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United States · Official source
2,484 records where Sen. Burns, Conrad R. [R-MT] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1991
Daylight Savings Time Amendments Act of 1991 - Amends the Uniform Time Act of 1966 to extend the period of daylight savings time from the last Sunday of October to the first Sunday in November.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1991
Expresses the sense of the Senate that any agreement regarding proposed changes to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) must: (1) achieve the elimination or reduction of foreign agricultural export subsidies; (2) achieve new and expanded foreign markets for U.S. farm products; (3) ensure European Community actions do not limit U.S. agricultural exports to it; (4) not limit the U.S. ability under the GATT to eliminate unfair trade barriers; and (5) achieve an agreement governing sanitary and phytosanitary regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1991
Quality in Medical Equipment and Supplies Act of 1991 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require suppliers of items of durable medical equipment, prosthetics and orthotics, and prosthetic devices to submit claims for payment under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) only to the carrier having jurisdiction over the geographic area in which the patient resides. Provides exceptions to this requirement if the patient to whom such an item is furnished resides within 60 miles of the border of the carrier jurisdiction or if the patient is temporarily residing in another carrier's jurisdiction. Gives the Secretary of Health and Human Services the authority to provide for further exceptions to ensure patient access or administrative efficiency. Requires the Secretary to: (1) consolidate the number of carriers processing claims for such items to no more than five regional carriers; (2) develop and implement, in consultation with private sector groups, criteria providing for uniform coverage and utilization among all carriers for such items; (3) establish national uniform standards that suppliers of such items must meet in order to obtain and renew provider numbers; (4) establish requirements for disclosure by applicants for provider numbers; (5) require the renewal of provider numbers every three years; (6) develop a standard provider number application form; and (7) establish procedures to be used by carriers to verify supplier applications for provider numbers. Modifies the current prohibition against suppliers of items of durable medical equipment distributing forms documenting medical necessity to make such prohibition applicable instead to suppliers of items included on the Secretary's list of potentially overused items. Increases the monetary penalty for violation of such prohibition with respect to suppliers of items included on the Secretary's list of potentially overused items. Requires a standardized form of medical necessity to be developed by the Secretary for suppliers of items of durable medical equipment. Requires the form to include a statement that knowing and willful misrepresentations on it by the supplier will result in imposition of monetary penalties. Extends the prohibition against physicians referring patients to clinical labs in which the physician has certain financial interests to referrals of patients to suppliers of items of durable medical equipment. Requires the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on whether payments made for items of durable medical equipment, prosthetics and orthotics, and prosthetic devices adequately reflect the services provided by the suppliers to ensure quality of care. Requires the Comptroller General to study and make recommendations to the Congress on whether payments made for such items adequately reflect variations in the quality of equipment or supplies provided.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1991
Designates the month of May 1992 as National Foster Care Month.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1991
Authorizes the U.S. Postal Service to issue and sell a postage stamp to honor the Women's Army Corps and to commemorate the date it officially became a part of the U.S. Army.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 1991
Designates May 1992 as National Trauma Awareness Month.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1991
Enterprise Capital Formation Act of 1991 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction for gain on investments in new small business stock (seed capital) held for at least five years. Establishes special rules for such investments. Provides for determining the maximum capital gains rate for small business net capital gain or seed capital gain. Treats capital gains on the sale of such stock as a preference item for purposes of the minimum tax.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1991
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to report to appropriate congressional committees regarding Department of Agriculture lamb price and supply reporting services, including recommendations for an information gathering system reflective of the lamb industry's market structure.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1991
Designates the week beginning February 23, 1992, as National Manufacturing Week.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1991
Economic Growth and Family Tax Freedom Act of 1991 - Title I: Nonrefundable Tax Credit for Children - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit of $1,000 for each child under the age of six and $300 for each child between the age of six and 18. Makes the dependent care credit inapplicable to children under the age of six. Title II: Reducing the Cost of Capital by Reducing Capital Gains Tax Rates, Indexing the Basis of Certain Assets, and Excluding Gain From Sales of Principal Residences - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the individual and corporate capital gains rate from 34 percent to 15 percent. Reduces such tax to 7.5 percent for low- and middle-income taxpayers. Provides for the phaseout of personal exemptions and the overall limitation on itemized deductions to take into account adjusted gross income which has been reduced by net capital gain. 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. Provides for indexing the limitation on capital losses of noncorporate taxpayers. Excludes from gross income the sale or exchange of property that has been owned and used by the taxpayer as the taxpayer's principal residence. Terminates provisions relating to the rollover or gain on the sale of a principal residence. Title III: Adjusting Depreciation Rates to Reflect Inflation - Provides a depreciation deduction adjustment for tangible property (other than residential rental property and nonresidential real property) placed in service after 1991. Allows phase-in deductions for such property placed in service after 1996. Title IV: 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. Provides for qualified distributions from such accounts, other than for general retirement purposes, including special purposes distributions made for the purchase of a first home and for medical or educational purposes. Prohibits special purpose distributions from being made during the first five years of the account. Title V: Treatment of Passive Losses - Provides for the treatment of rental and nonrental real estate activities under the limitations on losses from passive activities. Title VI: Enterprise Zones - Subtitle A: Designation of Enterprises Zones - 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. Subtitle B: 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. Subtitle C: 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. Subtitle D: 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. Subtitle E: Repeals 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.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1991
Designates January 4 through 10, 1992, as Braille Literacy Week.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1991
Designates February 3 through 9, 1992, as National Police Officer and Firefighter Recognition Week.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1991
Asset Indexing Act of 1991 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require 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 three years at the time of sale or other transfer, solely for the purpose of determining gain or loss.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1991
Primary Health Care Investment Act of 1991 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations to carry out specified provisions relating to community health centers and the National Health Service Corps scholarships, and loan repayment programs. Amends provisions of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act relating to payment to hospitals for inpatient services to modify requirements regarding the determination of approved FTE (Full-Time Equivalent) resident amounts.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1991
Designates March 1992 as Irish-American Heritage Month.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1991
Designates 1992 as the Year of Reconciliation Between American Indians and Non-Indians.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1991
Directs the Secretaries of Health and Human Services and Agriculture to jointly report to the President and the Congress on the differences in program rules under the food stamp program, Aid to Families with Dependent Children program (part A of title IV of the Social Security Act), and Medicaid program (title XIX of the Social Security Act) and how such rules could be made uniform.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1991
Better Access to Affordable Health Care Act of 1991 - Title I: Improvements in Health Insurance Affordability for Small Employers - Amends the Internal Revenue code to raise from 25 to 100 percent the deduction for self-employed individuals for health insurance premiums and makes the deduction permanent. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to make grants to up to 15 States for the establishment and operation of small employer health insurance purchasing programs. Permits grant funds to be used to finance administrative costs associated with developing and operating a group purchasing program for small employers. Authorizes appropriations. Requires a report to the Congress from the Secretary concerning the feasibility of establishing a requirement that health insurers must make available plans providing that payments to providers be made using Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act) payment rules. Title II: Improvements in Health Insurance for Small Employers - Amends the Social Security Act to add a new title, Title XXI: Standards for Small Employer Health Insurance and Certification of Managed Care Plans. Directs the Secretary to request the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to develop model standards and regulations concerning requirements for health insurance plans for small employers. Requires such plans to provide for: (1) guaranteed eligibility; (2) guaranteed availability; and (3) guaranteed renewability. Prohibits: (1) an insurer from refusing to renew or terminate a plan, except for nonpayment of premiums, fraud, or failure to maintain minimum participation rates; and (2) for certain services, discrimination based on health status. Sets limits controlling the variation of premium charges permitted among all small employers insured by an insurer. Requires the full disclosure of an insurer's rating practices. Requires a health insurance plan for small employers to offer: (1) both a standard and basic benefit package; and (2) a managed care option, if the insurer also offers such an option to other employers. Provides, under both the standard and basic package, for coverage of: (1) inpatient and outpatient hospital care; (2) inpatient and outpatient physician services; (3) diagnostic tests; and (4) preventive services. Provides, in addition, under the standard plan: (1) for the coverage of certain mental health care; (2) that, except as specified, there will be no limits on the amount, scope, or duration of benefits, and (3) for specified limits on deductibles, copayment, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket expenses. Provides under the basic plan that: (1) premiums, deductibles, copayments, or other cost-sharing may be imposed, but does not specify in what amounts; and (2) there shall be an out-of-pocket limit, but does not specify such limit. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an excise tax of 25 percent of gross premiums on the issuer of any health insurance plan to a small employer, if the plan does not meet the requirements of title XXI. Sets forth study and reporting requirements. Title III: Improvements in Portability of Private Health Insurance - Imposes an excise tax of $100 per day, with respect to a covered individual, on a group health plan for its failure to provide coverage for a preexisting condition, subject to stated exceptions. Title IV: Health Care Cost Containment - Establishes a Health Care Cost Commission which shall report annually to the President and the Congress on national health care costs. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, under title XXI of the Social Security Act, to establish a process for the certification of managed care plans and utilization review programs. Sets forth requirements for certification. Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Administrator of the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research to develop outcomes research and practice parameters for mental health services, including at least the diagnosis and treatment of childhood attention deficit syndrome disorders and manic depression. Amends Part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Social Security Act to authorize appropriations for research outcomes of health care services and procedures. Title V: Medicare Prevention Benefits - Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish frequency and payment limits for screening for fecal-occult blood tests and screening flexible sigmoidoscopies. Amends Medicare part C (Miscellaneous Provisions) to provide coverage for tetanus-diphtheria boosters and their administration. Provides Medicare coverage for well-child services, which include routine office visits, immunizations, laboratory tests, and preventive dental care. Expands the coverage of a screening mammography to provide for one such screening annually for all covered women over age 49. Directs the Secretary to establish and provide for a series of ongoing demonstration projects which provide coverage for specified preventive services, including: (1) glaucoma screening; (2) cholesterol screening; (3) osteoporosis screening and treatment; (4) screening services for pregnant women; (5) assessments for individuals beginning at age 65 or 75; and (5) other appropriate services. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1991
Designates 1993 as the Year of American Craft: A Celebration of the Creative Work of the Hand.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1991
Designates 1992 as The Year of the American Indian.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 1991
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the use of claim sampling to deny claims or recover overpayments under Medicare except when fraud has been determined, in which case claim sampling may be used for the purpose of assessing civil monetary penalties.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 1991
American Health Quality Act - Declares that the Congress finds that health care liability systems impact on interstate commerce by contributing to the high cost of health care and premiums for malpractice and products liability insurance purchased by health care providers and producers. Title I: Alternative Dispute Resolution Systems - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a program to make enhanced Medicaid (title XIX of the Social Security Act) bonus payments for a two-year period to eligible States that submit a plan for the development or implementation of alternative dispute resolution systems (ADRS) to resolve health care liability claims as an alternative to a judicial proceeding in a Federal or State court. Sets forth eligibility, approval, and review requirements for such program. Directs the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research to make recommendations to the Secretary concerning such requirements. Requires the Agency to appoint a panel of advisers to: (1) assist in developing criteria for an ADRS that States must meet to be eligible to receive enhanced payments and assist States in preparing applications; (2) as part of such criteria, assist States receiving enhanced payments in complying with data gathering and evaluation guidelines; (3) provide advice and assistance to representatives from State governments concerning the establishment of an ADRS; (4) develop qualification standards and assist States applying to be quality improvement States; (5) report, not later than four years after the approval of an application, to the Secretary and the appropriate congressional committees on States receiving enhanced payments; (6) recommend to such entities, not later than four years after enactment of this Act, on the feasibility of a mandated ADRS; and (7) report to such entities, not later than four years after approval of the first quality improvement State plan, concerning the reform of State health profession disciplinary boards or alternative quality assurance plans. Directs the Secretary to establish a program to award grants to private entities for the establishment of demonstration alternative dispute resolution programs in the private sector. Sets forth application requirements for such program. Requires the panel: (1) to provide assistance to such entities in designing and implementing an ADRS; and (2) report to the Agency, the Secretary, and the appropriate congressional committees with data collected on such systems, together with recommendations for improvements. Authorizes appropriations for the demonstration programs for FY 1992 through 1996. Amends the Social Security Act to revise certain Medicaid payment provisions to conform with enhanced payments made under this title. Title II: Uniform Standards for Health Care Liability Claims - Establishes uniform rules for health care liability actions brought in any Federal or State court and any health care action resolved through an ADRS. Establishes procedures for settlement offers, including the calculation of attorney fees. Requires mandatory periodic payments of awards exceeding $100,000. Limits non-economic damages to $250,000. Mandates reductions in damages received by an individual, where other payments will be or have been made to compensate such individual. Limits attorney fees to 25 percent of the first $150,000 of any award or settlement and 15 percent of any additional amount in excess of $150,000. Prohibits punitive damages from exceeding twice the award of compensatory damages. Allows a separate proceeding to decide if punitive damages are to be awarded or to decide the amount of such award. Requires that 50 percent of all awards of punitive damages resulting from health care liability actions be transferred to a State health care disciplinary trust fund to assist the State in the improvement of health care quality programs. Permits claimants pursuing punitive damages to collect reasonable attorney fees. Declares that the liability of each defendant for non-economic damages shall be several only and shall not be joint. Prohibits health care liability actions from being initiated after the expiration of the two-year period that begins on the date on which the alleged injury should reasonably have been discovered, but in no event later than four years after the date of the alleged occurrence of the injury. Provides an exception for minors. Requires a higher standard of proof in obstetric cases where the physician delivering the baby has not provided prenatal services prior to delivery. Prohibits punitive damages from being awarded against a manufacturer or product seller of a drug or device that caused a complaint, if the drug or device is in compliance with Food and Drug Administration approval processes. Declares that this title supersedes any State law only to the extent that such law establishes higher payment limits, applies joint and several liability to all damages, permits the recovery of a greater amount of damages or the awarding of a greater amount of attorney fees, or establishes a longer period during which a health care liability claim may be initiated. Title III: Health Care Injury Prevention - Directs the Secretary to establish a program to make enhanced Medicaid bonus payments for a two-year period to eligible States that submit a State plan for the development or implementation of a health care injury prevention program or an approved alternative. Sets forth eligibility and application requirements for States. Designates a State that receives enhanced payments as a quality improvement State. Requires a quality improvement State to: (1) establish a Statewide health care injury prevention program; and (2) cooperate with Federal research efforts with respect to patient outcomes, clinical effectiveness and clinical practice guidelines. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations that establish performance criteria for the health care practitioner disciplinary board of such State in performing its oversight functions concerning health care professionals. Requires the State to: (1) allocate certain fees for the conduct of disciplinary actions with respect to health care professionals; (2) ensure that the general public is represented on such board; (3) grant immunity to such board from liability; (4) include a continuing education requirement in performance criteria for physicians who have been disciplined by such board. Title IV: Community Health Centers - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary to make a grant to an entity that represents recipients of assistance under provisions relating to migrant and community health centers to enable the entity to develop a business plan for, and to establish, a nationwide risk retention group as provided for in the Liability Risk Retention Act of 1986, and that meets other requirements. Allows the group to negotiate with other entities for the purpose of managing and administering the group, and for obtaining reinsurance. Requires the group to provide professional liability insurance, and other types of profitable insurance approved for issuance by the Secretary, to migrant and community health centers. Requires the centers, subject to exception, to become members of the group and purchase the group's insurance. Makes all professional staff members of the centers eligible to obtain the group's insurance. Requires the group to engage outside experts in insurance, financing, and business to analyze and audit the group. Requires the experts to provide the group with an evaluation of the plan and group. Requires the group to submit the plan and the evaluation to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to permit implementation of the plan and operation of the group if it will result in an increase in the amount of funds available for use by community and migrant health centers and other entities receiving assistance under the specified provisions. Authorizes appropriations for preparation of the plan, establishment of the group, and capitalization of the group. Requires assets remaining after dissolution of the group to be used by the Secretary to pay the remaining expenses of the group. Authorizes appropriations to carry out specified provisions relating to migrant and community health centers.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1991
White House Commemorative Coin Act of 1991 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) issue up to 500,000 silver one-dollar coins to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone of the White House; and (2) obtain silver for such coins from stockpiles established under the Strategic and Critical Mineral Stock Piling Act. Specifies that: (1) all amounts received from the sale of coins issued under this Act shall be deposited in the coinage profit fund; and (2) the Secretary shall pay amounts from a ten-dollar surcharge per coin into the White House Endowment Fund. Directs the Secretary to take such actions as necessary to ensure that the minting and issuance of such coins do not result in any net cost to the Government. Bars the issuance of such coins unless the Secretary has received full payment or adequate security for payment. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1991
Designates May 16 through 22, 1992, as National Awareness Week for Life-Saving Techniques.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1991
Medicare Physician Payment Reform Implementation Act of 1991 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to increase the conversion factor for physicians' services for each of the years after 1993 through 1996 by one-fourth of the percentage by which the conversion factor may have been decreased due to an adjustment for asymmetry in 1992; (2) prohibit the Secretary, in determining the conversion factor for 1992, from assuming that changes in the volume and intensity of physician services in response to the implementation of the new payment system for such services would increase the estimated aggregate physician expenditures by more than one percent; (3) make any reduction to the conversion factor due to assumed volume and intensity changes equally applicable to the adjusted historical payment base; (4) permit separate payment to physicians for interpretation of electrocardiograms (EKGs) provided during office vists; (5) direct the Secretary to: (a) establish separate fee schedule amounts for the interpretation of EKGs; (b) adjust the relative values in the fee schedule for physician visits to reflect separate payments for EKG interpretation; (c) establish EKG practice guidelines for dissemination to physicians along with other educational information relating to EKG use; (d) develop a profile for EKG use by physicians; and (e) study EKG utilization and costs for a report to the Congress; and (6) make the new payment system for physicians nonapplicable to services furnished on or after January 1, 1992, by a physician who was in his or her first, second, or third year of practice in 1991 and to whom the payment rules under the new system did not apply in that year. Prohibits the Secretary from issuing final regulations before July 1, 1993, which change the methodology for determining: (1) the amount of time that may be billed for anesthesia services; and (2) the amount paid for drugs and biologicals furnished incident to physicians' services. Requires the Director of the Office of Technology Assessment to conduct a study and report to the Congress on whether payments for anesthesia services should be based on a particular unit of time according to the medical procedure with respect to which the service is furnished. Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct a study and report to the Congress with respect to payment for drugs and biologicals furnished incident to physicians' services and payment for multiple surgical procedures; and (2) provide for pilot projects for developing Medicare volume performance standards other than at the national level. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the pilot projects.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1991
Designates the week of October 19 through 27, 1991, as National Red Ribbon Week for a Drug Free America.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1991
Reclamation Land Resources Management Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal Water Project Recreation Act to: (1) provide that non-Federal public bodies shall bear at least one-half (currently, all) of the costs of operation, management, and replacement of a Bureau of Reclamation (Bureau) project for recreation or fish and wildlife enhancement; (2) remove the requirement that a non-Federal public body must execute an agreement for administering a reclamation project within ten years after initial operation of the project; (3) allow such non-Federal bodies administering such projects to lease Bureau facilities and lands after agreeing to bear at least one-half (currently, all) of the costs of operation, maintenance, and replacement of such facilities; (4) authorize the expansion of any recreation facility constructed under such Act if the facility is currently inadequate to meet such recreational needs and the non-Federal public body executes an agreement to administer such facilities pursuant to a plan under which the non-Federal public body bears at least one-half of the costs of expansion, operation, maintenance, and replacement attributable to such expansion; and (5) remove a current $100,000 limitation on the amount that the Secretary of the Interior is authorized to expend at any one reservoir in order to increase the public recreational use of such reservoir. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation, to establish certain filing fees, user charges, and other charges and commissions for entry upon and various uses of reclamation lands and to promulgate necessary regulations in connection with such land use and the protection of the public and resource values during such use. Authorizes the Secretary to prepare and continually maintain an inventory of reclamation land resources and uses, to be made available to the public, and to ascertain the boundaries of reclamation lands. Authorizes the Secretary to develop, maintain, and revise resource management plans for reclamation lands. Provides that funds expended by the Secretary in carrying out the provisions of this Act shall be nonreimbursable under the Federal reclamation laws. Authorizes the Secretary, in carrying out this Act, to acquire and dispose of property and to accept gifts of real or personal property. Authorizes the Secretary, in accordance with authorized reclamation project purposes and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations relating to such project, to manage the recreational, natural, cultural, historic, environmental, and fish and wildlife resources on reclamation lands. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) enter into agreements for managing such lands; (2) approve the use of reclamation lands and resources by easements, licenses, and permits; and (3) seek adequate compensation for the use of resources associated with reclamation lands. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed to: (1) change, modify, or expand authorized reclamation project purposes; (2) authorize any activity that results in reduction of water supplies for any entity under contract to receive water from a project; and (3) with a specified exception, result in any increase in the cost of operation, maintenance, and repair of any reclamation project to any contracting entity. Requires the Secretary, prior to any expenditure for the expansion of a recreational facility under this Act, to determine that such expansion will not result in a delay, postponement, or lack of funding for, the repair, replacement, or rehabilitation of the water storage or delivery features of any reclamation project.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1991
Declares that the Congress recognizes and supports U.S. leadership in computer software development. Designates March 1992 as National Computing Education Month.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1991
Expresses the sense of the Congress that Members of Congress, agencies of the Federal Government, and all employers in the United States should: (1) support parent-teacher conferences; and (2) undertake measures to encourage working parents to use paid leave for the purpose of attending parent-teacher conferences.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1991
Breast Cancer Screening Safety Act of 1991 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require certification in order for a facility to perform or interpret mammograms, inspect equipment, perform needle localizations or other procedures using mammography equipment, or conduct quality assurance oversight related to mammography. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue and renew certificates for up to two years. Allows the Secretary to approve a private nonprofit organization to be an accreditation body which meets certain requirements, including inspecting facilities. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish standards for facilities to assure the safety and accuracy of mammography; (2) specify organizations eligible to certify individuals to perform radiological procedures; (3) specify boards eligible to certify individuals to interpret screening mammograms; (4) establish standards regarding the qualifications for individuals to interpret screening mammograms; and (5) specify boards eligible to certify individuals to inspect screening mammography equipment and oversee quality assurance practices. Directs the Secretary to conduct annual announced and unannounced inspections of certified facilities. Provides for: (1) intermediate sanctions for certain violations; (2) suspension, revocation, and limitation of certificates; and (3) injunctions. Requires fees for certificate issuance and renewal, and for inspections, sufficient to cover costs. Requires annual publication of a list of facilities convicted of fraud and abuse, false billings, or kickbacks, facilities that have had certificates revoked, suspended, or limited, and facilities that have been the subject of a sanction or other similar matters. Allows the Secretary to exempt facilities in a State or locality with more stringent requirements from compliance with this Act. Directs the Secretary to: (1) make grants for research on new methods of establishing a Mammography Registry; and (2) based on the research, establish the Registry. Authorizes grants to enhance the capacity of health personnel in the area of breast cancer mortality prevention. Allows grant funds to be used to establish a breast cancer mortality prevention regional training center and develop a training curriculum. Authorizes appropriations. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require that screening mammographies paid for under Medicare be performed by a facility: (1) certified under this Act; and (2) in compliance with specified provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1991
Deficit-Neutral 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 preceding 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 50MHz 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 reallocation; (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 establish for eligible dislocated workers: (1) a program of readjustment allowances; (2) a program for job training and related services substantially similar to the program under specified provisions of the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA); and (3) a program for job search and relocation allowances substantially similar to the program under specified JTPA provisions. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Labor to carry out such programs, for each of FY 1993 through 1995, in an amount equal to the revenues raised in such fiscal year by the provisions of and amendments made by titles II, III, and IV of this Act which are in excess of the expenditures made in such fiscal year under title I of this Act. 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 JTPA in FY 1991 and 1992. Directs the Secretary of Labor to submit a comprehensive report to the Congress on the feasibility and utility of using a total unemployment rate versus an insured unemployment rate, adjusted to include those claimants who have exhausted their benefits, for purposes of triggering extended benefits and, if appropriate, revising the foregoing measures of unemployment to include seasonal adjustments. Title VI: Deficit Reduction Requirement - Sets forth the congressional funding 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 Balance 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 · 1 October 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 October 1991
Deficit-Neutral 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 preceding 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 50MHz 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 reallocation; (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 establish for eligible dislocated workers: (1) a program of readjustment allowances; (2) a program for job training and related services substantially similar to the program under specified provisions of the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA); and (3) a program for job search and relocation allowances substantially similar to the program under specified JTPA provisions. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Labor to carry out such programs, for each of FY 1993 through 1995, in an amount equal to the revenues raised in such fiscal year by the provisions of and amendments made by titles II, III, and IV of this Act which are in excess of the expenditures made in such fiscal year under title I of this Act. 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 JTPA in FY 1991 and 1992. Directs the Secretary of Labor to submit a comprehensive report to the Congress on the feasibility and utility of using a total unemployment rate versus an insured unemployment rate, adjusted to include those claimants who have exhausted their benefits, for purposes of triggering extended benefits and, if appropriate, revising the foregoing measures of unemployment to include seasonal adjustments.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1991
Designates December 1 through 7, 1991, and November 29 through December 5, 1992, as National Adoption Week.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1991
Designates October 15, 1991, as Up With People Day.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1991
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to design and strike a silver commemorative medal for members of the U.S. armed forces who serve in a combat zone in connection with the Persian Gulf conflict.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1991
Designates November 16, 1991, as Dutch-American Heritage Day.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1991
Declares that the Senate recommends that all health insurance plans cover mammography screening as part of basic coverage.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1991
Declares it is U.S. policy that the European Community's Third Country Meat Directive is an unfair nontariff trade barrier and that it is in the public interest to remove barriers to exports of U.S. meat products. Directs the President to prohibit the importation of all European Community meat products.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1991
Designates the week of October 27 through November 2, 1991, as National Pornography Victims Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1991
Christopher Columbus Quincentenary Commemorative Coin and Scholarship Endowment Act of 1991 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue not more than a specified number of five-dollar gold coins, one-dollar silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins emblematic of the quincentenary of Columbus' encounter with the New World. Sets forth certain features of such coins and provides for their design, issuance, and sale. Terminates the minting of such coins after a certain deadline. Establishes the Christopher Columbus Quincentenary Scholarship Foundation as an independent entity within the executive branch to promote educational activities for secondary students using funds deposited in the Christopher Columbus Quincentenary Scholarship Endowment Fund (the Fund). Requires the Board of Directors of the Foundation to appoint an Executive Secretary who shall be subject to its supervision. Outlines the Fund's operating parameters. Sets forth scholarship criteria for eligible students to be known as "Columbus Scholars." Mandates that the Foundation submit an annual status report to the Congress and the Secretary of Education. Sets forth guidelines for possible termination of the Fund and the Foundation.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1991
Music Therapy for Older Americans Act - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to add music therapy to: (1) the lists of services for frail older individuals in their homes and services for older individuals, particularly those with the greatest economic and social need, designed to satisfy their special needs and improve their quality of life; (2) a list of supportive services for older individuals; and (3) the list of schools within colleges and universities in which training programs in the field of aging can be developed. Adds music, art, and dance therapy to the list of services under the definition of "preventive health services" and to the list of demonstration projects which will improve or expand supportive services or otherwise promote the well-being of older individuals. Requires the Commissioner of the Administration on Aging, in making contracts or entering into grants for such projects, to give special consideration to education, training, and information dissemination projects that assist older individuals through music therapy.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1991
Designates December 4, 1991, as Hawaii Remembrance Day, to recognize contributions provided by Federal civilian employees during the attack on Pearl Harbor and during World War II.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1991
Declares that the Congress acknowledges and appreciates the commitment, devotion, and sacrifices of present and former military families. Designates November 25, 1991, as National Military Families Recognition Day.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1991
Declares that the President should award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Martha Raye in honor of her service in the form of entertainment and nursing care to members of the U.S. armed forces.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1991
Designates October 1991 as Ending Hunger Month.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 1991
Glass Ceiling Act of 1991 - Establishes the Glass Ceiling Commission to conduct a study and prepare recommendations concerning: (1) eliminating artificial barriers to the advancement of women and minorities; and (2) increasing opportunities and developmental experiences of women and minorities to foster advancement of women and minorities to management and decisionmaking positions in business. Establishes the National Award for Diversity and Excellence in American Executive Management. Allows a recipient business to use the award in its advertising if the business agrees to help other U.S. businesses improve with respect to the promotion of opportunities and developmental experiences of women and minorities regarding management and decisionmaking positions. Authorizes appropriations. Terminates the Commission and the authority to make awards four years after enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 1991
Designates 1992 as the Year of the Gulf of Mexico. Expresses the sense of the Congress that governmental entities that have responsibilities relating to the Gulf should work to increase public awareness concerning the immeasurable value of the Gulf's resources and conditions that threaten its aesthetic and economic value.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1991
Ranger Fair Housing Act of 1991 - Authorizes: (1) the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) and the Secretary of Agriculture to make employee housing and associated recreational facilities available, on or off the lands under the jurisdiction of the Secretary, and to rent or lease such housing to the respective department at a reasonable value; and (2) the Secretary to enter into contracts and agreements with public and private entities to provide such housing. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct an annual survey of rental quarters available from the private sector within 30 miles of duty stations under the Secretary's jurisdiction; and (2) provide suitable housing if any such survey indicates that privately-owned housing is inadequate for the personnel assigned to the duty station. Requires that the Secretary and the Secretary of Agriculture: (1) classify all existing Government-owned facilities, including employee housing, by agency, within the areas under their respective jurisdictions with respect to physical condition and necessity and suitability for the effective prosecution of the agency mission; and (2) develop an agency-wide priority listing, by structure, identifying those units in greatest need for repair, rehabilitation, replacement, or initial construction. Requires that a report of this study be delivered to specified congressional committees. Requires that: (1) expenditure of any funds authorized and appropriated for construction, repair, or rehabilitation follow the priority listing established by each agency in sequential order; and (2) funding available from other sources for housing repair be distributed as determined by the Secretary, subject to specified requirements. Authorizes: (1) the Secretary to determine that secondary quarters for employees who are permanently duty stationed at remote locations and are regularly required to relocate for temporary periods are necessary for the effective administration of the area; (2) such temporary quarters to be made available to employees, subject to specified requirements; and (3) the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements or joint ventures with local governmental and private entities to provide appropriate and necessary utility and other infrastructure facilities in support of employee housing facilities provided under this Act. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1991
Montana National Forest Management Act of 1991 - Designates certain lands in Montana as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System (System). Directs: (1) the Secretary of Agriculture to file maps and legal descriptions of each wilderness area so designated with specified congressional committees; (2) that such maps and descriptions be on file and available for public inspection in the office of the Chief of the Forest Service; and (3) that each area so designated be administered by the Secretary, subject to valid existing rights. Declares that it is not the intent of the Congress that: (1) such designation will not lead to the creation of protective perimeters or buffer zones around wilderness areas; and (2) the fact that nonwilderness activities or uses can be seen or heard from within a wilderness area shall not preclude such activities or uses up to the boundary of the wilderness area. Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) the grazing of livestock; (2) State fish and game authority; (3) hunting; (4) the installation and maintenance of, and access to, hydrological, meteorological, or climatological collection devices and facilities; and (5) water rights. Determines and directs that: (1) decisions to allocate roadless areas to wilderness or nonwilderness categories pursuant to the Land and Resource Management Plans and associated environmental impact statements for the National Forest in the State of Montana (Plans), and the environmental analyses directly related to such allocations, not be subject to judicial review, with exceptions; (2) the Department of Agriculture not be required to review the wilderness option prior to the revision of the Plans, but review such option when such plans are revised (at least every 15 years), unless prior to that time the Secretary finds that conditions in a unit have significantly changed; (3) specified National Forest System (NFS) lands in Montana which were not designated as wilderness, special management, national recreation, or wilderness study areas be managed for multiple use and those areas need not be managed for the purpose of protecting their suitability for wilderness designation prior to or during revision of the initial Plans; (4) if revised Plans are implemented, areas not recommended for wilderness designation need not be managed for such purpose prior to or during revision of such Plans and areas recommended for wilderness designation be managed for such purpose; and (5) unless expressly authorized by the Congress, the Department not conduct any further statewide roadless area review and evaluation of NFS lands in Montana for purposes of determining their suitability for inclusion in the System. Designates certain special management areas for purposes of conserving, protecting, and enhancing scenic, fish and wildlife, biological, educational, and recreational values. Directs the Secretary to: (1) file maps for such areas with specified congressional committees; and (2) administer areas designated so as to achieve the purposes of their designation as national recreation areas, with exceptions. Withdraws all federally-owned lands within the areas so designated from all forms of entry, appropriation, and disposal under the mining and public land laws, and disposition under the geothermal and mineral leasing laws, subject to valid existing rights. Permits the removal of minerals from such lands if the Secretary finds that such disposition would not have adverse effects on the administration of such areas. Authorizes: (1) the Secretary to permit management activities compatible with the purposes of which the areas were designated and measures deemed necessary in the event of fire, or infestation of insects or disease; and (2) the use of motorized equipment and the grazing of livestock, subject to specified limitations. Directs: (1) the Secretary to manage the Mount Helena and Hyalite National Education and Recreation Areas with a focus on education; (2) that all management activities be conducted in a way that provides the public with an opportunity to become better informed about natural resource protection and management; (3) that designated special management areas be administered as components of the national forests wherein they are located; and (4) that specified land and resource management plans for the affected national forests emphasize achieving the purposes for which the areas are designated. Designates the Elkhorns National Recreation and Wildlife Area, to be managed as a national recreation area that emphasizes big game habitat. Designates specified lands in the Custer National Forest and the Gallatin National Forest, and the Lolo National Forest as wilderness study areas. Requires the Thompson-Seton Wilderness study area to be managed to protect its suitability for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System until the Congress determines otherwise. Withdraws federally-owned lands in the Badger-Two Medicine Area from all forms of entry, appropriation, and disposal under the mining and public land laws and from disposition under the geothermal and mineral leasing laws, subject to valid existing rights. Directs the Secretary to manage such Area so as to protect its currently existing wilderness qualities. Specifies that: (1) nothing in this Act precludes the gathering of timber by the Blackfeet Tribe in exercise of valid treaty rights within such Area; and (2) with respect to oil and gas leases on Federal lands within such Area, no disturbance shall be permitted pursuant to such leases until the Congress determines otherwise, and the term of any such lease subject to the limitations imposed by this Act shall be extended for a period of time equal to the term that such limitation remains in effect. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a review of such Area; (2) establish a committee composed of representatives of the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council, the Pikuni Traditionalist Association, the National Park Service, and representatives of the user public (including environmental and user industry groups) to regularly advise the Secretary on the development of the report and submit its findings to the Congress; (3) give special consideration to the religious, wilderness, and wildlife uses of the Area, including any treaties with the Blackfeet Nation; and (4) establish a process to provide information to the Tribe and interested public about options for future designation of such Area. Directs the Secretary to: (1) exchange specified lands with Plum Creek Timber, L.P. (the company); and (2) acquire certain lands and interests in land of the company in and adjacent to the Hyalite-Porcupine-Buffalo Horn Wilderness Study Area, the Scapegoat Wilderness Area, and other land in the Gallatin National Forest. Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) easements; (2) maps; (3) the timing of the transactions; and (4) incorporation of lands conveyed to the United States into the national forests. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to acquire, by exchange, certain mineral interests owned by the company or an affiliate. Specifies that mineral interests conveyed by the United States pursuant to this Act shall underlie lands the surface of which are owned by the company (but if there are insufficient federally-owned mineral interests of approximately equal value underlying company lands, the Secretary and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) may identify for exchange any other federally-owned mineral interest in land in Montana of which the surface estate is in private ownership). Provides that the execution and performance of an exchange agreement and the taking of other actions pursuant to this Act shall not be deemed a major Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the environment within the meaning of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, nor shall they require the preparation of an environmental assessment under this Act. Directs that the Bitter Creek Wilderness Study Area and approximately 2,500 acres of the Axolotl Lakes Wilderness Study Area no longer be subject to the requirement of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 pertaining to management in a manner that does not impair suitability for preservation as wilderness. Redesignates the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area and Wilderness as the Rattlesnake National Education and Recreation Area and Wilderness. Expresses the congressional policy that the U.S. Forest Service acquire and maintain reasonable public access to NFS lands in Montana. Authorizes appropriations.