administration in expending such funds. Requires the Administration to report to: (1) the Congress on such activities taken; and (2) specified congressional committees on its progress in implementing the Hotel and Motel Fire Safety Act of 1990.

Law· HRH.R. 1989 (102nd)enacted

American Technology Preeminence Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1991

American Technology Preeminence Act of 1991 - Title I: Department of Commerce Research and Technology - Technology Administration Authorization Act of 1991 - Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Commerce, to carry out the activities of the Under Secretary for Technology and the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy, for: (1) Office of Under Secretary; (2) Technology Policy; (3) Japanese Technical Literature; (4) Clearinghouse on State and Local Initiatives on Productivity, Technology, and Innovation; and (5) National Technical Information Service (NTIS). Requires operating costs for certain NTIS activities to be recovered primarily through fees. Mandates a report by the Secretary to the Congress responding to a specified Inspector General's Report and containing certain information and certifications. Amends the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 and the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1988 and 1989 to change references to the Under Secretary for Economic Affairs to references to the Under Secretary for Technology in provisions relating to: (1) membership on the Advisory Council on Federal Participation in Sematech; and (2) the conduct of a study on Federal participation in Sematech. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for: (1) Electronics and Electrical Measurements; (2) Manufacturing Engineering; (3) Chemical Science and Technology; (4) Physics; (5) Materials Science and Engineering; (6) Building and Fire Research; (7) Computer Systems; (8) Applied Mathematics and Scientific Computing; (9) Technology Assistance; and (10) Research Support Activities. Earmarks certain amounts. Limits funds transfers among the line items. Declares that, subject to specified exceptions, this Act contains the complete authorizations of appropriations for NIST for a specified fiscal year. Authorizes the Secretary to pay the Federal share of a pilot program under existing provisions to assist a country or countries in the development of comprehensive industrial standards. Amends the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (NIST Act) to remove provisions limiting the amount NIST may, without specific appropriations, spend for construction or improvement of buildings or facilities. Requires: (1) NIST fire research and building technology programs to be combined for administrative purposes only, and separate budget accounts to be maintained; and (2) a report to the Congress on the combination and matters related to the two programs. Directs the Secretary, through the NIST Director, and the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to jointly prepare and, subject to appropriations, carry out a plan for research to develop the fire technology and materials for an all fire resistant aircraft cabin interior. Amends the NIST Act to authorize financial assistance to U.S. citizens for research and technical activities on Institute programs. Authorizes, where shortages exist, recruitment and employment at NIST of foreign nationals admitted to the United States for permanent residence who intend to become U.S. citizens. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary to carry out the extramural industrial technology services programs of NIST under specified provisions, to be available for: (1) Regional Centers for the Transfer of Manufacturing Technology; (2) State Technology Extension Program; and (3) Advanced Technology Program. Requires competitive merit review of extramural programs. Amends the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 to remove provisions requiring cooperative agreements between NIST and State technology extension services to expire on September 30, 1991. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the National Advisory Committee on Semiconductor Research and Development Act of 1988. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary to make any adjustments in salary, pay, retirement, and other employee benefits which may be provided for by law. Prohibits awarding a contract or subcontract with funds authorized under this title for an article or material produced or manufactured in a foreign country whose government unfairly maintains in government procurement a significant and persistent pattern or practice of discrimination against U.S. products or services which results in identifiable harms to U.S. businesses. Makes ineligible to receive a contract or subcontract from the Department of Commerce any person who fraudulently affixes a "Made in America" label to a product. Authorizes the Secretary, in certain circumstances, to award to a domestic firm a contract that, under competitive procedures, would be awarded to a foreign firm. Title II: Advanced Technology Program Amendments - Emerging Technologies and Advanced Technology Program Amendments Act of 1991 - Amends the NIST Act to authorize the Secretary, through the Director, to make grants and enter into contracts and cooperative agreements under the Advanced Technology Program, including as a method for participating in U.S. joint research and development ventures (joint ventures). Limits the amount of any such contract or award (currently, any such contract or cooperative agreement). Replaces provisions entitling the Federal Government to a share of the licensing fees and royalty payments to a business or joint venture with provisions requiring each agreement with a business or joint venture that receives an award to specify a test for determining whether the venture is a commercial success and, if so, provide for recoupment to the Federal Government. Sets forth eligibility requirements for company participation in the Program. Requires assistance under the Program to be designed to support high risk projects with potential for eventual substantial widespread commercial application. Requires title to any intellectual property arising from assistance under the Program to vest in a company or companies incorporated in the United States. Allows the United States to retain a license in connection with such property. Allows a limited percentage of the funds appropriated for the Program to be used for standards development and technical activities by NIST in support of the purposes of the Program. Authorizes the Secretary, in carrying out NIST extramural funding programs, to retain amounts to pay for NIST's management of the programs. Title III: Amendments to the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 - Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to remove fiscal year limitations from provisions requiring that each Federal agency transfer an amount to NIST for the Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer. Repeals provisions mandating demonstration projects in technology transfer. Adds references to intellectual property to provisions defining "cooperative research and development agreement." Amends the definition of "Federal agency" to include any agency of the legislative branch. Authorizes the Secretary to use appropriated funds to cover the cost of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award program to the extent such funds are needed in excess of the funds available under specified provisions. Adds to the duties of the Secretary, through the Under Secretary for Technology, that of serving as a focal point for discussions among U.S. companies on topics of interest to industry and labor. Title IV: National Commission on Reducing Capital Costs for Emerging Technology - Establishes the National Commission on Reducing Capital Costs for Emerging Technology to develop recommendations to increase the competitiveness of U.S. industry by encouraging investments in research, the development of new process and product technologies, and the production of those technologies. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Studies and Reports - Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to establish the High-Resolution Information Systems Advisory Board to monitor and foster the development of U.S.-based high-resolution information systems industries (defined as the equipment and techniques to create, store, recover, and play back high-resolution images and accompanying sound). Authorizes appropriations. Amends the National Science and Technology Policy, Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976 to mandate an annual report to the Congress on each major science and technology project in which more than one country is participating and which has a total estimated cost over one billion dollars. Modifies the required contents of the biennial national critical technologies report to the President. Allows a product or process to be considered a national critical technology if it is essential for U.S. long-term national security or economic prosperity (currently, national security and economic prosperity). Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress, with annual updates, regarding: (1) civilian industries necessary for a robust manufacturing infrastructure and critical to economic security; (2) major research and development being undertaken, and substantial investments being made, by the Federal Government in each of the critical industries; and (3) a ten-year plan of major public and private efforts needed to ensure growth and stability of each critical industry. Establishes the Commission on Technology and Procurement to analyze the effect of Federal Government procurement laws, procedures, and policies on the development of advanced technologies in the United States and to make recommendations on changing Federal policy to promote the development of advanced technologies. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees on the feasibility of establishing and operating a Federal Online Information Product Catalog (FEDLINE) at the National Technical Information Service (NTIS) to serve as a comprehensive inventory of information products and services disseminated by the Federal Government and assist agencies and the public in locating Federal Government information. Authorizes the NTIS Director to retain and use all monies received to fund obligations and expenses through the end of a specified fiscal year. Amends the National Technical Information Act of 1988 to add producing and disseminating information products in electronic format to the duties of the NTIS. Establishes the National Quality Council to take certain actions regarding quality performance in business, education, government, and all other sectors. Establishes in the Treasury the National Quality Performance Trust Fund to receive all funds received by the Council. Makes amounts in the Fund available to the Council without further appropriation. Prohibits the Council from accepting private donations from a single source in excess of a specified amount per year. Requires approval of two-thirds of the Council to accept donations from a single source over a certain amount per year. Amends the National Science and Technology Policy, Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976 to replace provisions establishing and setting forth the membership and functions of the Federal Coordinating Council for Science, Engineering, and Technology with provisions relating to the membership and functions of the Council and assistance to the Council by other Federal agencies. Directs the Secretary to contract with the National Research Council for a thorough review of international product testing and certification issues. Mandates a report to the Secretary, the President, and the Congress. Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to report to the Congress: (1) proposing a strategy for improving the university research capabilities of States which historically have received relatively little Federal research and development funding; and (2) on the feasibility and advisability of using the National Science Foundation's Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research as a model for similar programs in other Federal departments and agencies which fund research and development. Directs the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees regarding a plan for coordination of Commerce Department efforts with other Federal agencies concerning high-resolution information systems. Title VI: Lead Exposure Hazards - Requires NIST to recommend to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) technical criteria and implement a voluntary accreditation program with respect to laboratory analysis of lead in paint, films, soil, and dust. Requires that funds for implementing the program be provided to NIST by the EPA Administrator. Allows funds received through charges for accreditation services to be used by NIST for operating costs. Requires NIST, subject to the availability of funds, to recommend to the EPA Administrator protocols, criteria, reference materials, and minimum performance standards to be used in the evaluation of emerging products and techniques for detecting lead in paint films and dust and to ensure reliable, accurate, and effective lead detection technologies. Requires NIST, subject to the availability of funds, to recommend to the EPA Administrator performance criteria and standards for lead paint encapsulants and for strippers.

Bill· HRH.R. 1782 (102nd)open

National Traffic Fatality and Injury Reduction Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1991

National Traffic Fatality and Injury Reduction Act of 1991 - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants for traffic safety programs to States which require any person riding a motorcycle to wear a helmet and any driver or front seat passenger of a passenger car to have seat belts properly fastened. Authorizes appropriations. Requires States receiving grants to agree to maintain at least their average levels of expenditures for traffic safety programs over the preceding two fiscal years. Prohibits a State from receiving such a grant in more than three fiscal years. Specifies the Federal share of grants and the aggregate amount of such grants to each State. Sets forth requirements with respect to: (1) States' eligibility for grants; and (2) measurement of compliance with State safety laws. Eliminates a provision prohibiting a highway safety program approved by the Secretary from requiring that motorcycle operators or passengers 18 years or older wear a safety helmet. Requires any State where it is lawful to operate or ride a motorcycle without wearing a motorcycle helmet or to occupy a front seating position in a passenger car without using a safety belt or child restraint system to expend a specified percentage of its apportioned Federal aid highway funds for highway safety programs.

Bill· HRH.R. 1624 (102nd)open

To provide for the establishment of a memorial on Federal land within the District of Columbia to honor members of the Armed Forces who served in World War II, and to express the sense of Congress concerning the United States' participation in that conflict.

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1991

Directs the American Battle Monuments Commission to establish a memorial on Federal land in the District of Columbia or its environs to honor World War II veterans and to commemorate U.S. participation in that conflict. Directs the Commission to plan, design, construct, and oversee the operation of the memorial. Specifies that such design shall provide for accessibility by, and accommodations for, the physically handicapped. Establishes the World War II Memorial Advisory Board to: (1) promote the establishment of the memorial and encourage the donation of private funds for construction and maintenance; (2) assist and cooperate with the Commission in the selection of the site and design for the memorial; and (3) transmit annual reports on its activities to the Congress. Authorizes the Commission to solicit private contributions for such memorial. Establishes a fund in the Treasury which shall be made available to the Commission to carry out this Act. Authorizes Federal funding, in addition to such private funds, for: (1) site preparation, design, planning, and associated administrative costs for establishment of the memorial; and (2) construction, maintenance, and operation of the memorial. Authorizes assistance from specified Federal departments and agencies, including the Library of Congress. Authorizes the transfer of Federal property to the Commission. Authorizes the Commission to purchase suitable property within the District of Columbia for the establishment of such memorial. Urges the Government to encourage 50th anniversary commemorations of the U.S. role in World War II. Urges the Smithsonian Institution and other Federal museums to develop commemorative exhibitions to be shared with academic institutions.

Bill· HRH.R. 1623 (102nd)referred

World War II 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1991

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.

Bill· HRH.R. 1573 (102nd)referred

Education Equity Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1991

Educational Equity Act of 1991 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to revise the formula for determining the amount of grants to States under the chapter 1 title I program for educationally disadvantaged children. Replaces the State per pupil expenditure with the national per pupil expenditure, in such formula.

Bill· HRH.R. 1545 (102nd)referred

Taxpayer Regulatory Relief Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1991

Taxpayer Regulatory Relief Act of 1991 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe the extent to which rules and regulations may be applied without retroactive effect (or with it). Requires all final, temporary, or proposed regulations and rulings issued by the Secretary to apply prospectively from the date of publication in the Federal Register, unless the Congress supersedes such treatment.

Bill· HRH.R. 1456 (102nd)open

Intangibles Amortization Clarification Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1991

Intangibles Amortization Clarification Act of 1991 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the amortization of customer based, market share and similar intangible items for purposes of the depreciation deduction.

Bill· HRH.R. 1296 (102nd)referred

To authorize the President to award a gold medal on behalf of the Congress to General H. Norman Schwarzkopf and to provide for the production of bronze duplicates of such medal for sale to the public.

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1991

Authorizes the President to present a gold medal to General H. Norman Schwarzkopf in recognition of his exemplary performance in coordinating the planning, strategy, and execution of U.S. combat action and his invaluable contributions to the United States and to the liberation of Kuwait. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· HRH.R. 1237 (102nd)referred

To amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to clarify the application of such Act, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1991

Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to revise its application. Revises minimum wage and maximum hours provisions (as well as provisions for special industry committees for American Samoa) to apply such requirements specifically to employers of employees who in any workweek are engaged in industrial homework and who are either engaged in commerce or in the production of goods in commerce (in addition to any other employees so employed). Revises the scope of the application of requirements relating to: (1) wage rate orders for employers in American Samoa; (2) prohibition of sex discrimination in wage rates; and (3) handicapped workers.

Bill· HRH.R. 656 (102nd)open

High-Performance Computing and National Research and Education Network Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1991

High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 - Declares that this Act does not apply to computer systems that process classified information or are used in connection with certain defense purposes. Allows Federal agencies and departments to procure prototype or early production models of new high-performance computer systems and subsystems to stimulate hardware and software development. Amends the National Science and Technology Policy, Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976 to direct the President, through the Federal Coordinating Council for Science, Engineering, and Technology (Council), to develop and implement a National High-Performance Computing Plan, to be submitted to the Congress within one year of this Act's enactment and revised at least biennially. Requires the plan to recommend a five-year proposal of goals and priorities for a Federal high-performance computing program. Describes required plan contents, including funding requirements, roles for various Federal agencies, and establishment of a national multi-gigabit-per-second computer network (to be known as the National Research and Education Network (Network). Designates the Council as the lead entity responsible for development and implementation of the plan, directing it to coordinate related activities among Federal agencies and departments and review budget estimates. Directs the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to establish a High-Performance Computing Advisory Panel to provide the Council with an assessment of the plan. Directs each Federal entity involved in high-performance computing to submit, as part of its annual budget request, a report on the role of its activities with regard to the plan and relevant budget requests. Instructs the Chairman of the Council to submit to the President and to the Congress, by March 1 annually, a report on plan achievements and progress. Requires the National Science Foundation to provide for the establishment of the Network by 1996 to link government, industry, and the education community. Designates the Department of Defense, through the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, as the lead agency for research and development of advanced fiber optics technology, switches, and protocols needed to develop the Network. Gives to the National Science Foundation, within the Federal Government, the primary responsibility for connecting colleges, universities, and libraries to the Network. Directs the Council to carry out certain functions, including: (1) developing goals and strategies; (2) identifying the roles of Federal agencies and departments; and (3) overseeing the Network's operation and evolution. Authorizes the National Science Foundation, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Department of Defense, the Department of Commerce, the Department of the Interior, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Environmental Protection Agency to allow Federal research grant recipients to use grant funds to pay for computer networking. Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to report to the Congress on specified matters, including: (1) funding mechanisms for the Network, including user fees, industry support, and continued Federal investment; (2) a plan for the eventual commercialization of the Network; (3) charging commercial information service providers for Network access; (4) charging Network users for commercial services; (5) the technological feasibility of allowing commercial services to use the Network and other federally-funded networks; (6) copyright protection; and (7) resource security and user privacy. Requires the National Science Foundation (NSF) to provide funding to enable researchers to access supercomputers. Sets forth other responsibilities of the NSF, including promoting development of information services that could be provided over the Network. Authorizes appropriations to the NSF for the purposes of this Act. Requires the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to conduct basic and applied research in high-performance computing, with specified emphases. Authorizes appropriations to NASA for the purposes of this Act. Requires the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to: (1) adopt standards and guidelines, and develop measurement techniques and test methods, for the interoperability of high-performance computers in networks and for common user interfaces to systems; and (2) develop benchmark tests and standards for high performance computers and software. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to conduct a study regarding the impact of Federal procurement regulations which require that contractors providing software to the Federal Government share the rights to proprietary software development tools that the contractors used to develop the software.

Bill· HRH.R. 534 (102nd)open

Recreational Boat User Fee Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1991

Amends Federal law to repeal provisions mandating the imposition of fees on owners or operators of recreational vessels over 16 feet in length.

Bill· HRH.R. 394 (102nd)referred

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to restore the prior law exclusion for scholarships and fellowships and to restore the deduction for interest on educational loans.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Repeals provisions of the Tax Reform Act of 1986 that restrict the types of scholarships and fellowship grants that may be excluded from gross income for income tax purposes. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax deduction for interest on a qualified educational loan incurred to pay the educational expenses of the taxpayer, spouse, or dependent. Eliminates the current requirement that such indebtedness be secured by an interest in real property.

Bill· HRH.R. 191 (102nd)open

Technology Transfer Improvements Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Technology Transfer Improvements Act of 1991 - Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to allow each Federal agency to: (1) secure copyright on behalf of the United States in any computer software prepared in whole or in part by U.S. employees under a cooperative research and development agreement or other authority, notwithstanding provisions of Federal copyright law; and (2) grant in advance to a collaborating party licenses or assignments for the copyrights, or options thereto, retaining specified rights. Adds references to software and its author to provisions governing the distribution of royalties received by Federal agencies.

Bill· HRH.R. 14364 (95th)referred

A bill for the relief of Bob C. Riley.

United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1978

Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to issue a certain individual a renewable five-year level premium term insurance policy and directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay such individual a sum equal to the amount he would have received as dividends under the policy during a specified time period.

Bill· HRH.R. 14167 (95th)referred

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act with respect to reimbursement of physicians' services in teaching hospitals.

United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1978

Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to exclude from inpatient hospital services provided under such Title the services of a physician in a teaching hospital only if: (1) the hospital elects to receive any payment due under Medicare for reasonable costs of such services; and (2) all physicians in the hospital agree not to bill charges for professional services rendered in such hospital to individuals covered by Medicare.

Bill· HRH.R. 13792 (95th)referred

A bill to amend the Trade Act of 1974.

United States · United States Congress · 8 August 1978

Amends the Trade Act of 1974, with respect to the authority of the President to negotiate trade agreements, to direct the President to reserve any article for which an agreement limiting agricultural imports has been entered into, from negotiations to reduce or eliminate customs duties or import restrictions.