United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1991
Prohibits the shipment in interstate or foreign commerce of steel jaw leghold traps and of articles of fur derived from animals trapped in such traps. Prescribes criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to reward nongovernment informers for information leading to a conviction under this Act. Empowers enforcement officials to detain, search, and seize suspected merchandise or documents and to make arrests with and without warrants. Subjects seized merchandise to forfeiture.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1991
Western Water Policy Review Act of 1991 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) undertake a comprehensive review of Federal activities in the 19 Western States which affect the allocation and use of water resources; and (2) submit a report to the President, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives within five years on findings and recommendations. Establishes the Western Water River Commission to review: (1) present and anticipated national water resource problems affecting the Western States; (2) current Federal programs affecting such States; (3) the need for additional storage or other arrangements to augment existing water supplies; (4) the history, use, and effectiveness of various institutional arrangements to address problems of water development and use; (5) the legal regime governing water development and use and the respective roles of the Federal Government and the States; and (6) the activities, authorities, and responsibilities of the various Federal agencies with direct water responsibility. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1991
Racial Justice Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal judicial code to make it unlawful to impose or execute sentences of death under color of State or Federal law in a racially discriminatory pattern. Prohibits a person from being put to death in the execution of a sentence imposed pursuant to any law if that person's death sentence furthers a racially discriminatory pattern. Provides that ordinary methods of statistical proof shall suffice to establish a racially discriminatory pattern. States that it shall not be necessary to show discriminatory motive, intent, or purpose on the part of any individual or institution. Establishes the requirements for a prima facie showing that a racially discriminatory pattern exists. States that a State or Federal entity may rebut a prima facie showing by establishing by clear and convincing evidence that identifiable nonracial factors explain the racial disparities constituting the pattern. Requires any State or Federal entity that provides for the imposition of the death penalty to collect and maintain pertinent data on the charging, disposition, and sentencing patterns for all cases of death-eligible crimes. Provides for the appointment of counsel for all indigent clients (and the furnishing of investigative and other services) for habeas corpus actions arising under this Act. Provides that no State court determination on the merits of a factual issue pertinent to a claim under this Act shall be presumed to be correct unless: (1) the State has collected and maintained the necessary death penalty data; and (2) the determination was made in a court proceeding where the defendant was afforded his rights required under this Act. States that nothing contained in this Act shall be construed to affect the lawfulness of any sentence of death that does not violate this Act. States that the failure to raise such a claim before the enactment of this Act shall not bar future claims.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1991
Promotion of Democracy and Respect for Human Rights in Guatemala Act of 1991 - Prohibits the provision of unobligated military assistance and all military assistance for FY 1992 and 1993 to Guatemala until the President reports to the Congress that: (1) the Government of Guatemala has conducted investigations and prosecutions of those responsible for specified murders; (2) military harassment and assassinations with respect to human rights activists have ceased and such activists may freely carry out activities; (3) respect for rights of certain freedoms and political pluralism have increased; (4) internationally recognized workers' rights have been extended to Guatemalan workers; (5) the Guatemalan Government is prosecuting members of the police force who are responsible for murders and disappearances of street children; and (6) the Guatemalan Government has put an end to the practice of forced civil patrol duty. Provides that unobligated economic support fund (ESF) assistance and ESF assistance for FY 1992 and 1993, development assistance, and assistance under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 for Guatemala may be used only by civilian agencies and nongovernmental organizations and shall be limited to assistance for: (1) the Guatemalan human rights ombudsman; (2) programs that address poverty and basic human needs; (3) fiscal administration; (4) the National Reconciliation Commission; and (5) the improvement of the performance of democratic institutions or the promotion of political pluralism. Prohibits the use of such assistance for partisan political purposes or as an instrument of counterinsurgency. Makes restrictions on the use of such assistance inapplicable if the President reports to the Congress that the Guatemalan Government has: (1) conducted investigations and prosecutions of those responsible for the murders and mistreatment of named individuals; and (2) made substantial progress towards a fiscally responsible tax policy and improved fiscal administration. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should encourage other nations to cease the provision of military assistance to Guatemala until conditions under this Act have been met. Requires the President to report biennially to specified congressional committees on: (1) countries, companies, and individuals engaged in the sale or export of military equipment to the Guatemalan Government; and (2) the nature and type of such equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1991
HealthAmerica: Affordable Health Care for All Americans Act - HealthAmerica Act - Title I: Amendments to Public Health Service Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to create a new title on basic health benefits for employees and their families. Requires each employer, with regard to each of its full-time employees and their families, and allows an employer, with regard to all of its part-time employees and their families, to: (1) enroll them in a health benefit plan under provisions of this Act; or (2) make a contribution for coverage of the employees and their families under the public health insurance plan added by this Act to the Social Security Act. Requires employers making a contribution to follow prescribed procedures to facilitate enrollment of its employees, including distributing and submitting enrollment forms and withholding and submitting payroll deductions. Requires, beginning seven years after enactment of this Act, that an individual seeking benefits under a Federal program certify possession of health insurance meeting minimum standards under this Act. Conditions claiming of a personal exemption deduction under the Internal Revenue Code on the individual filer certifying coverage meeting such standards. Title II: Requirements for Health Benefit Plans - Allows, except for provisions of title III of this Act relating to small and medium-sized business insurance, an employer to meet the requirements of this title through any health benefit plan. Exempts, in certain circumstances, employers in the State of Hawaii from the requirements of this title so long as the Hawaii Prepaid Health Care Act remains in effect. Requires that enrollment of an employee include enrollment of the employee's family and prohibits waiver of enrollment of the employee or the employee's family, subject to exception to avoid duplicate enrollment. Permits variations in premiums, deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance which are actuarially equivalent to the requirements in certain provisions of this title. Establishes an Advisory Board to develop actuarial equivalency standards and to deal with other matters concerning the administration of this title. Sets forth general requirements for plan coverage, including, subject to certain limitations, inpatient and outpatient hospital care, inpatient and outpatient physician services, diagnostic tests, prenatal and well-baby care, preventive services (limited to well child care, pap smears, and mammograms), and inpatient and outpatient mental disorder care. Prohibits limitations on the amount, scope, and duration of certain benefits. Allows such limitations on specified other benefits. Allows a plan to: (1) provide benefits through managed care systems; (2) select particular providers or types, classes, or categories of providers; and (3) establish different levels of payment for different providers. Allows an employer to establish a fee schedule or other basis for payment different from charges, provided the payment is sufficient to achieve adequate access to plan services without additional out-of-pocket expenses, but for permitted copayments and deductibles. Requires inpatient mental health care to include payment for professional services by a physician or a licensed or certified clinical psychologist. Requires plan coverage to include outpatient services by a licensed or certified clinical psychologist or a provider with training and education equivalent to a licensed clinical social worker. Mandates reports to the Congress regarding: (1) possible changes to the preventive services covered; and (2) the cost-effectiveness and desirability of coverage of colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, and osteoporosis screening and of coverage of outpatient prescription drugs. Specifies when plan coverage must begin in various circumstances. Prohibits preexisting condition limitations or exclusions. Allows a part-time employee who is charged an increased premium under specified provisions of this Act to waive enrollment. Requires the employer, in such case, to pay, under title V of this Act, the minimum amount the employer would have paid toward coverage if the employee had not waived enrollment. Requires continuation of employee or family coverage during a period of hospitalization. Permits a plan to require an enrollee to pay premiums, deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance amounts, subject in each case to certain limits. Limits out-of-pocket expenses. Mandates administration of certain requirements and standards of this title by the State agency designated by the State's chief executive officer. Requires certain notice to the employee, including plan contents, the availability of premium and cost-sharing subsidies, and employer failure to make premium payments. Provides for establishment of model plan language. Requires each plan to designate an individual to answer questions on the plan. Requires the State administering authority to assist employees regarding their rights under the plans. Provides for review of denied claims. Allows an employer to offer a nonmanaged care plan as well as a managed care plan. Allows an employee, if no unmanaged plan is offered, to use nonparticipating providers. Allows a plan to provide for cost-sharing of up to 200 percent of the normal or minimum plan if nonparticipating providers are used. Provides for a civil monetary penalty on an employer, up to a specified percentage of all wages paid by the employer for the year, for failure to comply with specified provisions of this Act. Requires penalties collected to be credited to the public health insurance plan established by this Act. Makes an employer that knowingly does not comply with specified provisions of this Act liable for damages, including health care costs, to the employee or the family of the employee. Allows the employee or family to bring a civil action to recover damages. Title III: Special Assistance for Small and Medium Sized Businesses - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to declare that certain provisions of ERISA supersede any State law relating to benefits under title II of this Act. Includes benefit plans under that title in the ERISA definitions of "employee welfare benefit plan" and "welfare plan." Subtitle A: Reform of Small Group Insurance - Amends the Public Health Service Act to create a new part, and amends (using similar language) the Social Security Act to create a new title, on group health insurance standards. Prohibits issuing a health benefit plan in a State, or offering a new contract under such a plan with respect to a small employer (defined as having fewer than 100 employees), unless the plan meets certain standards under this Act. Provides for: (1) complaints by individuals and entities respecting potential violations of certain requirements of this subtitle; (2) investigations and related procedures; and (3) enforcement, including cease and desist orders, civil monetary penalties, and orders to take other corrective action. Requires penalties collected to be credited to the AmeriCare Trust Fund. (Provides, in the amendments to the Social Security Act, but not in the amendments to the Public Health Service Act, for imposition on a carrier that is not in compliance with provisions of this subtitle of an excise tax, as provided in subtitle B of this title.) Directs the Secretary to request the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to develop a model Act and model regulations to implement requirements of this subtitle. Requires establishment of a toll-free telephone number to: (1) handle consumer complaints or inquiries; and (2) provide information to small employers and consumers about carriers that offer plans in the area. Mandates periodic audits of State regulatory programs by the Comptroller General to determine compliance with provisions of this subtitle. Sets forth transitional provisions applicable only to plans offered to small employers during the first four years after the effective date of these provisions, including: (1) allowing, in certain circumstances, preexisting condition exclusion; and (2) requiring making available equivalent coverage during any waiting period before the individual may be covered by the plan. Requires carriers offering a plan to small employers to: (1) register with State regulatory authorities; and (2) offer the same plan to any other small employer in the community. Allows: (1) health maintenance organizations (HMOs) to have geographic and size limitations; and (2) carriers to require participation by a minimum percentage of employees. Requires, at the option of the business, plan renewability under the same terms as for issuance, except for rates and administrative changes. Regulates rate changes. Requires premiums for plans offered to small employers to be based on a single cohesive rating system applied consistently for all small employer groups and designed not to treat groups, after the fourth year after enactment of this Act, differently based on health status or risk status. Requires the lowest rate for plans with similar benefits within a block of business to be the same for all small employers. Limits the percentage by which the premium rate for the most expensive block of business may exceed the rate for the least expensive block of business. Allows limited variation in premium rates for: (1) different age and gender groups; and (2) employers who elect, under provisions of this Act, reimbursement under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Requires plans offered to small employers to permit enrollment and compute premiums based on four specified beneficiary classes. Requires plans offered to small employers to: (1) cover all basic health services specified in title II of this Act; and (2) not impose cost-sharing in excess of that permitted by title II (with regard to the amendments to the Public Health Service Act) or in excess of that permitted by the Social Security Act, as amended by title VI of this Act (with regard to the amendments to the Social Security Act.) Requires the carrier, except HMOs, to offer to the small employer a plan that only provides basic services and maximum cost-sharing. Requires a carrier (other than an HMO or a reinsurance carrier) which offers a managed care plan to an employer that is not a small employer to make a managed care plan available to small employers in the same community. Requires the NAIC to develop a model to standardize benefits offered to small employers to promote consumer understanding and comparison among plans. Requires each carrier offering a plan to small employers under subtitle E (relating to payment for services at Medicare rates) of this title to offer the employer the option of having payment at rates no higher than the rates established by title II of this Act (with regard to the amendments to the Public Health Service Act) or by title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (with regard to the amendments to the Social Security Act). Applies, with regard to an employer who elects such option, the limits on charges that may be made under Medicare to individuals receiving benefits under the plan. (Applies, with regard to the amendments to the Social Security Act, the sanctions imposed under Medicare and title XI (general provisions and peer review) of the Social Security Act to violations of these limits.) Requires the NAIC to develop models of legislation for the enactment of health insurance policy reinsurance systems for use by States, including plans offered to small employers. Specifies three models which must be included. Requires any system enacted to provide for an adjustment in reinsurance premiums charged to HMOs that takes into account specified factors. Subtitle B: Tax Equity for Small and Medium-Sized Business - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow self-employed individuals to take a deduction for 100 percent of the cost of health insurance coverage for the individual and the individual's family under subtitle A of this title or under AmeriCare. (Current law allows a deduction of 25 percent of the cost of health insurance coverage.) Provides for a deduction for certain group health plan contributions for the benefit of self-employed individuals. Imposes an excise tax on an entity's violation of the Social Security Act, as amended by subtitle A of this title. Subtitle C: Opportunity for Voluntary Provision of Coverage - Prohibits requiring a medium-sized employer (defined as having between 25 and 100 employees) to provide a health benefit plan under title II of this Act or make a contribution under title V of this Act until the fifth calendar year after enactment of this Act. Ties application to medium-sized employers of the requirement to provide coverage or make a contribution to the number of uninsured employees of all such employers, during or after those four years, as compared to the number of such employees when this Act is enacted. Delays application to small employers of the requirement to provide coverage or make a contribution until the sixth calendar year after enactment of this Act. Ties application of the requirement to the change in the number of uninsured employees of small employers in the first five years. Subtitle D: Small Business Tax Credit - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an eligible small business (defined as having no more than 60 employees) a tax credit for a percentage of health plan expenses. Reduces the percentage as the number of employees increases and as the expanded profit ratio increases. Subtitle E: Additional Assistance to Small and Medium-Sized Businesses - Makes businesses with fewer than 100 employees that did not provide coverage in the year before enactment of this Act eligible to buy private coverage from a small or medium-sized business insurer under which health service providers are paid at rules based on Medicare rates. Allows a small employer that employs fewer than 25 employees and that has been an employer for not more than three years to: (1) not provide coverage or make a contribution for the first two years of being an employer; and (2) make a contribution at one-half the normal rate. Establishes a small and medium-sized business advisory committee. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Reducing Health Care Cost Inflation - Subtitle A: Outcomes Research and Practice Guideline Development and Dissemination - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Administrator for Health Care Policy and Research to: (1) develop an initial set of guidelines for at least three clinical treatments or conditions that account for a significant portion of national health expenditures, have a significant variation in treatment, or otherwise meet specified needs and priorities; and (2) develop outcomes research and practice parameters for mental health services, including regarding childhood attention deficit disorders and manic depression. Amends the Social Security Act to increase the authorization of appropriations to carry out provisions relating to research on outcomes of health care services and procedures. Modifies the percentages which are, during FY 1993 and 1994, to be appropriated from the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund. Subtitle B: Federal Health Expenditure Board - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish as an independent agency in the executive branch the Federal Health Expenditure Board. Amends the Public Health Service Act and, using similar language, the Social Security Act to require the Board to take specified actions, including: (1) developing national health care expenditure, access, and quality goals; (2) convening and overseeing negotiations between providers and purchasers to develop payment rates regarding those expenditure goals; (3) establishing recommended payment levels and other recommended measures; (4) developing State and regional goals; (5) establishing uniform billing and claim forms and mandatory reporting requirements; and (6) recommending rates, budgets, and other measures. Mandates that the Board require negotiations regarding physician and hospital care. Allows the Board to require negotiations concerning other health care sectors. Declares that the Board shall determine which individuals, organizations, and institutions are eligible for representation by negotiators. Sets forth procedures and requirements regarding approval of an organization or individual as a negotiator. Sets forth requirements regarding payment systems adopted for hospitals or physicians. Requires the Board, when negotiators for a sector fail to reach an agreement, to promulgate regulations recommending advisory rates and other matters to achieve the goals. Allows, with regard to the amendments to the Public Health Service Act, purchasers and providers to combine for the purpose of agreeing to pay or charge at the recommended rates. Allows, with regard to the amendments to the Social Security Act, purchasers to combine for such purpose. Makes a provider assessing or a purchaser paying rates other than those required: (1) ineligible for any assistance under the Public Health Service Act (with regard to the amendments to the Public Health Service Act) or for any assistance under the Social Security Act (with regard to the amendments to the Social Security Act); and (2) liable to the United States for a civil monetary penalty. Provides for temporary injunctive relief. Requires the Board to promulgate regulations recommending nonbinding rates for all Federal programs that reimburse providers on a fee, charge, or cost basis or charge third-party providers on such basis. Exempts from that requirement: (1) with regard to the amendments to the Public Health Service Act, programs under titles XVIII (Medicare), XIX (Medicaid), or XXI (AmeriCare) of the Social Security Act; and (2) with regard to the amendments to the Social Security Act, programs under such title XVIII. Prohibits, through the fifth fiscal year after enactment of these provisions, Federal payments from rising as a result of such rates. Allows a State consortium, with the approval of the Board, to establish an alternative payment system, rates and methods for achieving Board goals. Requires the Board to establish a system of uniform billing and reporting to enable the Board to determine the progress in meeting the goals, enable providers and purchasers to provide and obtain efficiently provided care, and reduce administrative costs of the health care system. Directs the Secretary to develop and implement methodologies that will measure the effectiveness of the health care service provided by health care providers. Amends Federal law to add members of the Board to the list of positions paid at levels III and IV of the Executive Schedule. Amends the Social Security Act to require the Board to make recommendations regarding hospital and physician services, including modifications of the prospective payment system and the physician payment system. Prohibits, through the fifth fiscal year after enactment of these provisions, the recommendations from increasing Federal payments. Subtitle C: State Purchasing Consortia - Amends the Public Health Service Act to mandate establishment in each State of a consortium open to all providers and purchasers of health insurance and health care in the State. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make a grant to each State for establishment and initial operation of the consortium. Amends the Public Health Service Act and, using similar language, the Social Security Act to set forth the mandatory consortium functions, including: (1) enrolling all small share health insurance companies in the State as consortium members; (2) establishing a claim payment fund and payment procedures, with the fund to be capitalized through public and private contributions and assessments by the consortium on such enrollees; (3) developing and using uniform billing and claim forms and procedures consistent with subtitle B of this title; and (4) attempting to reduce administrative costs and burdens on enrollees and providers through specified measures. Lists optional consortium functions, including: (1) permitting insurers with a large market share in a State to participate in the consortium; and (2) convening negotiations with providers, purchasers, and others on service availability, coverage and reimbursement levels, and claim submission and payment procedures. Exempts such negotiations, if authorized by the State, from Federal anti-trust laws. Declares that the Consumer Product Safety Act and other Federal consumer protection laws apply to the mandatory consortium functions. Allows States to enter into an agreement for the establishment of a regional consortium. Declares that a State that fails to comply with the requirements regarding consortia shall be ineligible: (1) with regard to the amendments to the Public Health Service Act, to receive assistance under that Act; and (2) with regard to the amendments to the Social Security Act, to receive payments to States under provisions of that Act, as amended by title VI of this Act. Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations to carry out provisions relating to the consortia. Subtitle D: Cost Control Grant Program - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize grants and contracts for the development, demonstration, and evaluation of innovative methods for reducing health care costs. Provides for the establishment of a clearinghouse and other activities to disseminate information on successful health care cost control methods. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle E: Malpractice Reform - Authorizes grants to States for programs for medical malpractice reforms. Requires programs receiving grants to include alternative dispute resolution methods. Allows the programs to include medical practice guidelines. Requires a grant to be either: (1) a planning grant, for up to two years; or (2) an operational grant, for up to five years. Authorizes appropriations. Provides for the collection and analysis of data and issues related to: (1) ineffective or unnecessary testing; (2) the occurrence of malpractice and malpractice awards; (3) licensing and disciplining; and (4) malpractice insurance. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle F: Reducing the Administrative Cost of Assuring Appropriate Utilization of Health Care Services and Improving the Quality of Health Care Services - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to contract with the quality improvement board in each State to review the quality of health care provided by professionals and institutions in the State and to establish mechanisms to encourage continuous quality improvement. Amends the Public Health Service Act and, using similar language, the Social Security Act to set forth board duties, including: (1) adopting practice guidelines and quality improvement guidelines; (2) recommending continuous quality improvement measures; (3) reviewing provider performance, with the board allowed to certify a provider as an outstanding provider; and (4) data collection. Prohibits a plan from: (1) denying payment for any service performed or ordered by a provider certified as outstanding; and (2) denying coverage on the basis that the service is not medically necessary. Authorizes planning grants to facilitate the establishment of a board in each State. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle G: Use of Practice Guidelines in Federal Health Insurance and Service Programs - Requires that clinical guidelines developed under existing provisions of the Public Health Service Act relating to the Forum for Quality and Effectiveness in Health Care be used in Federal health insurance programs as utilization review screens and as practice guidelines in Federal programs providing health care services. Subtitle H: National Standards for the Promotion of Managed Care - Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit any State law or regulation from: (1) prohibiting a managed care plan from selecting providers, or the type of providers, as the participating providers; or (2) limiting the ability of a managed care entity to negotiate, make contracts or establish alternative rates or forms of payment for participating providers, or require or provide incentives to promote the use of participating providers. Allows, notwithstanding any State law, an entity to offer utilization review services, provided certain procedures are established. Makes the applicable State regulatory authority (or, in certain circumstances, the Secretary of Health and Human Services) responsible for certifying, for the Public Health Service Act and the Social Security Act, whether a plan is a managed care plan. Prohibits making amounts available to a State under the Public Health Service Act unless the State is in compliance with this requirement. Deems a State, unless the State's chief executive officer otherwise indicates, to have elected to comply. Limits State regulation of certain actions by managed care plans. Provides for the establishment of Federal standards for utilization review programs of health benefit plans. Preempts inconsistent State laws or regulations. Subtitle I: Expansion of Technology Assessment - Requires the Administrator for Health Care Policy and Research to focus on expanding and applying assessments of existing health care technologies, to be achieved in part through an evaluation of services provided to individuals through publicly and privately funded sources. Mandates a program of contracts and cooperative agreements for the establishment of public-private partnerships to undertake technology assessment and related activities in the private sector. Title V: Contribution by Employers Not Providing Private Health Coverage - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the percentage of wages which must be paid by employers who elect, under provisions of this Act, to pay a contribution rather than provide a health benefit plan covering their employees. Provides for setting, by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, of that percentage at a level that reflects the cost of coverage of no more than 65 percent of those employees under provisions of the Social Security Act (as amended by this Act) and at least 35 percent covered under provisions of the Public Health Service (as amended by this Act). Title VI: Assuring Provision of Health Benefits to All Americans - Amends the Social Security Act to create a new title on "AmeriCare," under which a State is required to provide basic health benefits described in this title to: (1) any child or pregnant woman without other nongovernmental health coverage by the second year after enactment of this title; (2) any employee or family member for whom an employer makes a contribution under title V of this Act by the second year after enactment of this title; and (3) any individual not covered by a plan under title II of this Act by the seventh year after enactment of this title. Sets forth other requirements on States for participation in AmeriCare. Entitles each individual not otherwise covered under a health benefit plan under title II of this Act to basic health benefits under AmeriCare. Allows each State to require that employers collect AmeriCare premiums on behalf of the employer's employees. Requires basic benefits to include inpatient and outpatient hospital care, inpatient and outpatient physician services, diagnostic tests, prenatal and well-baby care, preventive services (limited to well child care, pap smears, and mammograms), inpatient and outpatient mental disorder care, and certain items and services described under existing provisions of title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act relating to early and periodic screening, diagnosis, and treatment for children under the age of 21. Requires, subject to exception, the basic health benefits with respect to special eligibility individuals to include medical assistance in the State's plan under Medicaid. Allows a State to provide, but prohibits Federal payment for, coverage beyond basic benefits. Prohibits imposing premiums, deductibles, or other cost-sharing on an individual in an under-poverty family. Sets varying limits on premiums, deductibles, and other cost sharing for individuals in families whose income is specified percentages over the poverty line. Provides for the premium levels of employees whose employer elects, in lieu of providing a health benefit plan, to make a contribution under title V of this Act. Allows States to compute premiums separately for four specified combinations of individual, spouse, and child coverage. Limits deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket expenses. Declares ineligible for AmeriCare benefits an individual who is enrolled in a health plan under title II of this Act, except that AmeriCare is required to pay, with respect to an individual covered by a plan or whose employer makes a contribution under title V of this Act, for: (1) premiums, deductibles, and other cost-sharing for an individual in an under-poverty family; and (2) a specified percentage of premiums, deductibles, and other cost-sharing for an individual in a near-poverty family. Requires that an individual receive advanced payment of supplemental premium payments for the calendar year from AmeriCare. Disqualifies all family members from the supplemental payments if a required family income statement is not filed by a specified deadline. Requires payment under AmeriCare to be: (1) on the same basis as under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, adjusted by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to take into account differences between the population served under Medicare and the population served by AmeriCare or title II of this Act; (2) according to an alternative payment system provided for by a State, if the State meets in the aggregate for all health care providers in the State the requirements for national reimbursement levels described in these provisions; or (3) under Medicare rates phased-in over specified periods. Prohibits administrative or judicial review of the payment rates or rules, including adjustments, under these provisions. Allows a State to contract for the design and implementation of innovative systems of health care delivery and administrative systems that meet the standards of the AmeriCare title. Requires each State, as part of AmeriCare, to offer managed care plans, selected competitively, in which an individual eligible under AmeriCare may enroll. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish demonstration projects to enable States that submit an approved application to implement cost management initiatives that promote the effective furnishing of care. Specifies initiatives required to be included. Allows the Secretary to provide that a State plan for AmeriCare may include payment for services described in existing provisions of title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act relating to home or community-based services. Provides for the administration of AmeriCare in each State, directly or by contract: (1) by that State; (2) at the election of the State and with the approval of the Secretary, by the Secretary; or (3) by a regional administration with other States approved by the Secretary. Provides for review of denied claims and other administrative matters. Mandates a quarterly Federal payment to each State with an approved AmeriCare plan for the Federal share of the expenditures for benefits, supplemental payments, and administrative expenses. Sets the State share of expenses at 80 percent of the State percentage under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act during the second year after enactment of this Act and increases that percentage until 100 percent of the State medicaid percentage is reached in the seventh year after enactment. Establishes in the Treasury the AmeriCare Trust Fund consisting of such gifts and bequests as may be made and amounts credited to the Fund. Appropriates to the Fund the amounts received from: (1) contributions by employers under title V of this Act in lieu of health plan coverage; (2) AmeriCare premiums collected by employers on behalf of employees; (3) penalties collected for employment discrimination based on family status and the requirement to enroll a spouse or child; and (4) penalties collected for failure of an employer to either provide coverage or make a title V contribution. Authorizes appropriations to the Fund as required to make certain expenditures from the Fund. Authorizes and appropriates from the Fund each fiscal year a sum sufficient to carry out the purpose of the AmeriCare title, to be used for making payments to States with approved plans for benefits, supplemental payments, and administrative expenses. Requires amounts received in the Fund to be allotted to each State on the basis of amounts received in the Fund with respect to employees residing in the State. Make amounts in the Fund available, as provided in appropriations Acts, for the expenses of administering the AmeriCare title. Provides for review of AmeriCare programs by utilization and quality control peer review organizations in a similar manner as provided under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop: (1) recommendations for the calculation of a specific Federal insurance assistance percentage applicable to coverage furnished under AmeriCare; and (2) recommendations for the creation of an emergency fund to fund certain benefits under AmeriCare in the event a State experiences changes in economic conditions or other conditions necessitating emergency funding. Mandates a reduction (by one quarter after the second year after enactment of this Act and by one half after the seventh year after enactment of this Act) in the Medicare disproportionate share adjustment percentage, subject to exception for hospitals receiving, under title VI of this Act, less that 200 percent of the reduction. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the provision of medical assistance under Medicaid to any individual eligible for AmeriCare. Provides for an annual increase in the Medicaid cap on payments to territories based on the percentage increase in the total Federal program costs of AmeriCare over such costs of Medicaid in the year preceding the effective date of this Act. Title VII: Development of Health Service Capacity - Amends the Public Health Service Act to mandate grants to entities that do or will meet requirements relating to migrant or community health centers to expand the availability of comprehensive primary health services in medically underserved or high impact areas. Sets forth priorities in making the grants, including that the amounts be used to provide services in areas with the greatest need and in which demand can be expected to increase after implementation of this Act. Authorizes appropriations. Title VIII: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective dates of specified provisions of this Act. Declares that, after enactment of this Act, no employer shall be required under title II of this Act to provide any health benefit in addition to the benefits required under specified provisions of title II, as in effect on the date of enactment, unless: (1) the additional benefit is for a service that AmeriCare plans are required to cover; and (2) before enactment of such requirement, the benefits and costs have been analyzed and considered by the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1991
Designates specified lands in the Los Padres and the Angeles National Forests, California, as the Sespe, Matilija, San Rafael, Garcia, Chumash, Ventana, and Silver Peak Wilderness Areas, which shall be components of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to take necessary actions for fire prevention and watershed protection in such areas. Declares that the Congress reserves a quantity of water sufficient to fulfill the purposes of the wilderness areas created by this Act. Releases all wilderness areas in the Los Padres National Forest from further statewide roadless area review and evaluation for purposes of determining their suitability for inclusion in the System. Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate segments of the Sespe Creek and the Sisquoc and Big Sur Rivers, California, as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Designates segments of the Piru, Matilija, and Lopez Creeks, and the Little Sur River, California, as potential additions to the System. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1991
Chinese Student Protection Act of 1991 - Defers enforced departure for certain Chinese student and exchange visitor nationals until January 1, 1994, or July 1, 1994, if the President has not certified to the Congress that conditions in the People's Republic of China permit the safe return of such nationals. Waives the two-year home country residence requirement and authorizes such students to travel abroad and work in the United States. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for the adjustment to temporary resident status of certain nationals of the People's Republic of China residing in the United States under student, vocational student, or exchange visitor visas. Waives the two-year home country residence requirement for such persons.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1991
Amends the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to direct the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to issue regulations requiring the marking of exotic birds. Authorizes the: (1) sale of captive exotic birds only if they are properly marked; and (2) marking of such birds if the owner can show that they have been legally acquired. Requires persons who sell such birds to retain sales records for a prescribed period and to provide copies of such records to the Secretary upon request. Exempts common canaries, cockatiels, budgerigars, or other qualifying species from such marking requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to issue licenses to persons who transfer or import wild exotic birds. Sets forth: (1) circumstances under which such birds can be imported; and (2) specified reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Makes it unlawful for any person to: (1) import, transfer, possess, or sell any exotic bird unless such person is properly licensed and such bird is properly marked; and (2) commit, attempt to commit, or solicit another to commit, a violation of such requirements. Authorizes a person to petition the Secretary with respect to any finding, determination, or other action authorized by this Act. Sets forth both civil and criminal penalties. Sets forth provisions relating to: (1) inspections and seizures and dispositions of such birds; (2) suspension of licenses; and (3) imposition of fees.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1991
Designates August 1, 1991, as Helsinki Human Rights Day. Authorizes and requests the President to: (1) reassert American commitment to the Helsinki Accords; (2) raise the issue of noncompliance with such Accords with any signatory nation which may be in violation; (3) convey to all signatories of such Accords that respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms is vital to progress in the ongoing Helsinki process; and (4) develop new proposals to advance the human rights objectives of the Helsinki process, including the self-determination of peoples.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1991
Family Planning Amendments of 1991 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require family planning projects under existing provisions to offer adoption referral services. Removes provisions authorizing a reduction in grant amounts by the value of supplies or equipment furnished. Authorizes appropriations for the projects. Repeals provisions authorizing formula grants to States for family planning services. Replaces provisions authorizing grants and contracts for training personnel to carry out the family planning projects with provisions authorizing grants and contracts for technical assistance, clinical training for personnel, training for educators and counselors, and training of other personnel to carry out the family planning projects and information and education programs. Authorizes appropriations. Allows grants and contracts for research on contraceptive development to be used: (1) for contraceptive evaluation; and (2) to improve the clinical management and direct delivery of family planning services. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct, and make grants and contracts for the conduct of: (1) applied research into the development of new or improved contraceptive devices, drugs, and methods; and (2) evaluations of the acceptance, convenience, safety, efficacy, and cost of contraceptive devices, drugs, and methods. Authorizes appropriations. Replaces provisions authorizing grants and contracts for developing and making available family planning and population growth information to all persons desiring such information with provisions authorizing grants or contracts to establish community-based information and education programs to assist individuals in making responsible choices concerning human sexuality, pregnancy, and parenthood, and to enable individuals to prevent unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct, or make grants and contracts for the conduct of, training and technical assistance activities to assist in carrying out the information and education programs; and (2) make grants and contracts for the development, evaluation, and dissemination of educational and informational materials. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to annually collect data on: (1) the numbers of low- and moderate-income individuals and adolescents at risk of unintended pregnancies; (2) the sources of funding for family planning services; and (3) the number of individuals who receive family planning services from grantees and contractees under certain provisions amended by this Act and the types of services chosen by those individuals. Authorizes grants and contracts for the collection of the data. Requires the data to be: (1) made public; and (2) included in an annual report to the Congress, mandated by current law, on family planning and population research. Requires that all grantees under the title of the Public Health Service Act relating to population research and family planning provide education to patients concerning self breast examinations. Requires that projects receiving assistance under such title offer pregnant women information and counseling concerning all legal and medical options regarding their pregnancies. Requires that women requesting such information be provided with nondirective counseling, and referral on request, concerning alternative courses of action, including: (1) prenatal care and delivery; (2) infant care, foster care, or adoption services; and (3) pregnancy termination.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1991
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the American public should observe the 100th anniversary of filmmaking in 1993 and recognize the American Film Institute's leadership role in preserving the art of film.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1991
Federal Mass Transportation Act of 1991 - Amends Federal law to rename the Urban Mass Transportation Administration of the Department of Transportation the Federal Transit Administration. Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 (the Act) to declare as one of the findings of the Congress that significant improvements in public transportation are necessary to achieve national goals for improved air quality, energy conservation, and mobility for elderly persons, persons with disabilities, and economically disadvantaged persons in urban and rural areas. Declares that one of the purposes of the Act is to provide financial assistance to State and local governments and their instrumentalities to help implement such national goals as they relate to the mobility of such persons. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to enter into: (1) full funding contracts with applicants for capital grants for mass transportation projects; and (2) early systems work agreements (which promote completion of such projects more rapidly and at less cost) with such applicants if specified conditions are met. Limits the total estimated amount of Federal contingent commitments to incur obligations covered by early systems work agreements and full funding contracts to no more than the amount authorized under this section or the unobligated balance remaining in the transit account of the Highway Trust Fund, whichever is greater, less an amount to cover capital grants which are not covered by a letter of interest. Prohibits the total amount obligated by such agreements and contracts from exceeding any limitation contained in law. Allocates funds from the amounts available for capital grants and loans for mass transportation projects for: (1) rail modernization; (2) construction of new fixed guideway systems and extensions to such systems; (3) the replacement, rehabilitation, and purchase of buses and related equipment and the construction of bus-related facilities; and (4) capital projects necessary to satisfy requirements of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 and the Americans With Disabilities Act. Requires the Secretary to make certain funds available for rail modernization of: (1) historic rail systems first; and (2) then new systems. Authorizes the Secretary to make discretionary capital grants and loans to States and local public bodies for: (1) projects for the deployment of innovative techniques and methods in the management and operation of public transportation services; and (2) mass transportation services for elderly persons and persons with disabilities. Revises certain criteria used for the making of discretionary capital grants or loans for construction of new fixed guideway systems or extensions. Requires: (1) the Secretary to provide appropriate adjustments for inflation over time and for regional differences in the costs of land and construction when determining such systems' cost-effectiveness; and (2) the alternatives analyses to take account of the direct and indirect costs of relevant alternatives that would provide comparable capacity expansion, including costs related to air pollution, noise pollution, congestion, energy conservation, and economic development. Changes to mandatory the Secretary's current discretionary authority to also consider other appropriate factors, including the current state of land use in the community and the degree to which the project increases the mobility of the transit dependent population, when making such grants or loans. Waives certain requirements with respect to such projects if such grants or loans account for less than $25,000,000 or less than 30 percent of the total project's costs. Prohibits the amount of interest on bonds issued by a State or local public body for a mass transportation project that is considered part of the Federal share of such project's costs from being greater than the most favorable interest terms reasonably available for the project at the time of borrowing. Declares it is in the national interest to promote the development of transportation systems that integrate various modes of transportation, maximize mobility of people and goods within urbanized areas, and minimize transportation-related fuel consumption and air pollution. Requires the designation by agreement among the Governor and units of general purpose local government representing at least 90 percent of the affected population metropolitan planning organizations (MPO) for each urbanized area with a population of more than 50,000. Authorizes the designation of more than one MPO within a Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) if specified conditions are met. Includes within the boundaries of a metropolitan area any area that: (1) is a nonattainment area for any transportation-related pollutant under the Clean Air Act; or (2) is likely to be significantly affected by air pollution within a subsequent 20-year period. Directs the Secretary to establish requirements to encourage Governors and MPOs with responsibility for a portion of a multi-State MSA or Consolidated MSA (CMSA) to provide coordinated transportation planning for the entire MSA or CMSA. Requires the Secretary to designate as transportation management areas any metropolitan areas that: (1) have populations of more than 250,000; or (2) are noncompliance areas under the Clean Air Act. Requires the Secretary to publish a list of such areas annually. Requires each MPO to prepare for its metropolitan area a metropolitan strategy that at a minimum: (1) identifies transportation facilities (including major roadways, mass transit, and multimodal and intermodal facilities) that should function as an integrated metropolitan transportation system, emphasizing those facilities that serve specified national and regional transportation functions; (2) assesses major demands on the metropolitan transportation system (projected over the subsequent 20-year period); (3) sets forth a long-range strategy for meeting metropolitan area personal mobility and goods transportation needs, including State and local actions to improve transportation efficiency and capacity; (4) explains how proposed transportation decisions will achieve compliance with specified environmental and resource conservation laws, further energy conservation programs, and affect other concerns of the metropolitan area such as housing, community development, and historic preservation; (5) includes a financial plan that demonstrates how such strategy can be implemented; (6) projects capital investment and other measures to ensure the preservation and most efficient use of existing transportation facilities; and (7) indicates proposed transportation enhancement activities. Authorizes the Secretary to provide for the development of abbreviated strategies for metropolitan areas not designated as a transportation management area. Requires States to develop a statewide transportation strategy that takes into account the transportation needs of areas that have no MPO. Directs each MPO to develop a transportation improvement program for a period of at least three years. Requires States to develop a similar program for areas with no MPO. Requires each MPO to submit to the Governor and the Secretary a list of highway and transit projects for its transportation management area. Prohibits any such projects that are funded under the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1991 and the Federal Public Transportation Act, with specified exceptions, from being approved unless they are included in the list of projects approved by an MPO. Authorizes the Secretary to contract for and make grants to States and local public bodies and agencies, or enter into agreements with other Federal departments and agencies, for the planning, engineering, design, and evaluation of public transportation projects, and for other specified technical studies. Encourages to the maximum extent feasible the participation of private enterprise with respect to such plans and programs. Requires the Secretary to ensure that capital and block transportation grants be used to support balanced and comprehensive transportation planning that takes account of the relationships among land use and all transportation modes, without regard to the programmatic source of such planning funds. Sets forth a formula for the allocation of planning funds to metropolitan areas and transportation management areas. Declares that the Federal share of costs for such transportation planning activities shall be 75 percent, except where the Secretary determines that it is in the Federal interest not to require a State or local matching share. Authorizes grants for construction projects in designated transportation management areas to be made available for highway projects if specified requirements are met. Revises the formula for apportioning public transportation block grants for urbanized areas according to fixed guideway revenue vehicle or route miles, and bus revenue vehicle miles and bus passenger miles. (Repeals the "incentive tier".) Applies specified safety provisions of the Act to public transportation block grants. Requires certain certifications that must be submitted annually by a public transportation block grantee to be consolidated into a single document as part of such grantee's application. Requires the Secretary to publish a list of all required certifications annually. Requires the Secretary to establish streamlined administrative procedures to govern compliance with certification requirements with respect to block grantee control over track and signal equipment used in ongoing operations. Revises certain requirements of block grantees with respect to the preparation of a proposed program of projects to require them to assure that such program provides for the maximum feasible coordination of public transportation services assisted under the Act with transportation services assisted by other Federal sources. Authorizes the Secretary, in lieu of the Federal environmental review procedures under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, to approve projects by recipients of assistance under the Act who assume responsibilities for environmental review, decisionmaking, and other action that would apply to the Secretary if such projects were undertaken as Federal projects. Requires each recipient to submit a certain annual certification with respect to the approval of such projects. Amends the Surface Transportation and Uniform Relocation Assistance Act of 1987 to repeal specified conditions relating to the construction of a certain segment of Interstate Route I-95 in Florida in order to permit continued Federal operating assistance for commuter rail service in southern Florida. Includes research on transportation safety as a responsibility of each university transportation center established under the Act. Requires the Secretary to coordinate the research, education, training and technology transfer in such centers, the dissemination of the results of the research, and provide for a clearinghouse between the centers and the transportation industry. Authorizes the Secretary to make funds that are appropriated to the Department of Transportation for transportation research available to one or more of the centers for research that is compatible with research conducted in them pursuant to authorizations under the Act or the Highway Trust Fund. Authorizes the Secretary to transfer facilities and equipment acquired by a recipient of Federal transportation funds but no longer needed to any public body for any public use for at least five years after such transfer. Sets forth specified determinations to be made by the Secretary with respect to the transfer of such assets for purposes other than for mass transportation. Authorizes the Secretary to allow the solicitation for a turnkey system project (a vendor-specific project under which a recipient contracts with a vendor to build and operate a transit system that meets specific performance criteria) to be awarded before Federal requirements are met so long as such award is made without prejudice to their implementation as a means to advance new technologies and lower the cost of constructing new mass transportation systems. Authorizes the Secretary to approve no more than four projects for an initial demonstration phase. Authorizes a recipient that procures rolling stock with Federal transportation assistance to enter into multiyear agreements for the purchase of such stock and replacement parts in which the recipient may exercise an option to purchase additional stock or replacement parts for no more than a five year period from the date of the original contract. Directs the Secretary to permit two or more recipients to form a consortium to purchase such stock. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and loans to the Governor of each State for allocation to State approved private nonprofit organizations and public bodies (currently, such assistance goes directly to private nonprofit corporations and associations) to assist them in providing transportation services to elderly persons and persons with disabilities. Declares that nothing in the Act shall be construed to prohibit the leasing of vehicles purchased with such assistance to local public bodies or agencies as a means of improving transportation services to such individuals. Authorizes States to transfer facilities and equipment acquired with Federal transportation assistance for nonurbanized areas or elderly persons and persons with disabilities to any recipient eligible to receive such assistance if such equipment or facilities continue to be used in accordance with its requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to retain and continue to use any funds returned in connection with grants or contracts for programs that address human resource needs with respect to public transportation activities. Authorizes appropriations from the Mass Transit Account of the Highway Trust Fund and from the general fund of the Treasury for formula and discretionary grant programs for mass transportation projects. Earmarks a specified amount of such funds and funds appropriated under the National Capital Transportation Act of 1969 for: (1) metropolitan planning activities; (2) rural transit assistance programs; (3) State and national transportation planning and research programs; (4) administrative expenses of the Secretary; (5) transportation services to elderly persons and persons with disabilities; and (6) university transportation centers. Makes specified amounts of such funds available for: (1) completion of interstate transfer transit projects; and (2) block grants for transportation projects in urbanized areas. Prohibits the Secretary from using more than three-quarters of one percent (currently, one-half of one percent) of funds for mass transportation projects to contract with persons overseeing the construction of such projects. Makes funds available for: (1) State transit cooperative research programs; and (2) State transportation planning and research in urbanized areas. Requires the Secretary, as part of such program, to establish an independent governing board to recommend mass transportation research, development, and technology transfer activities. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to, and enter into cooperative agreements with, the National Academy of Sciences to implement such activities. Makes funds available to the Secretary for grants or contracts for national mass transportation programs. Earmarks a specified amount of such funds for special urban transportation demonstration initiatives. Authorizes the Secretary to charge and retain fees, tuition, or other related amounts resulting from conferences, seminars, and training sessions for the development of transit technology. Authorizes the Secretary to undertake a program of transit technology development. Requires the Secretary to establish an Industry Technical Panel to assist in identifying priority technology development areas and in setting guidelines for project development, project cost sharing, and project execution. Authorizes funds for mass transportation projects appropriated before October 1, 1983 and remaining available for expenditure after October 1, 1991, to be transferred to the most recent appropriation for such projects.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1991
Relinquishes all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the private lands identified by the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture as having been conditionally relinquished to the United States under the Forest Reserve Act of 1897 (also known as the "Forest Management Act"), and for which the selection of other rights under that Act or under supplemental legislation was not realized or exercised. Excludes from such quitclaim those lands of national significance. Allows parties aggrieved by such exclusion to file claims against the United States seeking compensation.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1991
Substance Abuse Treatment Corps Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish within the Public Health Service the Substance Abuse Treatment Corps to increase the availability of treatment for alcohol and drug abuse in geographic areas with a significant incidence of abuse and an inadequate availability of services. Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out such purpose only through assigning Corps members to provide services for such areas. Allows the Secretary to assign a Corps member to an entity only if the entity, among other requirements, enters into an agreement with the Secretary regarding the allocation, between the Secretary and the entity, of costs relating to the assignment. Directs the Secretary to establish a program of entering into contracts with students in specified fields under which the students agree to serve in the Corps upon obtaining their degree in consideration of the Federal Government agreeing to pay tuition, other expenses, and a stipend. Applies, except as inconsistent, provisions relating to the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program to this program. Directs the Secretary to establish a program of entering into contracts with individuals who have been licensed or certified in certain fields, or who are students in such fields, under which the individuals agree to serve in the Corps in consideration of the Federal Government agreeing to repay up to a specified sum of educational loans of the individuals. Applies, except as inconsistent, provisions relating to the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program to this program. Authorizes appropriations for the scholarship and loan repayment programs established by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1991
Authorizes the Peace Corps Volunteers Memorial Commission to establish a memorial on Federal land in the District of Columbia or its environs to honor service in the Peace Corps. Establishes the Peace Corps Volunteers Memorial Commission to provide for solicitation and acceptance of private contributions for the memorial and conduct such other activities necessary for its establishment. Terminates the Commission 30 days after the completion of the Memorial. Prohibits the use of Federal funds for the construction of the memorial, except for a fund hereby established in the Treasury for the sole purpose of carrying out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1991
International Population Stabilization and Reproductive Choice Act of 1991 - Title I: United States Population Assistance - Sets forth congressional findings with respect to population assistance. Declares that it shall be a principal objective of U.S. foreign policy to achieve universal availability of high quality fertility control services. Requires all family planning activities receiving support under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to provide a broad range of fertility control methods, including abortion where permitted by individual country policy. Prohibits funds from being used to coerce any person to undergo sterilization or involuntary abortion or to accept any method of fertility control. Requires the U.S. Government to support the expansion of reproductive rights in countries receiving foreign assistance. Prohibits the denial of foreign assistance to any foreign government, international organization, or nongovernmental organization based on such entity's provision of abortion-related information or conduct of advocacy efforts on behalf of reproductive choice. Requires population assistance to provide increased support for special programs to reach young adults before they begin childbearing. Provides that funds shall be allocated to countries meeting at least one of the following criteria: (1) countries accounting for a substantial proportion of the world's annual population increment; (2) having significant unmet needs for fertility control and that require foreign assistance to implement, expand, or sustain family planning services; and (3) countries which demonstrate a strong policy commitment to population stabilization through the expansion of reproductive choice. Makes funds available for: (1) the United Nations Population Fund; and (2) the Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction managed by the World Health Organization. Requires the Administrator of the Agency for International Development (AID) to establish simplified procedures for the development and approval of programs to be carried out by nongovernmental organizations that have demonstrated a capacity to undertake effective population and family planning activities and a commitment to quality reproductive health care for women. Makes 50 percent of all U.S. population assistance available for nongovernmental organizations. Requires AID to encourage greater involvement in the delivery of family planning services by private health practitioners, employer-based health services, unions, and cooperative health organizations. Sets forth targets for global expenditures in developing countries for core population programs and for U.S. population assistance. Authorizes appropriations for U.S. population assistance. Prohibits individuals in programs assisted by the United States from being denied family planning services because of an inability to pay the cost of such services. Lists research programs to be supported by U.S. assistance. Requires the U.S. Government to support communications strategies to create public awareness about reproductive health needs and the problems associated with world population growth. Directs the AID Administrator to report annually to the Congress on world progress toward population stabilization and universal reproductive choice. Title II: Population Assistance Policy and Development - Declares that it is U.S. policy to achieve universal access to basic education. Earmarks amounts from funds for development and economic assistance programs for education activities for adult literacy and basic primary education. Declares that it is U.S. foreign policy to: (1) reduce the infant mortality rate in all countries by the lower of one-third of the 1990 level or to 50 deaths per 1,000 live births; and (2) reduce the mortality rate of children under five years of age by the lower of 30 percent or 70 deaths per 1,000 live births. Authorizes appropriations from the Child Survival Fund for child survival activities. Sets forth as an objective of U.S. foreign policy during the 1990's the reduction of deaths to women from problems associated with pregnancy, childbirth, and unsafe abortions by one-half. Authorizes appropriations for the AIDS Prevention and Control Fund. Requires the Secretary of State to include information on discrimination against women in each annual country human rights assessment. Directs the U.S. representatives to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women to ensure the rapid implementation of the United Nations Forward Looking Strategies for the Advancement of Women. Requires the Secretary to submit the five-year review of the status of U.S. women and annual reports requested by the Commission. Provides that U.S. foreign assistance programs shall emphasize activities which increase women's productivity through improved access to labor saving technology, vocational training, extension services, access to credit, and child care facilities. Requires the AID Administrator to report to the Congress (by country) on the legal, social, economic, and cultural barriers to women's self-determination and improvements in the productivity of women's labor in the traditional and modern sectors. Title III: Organizational Provisions - Establishes within the Department of State an Under Secretary of State for Global Population, Environment, and Natural Resources to provide a focus for dialogue on global population growth, environmental degradation, and natural resources management. Declares that the multilateral development banks should increase their support for core protection population activities. Requires the U.S. executive directors of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Asian Development Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, and the African Development Bank to submit annual reports to the Congress on allocations to core population activities and, if such allocations total less than $1,000,000, to report on actions taken to encourage increases in such allocations. Requires the President to establish a National Bipartisan Commission on World Population Stabilization and Reproductive Health to oversee U.S. preparations for, and participation in, the 1994 International Population Meeting. Directs the Commission to report on population trends and their impact on efforts to alleviate poverty and protect the environment. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1991
Tropical Forest Consumer Information and Protection Act of 1991 - Prohibits manufacturing or distributing any tropical wood or tropical wood product unless: (1) it bears a label or mark indicating the country in which the wood was grown and the name of the wood; or (2) that information is provided to the buyer at the point of sale. Requires sellers through a catalog or communications media to disclose the country of origin and the name of the wood. Mandates: (1) an annual report on tropical hardwood importation; (2) a program to assess the progress of tropical countries in managing and conserving their forests; and (3) an annual report on the status of forests in each tropical country. Declares that: (1) policies, incentives, and education encouraging the sustainable management of tropical forests and labeling of country of origin should be supported; and (2) it should be U.S. policy to pursue adoption of such measures pursuant to its activities within the International Tropical Timber Organization. Provides for civil monetary penalties for violation of the labeling requirements of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1991
Procompetitiveness and Antiboycott Act of 1991 - Directs the U.S. Ambassador to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to discuss with representatives from other OECD member nations and to report to the Congress on: (1) the extent to which companies obey the secondary and tertiary boycotts of Israel by Arab nations; (2) the effectiveness of antiboycott laws of nations that have them; (3) the extent to which such boycotts have skewed global trade and investment, as well as in the Middle East; (4) the extent to which companies not obeying the boycotts are placed at a competitive disadvantage; (5) the extent to which such boycotts contradict OECD trade and investment policy; and (6) the development of guidelines, using the Arrangement on Export Credits as a model, that OECD nations can agree on to eliminate compliance with such boycotts. Requires the United States Trade Representative to enter into discussions with representatives from member nations of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and to report to the Congress on the extent to which: (1) the Arab boycotts of Israel have distorted trade; (2) members of and observers to the GATT encourage actions, including the furnishing of information or entering into agreements, which support such boycotts; (3) the GATT should work to eliminate the boycotts; and (4) GATT articles can be used to eliminate compliance with such boycotts. Requires the President to report to the Congress on progress made to end such boycotts.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1991
Omnibus Nuclear Proliferation Control Act of 1991 - Requires the President to impose sanctions upon any foreign or U.S. person who has knowingly and materially contributed, through the exports of goods or technology, to the efforts by any individual, group, or non-nuclear weapon state to acquire unsafeguarded special nuclear material or to use, develop, stockpile, or acquire any nuclear explosive device. Lists such sanctions as prohibitions on procuring goods or services, or importing products, from such persons. Imposes such sanctions on successor entities to such persons, as well as subsidiaries, parents, and affiliates if they knowingly participated in such activities. Urges the President to initiate consultations with foreign governments with jurisdiction over such foreign persons with respect to the imposition of sanctions. Requires the President to impose sanctions unless he certifies to the Congress that a government has taken actions to terminate the involvement of a person in such activities. Exempts from prohibitions on procurement the procurement of defense articles or services: (1) under existing contracts; (2) if the person to whom sanctions would be applied is a sole source supplier, the articles or services are essential, and alternative sources are not available; or (3) that are essential to national security under defense coproduction agreements. Applies such exemption to: (1) products or services provided under contracts entered into before the date the President publishes his intention to impose sanctions; (2) spare or component (not finished) parts essential to U.S. products or routine servicing and maintenance of products, if alternative sources are not available; (3) information and technology essential to U.S. products; and (4) medical or other humanitarian items. Applies sanctions for at least 12 months and terminates sanctions only if the President certifies to the Congress that a person has ceased to, and will not in the future, aid individuals or governments in efforts to acquire unsafeguarded special nuclear material or nuclear explosive devices. Permits the President to waive sanctions after the 12-month period if he certifies to the Congress that the continued imposition of sanctions would have a serious adverse effect on U.S. interests. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. executive directors of specified international institutions to oppose any use of funds to promote the acquisition of unsafeguarded special nuclear material or the development, stockpiling, or use of nuclear explosive devices by non-nuclear weapon states. Amends the Export-Import Bank Act to prohibit Export-Import Bank assistance to any country that has aided or abetted a non-nuclear weapon state in acquiring a nuclear explosive device or unsafeguarded nuclear material. Amends the Arms Export Control Act to add to the list of eligibility requirements for the receipt of defense articles or services that a country or international organization is in full compliance with international treaty commitments with respect to the non-proliferation of nuclear explosive devices. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to prohibit assistance to any country that transfers any component or design information prepared for use in a nuclear explosive device to a non-nuclear weapon state. Repeals a provision that waived prohibitions on nuclear transfers with respect to Pakistan for purposes of allowing assistance to Pakistan. Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act to include within the definition of "international terrorism," for purposes of making rewards, any act contributing to the acquisition of unsafeguarded nuclear material or nuclear explosive devices by an individual, group, or non-nuclear weapon state. Requires the President to report to the Congress on noncompliance by foreign governments with commitments to the United States concerning the prevention of the spread of nuclear explosive devices. Directs the Secretary of State to report to the Congress on the effectiveness of U.S. diplomatic demarches intended to halt the proliferation of nuclear explosive devices. Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to apply a specified consultation requirement with respect to nuclear exports to exports or transfers of more than 5 kilograms (currently, 20 kilograms) of specified enriched uranium.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1991
Urges the Government of Iran to extend to the Baha'i community the rights guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international agreements to which Iran is a party. Calls upon the President to continue to: (1) urge the Government of Iran to emancipate the Baha'i community by granting such rights; (2) emphasize that the United States regards the human rights practices of such Government, particularly its treatment of the Baha'is and other religious minorities, as a significant element in the development of U.S.-Iranian relations; and (3) cooperate with other governments and international organizations in efforts to protect the religious rights of the Baha'is and other minorities in Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1991
Radiation Protection Act of 1991 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to require Federal agencies to comply with all Federal, State, and local requirements concerning the imposition of fees for the storage or disposal of low-level radioactive waste in the same manner as nongovernmental entities. Amends the Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act Amendments of 1985 to apply requirements concerning the disposal of Federal low-level radioactive waste at non-Federal facilities to the storage of such waste at such facilities. Declares that no Federal law may be construed to prohibit or otherwise restrict the authority of a State to regulate, on the basis of radiological hazard, the disposal of low-level radioactive waste designated a State responsibility for which the Nuclear Regulatory Commission does not require disposal in a low-level radioactive waste disposal facility licensed by the Commission or by an Agreement State. Provides that no Federal law may be construed to preclude or otherwise restrict the authority of any State to impose standards for the protection from radiological hazards more stringent than the Commission's for such disposal. Revokes certain policy statements of the Commission relating to radioactive waste below regulatory concern. Prohibits the Commission or the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from issuing policies exempting radioactive materials or practices from regulation unless there is advance notice of the proposed regulatory action in the Federal Register and the public is provided an opportunity to comment or to participate in an adjudicatory hearing.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1991
Condemns the murder of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and others in the bomb explosion on May 21, 1991. Expresses regret over the deaths of Gandhi and other victims of election violence in India. Offers condolences to Gandhi's widow and children and to the people of India. Stands in solidarity with the Indian people in their effort to sustain the most successful democratic tradition in the developing world.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1991
Expresses the sense of the Congress that Tibet is an occupied country under established principles of international law and that its true representatives are the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government in Exile.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1991
Broadcasting to China Act - Establishes a Commission on Broadcasting to the People's Republic of China to examine the feasibility, effect, and implications for U.S. foreign policy of instituting a radio broadcasting service to China to promote the dissemination of information and ideas.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1991
Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1991 - Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to revise generally provisions relating to the employment and reemployment rights of members of the uniformed services. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Government should be a model employer in carrying out the reemployment practices enumerated under this Act. States that a person's entitlement to rights and benefits under this Act is dependent upon an honorable discharge from the armed forces and therefore will be terminated in cases of a dishonorable or bad conduct discharge or a separation, release, or dismissal under conditions other than honorable. Prohibits the denial of initial employment, reemployment, retention in employment, promotion, or any benefit of employment by an employer against a person who performs, has performed, applies to perform, or has an obligation to perform service in a uniformed service on the basis of such service or obligation. States that such employer will be considered to have engaged in such prohibited conduct if the person's service, application for service, or obligation is a motivating factor in the employer's action, unless the employer can demonstrate that the action would have been taken in the absence of such service, application, or obligation. Prohibits an employer from discriminating in employment or taking any adverse employment action against any person who has acted to enforce a protection afforded by this Act. Entitles any person absent from employment by reason of the performance of military service to the employment and reemployment rights and benefits of this Act if: (1) the person has given advance notice of such service to the employer; (2) except under certain conditions, the cumulative length of the absence and any previous absences from employment by reason of military service does not exceed five years; and (3) the person reports or applies to such employer upon completion of service in accordance with requirements enumerated under this Act. States that no employer notice is required when precluded by military necessity or when otherwise impossible or unreasonable. Outlines certain conditions under which a person shall remain entitled to employment and reemployment rights and benefits provided under this Act even though the total period of absences from employment by reason of military service exceeds five years. Requires a person to report back to an employer within a specified period after release from duty in order to retain such rights and benefits. Requires a person, when applying for reemployment, to present appropriate documentation showing that the person's application is timely, that he or she has not exceeded the allowed period of service under a military absence, and that the person's entitlement to rights and benefits under this Act have not terminated. Outlines conditions under which the failure of the provision of such documentation by the person returning from service must be excused by the employer. Entitles a person to reemployment in the following positions upon return from duty in the armed forces: (1) if not disabled, to the position in which the person would have been employed if the employment had not been interrupted by such service or a similar position of like status and pay, the duties of which the person is qualified to perform; (2) if not disabled but not unqualified to perform the duties of such position, to the position in which the person was employed upon commencing service or a position with like status and pay, the duties of which the person is qualified to perform; or (3) if disabled, to a position under (1) or (2) above, or an appropriate lesser position that the person is qualified to perform, after the employer makes a reasonable accommodation for such person's disability. Requires the employer, in all cases of reemployment, to make a reasonable effort to train or update the skills required for a person to perform his or her employment duties. States that an employer is not required to reemploy a person if the employer's circumstances have so changed as to make such employment impossible or unreasonable. States that an employer is not required to make accommodations or provide training for a person if such effort would impose an undue hardship on the operation of the employer's business. Gives the employer the burden of proof in such cases. Requires any person who cannot requalify for a like position after duty in the armed forces to be reemployed in any other position that provides similar status and pay, consistent with the circumstances of each case. Provides that if the reemployment of a person under this Act in a particular Government position is not feasible, then the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) shall ensure that such person is offered an alternative position of employment in the executive branch. Makes such provision inapplicable to a person whose reemployment in a legislative or judicial branch position is not feasible if such person is not eligible to acquire the necessary civil service status. Entitles a person reemployed after duty in the armed forces to all seniority and other rights and benefits that such person would have attained if such employment had not been interrupted by such service. States that such duty will only be considered as a leave of absence for the purpose of determining rights and benefits accruing. Allows a person to be continued under an employer's insurance coverage for up to 18 months during such duty. Prohibits the imposition of an exclusion or waiting period on employer-offered health insurance in connection with coverage of such person upon reemployment if: (1) an exclusion or waiting period would not have been imposed under such coverage had coverage not been terminated as a result of such service; and (2) the condition of such person has been determined by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs not to have been incurred or aggravated in the line of duty. Limits the employer's ability to discharge a person reemployed after military duty, except for cause, for one year or 180 days, depending upon the length of such duty. States that a person whose employment is interrupted by military service shall be entitled to use during such interruption any annual leave with pay accumulated before the commencement of such service. Allows such person to accrue such annual leave during such military service and to use any such additional leave so accumulated. States that a person reemployed under this Act shall be treated as not having incurred a break in service with his or her employer for purposes of determining pension or retirement benefits, with the period of military service considered service with the employer. Requires the employer to fund any employee benefit pension plan in the appropriate amount for such employee. Requires a person reemployed to make appropriate payments to any plan that requires employee contributions for eligibility. States that a person's entitlement to a right or benefit under this Act does not depend on the timing, frequency, or duration of the person's performance of military service or on the nature of such service. Allows any person who claims to have been subject to a wrongful personnel action under this Act, whether involving a Federal, State, or private employer, to submit a complaint regarding such action to the Secretary of Labor (Secretary) for investigation and resolution. Requires the Secretary to carry out such responsibilities through the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment and Training. Provides that, in the case of an unsuccessful resolution of a complaint for enforcement of rights with respect to a Federal employer, the person may request the Secretary to refer such complaint for litigation before the Merit Systems Protection Board through the Office of Special Counsel. Outlines complaint referral and litigation procedures in such case. Provides for appellate review of Board decisions. Provides that, in the case of an unsuccessful resolution of a complaint for enforcement of rights with respect to a State or private employer, the person may request that the Secretary refer such complaint for litigation in the appropriate U.S. district court through the Attorney General. Provides appropriate jurisdiction and venue for such proceedings. Provides all appropriate judicial remedies, including injunctions and restraining orders. Requires the Secretary, in carrying out investigations under this Act, to have reasonable access to documents considered relevant to the investigation. Gives the Secretary subpoena power for the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of documents. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe regulations for the implementation of provisions of this Act with respect to provision of such rights and benefits by States and private employers. Authorizes the Director of OPM to prescribe such regulations with respect to the Federal Government as an employer. Directs the Secretary to provide those persons performing military service qualifying under this Act, as well as their employers, with information relating to the reemployment and other rights, benefits, and obligations for purposes of this Act. Requires the Secretary, the Attorney General, and the Special Counsel to each report to the Congress on their action taken in the implementation of this Act. Exempts the reemployment rights and benefits provided under this Act from general minimum active-duty service requirements applicable to other Federal veterans' benefits. Authorizes the use of armed forces' and vetrans' educational assistance for tuition and fees attributable to solo fligh training.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1991
Tobacco Product Education and Health Protection Act of 1991 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to add a new title establishing a Center on Tobacco and Health within the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to conduct and coordinate Federal education, research, and law enforcement with regard to tobacco products and to monitor and restrict the use of tobacco additives. Authorizes contracts and cooperative agreements to carry out the title. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the CDC Director, to: (1) conduct certain educational and research activities; and (2) make grants and enter into contracts and cooperative agreements to conduct public information campaigns concerning the use of tobacco products, using any mode of conveying information the Secretary considers appropriate. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary, through the CDC Director, to designate between ten and 20 model States and make grants to them to assist in improving State leadership in activities that prevent initial tobacco use among minors, encourage cessation among youth and others, and enforce a prohibition of tobacco product sales to minors. Declares eligible for the grants those States which have and enforce laws prohibiting sales to minors, laws reducing use of or access to cigarette vending machines by minors, and prohibit (or seek to prohibit) the provision of free tobacco product samples. Mandates that the Secretary, through the Director and on request, provide certain types of assistance with regard to retail establishments, including printed materials, assistance in planning events to educate the establishments, assistance in developing systems to report establishments that consistently sell tobacco products to minors, and assistance in developing systems to notify such establishments. Authorizes appropriations for grants to model States. Directs the Secretary to make grants and enter into contracts and cooperative agreements for educational activities to reduce the incidence of tobacco use among workers with high prevalences of tobacco use. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to carry out a program to inform the public of the health dangers presented by cigarette smoking including, with regard to the health effects of cigarette smoking and passive smoke: (1) conducting and supporting research; (2) coordinating all activities of the Department of Health and Human Services; (3) maintaining liaison with private and public agencies; (4) collecting, compiling, and disseminating information; and (5) establishing an outreach program to youth under the age of 18. Directs the Secretary to establish an Interagency Committee on Smoking and Health. Directs the Secretary to carry out a program to inform the public of health dangers from the use of smokeless tobacco, including educational programs, research, and dissemination of information. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance and make grants to States to assist in the development and distribution of educational programs and materials, and to assist States in enacting laws and regulations establishing 18 as the minimum age for purchasing smokeless tobacco. Prohibits certain acts, including: (1) acts relating to adulterated or misbranded tobacco products; (2) subject to exception, the using or revealing of any trade secret acquired under these provisions; (3) the false representation or suggestion that an approval of any tobacco product is in effect under certain provisions; and (4) failure to transmit certain product information to any individual on request. Directs the Secretary, in order to carry out the prohibitions, to establish within the Public Health Service, or designate an existing entity within the Service, as an Office of Regulatory Affairs. Provides, with respect to a State designated under this Act as a model State, for denial of delivery and a ban on shipping tobacco products to a retail establishment with a pattern or practice of selling tobacco products to minors. Authorizes U.S. district courts to enforce the prohibitions as described under specified provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Allows an individual, or a class or organization on behalf of an individual, to bring a civil action for injunctive relief, monetary damages, and attorney's fees. Requires manufacturers, importers, or packagers of any tobacco product brand name to provide to the Secretary: (1) a complete list of the levels of tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide for each brand and each tobacco additive used and the range of quantities of the additive used in all names manufactured, imported, or packaged by the person; and (2) on request of the Secretary, information regarding the health impact of the additives. Directs the Secretary to prescribe requirements for manufacturers to place information in packages of tobacco products regarding tar, nicotine, carbon monoxide, and additives. Allows spices, flavorings, fragrances, and colorings to be so designated without specifically naming each. Considers a tobacco product misbranded unless it is labeled as required in these provisions. Authorizes the Secretary, if an additive, by itself or in conjunction with any other additive, significantly increases the human health risk of the product, to require the levels of the additive to be reduced, or to prohibit its use. Makes it unlawful to manufacture, import, or package any tobacco product brand name unless the warning labels required by the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act meet certain requirements. Considers a tobacco product adulterated if an additive level exceeds the limit set, or if other conditions are met. Authorizes the Office of Regulatory Affairs to conduct examinations and investigations under these provisions through officers and employees of the Department of Health and Human Services or through any health officer or employee of any State duly commissioned as an officer of the Department. Requires the Center, when a sample of a tobacco product is collected for analysis and on request, to provide a part of the official sample for examination or analysis by any person named on the label of the product, or the owner, or their agent. Considers any product that contains nicotine but is not a tobacco product to be a drug under specified provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Prohibits interpreting anything in the title added by this Act, the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act, or the Comprehensive Smoking Education Act of 1984 to relieve any person from liability under common law or State statutory law to any other person. Declares that nothing in the title added by this Act, the Cigarette Labeling Advertising Act, or the Comprehensive Smokeless Tobacco Health Education Act shall prevent a State or local government from enacting additional restrictions on the sale or distribution of tobacco products or on the placement or location of stationary outdoor or transit advertising of tobacco products. Directs the Secretary, through the CDC Director, to assist schools in the implementation of effective programs and policies to prevent tobacco use. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants or enter into contracts to assist in such implementation. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act to: (1) change the contents of required label warnings; (2) remove certain requirements regarding warning presentation; and (3) remove provisions protecting the confidentiality of information submitted to the Secretary regarding the ingredients added to tobacco. Amends the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1986 to add tobacco use prevention, intervention, and education to the types of activities which may be carried out under State programs. Adds references to tobacco use to provisions specifying the uses of funds for local drug abuse education and prevention programs. Allows materials on drug abuse education and prevention to be disseminated under specified provisions of this Act. Adds references to tobacco to provisions relating to drug use and alcohol abuse education and prevention activities directed to students at all educational levels. Authorizes appropriations to enable the Secretary of Education to make incentive grants to State education agencies to establish smoke free schools, with the grant funds used to disseminate materials to school personnel and students, and to hold conferences and meetings, concerning the health hazards of tobacco uses by students. Repeals provisions of the Comprehensive Smoking Education Act relating to smoking research, education, and information. Repeals specified provisions of the Comprehensive Smokeless Tobacco Health Education Act of 1986. Mandates a study of pesticides in tobacco products and their effect on human health.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1991
Support for Democracy, Human Rights, and Fair Trade in China Act of 1991 - Prohibits most-favored-nation treatment for Chinese products. Terminates such prohibition upon the President's certification to the Congress that China: (1) has ceased committing violations of internationally recognized human rights; (2) has ceased persecution of pro-democracy movement members; (3) permits unrestricted emigration; (4) has ceased religious persecution in China and Tibet; (5) has provided adequate protection of U.S. intellectual property rights, opened access to markets, increased purchases of U.S. goods and services, and has not attempted to hide the origin of goods manufactured in China; (6) has demonstrated its good faith participation in international efforts to control the proliferation of sophisticated military weapons and chemical, biological, and nuclear technologies; and (7) has ceased exporting products manufactured by forced or convict labor.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1991
Authorizes the U.S. Court of Veterans Appeals to accept voluntary services, gifts, and bequests of personal property in order to aid or facilitate the work of the Court.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1991
Arms Suppliers Regime Act of 1991 - Declares that the Secretary of State should undertake to convene a conference of appropriate nations to establish an arms suppliers regime. States that the purpose of such regime should be to: (1) halt the flow of unconventional arms and technologies necessary to produce such arms to nations in the Middle East; (2) limit and control the proliferation of advanced conventional arms to such nations; and (3) provide incentives for regional arms control agreements in the Middle East. Lists actions to be taken to carry out such purposes. Requires the President to report annually to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on: (1) all transfers of arms to the Middle East over the previous five years; (2) the current military balance in the region; (3) the operation and effect of the arms suppliers regime; (4) the supplier nations that have refused to participate in such regime; and (5) specific actions of supplier nations that have engaged in conduct that violates or undermines the regime. Prohibits the sale of defense articles or services, or the issuance of export licenses for such articles or services, to any nation in the Middle East unless the President: (1) certifies that the Secretary has undertaken to convene the conference for the establishment of an arms suppliers regime; and (2) submits a specified report on such regime.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1991
Hospital Emergency Department Uncompensated Care Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize grants to hospitals to assist in paying for the uncompensated costs of providing emergency department services. Conditions eligibility on a hospital: (1) having substantial uncompensated costs in emergency services in areas with a significant incidence of illness and violence arising from the abuse of drugs; and (2) serving, during the grant, a significant number of patients who are treated for drug abuse or wounds resulting from drug-related violent crimes. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1991
Requires social workers appointed in the Department of Veterans Affairs: (1) to hold a master's degree in social work from a college or university approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; and (2) where their State so requires, to be licensed, certified, or registered as a social worker. Allows the Secretary to waive such requirement for three years after appointment in order to allow for the completion of such requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1991
Peace Corps Act Amendments of 1991 - Amends the Peace Corps Act to: (1) extend authorizations of appropriations for the Peace Corps through FY 1993; (2) establish the Foreign Currency Fluctuations, Peace Corps, Account to pay expenses for Peace Corps operations which exceed appropriations for such expenses as a result of currency exchange rate fluctuations. Authorizes appropriations for such Account. Permits former Peace Corps employees (who later become Federal employees) to contribute specified percentages of readjustment allowances received for Peace Corps service to their employing agencies in order to retain credit for such service in the computation of Federal retirement benefits. Reduces civil service retirement benefits for former Peace Corps volunteers who receive social security benefits and whose entitlement to an annuity is based on a separation from Federal service before this Act's enactment date. Requires the Director of the Peace Corps to contract with an eligible organization to conduct three evaluations of the health care needs of Peace Corps volunteers and the adequacy of the Peace Corps health care system. Provides for the submission of such evaluations to the Director, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Requires the Director and the Secretary of Labor to report to such committees on: (1) the information provided by the Peace Corps to its volunteers and applicants on the benefits and services to which volunteers or trainees may be entitled in the event they sustain injuries or become disabled during their Peace Corps service or training; (2) the efforts by the Peace Corps and the Department of Labor to coordinate the provision of such information to Peace Corps volunteers and applicants and the processing of claims by volunteers under the Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA); (3) the number of Peace Corps volunteers and applicants who have filed claims under FECA and the percentage of claims that have been approved; and (4) the timeliness of approvals or denials of such claims. Encourages the Director to continue to develop, assist, and implement education-related programs which enable volunteers to share their volunteer experiences with primary and secondary school students and communities in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1991
International Voluntary Family Planning Assistance Act of 1991 - Authorizes appropriations for international population planning assistance. Urges the President to use a specified amount of funds to carry out provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 relating to the Development Fund for Africa. Earmarks a specified amount of such funds for the United Nations Population Fund if: (1) the Fund maintains such funds in a separate account, without commingling; (2) none of the funds are made available for China; and (3) any agreement to obligate such funds expressly states that the full amount granted by the agreement will be refunded to the United States if U.S. funds are used for family planning in China or abortions in any country. Requires a specified amount of population planning assistance to be used to increase family planning service delivery in countries with large population growth. Prohibits any funds appropriated under this Act from being used for abortions.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1991
Flight Attendant Duty Time Act - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to initiate a rulemaking proceeding to establish limitations on duty time for flight attendants. Requires the Secretary to issue final regulations by a specified deadline. Prohibits any air carrier from operating an aircraft using a flight attendant who has been on duty in excess of specified hours or who has had less than a specified number of hours of rest if such regulations have not been promulgated by a certain time. Permits modification of the specified hours of duty if the Secretary determines such modification is in the public interest and submits a copy of the modifying regulations to certain congressional committees. Treats a duty period with both domestic and international flight segments as international flying for purposes of calculating duty and rest requirements if the majority of the flight time during such period is on an international or domestic segment.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1991
Amends the Central Intelligence Agency Act of 1949 to direct the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to appoint specified officials to serve within the Central Intelligence Agency. Outlines appointment qualifications and states that officials so appointed may be removed from office only by the President.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1991
Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to convert space in Department of Veterans Affairs facilities for use as child care centers without reimbursement. (Currently, such conversion is permitted only on a reimbursable basis.)
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1991
Working Family Tax Relief Act of 1991 - Title I: Refundable Credit for Children - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable tax credit of $800 for each child under the age of 18 in lieu of the deduction for personal exemptions for children. Provides an inflation adjustment for such tax credit. Title II: Changes in Individual Income Tax Rate Structures - Increases the tax rates for higher income individuals. Imposes a surtax on the individual tax rate or the alternative minimum tax of an individual whose income exceeds the threshold amount. Defines the threshold amount as: (1) $250,000 in the case of a joint return or surviving spouse; (2) $200,000 in the case of a head of household; (3) $125,000 in the case of a married individual filing separately; and (4) $150,000 in any other case. Applies such surtax to estates and trusts. Increases the rate of the alternative minimum tax. Repeals the overall limitation of itemized deductions and the phaseout of personal exemptions. Title III: Increased Earned Income Credit - Increases the earned income credit. Title IV: Advance Payments from Secretary of the Treasury of Earned Income Credit and Credit for Children - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to make advance payments of refunds to which eligible taxpayers are entitled by reason of the earned income credit or the tax credit for children. Provides procedures to assure payments to individuals with adjusted gross incomes of $12,000 or less. Title V: Effective Date - Makes this Act effective after December 31, 1991.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1991
Designates the week beginning July 21, 1991, as Korean War Veterans Remembrance Week. Requires the President to urge that the American flag be flown at half staff on July 27, 1991, in honor of those Americans who died as a result of their service in Korea.
![Official portrait of Sen. Cranston, Alan [D-CA]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/c000877_200.jpg)