United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1990
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the administration's policy revisions toward Cambodia must be accompanied by the following actions if a peaceful settlement to the Cambodian crisis is to be reached: (1) initiating a direct dialogue with the government in Phnom Penh to facilitate a negotiated settlement; (2) pressing China to cease weapons and financial support to the Khmer Rouge; (3) concentrating diplomatic efforts on achieving free and fair elections; and (4) lifting the trade embargo against Cambodia.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1990
Radiation Protection Act of 1990 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to declare 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.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1990
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend for five years, through 1995, the investment tax credit in connection with depreciable: (1) solar energy property; (2) geothermal property; and (3) ocean thermal property.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1990
Employee Educational Assistance Act of 1990 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the income tax exclusion of amounts paid under employee educational assistance programs. (Under current law the exclusion expires for taxable years beginning after September 30, 1990.) Repeals provisions that deny assistance for graduate work.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1990
Pharmacotherapy Development Act of 1990 - Title I: Federal Medication Development Program - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish in the National Institute on Drug Abuse a Medications Development Division (MDD) to: (1) work with the Commissioner of Food and Drugs to set new guidelines for the safety and efficacy trials of medications to treat drug addiction and to discuss other measures to facilitate the approval process of drug addiction treatments; (2) promote expanded research programs and studies into the development of medications to treat drug addiction; (3) track the activities of the National Institutes of Health relating to the development and use of pharmacotherapeutic treatments for drug addiction; and (4) take other specified measures to improve pharmacotherapeutic treatment of drug addiction. Establishes reporting requirements by the Director of MDD. Requires the Director of National Drug Control Policy to incorporate reports submitted under this Act into the National Drug Control Strategy. Requires the Director of MDD to provide for proper scientific review of all research grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts over which the Director has authority. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Private Sector Development of Pharmacotherapeutics - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to establish procedures for the investigation and designation of drugs for the treatment of addictions to illegal drugs. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Medications Review Process Reform - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to permit: (1) an entity submitting an investigational new drug application or protocol for medications to treat drug addiction to provide information required by the Secretary as it becomes available; and (2) parallel track trials to be used for medications to treat drug addiction. Title IV: High Priority Research Areas - Expresses the sense of the Congress that MDD shall devote special attention and resources to achieving the development of a methadone alternative, a long-acting narcotic antagonist, a cocaine blocking treatment, a cocaine-blocker/narcotic antagonist treatment, medications to treat addictions to methamphetamine, and medications to treat pregnant addicts and their fetuses. Title V: Report by the Surgeon General - Requires: (1) the Director of MDD to establish a panel of independent experts in the field of pharmacotherapeutic treatment of drug addiction to assess the national strategy for developing such treatments and make appropriate recommendations; and (2) the Surgeon General of the United States to submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report setting forth recommendations of such panel and assessing the progress of the nation toward development of safe, efficacious pharmacological treatments for drug addiction.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1990
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct, through the Commissioner of Reclamation, an advanced waste treatment and demonstration project for the development of technologies for saline water treatment in the area of the Salton Sea of Southern California. Sets the non-Federal share of the cost at 25 percent. Requires a report to the Congress on project results. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1990
El Salvador Military Aid Reduction and Restrictions Act of 1990 - Limits the amount of military assistance for El Salvador for FY 1991. Prohibits the provision of such assistance if the President reports to the Congress that: (1) the Salvadoran Government has declined to participate in negotiations for a permanent settlement and cease-fire to the armed conflict; (2) the Salvadoran Government has failed to support an active role for the United Nations Secretary General in mediating such settlement; (3) the Salvadoran Government has failed to conduct an investigation into, and prosecution of those responsible for, the murders at the University of Central America; (4) the Salvadoran military and security forces are engaging in violent acts against civilians or are failing to control such activities by elements subject to their control; or (5) the Salvadoran Government's representatives are not negotiating in good faith in the United Nations-sponsored negotiations with the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN). Provides for the resumption of such assistance pursuant to a law enacted by the Congress. Withholds 50 percent of military assistance allocated for FY 1990 and 1991 and of unobligated assistance for prior fiscal years. Releases such assistance only if: (1) the FMLN have declined to participate in settlement negotiations or have refused to accept the Secretary General's role in such settlement; (2) the survival of the Salvadoran Government is being jeopardized by FMLN actions; (3) proof exists that the FMLN is continuing to acquire significant shipments of lethal military assistance from outside El Salvador; (4) the FMLN is engaging in violent acts against civilians or is failing to control such activities by elements subject to its control; or (5) the FMLN representatives are not negotiating in good faith in the United Nations-sponsored negotiations with the Salvadoran Government. Prohibits U.S. assistance to El Salvador if the elected head of the government is deposed by military coup or decree. Provides for the resumption of such assistance pursuant to a law enacted by the Congress. Establishes the Demobilization and Transition Fund to assist in monitoring a settlement of the conflict and in demobilizing combatants in such conflict and aiding their transition to peaceful pursuits. Makes amounts in the Fund available only if the President notifies the Congress that a permanent settlement of the conflict has been reached. Transfers withheld military assistance to the Fund on the date of such notification or on September 30, 1991, if no notification has occurred. Authorizes the delivery of U.S. military assistance to the Salvadoran armed forces only with the prior approval of the elected president of El Salvador. Directs the Secretary of State, through agreement with the National Endowment for Democracy or other qualified organizations, to establish a program to strengthen democratic political and legal institutions in El Salvador. Makes available economic support fund assistance for such program. Earmarks a specified amount for elections monitoring. Withholds a specified amount of military assistance for El Salvador until the President reports to the Committees on Appropriations that the Salvadoran Government has pursued all legal avenues to bring to trial those responsible for the murders of certain land reformers, peasants, priests, and unionists.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1990
Commends the President for his initial actions with respect to Iraq. Urges the President to seek the full and unconditional withdrawal of Iraqi forces from Kuwait and to impose: (1) against Iraq unilateral sanctions applicable to countries which engage in a consistent pattern of human rights violations; and (2) a sustained freeze of Iraqi assets and a ban on U.S. exports to Iraq. Urges the President to achieve collective international sanctions against Iraq, to include: (1) a cessation of all arms shipments and military technology to Iraq; (2) a cessation of trade with Iraq and a worldwide freeze on Iraqi and Kuwaiti assets; (3) a suspension of all economic development activities within Iraq; (4) the imposition of a full economic blockade under the United Nations Charter; and (5) additional multilateral actions involving air, sea, or land forces as necessary to maintain or restore international peace or security.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1990
Commemorates the 20th anniversary of the enactment of the Rail Passenger Service Act establishing the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak).
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1990
Fish Safety Act of 1990 - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to create a new title setting forth a fish inspection program. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (the Secretary) to exempt from specific provisions of the title: (1) fish processing by an individual for use in that individual's household; (2) custom processing for use in the household of the product owner; (3) processing of products not intended for nor capable of use as human food; (4) warehousing of up to 50 pounds or of product caught for other than commercial purposes in waters outside the United States; and (5) operations of types traditionally and usually conducted at retail stores or restaurants. Excludes from the application of the title recreational vessels, commercial fishing vessels, or fish tender vessels except where such vessels process fish. Authorizes the Secretary to cooperate with the appropriate agency in any State that has enacted a mandatory State fish product inspection law with requirements at least equal to those in the title. Prohibits State programs from permitting products to bear any official marks or certificates applicable to products in interstate commerce. Requires that fish products processed for intrastate commerce under a State program that are sold, transported, delivered, or offered for sale in interstate commerce be considered adulterated. Authorizes the Secretary to cooperate with State agencies concerning the State administration of the inspection and sampling components of the fish inspection program established under the title on behalf of the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to provide State agencies with advisory assistance, technical and laboratory assistance and training, and financial and other assistance for up to 50 percent of the cost of the cooperative program. Requires State program participants to submit operation plans to the Secretary annually. Directs the Secretary to establish standards for the efficient and effective administration of the sampling and inspection program by each approved State. Authorizes the Secretary to deputize specific State employees in approved States. Authorizes the Secretary to appoint advisory committees. Requires the appropriate State agency with which the Secretary may cooperate to be a single agency that is primarily responsible for the coordination of the State programs having objectives the same as the title. Directs the Secretary to develop and administer a comprehensive and efficient health-based inspection program for fish products designed to protect the consuming public from fish products that may be adulterated or misbranded. Sets forth program requirements. Directs the Commissioner of Food and Drugs to establish tolerances, except where tolerances are established by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, that shall be applicable to poisonous or deleterious substances that may adulterate fish products. Requires the tolerances to be: (1) established at levels so that fish products are not injurious to health; and (2) based on a scientific analysis of health risks. Directs the Commissioner to establish tolerances, except where tolerances are established by the Administrator under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, for harmful chemicals, toxins, parasites, pathogenic microorganisms, viruses, bacteria, and other harmful agents that may render fish products adulterated. Allows the tolerances to include the use of indicators, including indicator organisms. Directs the Secretary of Commerce and appropriate State authorities, for waters under their jurisdiction, to establish a system for the identification and classification of growing and harvesting areas for fish in coastal areas and the Great Lakes. Directs the Secretary to sample and test fish products regarding any instance or trend that may pose a significant threat to consumers' health and safety. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial and other assistance to States to prevent the entry of adulterated fish products into establishments, including annual grants to each State that is a member of the Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce, with regard to waters under the exclusive jurisdiction of that Secretary, to close waters or restrict harvesting of a species if fish of that species within the identified harvesting or growing areas are likely to be adulterated. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) periodically review the closure or restriction; and (2) establish procedures for review on petitions by affected persons. Requires reasonable public notice prior to closure or restriction, except in public health emergencies. Requires inspectors authorized by the Secretary to take actions as necessary to implement the title, including: (1) inspection of establishments, products, packages, equipment, procedures, and records; (2) sampling and testing of fish products; (3) detention and condemnation of adulterated or misbranded products; and (4) inspection, sampling, and testing of imports of fish products. Provides for: (1) segregation, seizure, condemnation, and destruction of adulterated or misbranded fish products; (2) processing of products to the extent necessary to prevent spoilage pending hearing and review; and (3) deferral of condemnation pending bringing of a product into compliance by relabeling or other action. Requires establishments to maintain premises, facilities, equipment, and operations in accordance with sanitation regulations set by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to establish regulations for the storage or handling of fish products by any person in the business of buying, selling, freezing, storing, transporting, or importing fish products. Authorizes the Secretary to establish guidelines for training persons employed by establishments involved in fish product sanitation and quality control. Authorizes the Secretary to exempt products from inspection requirements until a specified date if appropriated funds are insufficient or if the exemption will aid in the effective transition to the programs implemented under the title. Directs the Secretary to establish procedures for the annual certification of establishments and persons engaged in importing of fish and fish products. Prohibits importers from processing or handling any fish product for commercial purposes unless the establishment is certified. Authorizes the Secretary to refuse to certify or to decertify establishments or importers unfit to engage in any business as a result of Federal or State convictions for: (1) acquiring, handling, or distributing adulterated, mislabeled, or deceptively packaged food, or fraud in food transactions; or (2) any felony involving a lack of the integrity needed for the conduct of operations affecting the public health. Requires all products processed at any certified establishment to bear on their shipping containers and immediate containers information as the Secretary requires. Authorizes the Secretary to permit such products to bear a seal stating that the product was processed in accordance with Federal standards or similar language. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe: (1) labeling requirements to avoid false or misleading labeling; (2) definitions and standards of identity or composition and fill; and (3) procedures that permit statements on labels that indicate the State or location of the product's origin. Directs the Secretary to: (1) require that each package of fish product bears the appropriate identification, issued under the title, and an official mark; and (2) ensure that the official mark shall be available only on products processed in certified establishments. Prohibits articles from being sold or offered for sale under any name, marking, or labeling that is false or misleading, or in any container of a misleading form or size. Permits established trade names and other marking and labeling that are not false or misleading and that are approved by the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary, if any marking, labeling, size, or form of any container is false or misleading, to require that use be withheld unless modified as prescribed by the Secretary so that it will not be false or misleading. Prohibits a fish product from being entered, or withdrawn from warehouses, for consumption in the United States, unless the product: (1) is not adulterated or misbranded; (2) complies with all requirements of the title; and (3) is marked and labeled as required for imports. Treats all such products as domestic fish products under the title, except that its labeling must identify the country of origin. Directs the Secretary to enforce these provisions through inspections, sampling, and any other necessary procedures. Requires products refused entry or entered, or withdrawn from warehouses, in violation of these provisions to be destroyed unless exported or brought into compliance. Requires storage, cartage, labor, and other costs from denial of entry, or withdrawal from warehouse to be paid by the owner or consignee. Declares that nonpayment constitutes a lien against the product and any other fish product thereafter entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption in the United States by such owner or consignee. Directs the Secretary, on request of a country desiring to export fish products to the United States, to review the inspection program of products offered for importation to determine whether the requirements and tolerances for the products are at least equal to those under the title and, if so, and if the country will permit the enforcement measures the Secretary determines necessary, to issue a certificate stating that the country meets the requirements. Requires all fish products imported from an uncertified country to be inspected by the Secretary to ensure compliance with these provisions. Directs the Secretary to enforce these provisions through inspections, sampling, testing, or other actions in the foreign country, during importation, or which otherwise as necessary. Declares that products intended for export shall not be considered adulterated or misbranded if they are consistent with the laws of the importing country and meet other requirements. Directs the Secretary to inspect products intended for export as necessary. Directs the Secretary, on request of the exporter, to provide a certificate for export stating the condition of fish products inspected under these provisions. Authorizes the Secretary to require any person who owns or operates an establishment or is in the business of importing fish products to recall any fish product that is adulterated or misbranded if it could cause serious health consequences. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish, through the Centers for Disease Control, an active surveillance system, based on a representative portion of the U.S. population, to provide an estimate of the frequency of human disease in the United States associated with the consumption of food, including a comparison of each major food category. Sets forth a list of prohibited acts in connection with the processing, handling, selling, transporting, offering for sale or transportation, possessing, misbranding, or importation of fish products or in connection with inspections under the title. Provides civil monetary penalties and criminal penalties for violations. Prohibits a common or contract carrier, including carriers that are fish tender vessels, from being subject to penalties under the title unless the carrier: (1) had knowledge, or possessed facts that would cause a reasonable person to believe, that the products were adulterated or misbranded; or (2) refuses to furnish certain information and documents. Sets forth: (1) felony penalties for giving or receiving bribes; and (2) criminal penalties for forcibly assaulting, resisting, intimidating, or interfering with any inspector or other person while engaged in official duties under the title. Requires each establishment or import business subject to inspection under the title to be operated in accordance with such sanitary and other procedures and practices as the Secretary requires. Directs the Secretary to prescribe standards for marking fish or fish products handled or processed in accordance with the title, or their packages, with an official stamp. Directs the Secretary to establish priorities for fish and fish products safety research. Requires the appropriate Federal agencies to conduct research regarding the priorities. Directs the Secretary, through the Extension Service, to provide a specified sum each fiscal year out of funds appropriated for the title to award grants for demonstration projects by States with regard to providing food safety information and instruction regarding the proper handling, storage, and preparation of fish and fish products for human consumption. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish through grants and administer, for a five-year period, a shellfish indicator research program to develop a system of classification of shellfish harvesting areas. Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory panel to assist in the development and implementation of the research programs under these provisions. Prohibits: (1) copying of any official mark; and (2) processing fish products except in compliance with the title. Authorizes the Secretary to limit the entry of fish products and other materials into any establishment consistent with the purposes of the title. Provides for administrative detention of any fish product meeting certain requirements if there is reason to believe the product is adulterated or misbranded. Makes any fish product capable of use as human food and adulterated or misbranded, or which otherwise is or has been in violation of the title, liable to be proceeded against and seized and condemned at any time, on a libel of information. Provides for disposal of a condemned product and for the delivery of the product to the owner on delivery of bond. Applies specified provisions of Federal law to the administration and enforcement of the title. Exempts the inspection, sampling, regulation, handling, processing, storage, or transportation of fish products from the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to the extent such matters are covered by the title. Requires that the cost of inspections be borne by the United States, except for overtime or holiday work required in an establishment, which must be borne by the establishment. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the title, earmarking: (1) certain sums for the research programs under the title; (2) certain percentage for the Food and Drug Administration; and (3) other percentages for the Department of Commerce. Amends Federal law to add a reference to food safety to provisions specifying the matters to be included in cooperative agricultural extension work. Authorizes appropriations for programs administered by the Secretary of Agriculture through the Extension Service to disseminate food safety information and instruction to consumers, restaurant food handlers, schools, and other persons. Requires the Commissioner of Food and Drugs to: (1) develop and implement a program to carry out and administer the title; and (2) enter into contracts with the National Academy of Sciences to identify chemical and microbiological contaminants, parasites, toxins, and other harmful substances that are most likely to be found in fish and fish products and that are most likely to cause fish and fish products to be adulterated. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to develop and implement a program to carry out the requirements of the title.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1990
Christopher Columbus Quincentenary Commemorative Coin and Scholarship Endowment Act of 1990 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue a specified number of five dollar gold coins, one dollar silver coins, and half dollar clad coins emblematic of the quincentenary of the discovery of America. Sets forth certain features of such coins and provides for their design, issuance, and sale. Provides that such coins shall be considered legal tender. Requires that all sales of such coins include specified surcharges. Requires that all surcharges received from the sale of such coins be paid quarterly to the Christopher Columbus Quincentenary Scholarship Endowment Fund established by this Act. States that such Fund shall be maintained by the Quincentenary Scholarship Foundation to generate income for scholarships and secondary school summer programs for students with the potential to make lasting contributions in the disciplines of geography, foreign languages, and international affairs. Requires the Foundation to report annually on its activities to the Congress and the Secretary of Education.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1990
Migration Affairs Reorganization Act of 1990 - Establishes the Agency for Migration Affairs to direct U.S. immigration and refugee policy. Transfers to the Agency: (1) all immigration functions of the Attorney General and the Commissioner of Immigration and Naturalization; and (2) specified functions of the Secretary of State and specified components of the Department of State. Transfers related personnel and assets. Abolishes: (1) the Immigration and Naturalization Service; and (2) the office of the Commissioner of Immigration and Naturalization.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1990
Condemns: (1) the arrest and detention of Kenyan citizens for the peaceful expression of political views and the recent violence against Kenyan citizens by security forces; and (2) the Kenyan Government's disregard of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Calls upon the Kenyan Government to: (1) end intimidation and harassment of those critical of government policies; and (2) implement safeguards to ensure freedom of the press and independence of the judiciary and to guarantee civil and human rights for individuals detained by the government. Expresses the sense of the Congress that all military and economic support fund assistance to Kenya should be suspended until the Kenyan Government: (1) restores basic human rights and fundamental freedoms; (2) releases persons arrested for the peaceful expression of their views and ends harassment and detention of political opponents and human rights lawyers; and (3) enables the Kenyan people to determine whether they want to pursue a multi-party democratic system.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1990
Amends the Right to Financial Privacy Act of 1978 to authorize the disclosure to the Department of Veterans Affairs of the names and addresses of those persons receiving payments, by means of direct deposit or electronic funds transfer, of compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation, or pension benefits, when such disclosure is necessary for proper administration of those programs.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1990
Amends the National Housing Act to increase Federal Housing Administration mortgage ceilings. Authorizes mortgage increases in Alaska, Guam, and Hawaii.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1990
Support for Democracy and Human Rights in China Act of 1990 - 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; and (4) has ceased religious persecution in China and Tibet.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1990
WIC Emergency Food Act - Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to permit a State agency to use up to five percent of FY 1991 supplemental food allocations for FY 1990 supplemental food expenses under the special supplemental food program for women, infants, and children (WIC).
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1990
1992 Olympic Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue 1992 Olympic Games commemorative five-dollar gold coins and one-dollar silver coins. Prescribes guidelines for the sale and pricing of such coins and directs the Secretary to ensure that their issuance will not result in any net cost to the United States. Mandates that surcharges be paid to the U.S. Olympic Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1990
Amends the United States Institute of Peace Act (the Act) to authorize the U.S. Institute of Peace, through its Board of Directors, to award an annual Spark M. Matsunaga Medal of Peace and a cash award to a person or persons who have contributed in extraordinary ways to peace among the nations and peoples of the world, giving special attention to contributions advancing society's knowledge and skill in peacemaking and conflict management. Directs the Board to establish an advisory panel to advise in selection of award recipients. Requires the Institute to report to specified congressional committees on selection procedures. Authorizes the Institute, acting through the Board, to establish the Spark M. Matsunaga Scholars Program, which shall include the provision of scholarships and educational programs in international peace and conflict management and related fields for outstanding high school students, as well as scholarships to outstanding undergraduate students. Revises provisions relating to private gifts and contributions. Increases the amount authorized to be appropriated for each fiscal year. Directs the Secretary of Education to make a grant to the Spark M. Matsunaga Peace Foundation for scholarships, grants, and endowed professorships to individuals and organizations pursuing peace studies and the application of conflict resolution techniques. Authorizes appropriations. Allows such Foundation to retain interest on such grant.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1990
Employer Sanctions Repeal Act of 1990 - Repeals specified provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act, the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA), and the United States Code relating to the unlawful employment of aliens. Repeals specified provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act and IRCA relating to unfair immigration-related employment practices. Continues the duties of the Special Counsel for Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices regarding unfair immigration-related employment practices for one year after enactment of this Act, such duties thereafter to be assumed by the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice. Increases FY 1991 Border Patrol funding and personnel levels. Provides Border Patrol personnel training with respect to the rights and varied cultural backgrounds of aliens and citizens. Authorizes appropriations. Increases FY 1991 personnel levels for: (1) the Wage and Hour Division within the Employment Standards Administration of the Department of Labor; and (2) the Assistant United States Attorneys employed by the Department of Justice. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to increase penalties for bringing in or harboring certain aliens. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Attorney General should initiate discussions with Mexico and Canada with regard to the smuggling of aliens into the United States. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1990
National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act - Amends the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 to replace provisions setting forth the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program. Gives the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) the primary responsibility for planning and coordinating the Program. Sets forth the administrative and program duties of the Director of FEMA in carrying out Program responsibilities. Prohibits grants to States under the Program from requiring cost sharing at a level greater than 50 percent (in certain circumstances, not greater than 25 percent). Requires the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to conduct research necessary to characterize and identify earthquake hazards, assess earthquake risks, monitor seismic activity, and improve earthquake predictions. Sets forth duties of the Director of the USGS with regard to earthquakes, including: (1) issuing earthquake predictions or other earthquake advisories; (2) establishing, using existing facilities, a Center for the International Exchange of Earthquake Information; and (3) operating a National Seismic Network. Makes the National Science Foundation responsible for funding research on earth sciences to improve the understanding of the causes and behavior of earthquakes, on earthquake engineering, and on human response to earthquakes. Makes the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) responsible for carrying out research and development to improve building codes and standards and practices for structures and lifelines. Defines lifelines to mean public works and utilities, including those relating to transportation, power, communications, water,and sewage. Replaces provisions directing the President to make an annual report to congressional committees with provisions requiring the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to report to specified congressional committees regarding the role of the Office in interagency coordination, planning, and operation of the Program. Establishes the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Advisory Committee. Directs the President to adopt standards for assessing and enhancing the seismic safety of existing buildings constructed for or leased by the Federal Government which were constructed without adequate seismic standards. Requires that the standards be developed by the Interagency Committee on Seismic Safety in Construction. Requires the Director of NIST to submit to the Congress a plan for developing and adopting design and construction standards for lifelines. Authorizes the FEMA Director to accept gifts in furtherance of this Act. Prohibits a grant under the Act from FEMA that is made with funds appropriated under a specified continuing appropriations Joint Resolution from requiring cost sharing greater than 25 percent. Establishes within the USGS an earthquake investigations program, as an activity of the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program, to investigate major earthquakes to learn lessons to reduce the loss of lives and property in future earthquakes. Increases and extends the authorization of appropriations to carry out the Act, including the authorizations to specified agencies to enable them to carry out their responsibilities under the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1990
Coastal Zone Improvement Act of 1990 - Title I: Amendments to Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 - Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to revise congressional findings and policy provisions. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce, during FY 1991 through 1993, to make annual grants to coastal States for the development of coastal zone management programs. Prohibits States from receiving more than two grants. Revises administrative grant provisions to permit the Secretary to make administrative grants to coastal States that match such grants according to specified ratios. Directs the Secretary to establish maximum and minimum grants to promote equity between coastal States and effective coastal management. Revises program approval requirements. Directs State coastal management agencies to submit coastal water quality protection programs to the Secretary. Requires such programs to develop and implement land use management measures for land-based sources of nonpoint source pollution. Outlines program requirements. Directs the Secretary to withhold portions of grants from coastal States that fail to submit an approvable protection program. Requires the Secretary to provide technical assistance to coastal States and local governments for implementing such programs. Directs the Secretary to provide grants to coastal States for such programs. Subjects the provision of such grants to State matching requirements. Permits the Secretary to retain up to 33 percent of grant funds for States that are making exemplary progress in complying with program requirements or that have extreme needs with respect to coastal water quality. Revises provisions concerning interstate grants to authorize the Secretary to make grants to coastal States for program changes that support attainment of coastal zone enhancement objectives. Requires the Secretary to withhold up to 20 percent of amounts appropriated for administrative and coastal resource improvement grants for enhancement grants. Directs the Secretary to conduct a technical assistance and management-oriented research program to support State coastal management program amendments and further international efforts and technical assistance in coastal zone management. Revises provisions concerning performance reviews of State coastal zone management. Authorizes the Secretary to suspend payment of financial assistance for coastal zone management (current law requires the Secretary to reduce such assistance) if the coastal State is failing to adhere to: (1) a management program or State plan for managing a national estuarine reserve; or (2) the terms of any grant or cooperative agreement. Requires such suspension to last between six and 36 months. Directs the Secretary to withdraw approval of a management program of, and any financial assistance to, a coastal State under specified conditions. Repeals a provision concerning research and technical assistance for improving coastal zone management. Redesignates the National Estuarine Reserve Research System as the National Estuarine Research Reserve System. Raises the limit on the amount of financial assistance that may be provided for specified activities in such reserves. Permits assistance for educational or interpretive activities in such reserves to cover 100 percent of all costs for activities that benefit the entire System. Extends the authorization of appropriations under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972. Establishes within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration an Office of Ocean and Coastal Zone Management to succeed the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management. Title II: International Cooperation in Coastal Zone Management - Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Secretary and the Secretary of State should cooperate to develop a program of technical assistance to developing nations for coastal zone management; and (2) coastal zone management should be a component of negotiations by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Encourages the Secretaries to initiate discussions with other nations to include coastal zone management as part of an international convention on global climate change.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1990
Comprehensive Thrift and Bank Fraud Prosecution Act of 1990 - Title I: Bank Fraud and Embezzlement Penalties - Amends the Federal criminal code to increase the maximum imprisonment penalty for specified bank fraud and embezzlement crimes from 20 to 30 years. Prescribes monetary penalties and up to life imprisonment for engaging in a continuing financial crime enterprise. Deems a person to be engaging in a continuing financial crime enterprise if such person: (1) violates specified criminal code provisions; (2) violates laws in concert with at least three persons with respect to whom such person occupies a supervisory position; and (3) receives at least $5,000,000 in gross receipts during a 24-month period. Includes within the definition of "racketeering activity" under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) predicate offenses relating to: (1) the receipt of gifts or commissions for procuring loans; (2) financial institution embezzlement; and (3) fraud and false statements. Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to provide that in major bank crime cases where the offender derives more than $1,000,000 from the offense, such offender shall be assigned an offense level that is: (1) four times greater than the level that would have been assigned if the offense had not been committed under such circumstances; and (2) at least 24. Title II: Broadening Investigative Authority in Bank Crime Cases - Authorizes the Federal Bureau of Investigation to issue administrative subpoenas to compel the production of documents relevant to specified bank crimes. Permits the Secret Service to arrest persons violating specified provisions with respect to financial institutions and the Resolution Trust Corporation (RTC). Requires the Secret Service to exercise such jurisdiction through the Financial Institutions Crime Strike Forces. Authorizes the interception of wire, oral, or electronic communications in connection with specified bank fraud and bribery offenses. Removes from the list of offenses for which such interception is authorized offenses relating to the destruction of energy facilities. Title III: Restructuring the Federal Attack on Bank Crimes - Establishes: (1) the Financial Services Crime Division within the Department of Justice; and (2) ten Division field offices in the Federal judicial districts experiencing the greatest number of offenses relating to the financial services industry. Designates such offices as Financial Services Crime Strike Forces. Sets forth Division reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Expanding Federal Forfeiture and Money Laundering Laws - Subjects to forfeiture property derived from specified offenses affecting insured depository institutions. Provides for the restoration of such property to victims of the offenses. Authorizes the seizure of property subject to forfeiture. Adds specified bank fraud offenses to the list of predicates under money laundering provisions. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to prohibit liability incurred as a result of a breach of fiduciary duty from being discharged through bankruptcy. Amends Federal bankruptcy law to disallow the use of bankruptcy to discharge a debtor from commitments to maintain the capital of an insured depository institution. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the Federal Credit Union Act to expand requirements for the disclosure of administrative enforcement proceedings by Federal banking agencies and the National Credit Union Administration Board. Title V: Increasing Investigators and Prosecutors for Bank Fraud and Embezzlement Cases - Authorizes and allocates appropriations for salaries and expenses of the Financial Services Crime Strike Forces. Title VI: Preventing and Prosecuting Fraud in the Sale of Assets by the Resolution Trust Corporation - Prescribes monetary and/or criminal penalties for the knowing concealment of assets from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or the RTC in such Corporation's capacity as conservator or receiver for an insured depository institution. Subjects to civil and criminal forfeiture property derived from specified violations relating to the sale of assets by the RTC. Authorizes the FDIC or the RTC to institute civil proceedings under RICO for violations affecting insured depository institutions. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to grant the FDIC and the RTC subpoena authority when acting as conservators or receivers. Authorizes courts, at the request of the FDIC or RTC, to place assets of any person under the control of a trustee if: (1) such person is an institution-related party who may be required to pay restitution to the institution or is a debtor of the institution; or (2) such person's assets will be dissipated or placed beyond the jurisdiction of the court or the FDIC or RTC before any recovery may be completed, unless a trustee is appointed. Permits the FDIC or the RTC, as conservators or receivers, to avoid any fraudulent transfer of interest made by an institution-affiliated person or debtor within five years of the date on which the FDIC or RTC was appointed conservator or receiver. Sets forth recovery rights with respect to transferred property. Amends the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 to grant injunctive relief in actions brought by the FDIC, RTC, or National Credit Union Administration that involve fraud affecting financial institutions. Amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to require the RTC to maintain a Fraud and Enforcement Review Division. Title VII: Strengthening the Judicial System in the Prosecution of Bank Fraud and Embezzlement Cases - Authorizes appropriations to the Federal courts for salaries and expenses of the Court of Appeals, District Courts, and other judicial services. Allocates such funds among the judicial districts with the highest financial institutions crime case loads. Grants U.S. magistrates the power to accept guilty pleas for specified offenses affecting insured depository institutions. Title VIII: Private Actions Against Persons Committing Bank Fraud and Embezzlement Crimes - Amends the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 to authorize private persons to bring civil actions for specified bank fraud crimes, subject to certain conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1990
Designates the week beginning November 11, 1990, as National Disabled Veterans Week, in recognition of the contributions that disabled veterans have made to the welfare of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1990
Designates August 1, 1990, 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 · 20 June 1990
Consumer Credit Protection Amendments of 1990 - Title I: Fair Credit Reporting Amendments - Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to place additional restrictions on the permissible purposes of consumer reports. Adds dwelling rental applications and check cashing privilege applications to the list of permissible uses. Prohibits, subject to exception, a consumer reporting agency (CRA) from furnishing certain reports in connection with any credit or business transaction which is not initiated by the consumer. Prohibits a CRA from reporting Chapter 13 bankruptcy information that is more than seven years old and other bankruptcy information that is more than ten years old. (Current law prohibits reporting any bankruptcy information, including Chapter 13, that is more than ten years old.) Provides for graduated periods of obsolescence for information relating to overdue payments. Repeals exemptions to obsolete information reporting prohibitions relating to credit, life insurance, or employment involving amounts over specified sums. Prohibits a CRA from prohibiting any report user from disclosing the contents of a report to the consumer. Requires a CRA to maintain certain records regarding: (1) accuracy assurance procedures; and (2) the certified purpose for which any information relating to any consumer is requested by any person. Requires any CRA, on request of any person, to disclose specified information about itself. Requires that: (1) certain disclosures by a CRA to a consumer required by current law be in writing; (2) all information in the consumer's file (currently, the nature and substance of all information) be disclosed to the consumer; (3) certain information be disclosed to the consumer regarding identification of any person who had access to any information in the consumer's file; and (4) any disclosure by a CRA to any consumer under specified provisions include a summary of all the consumer's rights and remedies under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Requires that such a summary be included in disclosures relating to: (1) investigative consumer reports; and (2) reports focusing on public record information for employment purposes. Requires reinvestigations, in cases of disputed accuracy, to be completed within a reasonable time, not to exceed 30 days. (Current law requires completion within a reasonable time.) Requires CRAs to keep certain records regarding reinvestigation procedures. Sets forth requirements regarding: (1) notice upon a determination that a dispute is frivolous or irrelevant; (2) notice upon completion of a reinvestigation; and (3) reinvestigations which cannot be completed in 30 days. Eliminates the option for a CRA to include in a report a codification or summary of a consumer's statement regarding disputed accuracy rather than the statement itself. Requires that a CRA: (1) notify of a consumer dispute any person designated by the consumer who has received a non-employment report within the last year (currently, within the last six months); and (2) disclose to the consumer the recipients of any such report within the last year (currently, within the last six months). Sets a dollar limit on charges which may be imposed by a CRA for certain disclosures and makes other changes regarding when charges may be made. Requires a CRA which furnishes a consumer report for employment purposes to notify the consumer of the specific source of the information. Revises the duties of users of consumer reports, including requiring the user to provide: (1) the name and address of the three largest CRAs; and (2) the written summary of the consumer's rights and remedies prepared under specified provisions. Makes any person who furnishes information to any CRA (as well as CRAs and users of reports) civilly liable for willful noncompliance and for negligent noncompliance with the Act. Makes all functions and powers of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) under the Federal Trade Commission Act (FTCA) available to the FTC to enforce compliance. (Current law links enforcement to specified provisions of the FTCA.) Makes persons who furnish information to CRAs subject to certain administrative enforcement provisions, as enforced by bodies other than the FTC. Requires any person who regularly furnishes information to a CRA to give notice of such fact in writing to the consumer before providing information about the consumer to the CRA. Requires any person, when that person, in the course of conducting business, furnishes information about any consumer to a CRA, to follow reasonable procedures to assure the accuracy of the information. Title II: Credit Repair Organizations - Credit Repair Organizations Act - Amends the Consumer Credit Protection Act to prohibit any credit repair organization (any person who provides a service for the purpose of improving a consumer's credit record) from: (1) charging or receiving any money prior to the completion of its services (unless it has obtained a $50,000 surety bond); (2) charging or receiving money solely for the referral of a customer to a retailer if the credit which may be extended to the buyer is upon substantially the same terms as those available to the general public; (3) advising any client to make an untrue or misleading statement; or (4) using any untrue or misleading statement. Requires the organization to provide the consumer with a written disclosure statement which includes a description of: (1) the consumer's rights; (2) the services to be provided by the organization; and (3) the total amount the consumer will be charged. Sets forth contract requirements and the rights of the consumer with regard to cancellation of such contract. Subjects any organization which fails to comply with any provision of this Act to Federal civil liability. Provides for the administrative enforcement of this Act by the Federal Trade Commission, as provided in the Federal Trade Commission Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1990
Violence Against Women Act of 1990 - Title I: Safe Streets for Women - Safe Streets for Women Act of 1990 - Subtitle A: Federal Penalties for Sex Crimes - Amends Federal law to require the U.S. Sentencing Commission to create or amend guidelines to provide for: (1) up to twice the term of imprisonment or fine for violation, after the first conviction, of Federal laws relating to sexual abuse or similar laws of any State or foreign country; and (2) specified minimum terms of imprisonment for aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, and abusive sexual contact. Requires that a court order restitution for violations of such Federal sexual abuse laws. Subtitle B: Law Enforcement and Prosecution Grants to Reduce Violent Crime Against Women - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to require the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance to make grants to areas of high intensity crime against women. Requires that the grants be used for personnel, equipment, training, technical assistance, and information systems for the more widespread apprehension, prosecution, and adjudication of persons committing violent crimes against women. Authorizes the Director to make grants to States, for use by States and their subdivisions, for purposes outlined in this Act and to reduce the rate of violent crimes against women. Authorizes the Director, in addition to the grants under this subtitle, to direct any Federal agency, with or without reimbursement, to use its authorities and resources in support of State and local assistance efforts. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Safety for Women in Public Transit - Directs the Secretary of Transportation, from funds authorized under existing provisions, to make capital grants for the prevention of crime and to increase security in existing and future public transportation systems. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and loans to States and local public bodies to increase the safety of public transportation through lighting, camera surveillance, security phones, or other projects. Sets the Federal share of each project at 90 percent of the net cost. Directs the Secretary to provide grants and loans to study ways to reduce violent crimes against women in public transit through better design or operation of public transit systems. Subtitle D: National Commission on Violent Crime Against Women - Establishes the National Commission on Violent Crime Against Women to promote a national consensus on violent crime against women and to make recommendations on reducing such crime. Authorizes appropriations. Terminates the Commission after submission of its final report, subject to extension by the President for up to one more year. Title II: Safe Homes for Women - Safe Homes for Women Act of 1990 - Subtitle A: Interstate Enforcement - Provides for a Federal term of imprisonment or fine, in addition to any State penalties, for any person who travels or causes another (including the intended victim) to travel in interstate commerce with intent to injure his or her spouse and who violates a law of any State concerning domestic or family violence. Provides for imprisonment and fines for interstate violation of protection orders, including increased penalties for repeated offenses and for offenses involving serious bodily injury. Mandates that a court order restitution to the victim of an offense under this Act. Requires, provided certain conditions are met, that a protection order issued by the court of one State be accorded full faith and credit by the court of another State. Subtitle B: Arrest in Spousal Abuse Cases - Amends the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) to prohibit a State or locality from receiving a grant under existing provisions if, as a matter of policy or law, it discriminates against family violence victims by prohibiting or discouraging the arrest of persons committing family violence. Declares that proof that a State or locality permits warrantless misdemeanor arrests based on probable cause in domestic violence situations is sufficient, but not necessary, to show such nondiscrimination. Requires certification of compliance. Amends provisions of the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 relating to grants for crime victim assistance to require certification that a State does not engage in such discrimination against family violence victims. Makes warrantless misdemeanor arrests sufficient to show compliance. Amends the FVPSA to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to eligible States, municipalities, or local government entities, with regard to spousal or family violence, to centralize police enforcement, tracking of cases, prosecution, and judicial responsibility. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to delegate to the Attorney General responsibility for carrying out these provisions and transfer to the Attorney General a limited amount of funds appropriated under existing provisions. Subtitle C: Funding for Shelters - Amends the FVPSA to authorize appropriations to carry out that Act, earmarking at least 60 percent of funds appropriated for State demonstration grants to prevent family violence and provide immediate shelter and related assistance. Subtitle D: Judicial Training - Directs the Attorney General, from funds appropriated under specified provisions of the FVPSA, to provide a certain amount to the State Justice Institute for developing model programs for training judges in the laws of the States on spousal abuse and family violence. Title III: Civil Rights - Declares that all persons within the United States shall have the same rights, privileges, and immunities in every State as are enjoyed by all other persons to be free from crimes of violence motivated by the victim's gender (defined as rape, sexual assault, or abusive sexual contact motivated by gender-based animus). Makes any person, including a person who acts under color of any statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, or usage of any State, who deprives another of the rights, privileges, and immunities secured by the Constitution and laws as enumerated by this Act liable to the injured party for compensatory and punitive damages.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1990
Designates as South African Freedom Week the week in 1990 coinciding with the first visit of Nelson Mandela to the United States after his release from prison in South Africa.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1990
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) President Bush and Mexican President Salinas de Gortari be commended for their decision to explore the possibility of a United States-Mexico Free Trade Agreement; (2) the role of the Congress in the enactment of such agreement be recognized, and that the United States Trade Representative (USTR) should, throughout the negotiations, consult with Members of Congress whose constituents would be affected by such an agreement; and (3) the USTR should include specified issues in such negotiations with the Minister of Commerce and Industrial Development of Mexico.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1990
Korean War Veterans Memorial Thirty-Eighth Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should recognize the 38th anniversary of the Korean War by minting and issuing a silver dollar coin. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue one-dollar silver coins to commemorate the 38th anniversary of the ending of the Korean War. Terminates such authority after December 31, 1991. Mandates that surcharges from the sale of such coins be used for the Korean War Veterans Memorial.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1990
Coastal Barrier Resources Act Amendments of 1990 - Amends the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (the Act) to replace provisions describing the properties included in the Coastal Barrier Resources System and providing for boundary modifications and maps with provisions including in the System undeveloped coastal barriers: (1) depicted on specified maps; (2) owned by the United States and meeting certain requirements; and (3) incorporated into the System under provisions of this Act. Requires the Administrator of General Services, prior to transfer or disposal of excess property that may be an undeveloped coastal barrier, to obtain from the Secretary of the Interior a determination of whether the property constitutes such a barrier. Sets forth procedures for adding such a property to the System. Directs the Secretary to provide to the Governor of each State on the Atlantic, Gulf, or Great Lakes coasts copies of maps of the undeveloped coastal barriers owned by that State or a local government. Directs the Secretary, if a Governor elects to have any portion added to the System, to follow certain procedures for adding such portions. Sets forth procedures regarding filing, public inspection, and changing of maps. Requires review of maps: (1) on request of certain officers of States, political subdivisions, and coastal zone management agencies; and (2) at least once every seven years. Amends provisions setting forth permissible Federal expenditures affecting the System to: (1) require that expenditures for the disposal of dredge materials be consistent with the purposes of the Act; (2) require that emergency actions essential to saving lives and protecting property be subject to specified provisions of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act regulating the amount of assistance; and (3) allow expenditures for the maintenance of existing channel improvements and related structures only if all, or a portion, of the moneys for the improvement or structure were appropriated before that System unit was included within the System (currently, before October 18, 1982). Requires the head of each Federal agency concerned (currently, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget) to certify compliance with the Act annually to specified congressional committees and the Secretary (currently, to the House of Representatives and the Senate). Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1990
Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay additional pay to nursing assistants for weekend duty on the same basis as such pay is provided to nurses in the Veterans Health Services and Research Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1990
Physicians and Dentists Special Pay Act of 1990 - Repeals the current limit on the amount of special pay authorized to be received, in addition to annual pay, for physicians and dentists employed in the Veterans Health Services and Research Administration (HSRA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (Department). Limits the amount of such pay to an amount that, when added to basic pay, does not exceed Level I of the Executive Schedule. Revises the amount of special pay authorized to be received by the Chief Medical Director (CMD) and Deputy Chief Medical Director of the HSRA. Reduces the amount of primary special pay to be paid to eligible full-time and part-time physicians and dentists. Increases the amount of special pay to be paid to physicians and dentists for full-time status, for tenure with HSRA of specified periods, for service in certain exigent medical specialties, and for service in specified positions, including the Service Chief and Chief of Staff. Requires any special pay for the CMD or Deputy CMD of the HSRA to be approved by the Secretary. Repeals the current limitation on the amount of incentive special pay, in addition to special pay, to be paid to full-time or part-time dentists. Increases the amount of incentive special pay to be paid to a physician or dentist serving as a Service Chief. Increases the amount of incentive special pay to be paid to part-time physicians for tenure of service within the HSRA for specified periods. Revises the amount of special pay to be provided in cases in which there are extraordinary difficulties in the recruitment or retention of qualified physicians or dentists.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1990
Declares that the United States should suspend its dialogue with the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) if the PLO does not: (1) condemn the May 30, 1990, Palestine Liberation Front terrorist attack against Israel; and (2) expel leader Abul Abbas for his role in such attack.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1990
Employee Ownership and Participation Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary) to establish an Employee Ownership and Participation Program (the Program) to help set up programs within the States to foster increased employee ownership and participation in company decisionmaking. Requires the Program to provide for grants to such programs which meet specified criteria. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Labor the Office of Employee Ownership and Participation (the Office) to promote employee ownership, gainsharing, and participation in company decisionmaking. Requires the Office to: (1) support programs which are in compliance with the Program; (2) help the formation of new programs; and (3) conduct or fund research into employee ownership and participation in company decisionmaking and gainsharing. Authorizes the Office to make double-matching grants under the Program for specified activities in connection with programs within the States. Allows each State to sponsor and submit grant applications on behalf of local governments, State-supported institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organization programs. Permits such entities to apply directly in the absence of a State-established program. Requires each State (or recipient in the absence of a State program) to report annually on use of grant funds. Set forth limitations on aggregate grants to each State for FY 1991 through 1995. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Office to report to the Congress on the progress of employee ownership and participation in U.S. businesses, including critical cost and benefit analysis of program activities.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1990
Amends the Warren Act to grant users of Federal reclamation projects certain rights with respect to the delivery of excess water. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) contract with other water agencies for the storage and transportation of water for irrigation districts; and (2) cooperate with other water agencies in the construction of reservoirs and canals for irrigation purposes. Expands the purposes for which excess storage or carrying capacity in reclamation projects may be used to include municipal, industrial, domestic, or miscellaneous purposes, including fish and wildlife purposes, as well as for irrigation purposes. Specifies that water shall not be furnished for irrigation uses from any reservoir or canal in excess of the amount sufficient to irrigate that landowner's ownership entitlement under Federal law.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1990
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the accession of Taiwan to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) is in the best interest of the United States and of the world trading system and should be achieved prior to the end of the Uruguay Round; and (2) the United States should take the necessary steps to assure such country's membership in the GATT.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1990
Department of Veterans Affairs Physicians' and Dentists' Compensation Act of 1990 - Revises provisions of Federal law relating to special pay for Department of Veterans Affairs physicians and dentists. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in order to recruit and retain highly qualified physicians and dentists, to provide special pay to such individuals under regulations prescribed by the Secretary after the Secretary has received the recommendations of the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Veterans Health Services and Research Administration (HSRA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (Department). Conditions such special pay on the execution of a written agreement by the physician or dentist to perform a period of obligated service within the HSRA. Provides that such individual is not entitled to such special pay during the first three years of such service, except at the discretion of the CMD for full-time services. Prohibits special pay for those physician and dentist positions for which there is no significant recruitment and retention problem. Sets forth requirements of a written agreement, including provisions providing for: (1) a covered period of one to four years; (2) refunding of special pay for unfulfilled services; (3) the waiver of such refund requirement due to circumstances beyond the control of the physician or dentist; and (4) terms under which the Secretary and the physician or dentist may terminate the agreement. Directs the Secretary to provide special pay to eligible full-time physicians based upon specified factors, including: (1) tenure within the HSRA; (2) service in a medical specialty for which it is extremely difficult to recruit and retain qualified professionals; (3) service in certain executive positions; (4) specialty or board certifications; (5) service in a geographic location for which there are extraordinary difficulties in the recruitment or retention of qualified personnel; and (6) service by a physician with exceptional qualifications within a specialty. Requires all special pay for such full-time physicians to be personally approved by the CMD on a case-by-case basis. Sets forth conditions and limitations to the payment of such special pay. Directs the Secretary to provide special pay to part-time eligible physicians based upon similar factors. Requires the Secretary to pay each such physician an amount of special pay equal to the proportion of full-time service that physician performs. Directs the Secretary to provide special pay to eligible full-time and part-time dentists based upon similar factors. Prohibits a physician from receiving such special pay while also receiving special pay for serving in certain executive positions. Allows scarce specialty pay (another form of special pay that rewards scarce specialty areas of practice) for a physician or dentist serving as a chief of staff only if it is necessary to recruit or retain qualified physicians or dentists for such position and only if the CMD personally approves such specialty pay. Requires, with regard to the payment of special pay, determinations: (1) that there are extraordinary difficulties in recruitment or retention; and (2) of whether there are extraordinary difficulties in a specific geographic location in the recruitment or retention of qualified physicians or dentists. Sets forth considerations for determinations with respect to extraordinary recruitment and retention difficulties and the payment of special pay for individual medical facilities of the Department. Requires the director of an individual facility, in such a case, to recommend the payment of such special pay to the CMD and wait 45 days after which such pay would become effective unless disapproved by the CMD. Provides for delegation of the approval power of the CMD. Prohibits the payment of special pay to physicians or dentists with respect to individual medical facilities of the Department unless the CMD determines that such pay is necessary to meet the needs of that particular facility for qualified physicians or dentists. Prohibits special pay from being paid to a physician or dentist who: (1) is employed on a less than half-time basis or on a intermittent basis unless the CMD determines it is the most cost-effective way of providing needed medical or dental services at a Department facility; (2) occupies an internship or residency training position; or (3) is a reemployed annuitant. Reinstates the payment of special pay under this Act for full-time physicians or dentists of the HSRA who had been receiving special pay under primary, full-time, and tenure categories before the authority for the payment of that special pay was repealed. Reinstates similarly the payment of special pay under the primary and tenure categories for part-time physicians and dentists of the HSRA. Outlines the manner in which special pay is to be considered for purposes of other benefits laws for Federal employees. States that it is the policy of the Congress to assure that total pay for HSRA physicians and dentists is comparable to total pay of other Government physicians and dentists and to the income of non-Federal physicians and dentists. Directs the Secretary: (1) in order to assist in implementing such policy, to obtain measures of income of such non-Department physicians and dentists and to define the bases for pay distinctions; (2) to report to the President quadrennially on appropriate amounts of special pay to HSRA physicians and dentists to carry out such policy; and (3) to report to specified congressional committees annually on the use of authorities under this title. Directs the Secretary to reimburse any full-time board-certified physician or dentist appointed in the HSRA for expenses incurred, up to $1,000 per year, for continuing professional education. Allows a physician or dentist within the HSRA who had previously received special pay under the full-time, primary, or tenure categories (repealed by this Act) and had elected not to have such pay treated as basic pay for purposes of retirement and annuity amounts to elect to treat the special pay provided under this Act as basic pay for such purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1990
Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to proceed with an administrative reorganization of certain regional field offices of the Veterans Health Services and Research Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs without regard to certain congressional notification requirements.