United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1991
Disapproves the President's request for the extension of fast track procedures under the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 with respect to the implementation of trade agreements entered into after May 31, 1991, due to insufficient progress in trade negotiations.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1991
Commends the governments and peoples of the Baltic states on their use of democratic processes to regain their independence. Urges the President, if so requested by the government of any Baltic state, to establish offices in such states to facilitate diplomatic relations, technical assistance, cultural exchanges, and other mutually beneficial programs.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1991
Aid for Trade Act of 1991 - Title I: Use of Foreign Assistance Funds - Allocates, on a percentage basis, bilateral economic assistance for FY 1993 through 1997 for the construction, design, or servicing of developmentally sound capital projects. Limits the use of such assistance to the procurement of U.S. goods and services. Establishes a program for the combined use of credits, loans, guarantees, and grants by the Export-Import Bank and the Agency for International Development (AID) to support such projects. Directs the President to establish an interagency capital projects coordinating committee composed of specified Federal agency representatives to ensure a strategic approach to the support of such projects. Requires the committee to submit to the Congress a report describing the extent to which such projects and tied aid programs have affected U.S. exports. Sets specified percentage limits on cash transfers with respect to Economic Support Funds for FY 1993 through 1997. Requires the Comptroller General to submit to the Congress a study of cash payment assistance. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require the Administrator of each agency, in determining the geographic code for the purchase of goods and services, not to grant any waivers from Geographic Codes OOO (United States only) or 941 (United States and least-developed countries) except for specified reasons. Requires the Administrator of the AID to report annually to the Congress on such waivers. Title II: Increase in Credit Authority - Authorizes a 15 percent per year increase in appropriations for FY 1993 through 1997 for direct loans and as reserve funds for loan guarantees made by the Export-Import Bank. Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to authorize appropriations for FY 1993 and 1994 to the Tied Aid Credit Fund. Requires the Chairman of the Bank, if such appropriated funds are not totally used for each fiscal year, to submit to the Congress a report stating: (1) the Bank's reason for not using the funds; and (2) the amount of sales or bids lost because of such Bank's decision not to use such funds. Amends the Trade and Development Enhancement Act of 1983 to authorize appropriations for FY 1993 and 1994 to support preliminary engineering and design work for capital projects. Title III: Eastern Europe Recovery Program - Authorizes the President, acting through the Administrator of the AID, to provide technical assistance to assist in the revision of public policy and administrative reforms to effect the orderly evolution of free-market economies among the Eastern European nations. Authorizes appropriations. Establishes within the Export-Import Bank the Eastern European Loan Guarantee Program to provide guarantees to U.S. lenders and exporters for projects which provide for the export of U.S.-made products and services to Eastern Europe. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to increase the amount of direct investment loans that the Corporation must make each fiscal year. Earmarks a specified amount of such loans to promote the activities of U.S. small businesses in Eastern Europe. Title IV: General Provisions - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to submit a specified report to the Congress if a new agreement within the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is not reached by December 31, 1991, that reduces the levels of concessional financing by member countries of the OECD, other than the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1991
Calls for the President to declare a national day of prayer and thanksgiving to express gratitude for the heroic efforts of our troops during the Persian Gulf crisis.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1991
Applauds and expresses the appreciation of the Nation to President George Bush, Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney, Armed Forces Chief of Staff Colin Powell, Desert Storm Commander Norman Schwarzkopf, the American forces deployed in the Persian Gulf region, the forces from our coalition partners, and the families of American service men and women participating in Operation Desert Storm. Sends condolences to the families of those killed during such operation. Demands from Saddam Hussein: (1) the immediate release of all prisoners of war held by Iraq; (2) a complete accounting for all American and coalition forces listed as missing in action or otherwise unaccounted for; and (3) the immediate and unconditional release and return of all Kuwaiti citizens held by Iraqi forces. Urges all relevant authorities to seriously examine the issue of possible war crimes by Hussein and other Iraqi military leaders and forces and to hold Iraq responsible in principle for reparations for the destruction caused by the invasion and occupation of Kuwait.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1991
Live Performing Arts Labor Relations Amendments - Amends the National Labor Relations Act to exclude specified types of employers and performers in the live performing arts from coverage under unfair labor practice provisions: (1) prohibiting specified contracts or agreements between employers and labor organizations; and (2) prohibiting specified actions of labor organizations to force or require cessation of dealings with others, joining of labor or employer organizations, or recognition of or negotiation with labor organizations not certified as representative. Permits such employers to: (1) agree with a labor organization to make membership in it a condition of performing arts employment; and (2) make agreements with a labor organization covering performing artists even if its majority status has not yet been established. Defines "employer" to include purchasers of live musical performance services. Defines "employee" to include independent contractors engaged to perform live musical services.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1991
Amends the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 and the Ethics Reform Act of 1989 to apply the same honoraria provisions to Senators and officers and employees of the Senate as apply to Members of the House of Representatives and other officers and employees of the Government. Amends the Ethics Reform Act of 1989 to repeal provisions providing for annual cost-of-living salary increases for Senators and concurrent reductions in the limit on honoraria.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1991
Language of Government Act of 1991 - Declares English to be the official language of the U.S. Government. States that the Government has an affirmative obligation to preserve and enhance the role of English as the official language. Prohibits anyone from being denied Government services because they communicate in English. Prohibits a Government entity from making or enforcing an official act requiring the use of a language other than English. Deems anyone discriminated against for communicating in English to have been discriminated against on the basis of national origin. Makes available to a person so discriminated against all lawful remedies available under the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1991
Fair Trade and Export Expansion Act of 1991 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to require the United States Trade Representative (USTR), through calendar year 1995, to identify U.S. trade liberalization priorities. Requires the USTR, after he or she has identified a country as a priority foreign country (a country whose trade practices create major barriers to U.S. exports), to initiate an investigation with respect to the priority practices of such country if: (1) the amount of the trade deficit between the United States and such country exceeds 15 percent of the amount of the total U.S. trade deficit for a given year; (2) the practices of such country have been identified; and (3) such country has not entered into a free trade agreement with the United States. Requires the USTR, after identifying a practice as a priority practice (one which acts as a barrier to U.S. exports), to initiate an investigation with respect to it if: (1) such practice has been identified; and (2) is associated with a sectoral deficit (as listed in the National Trade Estimates) of five percent or more of the balance of trade between the United States and the foreign country conducting such practice. Requires the USTR, after a practice has been identified as a priority practice and a foreign country has been identified as a foreign priority country, to initiate an investigation with respect to such practice or country, if a joint resolution is enacted by the Congress. Requires the USTR, if he or she determines that a priority practice or a priority practice with respect to a priority foreign country constitutes an act, policy, or practice that is unreasonable or discriminatory and burdens or restricts U.S. commerce, to take appropriate action to eliminate such act, policy, or practice. Requires the USTR to explain why if it is not feasible to estimate the value of additional U.S. goods and services and U.S. foreign investment that would have been exported to, or invested in, a foreign country if an unfair practice did not exist.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1991
Condemns Soviet violence against the people and democratic governments of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. Urges the President to immediately review all economic benefits provided by the U.S. Government to the Soviet Union and report to the Congress on whether such benefits should be suspended in light of Soviet actions in the Baltic States, suspend all ongoing technical exchanges, consider withdrawing U.S. support for Soviet membership in the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, or General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, and withhold Most Favored Nation trade treatment until: (1) Soviet troops refrain from obstructing the functioning of the democratic governments of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia; (2) Soviet "Black Beret" internal security forces are withdrawn from the Baltic States; (3) Soviet authorities cease their interference with the media in such States; (4) good-faith negotiations between the governments of such States and the Soviet Union on the restoration of sovereignty to such States have begun; and (5) concrete assurances are received from President Gorbachev that grain purchased with U.S. credits will not be used to coerce such States or any Soviet republic to sign the Union Treaty. States that the United States should consult with and encourage its allies to follow a similar policy. Urges the President to explore means of increasing direct diplomatic ties with the Baltic States. Declares that the U.S. Senate will take the status of events in the Baltic States into account when considering all future agreements with the Soviet Union.
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 1991
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should immediately review all economic benefits provided by the U.S. Government to the Soviet Union, report to the Congress on whether such benefits should be suspended in light of Soviet actions in the Baltic States, suspend all ongoing technical exchanges, consider withdrawing U.S. support for Soviet membership in the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, or General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, and withhold Most Favored Nation trade treatment until: (1) Soviet troops refrain from obstructing the functioning of the democratic governments of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia; (2) the troops that were deployed following the January 7 announcement by the Soviet Defense Ministry, (of the deployment of additional troops to specified republics) are withdrawn; (3) Soviet authorities cease their interference with the media in such States; (4) good-faith negotiations between the governments of such States and the Soviet Union on the restoration of sovereignty to such States have begun; and (5) concrete assurances are received from President Gorbachev that grain purchased with U.S. credits will not be used to coerce such States or any Soviet republic to sign the Union Treaty. States that the United States should consult with and encourage its allies to follow a similar policy.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1991
Amends the National Labor Relations Act and the Railway Labor Act to make it an unfair labor practice for an employer to offer or grant: (1) permanent replacement employee status during a labor dispute; or (2) any employment preference to an individual who worked or indicated a willingness to work during a labor dispute over an employee who exercised specified rights during such dispute and who is working for, or has unconditionally offered to return to work for, the employer.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1991
Senate Election Ethics Act of 1991 - Title I: Senate Election Campaign Spending Limits and Benefits - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to provide for spending limits and to establish eligibility requirements for benefits for Senate primary, general, and runoff elections. Limits personal expenditures during an election cycle to $250,000 and aggregate expenditures for a general election to the lesser of: (1) $5,550,000; or (2) the greater of: (a) $950,000; or (b) $400,000 plus 30 cents for each voter up to 4,000,000 and 25 cents for each voter over 4,000,000. Limits expenditures for the primary election and any runoff election. Provides for increasing threshold amounts under this Act in accordance with increases in the price index. Increases such primary and runoff election spending limits by the aggregate amount of independent expenditures in excess of $10,000 made against, or on behalf of any opponent of, such candidate during the applicable period. Requires an individual who files as a candidate for the primary election, in order to be eligible to receive the benefits for that election, to file a declaration with the Federal Election Committee (FEC) indicating that the candidate and his or her authorized committees will comply with such limits. Sets forth a threshold contribution requirement for general election candidates. Requires a candidate for the general election, in order to be eligible to receive the benefits for that election, to file a certification with the FEC that the candidate and his or her authorized committees will comply with the primary and runoff election expenditure limits and the threshold contribution requirement. Allows a candidate or Federal officeholder to establish a fund with amounts subject to the requirements of this Act up to a certain amount to defray the costs of legal and accounting services provided to ensure compliance with this Act or in connection with the activities as a Federal officeholder other than costs for the purpose of influencing the election of such candidate to Federal office. Permits the candidate to petition the FEC for a waiver of such limitation if such costs exceed the limitation. Requires upon termination of the fund that remaining amounts be transferred to: (1) another fund to be used for such purposes during the next general election; (2) an authorized committee of the candidate as contributions allocable to the next such election; or (3) the Senate Election Campaign Fund. Exempts any expenditure by the candidate or the candidate's authorized committees for Federal, State, or local taxes on earnings allocable to contributions from the general expenditure limit. Establishes formulae for determining entitlements of candidates of a major party and for those not of a majority party. Entitles candidates to certain broadcast media rates and mailing rates and to voter communication vouchers to purchase broadcast time during the general election period. Limits the aggregate amount of such vouchers to 50 percent of the general election expenditure limit (25 percent if the candidate is not a major party candidate). Provides for additional payments and suspension of spending limits in cases where non-participating candidates exceed spending limitations. Permits candidates to use such payments to defray expenditures in the general election. Prohibits the use of such payments to: (1) make any payments directly or indirectly to the candidate or the candidate's immediate family, except to repay any loan used to further the general election of such candidate; (2) make any expenditure other than expenditures to further the general election; (3) make any expenditures in violation of State or Federal law; or (4) repay any loan except to the extent the proceeds of such loan were used to further the general election. Requires the FEC to certify the eligibility of candidates to the Secretary of the Treasury in order for them to receive benefits. Establishes in the Treasury the Senate Election Campaign Fund for the deposit of funds for payments and voter communication vouchers to eligible candidates. Directs the Secretary to maintain such accounts in the Fund as appropriate. Provides for prorating payments when monies in such Fund are insufficient. Provides for increasing the amount of the eligible candidate's contribution limit under this title by the pro rata reduction in payments. Directs the FEC, after each general election, to audit the campaign expenses of publicly financed candidates. Makes candidates liable for repayment to the Secretary for excess payments and vouchers. Establishes criminal penalties for knowing and willful violations of this title. Subjects FEC actions under this Act to judicial review by the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Authorizes appropriations to the FEC as necessary. Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to: (1) revise the definition of a "political committee" to delete references to any separate segregated fund and any committee, club, association, or group which receives contributions or makes expenditures annually totaling over $1,000 and to include any national, State, or district committee of a political party, including any subordinate committee; (2) repeal provisions excluding nonpartisan registration and get-out-the-vote campaigns and the establishment of, and solicitation of contributions for, a separate segregated fund from the definition of a "contribution or expenditure" by a national bank, corporation, or labor organization; (3) prohibit making, soliciting, or receiving contributions or making expenditures to influence a Federal election by any person other than an individual or a political committee; and (4) deem any political committee which is established, financed, maintained, or controlled by any candidate or Federal officeholder to be an authorized committee of such candidate or officeholder for purposes of limitations on contributions to a candidate's committees. Specifies that if such prohibition is not in effect: (1) it and the other amendments made by this Act to the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 regarding such definitions and a candidate's committees shall not be in effect and prior law will be reinstated; (2) political action committees not connected to corporations, labor organizations, or trade associations will be subject to a $1,000 contribution limit; and (3) it shall be unlawful for a multicandidate political committee to make a contribution to a Senate candidate or a candidate's authorized committee to the extent that the making of the contribution will cause the amount of contributions received from the multicandidate political committees to exceed the lesser of: (1) $825,000; or (2) the greater of: (a) $375,000; or (b) 20 percent of the sum of the general election spending limit plus the primary election spending limit regardless of whether the candidate is eligible. Provides that in the case of individuals who are executive or administrative personnel of an employer: (1) no contributions may be made by such individuals to any political committees established and maintained by any political party, or to any candidate for election to the Senate or the candidate's authorized committees, unless such individuals certify that such contributions are not being made at the direction of, or otherwise controlled or influenced by, the employer; and (2) the aggregate amount of such contributions by all such individuals in any calendar year shall not exceed $20,000 in the case of such political committees and $5,000 in the case of any such candidate and the candidate's authorized committees. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the charges made for the use of any broadcasting station by a candidate for Federal office: (1) during the 45 days before a primary or run-off election from exceeding 100 percent of the station's lowest unit charge for 30 seconds for the same time of day and day of the week; (2) during a general election from exceeding 50 percent of the lowest unit charge for 30 seconds; or (3) at any other time the charges made for comparable use of such station by other users. Outlines the responsibilities of broadcast licensees in providing broadcast time to eligible candidates pursuant to voter communications vouchers. Provides for reduced postal rates for eligible Senate candidates. Requires communications paid for or authorized by a candidate in a Senate general election who is not an eligible candidate under this Act to contain a specified message indicating that the candidate has not agreed to abide by the spending limits set forth in this Act. Sets forth reporting requirements for Senate candidates relating to spending limitations, candidate eligibility, and independent expenditures. Requires any candidate for the Senate who, during the election cycle, expends more than $250,000 from personal funds, the funds of the candidate's immediate family, and personal loans incurred by the candidate and the candidate's immediate family, to report to the FEC within 24 hours after such expenditures have been made or loans incurred. Requires the FEC to notify eligible candidates of such reports. Provides that when two or more persons make independent expenditures in excess of $10,000 in concert during any general, primary, or runoff election period for the office of Senator, each person shall report to the Secretary of the Senate on such expenditures. Title II: Expenditures and Contributions - Subtitle A: Independent Expenditures - Defines "cooperative expenditure" as any expenditure which is made: (1) with the cooperation of, or in consultation with, any candidate or any authorized committee or agent of such candidate; or (2) in concert with, or at the request or suggestion of, any candidate or any authorized committee or agent of such candidate. Specifies the conditions under which an expenditure will be included within such definition. Provides that a cooperative expenditure shall be treated as: (1) an expenditure made by the candidate on whose behalf it was made; and (2) a contribution from the person making the expenditure to the candidate on whose behalf it was made. Amends the Communications Act of 1934: (1) to require a person who reserves broadcast time the payment for which would constitute an independent expenditure to inform the licensee of the nature of the payment and the names of all candidates for the office to which the proposed broadcast relates; and (2) to provide the licensee with a statement that identifies the candidate whom such independent expenditure is intended to affect. Outlines the responsibilities of a broadcast licensee who is informed and who endorses a candidate for Federal office in an editorial. Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to set forth disclosure requirements for independent expenditures through television and audio broadcasts or other types of general public political advertising. Subtitle B: Expenditures - Part I: Personal Loans; Credit - Provides that if a candidate or a member of the candidate's immediate family made any loans to the candidate or to the candidate's authorized committee during any election cycle no contributions after the date of the general election for such election cycle may be used to repay such loans. Provides that no contribution by a candidate or member of the candidate's immediate family may be returned other than as part of a pro rata distribution of excess contributions to all contributors. Includes within the definition of "contribution" any extension of credit for goods or services relating to advertising if such extension of credit exceeds $1,000 and is for a certain period with respect to a Senate candidate. Part II: Provisions Relating to Soft Money of Political Parties - Establishes limitations of $20,000 and $15,000, respectively, on individuals and multicandidate committee contributions to State committees of a political party with respect to any calendar year. Provides for increasing the current $25,000 annual limitation on individual contributions by the amount of contributions made by an individual during a calendar year to such a committee. Limits such increase to $5,000. Subjects to Federal limitations, prohibitions, and reporting requirements any amount solicited, received, or expended directly or indirectly by a national, State, or local committee of a political party with respect to an activity to influence a Federal election (soft money). Specifies the activities during a Federal election period to be treated as influencing a Federal election for purposes of such provisions. Prohibits a State committee of a political party from making expenditures which, in the aggregate, exceed an amount equal to four cents multiplied by the voting age population of the State for such activities with respect to the general election campaign of a candidate for President who is affiliated with such party. Repeals provisions excluding certain payments to State or local committees of a political party from the definitions of "contribution" and "expenditure" to subject such payments to the limitations and reporting requirements of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971. Revises provisions regarding certain payments to State and local committees of a political party to cover the costs incurred with respect to printed slate cards or sample ballots to provide that such provisions shall not apply to the costs incurred by such committees with respect to the mass mailing of such a printed listing. Applies the limitations on contributions under the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to transfers between and among the political committees described in the provisions setting forth such limitations except that a national committee may not solicit or accept contributions not subject to the limitations, prohibitions, and reporting requirements of that Act. Prohibits such provisions from applying to contributions that are to be: (1) transferred to a State committee for activities which are not for influencing an election for Federal office; or (2) used by the committee primarily to support such activities. Prohibits the national committee of a political party, the congressional campaign committees of a political party, and a State or local committee of a political party from making expenditures during any calendar year for the activities specified under this part with respect to such State which, in the aggregate, exceed an amount equal to 30 cents multiplied by the voting age population of the State. Specifies that "generic campaign activities" (a campaign activity whose preponderant purpose or effect is to promote a political party rather than any particular Federal or non-Federal candidate) during a Federal election period shall be treated as influencing an election for Federal office. Subjects fundraising by a candidate for Federal office and by an individual holding Federal office for Federal or non-Federal elections to the limitations, prohibitions, and requirements of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971. Prohibits Federal officeholders and candidates from raising contributions from any person of more than $5,000 on behalf of any tax-exempt organization which they have established or which they maintain or control. Prohibits Federal officeholders and candidates from raising any contributions on behalf of tax-exempt organizations if a significant portion of the activities of such an organization includes voter registration or get-out-the-vote campaigns. Sets forth additional reporting requirements for national, State, district, or local committees of a political party with respect to receipts and disbursements for activities to influence a Federal election (soft money). Requires national committees of a political party and any congressional campaign committee to report all receipts and disbursements whether or not they are used to influence a Federal election. Defines "congressional campaign committee" as the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, the National Republican Senatorial Committee, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, and the National Republican Congressional Committee. Provides that, in lieu of any report required to be filed by the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, the FEC may allow a State committee of a political party to file a report required under State law if such report contains substantially the same information. Applies the reporting requirements of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to certain payments to State or local committees of a political party excluded from the definitions of "contribution" and "expenditure" under such Act (soft money). Requires any such exempt contributions or expenditures in excess of $200 to be reported. Requires any individual who makes contributions in excess of $10,000 to any candidate for Federal office or to any political committee that is subject to the limitations of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to report to the FEC within seven days after making such contributions, and thereafter each time such individual makes contributions in excess of $5,000. Requires any candidate for Federal office, any authorized committee of a candidate, or any political committee of a candidate, or any political committee soliciting contributions subject to such limitation to include with such solicitation a notice of the requirement to report as well as the annual individual limitation on such contributions. Subtitle C: Contributions - Prohibits a congressional campaign committee of a political party, during an election cycle, from accepting from multicandidate political committees and separate segregated funds any contributions which exceed 30 percent of the total expenditures which such committee may make during that election cycle. Prohibits a national committee of a political party, during an election cycle, from accepting from multicandidate political committees and separate segregated funds any contributions which, in the aggregate, exceed an amount equal to two cents multiplied by the voting age population of the United States. Subjects any expenditure made by a national or State committee of a political party or a congressional campaign committee for general public political advertising which clearly identifies a candidate for Federal office by name to the limitations on expenditures by national and State committees of a political party under the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971. Prohibits such provisions from applying to expenditures for mass mailings designed primarily for fundraising purposes which make only incidental references to any one or more Federal candidates. Provides for the accountability of contributions made by intermediaries or conduits. Provides that any contribution by an individual who is not of voting age and who is a dependent of another individual shall be treated as having been made by such other individual. Subtitle D: Reporting Requirements - Revises reporting requirements under the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971. Title III: Federal Election Commission - Revises provisions regarding the organization of political committees to prohibit a political committee that is not an authorized committee from including the name of any candidate in its name in such a context as to suggest that it is an authorized committee of the candidate or that the use of the candidate's name has been authorized by the candidate. Revises reporting requirements to give a political committee which is the principal campaign committee of a House or Senate candidate the option of filing monthly reports in all calendar years in lieu of the reports currently required to be filed with the FEC, except with respect to the general election reports. Revises enforcement provisions. Changes the determination the FEC must make upon receiving a complaint and before notifying a person of an alleged violation. Repeals the requirement that all FEC decisions with respect to the exercise of its duties and powers under the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 be made by a majority vote of its members. Subjects such decisions to an affirmative vote of four FEC members, except with respect to certain questions including the above mentioned determination, in which case the general counsel is required to make a recommendation for action. Requires such action to be taken upon an affirmative vote of three FEC members. Provides that in the event of a vacancy in the office of general counsel, the next highest ranking enforcement official in that office shall serve as acting general counsel with full powers of the general counsel until a successor is appointed. Increases the rate of basic pay of the general counsel to the rate for the FEC staff director. Provides that fees collected by the FEC for copying and certification of records and for the provision of other materials to the public shall not be covered into the general fund of the Treasury, but shall be kept in a separate account and shall be available to the FEC to carry out the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971. Revises provisions regarding penalties prescribed in conciliation agreements and penalties for violations which are adjudicated in court. Authorizes the FEC to conduct random audits and investigations to ensure voluntary compliance with this Act. Sets forth disclosure requirements for expenditures and independent expenditures through television and radio broadcasts or other types of general public political advertising. Declares that no person shall: (1) make a fraudulent misrepresentation that the person is authorized to solicit or accept a contribution to a candidate or political committee; or (2) solicit or accept a contribution to a candidate or political committee unless the person intends to, and does, pay over to the candidate or political committee any contribution received and informs the candidate or political committee of the name of the contributor. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Prohibits an incumbent in, or candidate for, Federal office from establishing, maintaining, or controlling a political committee other than an authorized committee of the candidate or a committee of a political party. Requires a contribution of polling data to a candidate for the Senate to be valued at the fair market value of the data on the date the poll was completed, depreciated at a rate not more than one percent per day from such date to the date on which the contribution was made. Prohibits congressional franked mass mailings within one year before an election (currently, within 60 days before an election).
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1991
Declares that, with regard to assistance to nations in transition from communism to democracy, it is U.S. policy to provide foreign aid directly to democratic governments at the republic level in countries that include a ruling communist majority in other republic governments or at the Federal level.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1991
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that the Congress has the power to set reasonable limits on campaign expenditures by, in support of, or in opposition to any candidate in any primary or other election for Federal office. Declares that the States have such power with respect to State or local elections.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1991
Declares that the Congress: (1) is firmly committed to reversing Iraq's occupation of Kuwait; and (2) supports the continued application of international sanctions and diplomatic efforts to pressure Iraq to leave Kuwait, but does not rule out declaring war or authorizing the use of force at a later time. Authorizes the use of American military force to enforce the United Nations economic embargo against Iraq, defend Saudi Arabia from direct Iraqi attack, and protect American forces in the region. Pledges continued support for sustaining the policy of increasing economic and diplomatic pressure against Iraq, maintaining U.S. military options, and seeking to increase the military and financial contributions made by allied nations. Declares that: (1) the Constitution vests all power to declare war in the Congress; and (2) the Congress will expeditiously consider any presidential request for a declaration of war or for authority to use military force against Iraq. Sets forth congressional priority procedures for consideration of a joint resolution declaring war or authorizing military force against Iraq.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1990
Recognizes the important part the Alaska Highway played in the defense of our Nation and the settling of Alaska and the ever-important role it will inevitably play in our future. States that this highway should be maintained in a condition that encourages people throughout the Nation to travel it.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1990
Declares that the fast track procedure under the Trade Act of 1974 shall not apply to the Senate's consideration of an implementing bill for the Uruguay Round on the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 1990
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should declare November 2, 1990, a national day of prayer for: (1) members of American military forces and American citizens stationed or held hostage in the Middle East, and for their families; and (2) American and Iraqi authorities to bring about a just resolution of the Persian Gulf crisis.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1990
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Department of Commerce, in considering the population discrepancies in the 1990 census, should utilize the statistical correction methodology to achieve a fair and accurate census. States that the Secretary of Commerce should release adjusted data by April 1, 1991, to avoid undue complications in various jurisdictions with respect to formulating redistricting plans.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1990
Prohibits the use of appropriated funds for the export, or the licensing for export, to South Korea of technology for the coproduction of F/A-18 aircraft until at least 30 days after the Congress has received a specified memorandum of understanding. Provides for an extension of the congressional review period until the President transmits such memorandum to the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1990
Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to accept gifts of money or real or personal property for use by the Department of Defense (DOD) for its programs, projects, and activities. Establishes in the Treasury the Defense Gift Account for the deposit of such gifts. States that a gift of property received under this Act may be: (1) retained and used by DOD in its donated form; (2) sold or otherwise disposed of upon acceptance by the Secretary; or (3) converted into a form usable by DOD. Requires the Secretary to report quarterly to the Congress on gifts received, including a description of all property received having a value of more than $1,000,000. Authorizes the Secretary to use donated property without specific authorization, with a specified condition. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to invest money in the Account in U.S. securities and to deposit interest on such money into the Account. Requires the Secretary of Defense to notify the Congress of any condition imposed on the use of any gift accepted. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct an annual audit of money and property accepted and to report the results to the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1990
Commemorates the 20th anniversary of the enactment of the Rail Passenger Service Act establishing the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak).
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1990
Christopher Columbus Quincentenary Commemorative Coin and Scholarship Endowment Act of 1990 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue a specified number of five dollar gold coins, one dollar silver coins, and half dollar clad coins emblematic of the quincentenary of the discovery of America. Sets forth certain features of such coins and provides for their design, issuance, and sale. Provides that such coins shall be considered legal tender. Requires that all sales of such coins include specified surcharges. Requires that all surcharges received from the sale of such coins be paid quarterly to the Christopher Columbus Quincentenary Scholarship Endowment Fund established by this Act. States that such Fund shall be maintained by the Quincentenary Scholarship Foundation to generate income for scholarships and secondary school summer programs for students with the potential to make lasting contributions in the disciplines of geography, foreign languages, and international affairs. Requires the Foundation to report annually on its activities to the Congress and the Secretary of Education.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1990
Amends the United States Institute of Peace Act (the Act) to authorize the U.S. Institute of Peace, through its Board of Directors, to award an annual Spark M. Matsunaga Medal of Peace and a cash award to a person or persons who have contributed in extraordinary ways to peace among the nations and peoples of the world, giving special attention to contributions advancing society's knowledge and skill in peacemaking and conflict management. Directs the Board to establish an advisory panel to advise in selection of award recipients. Requires the Institute to report to specified congressional committees on selection procedures. Authorizes the Institute, acting through the Board, to establish the Spark M. Matsunaga Scholars Program, which shall include the provision of scholarships and educational programs in international peace and conflict management and related fields for outstanding high school students, as well as scholarships to outstanding undergraduate students. Revises provisions relating to private gifts and contributions. Increases the amount authorized to be appropriated for each fiscal year. Directs the Secretary of Education to make a grant to the Spark M. Matsunaga Peace Foundation for scholarships, grants, and endowed professorships to individuals and organizations pursuing peace studies and the application of conflict resolution techniques. Authorizes appropriations. Allows such Foundation to retain interest on such grant.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1990
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to declare that the Congress recognizes that prompt U.S. assistance is necessary to alleviate the emergency in Lithuania caused by the Soviet blockade. Directs the Administrator of the agency responsible for administering part I of such Act to: (1) furnish humanitarian assistance to Lithuania during such emergency; (2) solicit donations of humanitarian assistance for Lithuania and cooperate with private relief agencies attempting to provide such assistance; and (3) attempt to deliver such assistance by the most expeditious means available. Authorizes appropriations. Urges the President to seek permission from the Soviet Union to deliver humanitarian relief to Lithuania without delay.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1990
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to assist in the construction of an Appalachian highway system and local access roads serving the Appalachian region. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary for such assistance out of the Highway Trust Fund. Exempts such assistance from any Federal-aid highway and highway safety construction program ceilings. Limits to 80 percent the Federal share of the cost of any construction project under this Act. Provides an apportionment formula to be followed by the Secretary in making funds available to States for such assistance. Requires the Appalachian Regional Commission to submit to the Secretary a list of estimated project costs. States that, beginning with FY 1993, projects eligible for assistance under this Act shall be eligible for funds available under law applicable to the construction and maintenance of Federal-aid primary highways.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1990
Designates July 1, 1990, as Imported Oil Dependence Day. Requires the Secretary of Energy to report to the Congress, annually, on July 1, of the extent of the reliance of the United States on imported oil during the previous year, and the extent of its projected reliance for the coming year.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1990
Aid for Trade Act of 1990 - Title I: Use of Foreign Assistance Funds - Allocates, on a percentage basis, bilateral economic assistance for FY 1992 through 1996 for the construction, design, or servicing of capital projects. Limits the use of such assistance to the procurement of U.S. goods and services. Sets specified percentage limits on cash transfers with respect to such economic assistance and Economic Support Funds for FY 1992 through 1996. Requires the Comptroller General to submit to the Congress a study of cash transfer assistance. Declares that nothing in this Act is intended to reduce the amount of bilateral economic assistance (including grants) for any fiscal year for least-developed beneficiary developing countries. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require the Administrator of each agency, in determining the geographic code for the purchase of goods and services, not to grant any waivers from Geographic Codes 000 (United States only) or 941 (United States and least-developed countries) except for specified reasons. Requires the Administrator of the Agency for International Development to report annually to the Congress on such waivers. Title II: Increase in Credit Authority - Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to direct the Export-Import Bank to increase its direct loans for FY 1992 through 1996 by 15 percent per year. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 and 1993 to the Tied Aid Credit Fund. Amends the Trade and Development Enhancement Act of 1983 to authorize appropriations for FY 1992 and 1993 to finance a tied aid credit activity. Title III: Eastern Europe Recovery Program - Establishes the Eastern European Loan Guarantee Program to be administered through the Export-Import Bank and the Overseas Private Investment Corporation to provide guarantees to U.S. lenders and exporters for projects which provide for the export of U.S.-made products and services to Eastern Europe. Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to extend the authority of the Bank to make interest subsidy payments to lenders who provide loans in support of U.S. exports through October 1, 1993. Authorizes appropriations to the Bank for FY 1992 and 1993 with respect to such payments for use in Eastern Europe only. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to increase the amount of direct investment loans that the Corporation must make each fiscal year. Earmarks a specified amount of such loans to promote the activities of U.S. small businesses in Eastern Europe. Title IV: General Provisions - Defines "bilateral economic assistance."
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1990
Designates the week of June 17 through June 23, 1990, as National Week to Commemorate the Victims of the Famine in Ukraine, 1932-1933. Condemns the disregard for human rights characterized by the Soviet Union during the famine and expresses sympathy for victims of the famine. Requests the President to call attention to Soviet policies that caused the famine and have suppressed Ukrainian human rights and the expression of cultural and social heritage. Recognizes the reforms underway in the Ukraine and urges the Soviet Government to: (1) move forward toward democratization and restructuring; and (2) provide a framework for the realization of the rights and aspirations of the Ukrainian people.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1990
Expresses the sense of the Congress that Greyhound Lines, Inc., and the Amalgamated Transit Union should negotiate to resolve their dispute promptly, under the auspices of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service and the Secretary of Labor.
![Official portrait of Sen. Byrd, Robert C. [D-WV]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/5d40b028cbc578dca8bae0f76cab2885_200.jpg)