United States · United States Congress · 15 October 1991
Provides that the period for which expenses of the former Speakers of the House of Representatives may be paid shall end three years after the expiration date of such term of office, except that in the case of a former Speaker who is receiving such expenses on the date of the enactment of this Act, the period shall end three years after such date.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1991
Provides that the Freedom of Information Act shall apply to the Congress. Exempts from disclosure under such Act information related to casework or constituent correspondence of Senators or Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1991
Expresses the sense of the Congress that if the President and the Congress determine that the Budget Summit Agreement should be reopened and defense spending reduced below its established level then: (1) reductions in defense spending below the amount set by the Agreement should be used to reduce the Federal budget deficit and provide economic growth measures, not to fund new Government spending; and (2) the modified agreement should include measures to control the growth of entitlement spending.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1991
Medical Care Injury Compensation Reform Act of 1991 - Title I: Grants to States for Alternative Dispute Resolution Systems - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to States for the implementation and evaluation of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) systems. Sets forth eligibility requirements for States seeking such grants. Directs the Secretary to award not less than ten such grants each fiscal year, with exceptions. Requires the Secretary to: (1) designate each State receiving such a grant as a model ADR State (making such State eligible for a two-year extension); and (2) disseminate information on the ADR systems implemented by such States to other States, health care professionals and providers, and other interested parties. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop and promulgate standards and regulations necessary to carry out the grant program, including qualification standards that States must meet to receive grants and regulations establishing State data gathering requirements; (2) take into account, in developing qualification standards, specified factors such as the effectiveness of such systems in supporting access to health care, encouraging improvements in the quality of care, resolving claims promptly, and providing predictable outcomes; (3) provide States with technical assistance; and (4) report to the Congress, within four years of the first grant, describing and evaluating the ADR systems implemented. Title II: Uniform Standards for Malpractice Claims - Specifies that, with respect to any health care liability action brought in a Federal or State court and any medical malpractice claim or medical product liability claim subject to an ADR system: (1) no person may be required to pay more than $100,000 in a single payment in damages (whether for economic or non-economic losses) for expenses to be incurred in the future, but shall be permitted to make periodic payments (as determined by the court); (2) the total amount of damages that may be awarded to an individual and the family members of such individual for non-economic losses may not exceed $250,000; (3) the total amount of damages received by an individual shall be reduced by any other payment that has been or will be made to the individual to compensate such individual for the injury that was the subject of the action or claim; (4) a claimant's attorney's fees may not exceed 25 percent of the first $150,000 of any award or settlement, or 15 percent of any additional amounts, paid to the claimant; (5) the total amount of punitive damages that may be assessed may not exceed twice the total amount of the damages awarded to compensate the claimant for losses resulting from the injury; and (6) the liability of each defendant for non-economic losses shall be several only and not joint, and each defendant shall be liable only for the amount of non-economic losses allocated to the defendant in direct proportion to the defendant's percentage of responsibility. Establishes a two-year statute of limitations for medical malpractice and product liability claims, beginning on the earlier of the date on which the injury that is the subject of the action was discovered or the date it should reasonably have been discovered. Specifies that, in the case of a medical malpractice or product liability claim relating to services provided during labor or the delivery of a baby, if the claimant was not previously treated for the pregnancy by the defendant health care professional or provider a court may not find that the defendant committed malpractice and assess damages against the defendant unless the malpractice is proven by clear and convincing evidence. Bars a defendant from being found to have committed malpractice unless the defendant's conduct at the time of providing the health care services was not reasonable, except where the claimant asserts that the defendant is liable under a strict liability theory. Bars the award of punitive damages with respect to any medical product liability claim alleged against a medical product producer if the drug or device that is the subject of the claim: (1) was subject to approval or premarket approval under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with respect to the safety or performance of the drug or device or the adequacy of the packaging or labeling; (2) was approved by FDA; or (3) is generally recognized as safe and effective pursuant to conditions established by FDA and applicable regulations. Makes an exception in the case of withheld information, misrepresentation, or illegal payment to an FDA official for purposes of securing approval of the drug or device. Provides for a separate proceeding to determine punitive damages. Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) the admissibility of evidence; and (2) criteria for determining the amount of punitive damages. Provides that the U.S. district courts shall not have jurisdiction over health care liability actions based on Federal questions or based on specified provisions concerning commerce and antitrust regulations. Specifies that this title preempts State law only to the extent that State law: (1) permits the recovery by a claimant or the assessent against a defendant of a greater amount of damages; (2) permits the awarding of a greater amount of attorneys' fees; (3) establishes a longer period during which medical malpractice or product liability claims may be initiated; or (4) establishes a less strict standard of proof for determining whether a defendant has committed malpractice. Title III: Encouraging Establishment of Community and Migrant Health Center Risk Retention Group - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary to encourage the establishment of a nationwide risk retention group (RRG) for community and migrant health centers receiving assistance under such Act. Defines an RRG for purposes of this title as an entity defined in the Liability Risk Retention Act of 1986 that: (1) provides professional liability insurance and other types of profitable insurance approved for issuance by the Secretary to community and migrant health centers; (2) provides insurance that applies to all claims filed against a community or migrant health center after the entity initiates insurance coverage and to claims arising from acts that occurred prior to the initiation of coverage if the claims are not covered by other insurance; and (3) meets such other requirements as the Secretary may establish.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1991
Provides, unless specified conditions are met relating to Serbia's armed conflict with the other ethnic peoples of Yugoslavia, for the: (1) restriction of U.S. assistance to Serbia or any part of Yugoslavia controlled by it; (2) suspension of U.S. air travel to and from such locations; (3) suspension of multinational assistance; and (4) imposition of a U.S. trade embargo.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1991
Solid Waste Metals Reduction Act - Prohibits the intentional introduction of lead, cadmium, mercury, or hexavalent chromium into a package or packaging component during manufacturing or distribution. Sets forth the maximum allowable concentration level of the sum of such elements in packaging. Makes such regulations inapplicable (for a specified period) for packaging: (1) that was manufactured prior to this Act's effective date; (2) to which lead, cadmium, mercury, or hexavalent chromium have been added to comply with Federal health or safety requirements or, because it is essential for the protection, safe handling, or function of the contents of the package, provided that the manufacturer, supplier, or distributor petitions the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the exemption; or (3) that would not exceed the maximum concentration levels set forth in this Act but for the addition of post-consumer materials. Provides for the renewal of exemptions if the Administrator determines that a renewal is warranted. Requires packaging manufacturers or suppliers to furnish certificates of compliance (with respect to this Act's requirements) to distributors. Makes certificates of compliance, upon request, available to EPA and the public. Authorizes the assessment of civil penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1991
Repeals the Internal Revenue Code's nonrefundable income tax credit for employment-related dependent care expenses, replacing it with a corresponding refundable 50 percent credit, reduced (but not below 20 percent) as the taxpayer's adjusted gross income exceeds $15,000 (adjusted for inflation). Includes within the scope of the new credit up to $1,200 ($2,400 in the case of more than one qualifying individual) of respite care expenses incurred in the care of: (1) a dependent of the taxpayer who is at least 13 years old; or (2) a spouse or other dependent who is physically or mentally incapable of self-care.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1991
Small Business Jobs and Tax Benefits Act of 1991 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend for one year the following expiring provisions: (1) the credit for increasing research activities; (2) the targeted jobs credit; (3) the tax exclusion for employer-provided educational assistance; (4) the authority to issue qualified small issue bonds to finance manufacturing facilities and farm property; and (5) the itemized deduction for health insurance costs of self-employed individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1991
Small Business Economic Opportunity Enhancement Act of 1991 - Amends the Small Business Act to establish a five-year microloan demonstration program to: (1) make direct loans to intermediaries (i.e. community development corporations) for short-term loans to eligible small businesses microenterprises; and (2) make grants to intermediaries for marketing, management, and technical assistance to small business borrowers. Amends the Social Security Act to include the microloan demonstration program within the services and activities provided under the JOBS program. Permits such microenterprises to participate in the Aid to Families with Dependent Children Program without adversely impacting upon their Federal benefits. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act and the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to include microenterprises within their purview of eligible participants. Expresses the sense of the Congress that a specified percentage of amounts appropriated under such Acts be reserved for microenterprise assistance. Amends the Job Training and Partnership Act to authorize training activities for microenterprises.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1991
Freedom of Speech on Campus Act of 1991 - Expresses the sense of the Congress that students attending universities or other institutions of higher education that receive Federal funds should be able to exercise full rights to freedom of speech on campus free from official intrusion. Amends the Education Amendments of 1972 to prohibit discrimination by an institution of higher education against a student based on protected speech in any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance under the Higher Education Act of 1965. Makes such prohibition inapplicable to religious or military institutions. Provides that such prohibition shall not be construed to prevent: (1) imposition of an official sanction on a student determined to have willfully participated in the disruption or attempted disruption of a lecture, class, speech, presentation, or performance made or scheduled to be made under the auspices of the institution of higher education; or (2) actions by such institution that are necessary to ensure the safety of individuals, protection of property, and continuation of the academic and administrative process without interference.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1991
Urges the President to call upon the President of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics to begin negotiations with leaders of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia for the prompt withdrawal of Soviet troops from the Baltic States.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1991
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the Congress and the President should reexamine and reduce the defense budget based on changing national security needs in the post-Cold War era; and (2) savings should be used to reduce the Federal budget deficit.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1991
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) recognize Ukraine's independence and take steps toward the establishment of full diplomatic relations with Ukraine should the December 1, 1991, referendum confirm the Ukrainian parliament's independence declaration; and (2) use U.S. assistance, trade, and other programs to support the Government of Ukraine and encourage the further development of democracy and a free-market.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1991
Small Business Recovery Act of 1991 - Authorizes the Small Business Administration (SBA) to enter into agreements to participate, on a guaranteed basis, in the purchase of eligible securities issued pursuant to this Act by certain financial institutions. Sets forth participation criteria. Establishes the Regional Small Business Recovery Panel to evaluate: (1) applications submitted pursuant to this Act; (2) the type of proposed debt or equity security; and (3) claims for repurchase of approved securities by the SBA. Requires the SBA to submit a progress report to the Congress. Establishes the Regional Small Business Recovery Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1991
Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act of 1991 - Title I: Emergency Unemployment Compensation Program - Establishes an emergency unemployment compensation program. Allows any State to enter into and participate in an agreement with the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary) under which the State agency which administers the State unemployment compensation law will make payments of emergency unemployment compensation: (1) to individuals who have exhausted all rights to regular compensation under State law, have no rights to such regular compensation or any additional State or Federal compensation, and are not receiving Canadian compensation; and (2) for any week of unemployment beginning in the individual's eligibility period. Sets forth provisions relating to exhaustion of regular benefits and weekly amount of emergency benefits equal to regular benefits. Requires a State, under such an agreement, to establish an emergency unemployment compensation account with respect to the benefit year of each eligible individual who files an application. Limits benefit payments to not more than the amount in the individual's account. Sets forth formulas for determining the amount in such account. Provides that the applicable limit in such account shall be equal to: (1) ten weeks during a five-percent period (triggered if the adjusted rate of insured unemployment for such week and the immediately perceding 12 weeks is at least five percent; and (2) six weeks for any other period. Sets forth special rules relating to such applicable limits. Requires reduction in such account by the amount of extended benefits received by the individual relating to the same benefit year under the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970. Sets the weekly benefit amount at the amount of regular compensation (including dependents' allowances) payable under the State law to the individual for such week for total unemployment. Provides for determination of periods and applicable triggers. Provides for a minimum period. Provides, in general, that no emergency unemployment compensation shall be payable to any individual under this Act for any week beginning: (1) before the later of October 1, 1991, or the first week following the week in which an agreement under this Act is entered into; or (2) after June 30, 1992. Sets forth transition and reachback provisions for the eligibility of certain individuals for such benefits, as exceptions to such general rule. Provides for payments to States having such agreements for emergency unemployment compensation. Sets forth financing provisions. Requires that funds in the extended unemployment compensation account of the Unemployment Trust Fund be used to make payments to States having agreements under this Act. Authorizes appropriations to the extended unemployment compensation account of sums necessary to pay emergency unemployment compensation payable: (1) under specified provisions for former members of the Armed Forces; and (2) on the basis of certain services performed for nonprofit organizations or governmental entities, to which certain Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to State unemployment compensation law apply. Sets forth provisions relating to fraud and overpayments. Defines the individual eligibility period under this Act. Amends specified Federal law to repeal certain limitations on payment of unemployment compensation to former members of the Armed Forces. Reduces the length of required active duty by reserves for purposes for such payment, if the reservist served on active duty in the Persian Gulf area of operations in connection with Operation Desert Storm. Title II: Collection of Nontax Debts - Amends the Deficit Reduction Act of 1984 to provide for permanent extension of provisions relating to collection of nontax debts owed to Federal agencies. Title III: Guaranteed Student Loans - Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to revise provisions relating to the Stafford student loan program (including guaranteed student loans and federally-insured student loans). Requires, in the case of such student loan applicants over age 21, that the lender: (1) obtain a credit report; and (2) require a cosigner for such applicants who have adverse credit histories. Allows the lender to charge such applicants for the actual cost of such credit reports, up to $25. Requires the lender to obtain the borrower's driver's license number, if any, at the time of application for such a student loan. Directs eligible institutions to require borrowers of any student loan under HEA to supply the following exit interview information: (1) their expected permanent address after leaving the institution; (2) the name and address of their expected employer; and (3) the name and address of their next of kin. Requires student loan interest-subsidy insurance program agreements to require the lender to obtain the borrower's authorization for entry of judgment against the borrower in the event of default. Provides for wage garnishment for student loan collection. Authorizes a guaranty agency, or the Secretary where appropriate, to garnish the disposable pay of an individual to collect the amount owed or the required repayment, subject to certain conditions. Provides for data matching. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to obtain from Federal agencies specified information relating to an individual for student loan collection purposes. Title IV: Electromagnetic Spectrum Function - Emerging Telecommunications Technologies Act of 1991 - Requires the Secretary of Commerce and the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to conduct biannual joint electromagnetic spectrum planning meetings with respect to: (1) future spectrum needs and the allocation actions to accommodate those needs; and (2) actions to promote the efficient use of the spectrum. Requires an open process and joint annual reports to the President. Directs the Secretary to submit reports to the President that identify frequency bands that: (1) are allocated on a primary basis for Government use and eligible for licensing pursuant to the Communications Act of 1934 (the Act); (2) are not required for the present or identifiable future Government needs; (3) can be made available for use under the Act for non-Government users; (4) are likely to have significant value for such users; and (5) will not result in excessive costs to the Government. Sets forth criteria for identifying, and recommending for reassignment or sharing, such frequency bands. Requires such reports to make an initial identification of 30MHz of spectrum for immediate reallocation and distribution by the FCC pursuant to competitive bidding procedures, and preliminary and final identifications of additional reallocable frequency bands. Directs the Secretary to convene a private sector advisory committee to: (1) review frequency bands identified in the preliminary report; (2) advise the Secretary with respect to those bands which should be included in the final report; (3) receive public comment on the reports; and (4) prepare and submit to the Secretary and specified congressional committees a report on recommendations for the reform of allocating the spectrum between Government and non-Government users. Directs the President to: (1) withdraw or limit the assignment to a Government station of any frequency recommended in the initial identification report for rellocation; (2) withdraw or limit the assignment to a Government station of any frequency recommended in the final report for reallocation or mixed use; (3) assign or reassign other frequencies to Government stations as necessary to adjust to such withdrawal or limitation of assignments; and (4) publish in the Federal Register a notice and description of such actions taken. Authorizes the President to substitute alternative frequencies in the interests of national security, important Government needs, public health or safety, or Federal financial considerations. Provides that any Government licensee, or non-Government entity operating on behalf of a Government licensee, that is displaced from a frequency pursuant to this Act may be reimbursed not more than the incremental costs it incurs, in such amounts as provided in advance in appropriation Acts, that are directly attributable to the loss of the use of the frequency pursuant to this Act. Authorizes appropriations to affected licensee agencies to cover such costs. Directs the FCC to form a plan to assign the spectrum identified in the initial report pursuant to competitive bidding procedures during FY 1994 through 1996. Directs the FCC to submit to the President a plan for the distribution of the remaining reallocated frequency bands. Authorizes the President to reclaim reallocated frequencies for reassignment to Government stations. Sets forth procedures for reclaiming frequencies. Amends the Act to require the FCC to use competitive bidding for awarding all initial licenses and new construction permits, subject to specified exclusions. Outlines criteria for awarding licenses and permits under competitive bidding procedures. Prohibits licensing by lottery when competitive bidding is required. Title V: Dislocated Workers - Directs the Secretary of Labor to give special consideration to providing services to dislocated workers in the timber industry in the State of Washington, in determining specified programs and activities to be funded under the Job Training Partnership Act in FY 1991 and 1992. Title VI: Deficit Reduction Requirement - Set forth the congressional finding that provisions contained in titles I through V of this Act would lead to a reduction in the deficit. Declares that the Congress designates all direct spending amounts (both increases and decreases) provided by such titles (for all fiscal years) as emergency requirements under specified provisions of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). Requires, as a condition for any provisions of this Act to take effect, that the President: (1) make a determination and notify the Congress that this Act would reduce the deficit cumulatively for FY 1991 through 1996; and (2) submits a written designation of all direct spending amounts (both increases and decreases provided by titles I through V of this Act for all fiscal years) as emergency requirements under such specified provisions of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1991
Medicare EKG Payment Restoration Act of 1991 - Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) reestablish separate payment for the interpretation of electrocardiograms (EKGs) that are ordered or performed during an office visit or consultation with a physician; and (2) require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish separate fee schedule amounts for EKG interpretations and to adjust the relative values established for office visits to or consultations with a physician to reflect the establishment of such separate fee schedule amounts. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish practice guidelines for the use of EKGs for dissemination along with other educational information relating to the use of EKGs to physicians; (2) develop a profile of the use of EKGs by physicians; and (3) conduct a study and report to the Congress on the utilization and costs of EKGs.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1991
Congressional Pay For Performance Act - Provides that if the Congress has not passed all general appropriation bills before the beginning of a fiscal year, then the permanent appropriation for the compensation of Members of Congress shall not be effective for such fiscal year. Prohibits the House of Representatives or the Senate from considering the legislative branch appropriation bill for any fiscal year until other general appropriation bills for such fiscal year have been presented to the President.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1991
Revises provisions concerning health care for members and certain former members of the armed forces to entitle members or former members who are eligible for retired or retainer pay and for Medicare to medical and dental care in any uniformed service medical facility. Provides that such facilities will recover the costs of such care from Medicare Subvention funding. Provides that the costs of care for members or former members who are not eligible for Medicare will be recovered from the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) Subvention funding. Revises provisions concerning health care for military dependents to provide that the uniformed services facilities providing such care will recover costs from Medicare or CHAMPUS, as appropriate. Prohibits medical or dental care from being provided to an otherwise eligible person at a military treatment facility only if the senior or commanding officer of such facility determines that such facility cannot provide the particular care required because of lack of space or facilities or because such type of care is not provided at such facility. Requires the administering Secretary to be advised immediately when a determination to deny treatment is made, with a verifiable date as to when the restriction will be removed. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to make Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs treatment facilities eligible for Medicare payments as long as they meet requirements applicable to hospitals and skilled nursing facilities under such title.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1991
Amends Federal provisions with respect to the veterans' home loan guaranty program to provide that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs: (1) may not report for income purposes to any department or agency outside of the Department of Veterans Affairs the waiver of an indebtedness or of recovery of a payment or overpayment made under such program, or the acceptance of a compromise or the forgoing of collection in settlement of a claim with respect to any veterans' benefit under any law administered by the Department; and (2) shall not notify the veteran or other eligible person of any potential liability regarding the income status of any such waiver or forgone amount.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1991
Designates 1992 as the Year of the Gulf of Mexico. Directs all Federal and State agencies which have responsibility for matters affecting the Gulf to work to increase public awareness regarding the immeasurable value of this resource and current conditions which threaten its aesthetic and economic value.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1991
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Secretary of the Army should investigate whether James L. Cadigan should be awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism in combat during World War II; and (2) if the Secretary recommends making such award, the Congress should consider appropriate legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1991
Drug Supply Reduction Act of 1991 - Title I: Interdiction Systems Improvements - Order To Land and To Bring To Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal criminal code to make it unlawful for a pilot or operator (pilot) of any aircraft which has crossed the border of the United States, or any aircraft subject to U.S. jurisdiction operating outside the United States, to refuse to obey the order of an authorized Federal law enforcement officer to land (in enforcing controlled substances or money laundering provisions). Directs the Secretaries of the Treasury and of Transportation to: (1) prescribe regulations governing the means by which an order to land may be communicated to a pilot by Federal law enforcement officers; and (2) delegate Federal law enforcement seizure and forfeiture responsibilities under this title to other law enforcement officers. Makes it unlawful for any master, operator, or person in charge (master) of a U.S. vessel or vessel under U.S. jurisdiction to fail to stop and land upon being ordered to do so by a Federal law enforcement officer authorized to issue such an order. Specifies that consent or waiver of objection by a foreign nation to the enforcement of U.S. law by the United States under this Act may be obtained by radio, telephone, or similar oral or electronic means and may be proved by certification of the Secretary of State or the Secretary's designee. Sets forth penalties for violation of this Act. Authorizes the seizure and forfeiture of any aircraft that is used in violation of this Act. Provides for the immediate revocation of the registration of an aircraft upon the failure of the operator to follow the order of a Federal law enforcement officer to land the aircraft. Directs the Administrator to: (1) notify the owner of the aircraft that such person no longer holds U.S. registration for such aircraft; and (2) establish procedures for the owner of the aircraft to show cause why the registration was not revoked as a matter of law by operation of such provision, or why circumstances existed pursuant to which the Administrator should determine that it would be in the public interest to issue a new certificate of registration to the owner, effective concurrent with the revocation. Authorizes the Coast Guard to issue orders, make inquiries, searches, seizures, and arrests, and take other lawful action relating to violations of U.S. laws occurring aboard any aircraft over the high seas or waters over which the U.S. has jurisdiction. Establishes a civil penalty of up to $5,000 for any master of a vessel or pilot or operator of an aircraft who intentionally fails to comply with an order of a Coast Guard commissioned officer, warrant officer, or petty officer to stop or land, as well as in rem liability with respect to the aircraft. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to establish analogous civil penalties with respect to intentional failures to obey an order to land. Title II: New Coast Guard Authorities - Coast Guard Assistance Act of 1991 - Authorizes the Coast Guard: (1) to exchange information with international organizations (currently limited to foreign governments); (2) to suggest to the Secretary of State international collaboration and conferences on all matters dealing with maritime law enforcement and maritime environmental protection (currently limited to safety of life and property at sea); and (3) when so requested by the Secretary, to utilize its personnel and facilities to assist any foreign government or international organization to perform any activity for which such personnel and facilities are especially qualified. Authorizes the President, upon application from foreign governments or international organizations (current law excludes the latter) to utilize officers and enlisted members (under current law, to detail members) of the Coast Guard to assist such governments or organizations in matters concerning which the Coast Guard may be of assistance. Amends the Mansfield Amendment to permit maritime law enforcement operations in archipelagic waters of foreign countries. Title III: Financial Enforcement - Financial Enforcement Act of 1991 - Prohibits structuring transactions to evade reporting requirements with respect to identification, verification, and recordkeeping required to purchase certain monetary instruments. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe regulations requiring that financial institutions report suspicious transactions relevant to possible violation of law or regulation. Bars such an institution from notifying any person involved in the transaction that such transaction has been reported. Makes provisions of the Right to Financial Privacy Act of 1978 (RFPA) applicable with respect to protection from liability for notification by financial institutions to a Government authority of the existence of information in records relevant to a possible violation of statute or regulations. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe: (1) regulations requiring financial institutions to have anti-money laundering programs; and (2) minimum standards for such programs. Bars any financial institution, or officer, director, employee, or agent of such institution (financial institution), from disclosing the existence or terms of an order requiring a domestic financial institution or group of institutions in a geographic area to report with respect to records of domestic coin and currency transactions. Amends the RFPA to: (1) shield from liability financial institutions for refusal to do business with any person before or after disclosure of a possible violation of law or regulation to a Government authority; and (2) authorize the transfer of financial records originally obtained by an agency in accordance with such Act to the Secretary for analysis and use by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network for criminal law enforcement purposes without customer notice. Amends the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to transfer control of the Drug Pollution Fund from the Secretary of the Treasury to the Secretary of Agriculture. Title IV: Drug Testing - Amends the Federal criminal code to require: (1) the Director of the Administrative Office of U.S. Courts to establish a program of drug testing of Federal offenders on postconviction release, including such standards and guidelines as deemed necessary to ensure the reliability and accuracy of such programs; and (2) the chief probation officer, in each district where it is feasible, to arrange for the drug testing of defendants on postconviction release pursuant to a conviction for a felony or other specified offenses. Requires the court to provide, as an explicit condition of a sentence of probation for a felony, an offense involving a firearm, a drug or narcotic offense, or a crime of violence, that the defendant refrain from any unlawful use of a controlled substance and submit to periodic drug tests. Specifies that: (1) this latter condition may be suspended or ameliorated upon request of the Director or the Director's designee; and (2) a defendant who tests positive may be detained pending verification of a drug test result. Sets forth similar requirements with respect to the supervised release and parole of persons convicted of such offenses. Provides for the revocation of probation, supervised release, and parole for unlawfully using a controlled substance or refusing to cooperate in drug testing. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (Omnibus Act) to condition eligibility for drug control and system improvement grants on a State's implementation of a drug testing program for targeted classes of persons subject to charges, confinement, or supervision by the State (but does not require the State to expend an amount for drug testing in excess of ten percent of the minimum amount which such State is eligible to receive under such Act). Directs the Attorney General to promulgate regulations to implement such provision and to ensure the reliability and accuracy of drug testing programs. Title V: Other Law Enforcement System Improvements - Drug Law Enforcement System Improvements Act of 1991 - Provides for enhanced penalties for drug trafficking in prisons. Amends the Anti-Smuggling Act of 1935 to provide that prima facie evidence that a vessel, vehicle, or other conveyance is being, has been, or is attempted to be employed in smuggling or to defraud the revenue of the United States shall be the fact that a vessel fails to display lights under specified circumstances and, in the case of a vehicle or other conveyance, that it has a compartment or equipment that is built or fitted for smuggling and is not part of the normal vehicle configuration. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to make the penalty for failure to declare a controlled substance 1,000 percent of the value of the article (as under current law) or $500, whichever is greater. Amends the Anti-Drug Abuse Act to make amendments with respect to certain Internal Revenue Service undercover operations effective upon the date of the enactment of this Act. Amends the CSA to authorize the Attorney General to bring a civil action against any person who violates drug paraphernalia provisions of such Act and to assess a civil penalty of up to $100,000 and grant other appropriate (including injunctive) relief. Specifies that if a defendant is found by the court to be in possession of a controlled substance, thereby violating such defendant's probation, the court shall resentence such person to a sentence that includes a term of imprisonment (under current law, to not less than one-third of the original sentence). Amends the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act (CSIEA): (1) and the CSA to make penalties applicable to offenses involving less than 50 kilograms of marihuana applicable with respect to less than 50 kilograms of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of marihuana; and (2) to reduce from 100 to 50 the number of marihuana plants needed to qualify for specified penalties. Adds drug conspiracies and attempts and serious crack possession offenses by juveniles as warranting adult prosecution. Makes serious drug offenses by juveniles predicates to punishment under the Armed Career Criminal Act. Adds certain drug offenses as requiring fingerprinting and records for recidivist juveniles under the CSA and CSIEA. Amends the CSA and CSIEA to require that persons violating specified CSA provisions after two or more prior convictions for a felony drug offense have become final be sentenced to a mandatory term of life imprisonment without release and be fined under such Act. Increases penalties for a second offense of distributing drugs to a minor. Amends the Omnibus Act to authorize States to request a waiver of the four-year limitation for effective Bureau of Justice Assistance projects, subject to specified limitations.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1991
Market Information and Shareholder Protection Act of 1991 - Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to require owners of significant short positions in equity securities (including institutional investment managers) to make prescribed disclosures with respect to such positions. Prohibits interdealer quotation systems of registered national securities associations from engaging in specified securities prices manipulation. Grants issuers of certain registered securities standing to sue any person who violates this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1991
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should not provide any direct financial assistance to the Soviet Union until the Soviet Union ceases all of its direct economic and military support for the regime of Fidel Castro in Cuba.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1991
Tax Relief and Economic Growth Act of 1991 - Title I: 10 Percent Reduction in Individual Income Tax Rates - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the income tax rates for all categories (from 15%, 28%, and 31% to 13.5%, 25.2%, and 27.9%, respectively). Title II: Indexing of Amount of Depreciation - Provides a depreciation deduction adjustment for tangible property (other than residential rental property and nonresidential real property) placed in service after 1991. Title III: Indexing of Certain Assets for Purposes of Determining Gain or Loss - Requires indexing, based on the gross national product deflator, of the adjusted basis of certain assets (corporate stock and tangible property that is a capital asset of property used in a trade or business) that have been held for more than one year at the time of sale or other transfer, solely for the purpose of determining gain or loss. Title IV: Provisions Related to Retirement Savings - Removes limitations on the deductibility of contributions to individual retirement plans (IRA) by active participants in employer-maintained plans, thereby restoring the IRA deduction. Increases the maximum IRA deduction and provides an inflation adjustment. Provides exemptions from the ten-percent penalty on early withdrawals from individual retirement plans for: (1) first home purchases; (2) higher education expenses; and (3) financially devastating medical expenses. Title V: 4 Percent Cap on Increases in All Domestic Spending Through 1995 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to revise spending limits to allow a four-percent growth rate in domestic spending from FY 1992 to 1995. Removes the discretionary authority over such spending limits and eliminates the use of maximum deficit amounts. Extends through 1995 the prohibition on the Senate from considering any appropriations bill or resolution that exceeds such spending limits. Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to provide enforcement authority for provisions of this Act and to make conforming amendments. Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to repeal authority for a pay-as-you-go reconciliation directive in the form of a concurrent resolution in the House of Representatives. Eliminates the use of the current services baseline in the President's budget, the congressional budget, and the Congressional Budget Office report to congressional committees.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1991
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to direct the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to publish and update clearly defined arrival and departure routes leading to and from airports located within and in close proximity to terminal control areas and airport radar service areas for the optional use of pilots operating under visual flight rules.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1991
Intermodal Carriers Competitiveness Act of 1991 - Prohibits a State, political subdivision, or interstate agency of two or more States from adopting or enforcing any law, rule, regulation, or standard relating to interstate or intrastate rates, routes, services, or terms of service of any national intermodal carrier with respect to the provision of surface transportation of property in the State.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1991
Semiconductor Investment Act of 1991 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to classify the depreciable life for semiconductor manufacturing equipment as three-year property.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1991
Veterans Dignity in Health Care Act of 1991 - Grants veterans who are patients or residents in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers, nursing homes, and domiciliaries the right to purchase and use tobacco products. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure that: (1) each VA facility that maintains a commissary or canteen makes tobacco products available through, and provides patients or residents access to, the commissary or canteen; and (2) each VA facility maintains and provides patients or residents access to an indoor patient smoking area.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1991
Expresses the sense of the Congress that at least three of the remaining 15 States should ratify the proposed second amendment to the Constitution which would delay the effect of any law which varies the compensation of Members of Congress until the next election of Representatives (these States are Alabama, California, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Washington).
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1991
Provides that each party to a sales and service contract that provides for the use of arbitration to resolve controversies shall have the option to reject arbitration as the means of settling a controversy. Requires the arbitrator, in making an award in any controversy arising out of or relating to such a contract, to provide the parties with a written explanation of the reasons for the award. Allows any such award to be vacated by a court order whenever the court finds that the arbitrator disregarded, misapplied, or misinterpreted State law.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1991
Economic Growth Act of 1991 - Title I: Investment and Job Creation Incentives - Subtitle A: Reduction in Capital Gains Tax for Individuals - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a capital gains deduction for individuals for assets held from one to three years. Provides special rules for the gain or loss from the sale or exchange of collectibles and sales of interest in partnerships. Disallows such deduction in computing the alternative minimum tax. Revises the formula for determining gain from the dispositions of certain depreciable realty to take into account depreciation adjustments (adjustments allowed or allowable for exhaustion, wear and tear, obsolescence, or certain amortization). Subtitle B: Inflation Adjustment for Investments - Requires indexing, based on the consumer price index, of the adjusted basis of certain assets (corporate stock and tangible property that is a capital asset of property used in a trade or business after April 15, 1991) that have been held for more than one year at the time of sale or other transfer, solely for the purpose of determining gain or loss. Provides for the inflation adjustment treatment of: (1) short sales; (2) regulated investment companies and real estate investment trusts; and (3) partnerships, S corporations, and common trust funds. Prohibits gain from the sale or other disposition of an indexed asset from being taken into account under the limitation on investment interest. Subtitle C: Enterprise Zones - Part I: Designation - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (Secretary) to designate enterprise zones for purposes of providing tax and regulatory relief and improving local services. Limits choices to areas nominated by States and local governments. Limits the total number of areas that may be designated, and the time period of the designation. Authorizes the Secretary to designate a zone only if the area meets certain locational, demographic, unemployment, and poverty criteria. Requires nominating local governments, as a condition of the Secretary's designation, to agree in writing to follow a course of action that may include reducing tax rates, improving local services, simplifying or streamlining regulation of business, and providing job training to area residents. Describes areas to which the Secretary must give preference in selecting areas for designation. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress every two years on the effects of such enterprise zones' designation in accomplishing the purposes of this Act. Part II: Federal Income Tax Incentives - Allows a nonrefundable income tax credit to enterprise zone employees for five percent of any wages earned as do not exceed a specified amount. Phases out such credit. Provides for the nonrecognition of capital gain on the sale of enterprise zone property. Allows a taxpayer a deduction on the aggregate amount paid for the purchase of enterprise stock on its original issue by a qualified issuer. Requires any gain from the disposition of the stock to be treated as ordinary income. Excludes enterprise zone capital gains from income computation of alternative minimum taxes. Part III: Regulatory Flexibility - Amends Federal law to revise the definition of "small entity" for purposes of the analysis of regulatory functions to include qualified business, government, and nonprofit enterprises operating within enterprise zones. Authorizes Federal agencies, upon request by a designating government, to waive or modify rules and regulations pertaining to the implementation of projects or activities within an enterprise zone. Requires agencies to approve the request if the resulting benefits of job creation, community development, or economic revitalization outweigh the public interest in retaining the rule unchanged. Disallows waiver or modification of a rule that would directly violate a statutory requirement or present a danger to the public health and safety. Part IV: Establishment of Foreign-Trade Zones in Enterprise Zones - Requires the Foreign-Trade Zone Board to consider on a priority basis and to expedite the processing of applications for the establishment of foreign-trade zones within enterprise zones. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to give priority to, and expedite applications for, the establishment of ports of entry necessary to establish such zones. Part V: Repeal of Title VII of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987 - Repeals title VII (enterprise zone development) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987. Subtitle D: Research and Experimentation Credit Made Permanent - Makes permanent the tax credit for increasing research activities and the tax credit for clinical testing expenses. Title II: Savings Incentives - Allows individuals to establish individual retirement plus accounts with tax treatment similar to that for individual retirement plans. Makes contributions to such accounts nondeductible. Allows existing individual retirement accounts (IRA) to be rolled over into individual retirement plus accounts with payment of tax on the amount rolled over for which a deduction was once allowable, but no tax when withdrawn. Title III: Homeownership Incentives - Subtitle A: First-Time Homebuyers - Allows a tax credit for the first-time purchase of a principal residence by individuals with incomes of $31,000 or less (phased-out to incomes of up to $41,000). Limits such credit to $1,000. Subtitle B: Penalty-Free IRA Plus Withdrawal for Home Purchase, Higher Education, and Health Costs - Allows penalty-free distributions from IRA Plus accounts of up to 25 percent of the account limit for: (1) first-time homebuyers; (2) medical expenses; and (3) higher education expenses. Title IV: Work Incentives - Subtitle A: Reduction in Social Security Penalty on Working Elderly - Amends title II of the Social Security Act (Federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Benefits) to raise the earnings limit for retirees. Appropriates to each payor fund amounts equivalent to the aggregate increase in social security benefits payable from such fund which is attributable to such amendment. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study during 1997 whether further amendments relating to deductions on account of work and the exempt amount under the earnings limit are necessary or appropriate. Subtitle B: Economic Growth Dividend - Requires any economic growth dividend (as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury) to be used to increase the personal exemption amount. Requires, after 1995, all revenues resulting from real growth in the gross national product greater than three percent to fund an increased personal exemption. Requires, for fiscal years beginning on or after October 1, 1992, and before October 1, 1995, that 50 percent of such dividend be used to increase the personal exemption amount and the other 50 percent be used to make a downward adjustment in the maximum deficit amount.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1991
Tax Fairness and Accountability Act of 1991 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require any legislation that increases the tax rate, the tax base, or the amount of income subject to tax, or decreases a deduction, exclusion, or credit to be approved in the House of Representatives and the Senate by an affirmative vote of three-fifths of its Members.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1991
All-Americans Savings and Investment Incentive Act of 1991 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide individuals a deduction for capital gains based on the period the asset is held (up to three years). Excludes collectibles from such assets. Makes such deduction an item of tax preferences. Excludes from gross income interest received during a taxable year up to $350 ($700 in the case of a joint return). Provides a phaseout of such exclusion for incomes over $50,000. Makes such exclusion applicable to distributions from regulated investment companies and real estate investment trusts. Makes certain nonresident aliens ineligible for such exclusion.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1991
Establishes a Joint Committee on the Organization of the Congress to: (1) make a full and complete study of the organization and operation of the Congress; and (2) recommend improvements in such organization and operation with a view toward strengthening its effectiveness, simplifying its operations, improving its relationships with other branches of the Government, and improving the orderly consideration of legislation. Requires a report to the Senate and the House of Representatives not later than the adjournment sine die of the 102d Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1991
Medicare Physician Payment Reform Amendments of 1991 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise the transition rules for phasing in the resource-based relative value scale (RB RVS) method of payment for physician services to prohibit adjustments for asymmetry in the transition and for behavioral responses. Declares spending under this Act to be an emergency requirement under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) and exempt from sequestration.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1991
Calls on the Government of Vietnam to: (1) make public the names of all individuals who continue to be held in "reeducation" camps or prisons in connection with suspected opposition to the Government; (2) release immediately all remaining long-term detainees from such camps or prisons; (3) grant exit permission to all Vietnamese who qualify for resettlement in the United States through the U.S. Special Released Reeducation Center Detainees Resettlement Program; and (4) end immediately all arrests or rearrests of detainees.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an amortization deduction with respect to certain intangible property that is acquired and held by a taxpayer in connection with the conduct of a trade or business or an activity engaged in for the production of income. Provides for determining such deduction by amortizing the adjusted basis (for purposes of determining gain) of such intangible ratably over the 14-year period beginning with the month in which the intangible was acquired. Disallows any other depreciation or amortization deduction with respect to such intangible. Provides that amortization intangibles do not include intangibles that are created by the taxpayer or that arise solely by reason of entering into a renewal of a contract to which the taxpayer is a party. Describes an amortizable intangible as : (1) goodwill; (2) going concern value; (3) certain specified types of intangible property that generally relate to workforce, information base, know-how, customers, suppliers, or other similar items; (4) any license, permit, or other right granted by a governmental unit, agency, or instrumentality; (5) any covenant not to compete (or other arrangement to the extent that the arrangement has substantially the same effect as a convenant not to compete) entered into in connection with the direct or indirect acquisition of an interest in a trade or business or substantial portion thereof; and (6) any franchise, trademark, or trade name. Excludes from treatment as an amortizable intangible: (1) any property of a kind that is regularly traded on an established market; (2) a patent or copyright that is not acquired in a transaction (or a series of related transactions) involving the acquisition of a trade or business or a substantial portion thereof; (3) a franchise to engage in any professional sport, and any item acquired in connection with such franchise; (4) any license, permit, or other right of an indefinite duration that is granted by a governmental unit, agency, or instrumentality; and (5) certain contract rights, to the extent provided in regulations, if such rights have a fixed duration and are not renewable and are not acquired in a transaction involving the acquisition of assets constituting a trade or business or substantial portion thereof. Sets forth special rules governing the application of the amortization deduction. Continues the present-law treatment of certain contingent amounts that are paid or incurred on account of the transfer of a franchise, trademark, or trade name. Provides for the treatment of assumption reinsurance transactions of insurance companies.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1991
Fairness in Product Liability Act of 1991 - Governs any product liability action brought in either State or Federal court against a manufacturer or product seller on any theory for harm caused by a product, superseding State law in specified ways and degrees. Makes a product seller liable only if the seller: (1) failed to exercise reasonable care regarding the product, and the failure was the proximate cause of the harm; (2) made an express warranty, independent of any express warranty by the manufacturer, the product failed to conform to the warranty and the failure caused the harm; or (3) engaged in international wrongdoing which was a proximate cause of the harm. Makes a product seller liable as if the seller were the manufacturer if: (1) the manufacturer is not subject to service of process under State laws; or (2) a court determines the claimant would be unable to enforce a judgment against the manufacturer. Allows, in certain circumstances, a complete defense of alcohol or controlled substance use. Reduces damages by the percentage of harm attributable to misuse or alteration of a product by any person, subject to exception involving misuse or alteration by the claimant's employer or coemployees. Allows punitive damages against a manufacturer or seller for conscious, flagrant indifference to user safety. Prohibits, in certain circumstances, punitive damages regarding a drug or device, as defined in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, unless packaging of a drug is substantially out of compliance with tamper-resistant packaging regulations. Declares manufacturer or seller liability to be several and not joint for noneconomic damages. Requires a product liability action to be brought within two years after the harm and its cause is, or with reasonable diligence should have been, discovered. Sets the time limit at 25 years for products which are capital goods. Requires offset of workers' compensation benefits. Sets forth rules regarding subrogation, contribution, indemnity, and liens. Provides for tort actions against employers. Prohibits U.S. district courts from having jurisdiction under specified provisions of Federal law over any civil action arising under this Act.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1991
Condemns Syria's denial of Syrian Jews' right to travel freely and calls upon the Syrian Government to: (1) immediately grant Syrian Jews the right to travel freely without imposing a fee; and (2) release all Jewish prisoners who were charged or suspected of traveling illegally. Urges the President to encourage U.S. allies and trading partners to make similar pleas to the Syrian Government. Calls upon the United Nations to send an official delegation to Syria to investigate the present condition of Syrian Jews.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1991
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the people of the United States should recognize: (1) the tenth anniversary of "An Artistic Discovery" (the Congressional High School Art Competition); and (2) its success in encouraging the creative endeavors of our Nation's young artists and forging strong working relationships among the Congress, businesses, and the arts community towards the ultimate goal of providing opportunities for high school students to express their artistic talents.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the alternative capital gains tax for corporations by establishing a scale for determining such tax rates based on owning assets for one to three years. Reduces the alternative minimum tax for individuals by establishing alternative rates for capital gains based on a two-year or three-year gain.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1991
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to revise provisions for direct loans to students in institutions of higher education (Perkins Loans) to provide for cancellation of a percentage of such loan debt on the basis of years of qualifying service as a full-time qualified provider of early intervention services for individuals with disabilities, in a public or other nonprofit program under public supervision by a lead agency under specified provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Revises the HEA provision for such debt cancellation for full-time teachers of infants, toddlers, children, or youth with disabilities to conform to the IDEA definition (the current HEA provision refers to handicapped children).
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1991
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to study and evaluate, through the Office of Educational Research and Improvement, the effectiveness of various programs that guarantee disadvantaged children the financial resources needed to pursue a postsecondary education in exchange for the child's commitment to achieving a satisfactory elementary and secondary education. Requires dissemination of such study findings through appropriate agencies and organizations, including business associations. Requires an interim and a final report to specified congressional committees. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1991
New England Groundfish Restoration Act of 1991 - Title I: New England Groundfish Restoration Program - Amends the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson Act) to mandate an amendment to the Northeast Multispecies Fisheries Management Plan that establishes conservation and management so as to double the spawning biomass of New England groundfish (including cod, flounder, pollock, and hake) by five years after enactment of this Act. Encourages preparers to include controls and limits on commercial and recreational fishing. Provides for civil penalties for violation of the Plan amendment. Requires the New England Fishery Management Council to vote on the establishment of a five-year moratorium on new (but not on renewal or replacement) permits for fishing for New England groundfish. Establishes: (1) a program for the use of amounts in the Sport Fish Restoration Account to purchase fishing vessels, authorized to participate in fisheries covered by the Plan, to reduce the number of fishing vessels and the fishing effort in those fisheries; and (2) an advisory panel. Repeals provisions of this Act relating to the vessel purchase program on the date of the termination of the moratorium. Provides for enforcement by the States with reimbursement by the Secretary of Commerce. Authorizes the Sea Sampler Program for stationing individuals on vessels engaged in New England groundfish fishing to collect information for the conservation and management of fisheries managed under the Plan. Prohibits: (1) requiring a vessel to have such an individual on board; and (2) using information for enforcement of the Magnuson Act. Authorizes and encourages negotiations with the Government of Canada for an international fishery agreement for the conservation and management of fisheries of mutual concern in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean, with emphasis on transboundary groundfish. Mandates establishment of a consultative committee to assist in the development and implementation of such an agreement. Establishes a program of joint ventures to: (1) promote development and harvest of underutilized species; (2) reduce New England groundfish fishing; and (3) provide financial assistance to make such joint ventures for underutilized species economically viable. Requires, as a condition for participation, temporary surrender of permits for groundfish fishing. Directs the Secretary to use amounts available under specified provisions of Federal law ( commonly referred to as the Saltonstall-Kennedy Act) to fund grants for development of fisheries for underutilized species in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean. Amends the Saltonstall-Kennedy Act to require giving priority, in making grants to promote the free flow of domestically produced fishery products, to promoting the development of fisheries for underutilized species. Amends the Magnuson Act to require restoration of New England groundfish to be included in the strategic fisheries research plan mandated by existing provisions. Title II: Loan Guarantees, Diesel Fuel Taxes on Certain Commercial Fishing Boats, and Capital Construction Fund Provisions - Amends the Merchant Marine Act of 1936 with regard to Federal ship mortgage insurance provisions, to: (1) prohibit guarantees inconsistent with the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan; and (2) encourage guarantees which promote the development of fisheries for underutilized species in New England. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to suspend, during the moratorium provided for in title I of this Act, the exemption from taxes on diesel fuel for vessels holding permits for fish conserved and managed under the Plan. Applies to such vessels provisions imposing a tax on certain diesel fuel. Deposits receipts resulting from these provisions in the Sport Fish Restoration Account in the Aquatic Resources Trust Fund. Allows expenditures from the Account, to the extent covered by such deposits, for: (1) the Sea Sampler, Vessel Purchase, and joint ventures programs established by this Act; and (2) storage, care, and other costs associated with the enforcement of the Magnuson Act under existing provisions. Amends provisions of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 and the Internal Revenue Code relating to capital construction funds to specify those matters for which withdrawals are and are not allowed for a vessel: (1) holding a permit to harvest any species conserved and managed under the Plan; and (2) prohibited under amendments made by this Act from fishing. Title III: Fisheries Employment Assistance - Amends the Job Training Partnership Act to authorize grants to: (1) provide training, adjustment assistance, and employment services to individuals who are unemployed as a result of compliance with the Magnuson Act; and (2) make needs-related payments to certain individuals to complete training or education. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1991
Access to Life-Saving Therapies Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Food and Drug Administration, to approve, at the request of the sponsor and on an expedited basis, a drug or biologic needed to treat or prevent a life threatening disease or seriously debilitating illness if the drug or biologic meets certain conditions, including some indications of effectiveness and safety and a lack of alternative satisfactory therapy. Deems an application under the amendments made by this Act approved unless other action is taken within 120 days. Prohibits any health insurance policy or plan from distinguishing, for the purpose of determining whether a drug is eligible for coverage or reimbursement, between a drug approved under the amendments made by this Act and one approved under specified other provisions of the Public Health Service Act. Mandates suspension of approval under the amendments made by this Act if at least two subsequent studies fail to confirm the initial safety and efficacy conclusions. Requires written informed consent for administration of a drug approved under amendments made by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the Presidential Election Campaign Fund, the Presidential Primary Matching Payment Account, and the tax checkoff for such Fund. Provides for the remaining balances in such Fund and Account to be deposited into the Treasury.
![Official portrait of Rep. Zeliff, William H., Jr. [R-NH-1]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/z000004_200.jpg)