United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1990
Veterans Nurse Pay Act of 1990 - Requires the director of each Department of Veterans Affairs health-care facility to review the rates of basic pay paid to nurses by comparable non-Department health-care facilities within the same labor market. Requires such reviews, when feasible, to be based on survey data compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Provides that if the survey shows that the rate of basic pay for comparable positions at non-Department facilities is greater than that provided for the first four nurse pay grades (junior, associate, full, or intermediate nurse grade), the Secretary may increase such rates to make them competitive. Provides that if the rate of basic pay for intermediate grade nurse is increased, the Secretary may authorize an increase in basic pay rates for the remaining four nurse grades (senior, chief, assistant director, and director grades). Provides that if the rate of basic pay for intermediate grade nurse is not increased, the four remaining nurse grades shall be rated in accordance with the national nurse pay schedule already prescribed under Federal law. Provides that an employee who is transferred from one Department health-care facility to another shall be paid at the rate of pay in effect at the facility to which transferred. Eliminates, for staff and head nurses, the current time-and-a-half ceiling on nurse overtime pay. Prohibits nurse managers and supervisors other than head nurses from receiving overtime pay under such provision. Authorizes the Secretary to pay incentive pay equal to six percent of a nurse's hourly rate for each hour of service performed as a head nurse if such service is performed for 30 consecutive days or more. Authorizes the Secretary to pay to any nurse serving as Chief of Nursing Service at a Department health-care facility and to any nurse paid at the director grade or above incentive pay of between two and six percent of such nurse's annual basic pay rate. Authorizes the director of a Department facility to increase rates of special pay (paid to retain the services of certain key personnel) to the 28th step of the appropriate grade (currently, the 19th step). Allows only the Secretary or his designee to raise such rate beyond the 28th step. Prohibits such rate from exceeding the rate of basic pay for individuals serving as Assistant Chief Medical Director. Empowers the Secretary or his designee, when there is a severe shortage of well-qualified nurses, to grant exceptions to the reduction in pay required by law for reemployed annuitants employed on an intermittent or fee basis.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1990
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the President should urge the Government of Sudan and the Sudanese People's Liberation Army (SPLA) to adopt an informal ceasefire to facilitate relief efforts and to fully implement the agreement on phase II of Operation Lifeline Sudan; (2) the SPLA should immediately cease shelling the garrison town of Juba; and (3) the Sudanese Government should not obstruct private voluntary organizations assisting with humanitarian relief activities.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1990
Peace Corps Act Amendments of 1990 - Amends the Peace Corps Act to: (1) extend authorizations of appropriations for the Peace Corps through FY 1992; (2) shorten the period during which a former Foreign Service-appointed Peace Corps employee is ineligible for reemployment by the Peace Corps; and (3) 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.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1990
Senatorial Election Public Funding and Campaign Act of 1990 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to provide for spending limits and benefits for Senate general elections. Sets forth eligibility requirements for such benefits, including: (1) that a candidate has raised contributions totaling a specified minimum amount based on the State voting age population; (2) that such contributions have come from individuals, and that no individual has contributed more than $250; (3) that a candidate will abide by spending and other limitations of this Act; (4) that a specified percentage of contributions have come from constituents; (5) that at least one other candidate has qualified for the same general election; and (6) that a candidate apply for benefits under this Act. Provides that a contribution may not be counted unless: (1) it is made on a written instrument identifying the person making the contribution; (2) it is not made through an intermediary or conduit; (3) it is made by an individual and does not exceed the aggregate of $250; and (4) it was received after January 1 of the year preceding the election. Provides for increasing threshold amounts under this Act in accordance with increases in the price index. Limits personal expenditures during an election cycle to $20,000. Prohibits benefits to an eligible candidate who spends for the primary election more than 67 percent of the limitation on expenditures for the general election or more than $2,750,000, whichever amount is less. Prohibits payments to a candidate who spends for a runoff election more than 20 percent of the maximum amount of the limitation applicable to such candidate. Establishes spending limitations for a candidate in a State with no more than one transmitter for a commercial VHF television station. Allows a candidate to establish a fund with private contributions of up to ten percent of the general election spending limit to defray the costs of legal and accounting services provided solely to ensure compliance with this Act. Permits the candidate to petition the Federal Election Commission for a waiver of such limitation if such costs exceed the limitation. Requires, upon the termination or dissolution of such fund, that remaining amounts be contributed to the Treasury to reduce the budget deficit or transferred to a subsequent compliance fund. Increases the primary and runoff election spending limits by the amount of independent expenditures against a candidate or for his opponent during the two-year election cycle. Allows a candidate to accept private contributions in the event of a prorated payment from the Senate Account. Establishes formulae for determining entitlements of candidates of a major party and for those not of a major party. Entitles candidates to certain broadcast media rates and mailing rates. Provides for additional payments and suspension of spending limits in cases where non-participating candidates and their committees exceed spending limitations. Permits candidates who receive such additional benefits to use funds to defray expenditures in the general election. Prohibits the use of such benefits to: (1) make any payments directly or indirectly to the candidate or the candidate's immediate family; (2) make expenditures other than to further the general election; (3) make expenditures in violation of State or Federal law; or (4) repay any loan except to the extent the proceeds of such loan were used to further the general election. Requires the Federal Election Commission to certify the eligibility of candidates to the Secretary of the Treasury in order for such candidates to receive benefits. Requires the Secretary to maintain in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund the Senate Account for the deposit of funds for payments to eligible candidates. Makes candidates liable for repayment to the Account for any excess amounts they receive. Provides for prorating payments when monies in such Account are insufficient. Directs the Commission, after each general election, to audit the campaign expenses of publicly financed candidates. Establishes criminal penalties for knowing or willful violations of this Act. Subjects Commission actions under this Act to judicial review by the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Directs the Commission, after each election, to report to the Senate on actions taken under this Act. Authorizes appropriations to the Commission as necessary. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the amount an individual may designate to the Presidential Election Campaign Fund from $1 to $3 (and in the case of joint returns, from $2 to $6). Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to: (1) entitle to the lowest applicable broadcast rates during specified periods preceding elections only those eligible candidates who have agreed to contribution and spending limits and who are identifiable during at least 50 percent of the candidate's political broadcast; and (2) prohibit a broadcast station licensee from preempting the use of such station by legally qualified candidates for public office during such periods. Sets forth reporting requirements for Senate candidates relating to spending limitations, candidacy eligibility, and independent expenditures. Requires each political committee active in non-Federal elections and maintaining separate accounts for such purpose to file with the Commission reports of funds received into, and disbursements made from, such accounts for activities which may influence elections to Federal office. Requires, when two or more persons make expenditures in concert to promote the election or defeat of a candidate, each such person to report to the Commission on such expenditures. Requires political committees to report the name and address of secondary payees who provide goods and services to the candidate. Requires a Senate candidate, within 15 days of qualifying for a primary ballot, to file a declaration with the Commission stating whether he or she intends to expend from personal funds, and the funds of the candidate's immediate family, and incur personal loans in connection with the campaign in the aggregate of $250,000 or more for the election cycle. Requires a candidate who makes such expenditures to report to the Commission within 24 hours after such expenditures have been made, and thereafter, each time an expenditure exceeds $10,000. Requires the Commission to notify eligible candidates of such reports. Reduces to $2,500 the amount which multicandidate political committees may contribute to any candidate and his authorized political committees or to any other political committee. Limits the amount that political committees may contribute to House elections to $100,000 for a general or special election and $25,000 for a runoff election. Limits contributions to Senate elections to 30 percent of spending limits established by this Act for Senate candidates. Limits contributions to State committees of a political party to: (1) $25,000; or (2) two cents multiplied by the voting age population of the State, whichever is greater. Declares such contributions to State committees applicable to each two-year election cycle. Prohibits a congressional campaign committee from accepting, during a two-year election cycle, contributions from multicandidate political committees and separate segregated funds which exceed 30 percent of the total expenditures which may be made during such cycle by that committee on behalf of congressional candidates. Prohibits a national committee of a political party from accepting contributions from multicandidate political committees and separate segregated funds during the election cycle which equal an amount in excess of two cents multiplied by the voting age population of the United States. Provides that such prohibition does not apply to direct mail communications designed for fundraising purposes which make only incidental reference to Federal candidates. Provides for the accountability of contributions made by intermediaries or conduits. Describes when an expenditure shall not constitute an independent expenditure for purposes of this Act. Requires, when independent expenditures are made for television broadcast communications, that a statement appear continuously during such broadcast showing the name of the person or committee making such expenditure. Requires any type of general public communication to include such statement. Prohibits the use of campaign contributions to repay loans by a candidate to the candidate or the candidate's authorized committees. Makes referral to the Justice Department by the Commission mandatory in the case of criminal matters. Includes as a contribution to a Senate candidate an extension of credit for more than 60 days in an amount of more than $1,000. Provides for reduced postal rates for eligible Senate candidates. Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to require a non-eligible Senate candidate to disclose in advertisements or announcements that such candidate has not agreed to spending limits set forth under this Act. Repeals the exception which permits a Member of Congress who was such a Member on January 8, 1980, to convert excess campaign contributions to personal use. Requires presidential candidates to certify to the Commission that during the presidential primary and general election period, the candidate and his authorized committees and agents have not and will not solicit, receive, or spend, directly or indirectly, any funds in connection with a Federal, State, or local election unless such funds are subject to Federal fundraising and expenditure limitations. Prohibits a State committee of a political party from making any expenditure in connection with the general election campaign of any presidential candidate affiliated with such party which exceeds an amount equal to four cents multiplied by the voting age population of that State. Subjects to Federal fundraising and expenditure limitations any amount solicited, received, or spent by a national, State, or local committee of a political party, if such amount is solicited, received, or spent in connection with a Federal election. Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to revise membership requirements of the Federal Election Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1990
Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to credit individuals hired before April 1, 1986, by State or local governments which opt into the Medicare program (title XVIII of the Social Security Act) with quarters worked in jobs that were not subject to Medicare taxes for the purpose of determining whether such individuals are eligible for Medicare benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1990
Urges the President to: (1) conclude the current phase of the Nuclear Testing Talks and request Senate consent to ratification of the Threshold Test Ban Treaty and the Peaceful Nuclear Explosions Treaty; (2) convey to the Soviet Union the desire of the United States to continue the bilateral Nuclear Testing Talks to agree upon a definite timetable for the early achievement of a verifiable comprehensive test ban; and (3) express to the states party to the Limited Test Ban Treaty the willingness of the United States to pursue negotiations in the Test Ban Treaty Conference to broaden such treaty into a comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1990
Calls for: (1) an immediate cease-fire in Ethiopia; (2) expansion of the cross-border feeding operations; and (3) the Government of Ethiopia to permit the Port of Massawa to be opened for international relief operations. Urges the President to: (1) encourage adoption of a cease-fire; (2) encourage other countries to facilitate a cease-fire and relief efforts; (3) impress upon the Ethiopian Government the need for allowing relief access through the Massawa Port; (4) encourage a more prominent role for the United Nations in coordinating relief efforts; and (5) call on the Soviet Union to exert increased pressure on Ethiopia to allow full use of all relief corridors.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1990
Solar and Geothermal Power Production Incentives Act of 1990 - Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA) to remove the size limitations placed upon solar and geothermal facilities eligible for PURPA regulatory benefits. Amends the Federal Power Act to direct the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to promulgate proposed modifications to its regulations to implement this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1990
Extends the authorized length of temporary employment appointments by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs of certain health-care personnel from one to two years for persons who have successfully completed a full course of training as a nurse, physical therapist, practical or vocational nurse, occupational therapist, or pharmacist in a recognized school approved by the Secretary and for whom registration or licensure in a State or certification by a national board recognized by the Secretary is pending. Allows a student who has such a temporary appointment and who is pursuing an academic program leading to an appropriate degree in such a field of study to be reappointed by the Secretary for a period not to exceed the duration of the student's academic program.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1990
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit disclosure to the Department of Veterans Affairs of income-related tax return information for the purpose of verifying entitlement to, and determining the correct amount of, veterans' pensions and benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1990
Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to consider the sharing of health-care resources with the Department of Defense as an alternative to any "major medical facility project." (Current law applies to any project expected to cost over $2,000,000.) Revises the definition of a "major medical facility project" requiring congressional approval to increase the required expenditure from $2,000,000 to $3,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1990
Yosemite National Park Centennial Medal Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell medals in commemoration of the centennial of Yosemite National Park, California, in 1990. Requires that all sales of such medals include a surcharge of $2 each. Requires that all surcharges be paid to an endowment fund for the benefit of the Park to be administered by the National Park Foundation. Requires that the net income from the fund be paid to the Secretary of the Interior to fund special supplemental projects relating to back country trail development and rehabilitation and the preservation of Sequoia groves within the boundaries of the Park. Requires the Secretaries to enter into a memorandum of agreement to allow: (1) the Secretary of the Treasury to deliver medals to the Secretary of the Interior; and (2) the Secretary of the Interior to provide for the sale of the medals in National Park facilities. Grants the Comptroller General the right to examine all records of the National Park Foundation which are related to such medals.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1990
Expresses concern regarding the situation in Lithuania. Calls upon the Soviet Union to adhere to its stated acceptance of the norms of international law as they apply to Lithuania. Urges the President and Secretary of State to make efforts to ensure that either the Security Council or a special session of the General Assembly requests an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice concerning the right of the Lithuanian people to self-determination.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1990
National Biological Diversity Conservation and Environmental Research Act of 1990 - States that the global conservation of biological diversity is a national priority. Requires Federal actions to be consistent with such goal. Directs Federal agencies to conduct annual reviews of their programs for consistency with the conservation of biological diversity pursuant to this Act and to report the results of such reviews to the President, the Council on Environmental Quality, and the Congress. Sets forth requirements for programs found to be inconsistent with this Act. Directs the Council on Environmental Quality to: (1) establish guidelines for consideration of biological diversity in the preparation of environmental impact statements; and (2) identify those biotic communities, species, and populations that appear to be in decline, in imminent danger of loss of viability, or otherwise of special concern. Requires impacts on biological diversity to be considered in the assessment of impacts of Federal actions under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Sets forth requirements for the Council on Environmental Quality with respect to the review of agency reviews on biological diversity. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, in reviewing environmental impacts under the Clean Air Act, to consider an action to be unsatisfactory if it is likely to result in a significant reduction of biological diversity. Establishes within the Smithsonian Institution a National Center for Biological Diversity and Conservation Research (Center) responsible for: (1) coordinating the collection of data pertaining to the national biota and supplementing and disseminating such information; (2) arranging and conducting surveys and supplementary research of the national biota; and (3) enhancing the application of biological data to the conservation of biological diversity. Establishes an Interagency Working Committee on Biological Diversity responsible for preparing a coordinated Federal strategy (Strategy) for conservation of biological diversity. Requires specified entities to designate representatives to work with the Committee to ensure the coordination of the Strategy with the existing U.S. strategy on international biological diversity and with related international treaty obligations. Dissolves the Committee after the submission of Federal and regional strategies for biological diversity. Sets forth required contents of the Strategy. Requires the Committee to delineate large ecological regions within the United States and to prepare a biological diversity strategy for such regions. Authorizes each agency represented on the Committee to provide grants to public agencies, private individuals, and organizations for projects to maintain or restore biological diversity. Directs each entity represented on the Committee to: (1) give high priority to research and personnel training directed towards implementation of the Strategy; and (2) assess the adequacy of its environmental research and training programs. Requires the National Science Foundation to support research that integrates fundamental and applied science toward conservation of biological diversity. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) research the potential of increased utilization of biological diversity in agriculture; (2) undertake long studies of agroecosystems; and (3) assess the impact of agricultural and forestry practices on biological diversity and recommend improvements, as appropriate. Establishes, as a permanent entity, a National Scientific Advisory Committee on Biological Diversity which shall: (1) oversee the implementation and coordination of the Strategy; (2) assist in the evaluation of the impacts of proposed Federal activities on biological diversity; (3) assist in the review of Federal programs for consistency with the conservation of biological diversity and the adequacy of such programs in environmental research and training; and (4) serve as a general reference and advisory resource for the Nation in matters relating to conservation of biological diversity. Directs specified Federal agencies to encourage conservation of biological diversity through: (1) supporting and coordinating global conservation of biological diversity programs; (2) supporting research for, and increasing training, education, and technical assistance related to, sustainable development and international conservation of biological diversity; and (3) cooperating with each other and international organizations to carry out such activities. Requires the Agency for International Development (AID) to hire U.S. environmental and natural resources staff with training in conservation of biological diversity and sustainable development. Reaffirms congressional support for provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 which address tropical deforestation and loss of biological diversity. Directs AID to give high priority to the implementation of such provisions. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1990
Designates September 16 through 22, 1990, as National Rehabilitation Week. Urges each State Governor and local government chief executive to issue proclamations calling upon their citizens to observe such week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1990
Approves the findings of the General Accounting Office report of March 29, 1990, regarding employer sanctions under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1990
Declares that the Congress should: (1) establish a program of research for the development of methods of contraception and methods of diagnosing and treating infertility; (2) provide adequate long-term resources for the program; (3) ensure that Federal programs with respect to sexually transmitted diseases adequately respond to the role of such diseases in infertility; (4) ensure public education on contraception and infertility; (5) establish as Federal goals the development, by the year 2010, of improved barrier methods to protect against pregnancy and diseases, new methods of contraception for use by men, a vaccine-like drug for women that prevents pregnancy for a significant period of time without other specified effects, and new and improved techniques of diagnosing and treating infertility; (6) require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to reestablish the Ethical Advisory Board in order to facilitate research with respect to infertility; (7) review the policies and procedures of the Food and Drug Administration with respect to expediting approval of drugs and devices for use by the public, especially with respect to contraception and infertility; and (8) determine to what extent measures can be implemented by public or private entities to resolve liability issues involved with drugs and devices concerned with contraception and infertility.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1990
Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to authorize FY 1991 through 1995 appropriations for the targeted export assistance program. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) monitor recipient expenditures; and (2) report to the appropriate congressional committees.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1990
Extends through September 30, 1990, the eligibility for readjustment appointments of certain Vietnam era veterans who qualified for such appointments on December 31, 1989, and lost such eligibility as a result of amendments made by the Veterans' Benefits Amendments of 1989.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1990
Amends Federal patent law to provide that a process of making a product shall not be considered obvious (and shall thus be patentable) if an essential material used in the process is novel and nonobvious. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to declare as an unlawful trade practice the importation into the United States of articles made or processed by means of a biotechnological material infringing on an enforceable U.S. patent.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1990
Guarantee of Free Access to Medical Facilities Act of 1990 - Amends the Federal criminal code to make it a felony to intentionally prevent an individual from entering or exiting a medical facility.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1990
Drug Emergency Areas Act of 1990 - Amends the National Narcotics Leadership Act of 1988 to replace language with respect to the designation of high intensity drug trafficking areas with provisions authorizing the President to declare a State or part of a State to be a drug emergency area. Requires requests for such a declaration to be made, in writing, by the Governor or chief executive officer of any affected State or local government and forwarded to the President through the Director of National Drug Control Policy. Allows cities, counties, or States to submit a joint request. Requires requests to be based on a written finding that the emergency is of such severity and magnitude that Federal assistance is necessary to ensure an effective response. Prohibits the President from limiting declarations made under this Act to highly-populated centers of drug trafficking, drug use, or drug-related violence. Requires the President to consider applications from governments of less populated areas where the magnitude and severity of such activities are beyond the capability of the State or local government to respond. Requires Governors or chief executive officers, as part of such requests and as a prerequisite to such assistance, to: (1) take appropriate action under State or local law to respond to the crisis and furnish information on the nature and amount of State and local resources which have been or will be committed to alleviating the emergency; (2) certify that State and local government obligations and expenditures will comply with all applicable cost-sharing requirements; and (3) submit a detailed plan outlining the State or local government's short- and long-term plans to respond to the emergency. Requires the Director to review requests submitted and forward the application to the President, along with a recommendation. Authorizes the President to make grants to State or local governments of up to $50,000,000 for any single emergency. Limits the Federal share to 75 percent of the costs necessary to implement the short- and long-term plan. Limits the duration of assistance to a drug disaster area to one year, after which the Governors or chief executive officers may apply for an extension of up to 180 days. Requires any State or local government receiving Federal assistance to balance the allocation of such assistance evenly between drug supply and demand reduction efforts, unless State or local conditions dictate otherwise. Authorizes the President to: (1) direct any Federal agency to utilize its authorities and resources to support State and local efforts; and (2) provide technical and advisory assistance. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1990
Authorizes the Secretary of Education to pay to the Museum of Tolerance of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, in Los Angeles, California, 50 percent of the cost of designing and operating education programs concerning the Holocaust. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1990
Homeownership and Opportunity for People Everywhere Act of 1990 - Title I: HOPE Grants - Subtitle A: HOPE for Public and Indian Housing Homeownership - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to authorize planning and implementation matching grants for public and Indian housing homeownership. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: HOPE for HUD Multifamily Homeownership - Authorizes technical assistance, planning, and implementation matching grants for multifamily housing. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: HOPE for Homeownership through Nonprofit Organizations - Authorizes implementation matching grants to private nonprofit organizations to carry out homeownership programs. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Preservation of Low-Income Housing and Resident Homeownership - Retitles title II of the Emergency Low Income Housing Preservation Act of 1987 as the "Low-Income Housing Preservation and Resident Homeownership Act of 1990." Revises mortgage prepayment provisions. Authorizes approval of resident homeownership plans. Sets forth related conditions. Title III: Other HOPE Programs - Amends the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act to establish the shelter plus care program to provide specified rental assistance in connection with related support services to homeless persons who are seriously mentally ill or who have chronic alcohol or drug problems. Authorizes appropriations. Establishes a demonstration program to test the effectiveness of combining housing vouchers and support services to assist frail elderly persons to continue to live independently. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to establish the Operation Bootstrap program to promote the development of local strategies to coordinate certificate and voucher program assistance with public and private resources to enable eligible families to achieve economic independence. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Housing Opportunity Zones - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to designate Housing Opportunity Zones and approve Barrier-Removal Plans for cities and urban counties in order to remove legislative and administrative barriers to new and rehabilitated housing production.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1990
Acknowledges that Jerusalem is and should remain the capital of the State of Israel. Declares that Jerusalem must remain an undivided city in which the rights of every ethnic religious group are protected. Calls upon all parties involved in the search for peace to maintain their efforts to bring about negotiations between Israel and Palestinian representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1990
Federal Pay Comparability Reform Act of 1990 - Abolishes the Advisory Committee on Federal Pay and the President's Pay Agent. Creates the Federal Pay Council, to be headed by the Director of the Office of Personnel Management. Directs the Council to determine locality-based pay adjustments for professional, administrative, technical, clerical, law enforcement, and other employment categories based upon a biennial survey by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) which compares the rates of pay of Federal employees within a local pay area to non-Federal rates of pay for the same pay area. Directs the Council to determine annual general adjustments to increase the rates of pay for all Federal employees by a percentage equal to the increase in the Employment Cost Index based upon data provided by BLS. Directs the Council to recommend the boundaries of each local pay area to BLS. Provides that an employee whose permanent duty station is not located within a pay area surveyed by BLS shall receive that locality-based pay adjustment, if any, payable to employees in the nearest wage locality. Provides that for purposes of pay retention, the portion of the employee's rate of pay based on locality-based adjustments shall not be considered his or her rate of pay if the employee transfers to a locality with a differing locality-based pay rate. Requires locality-based pay rates to be considered part of the employee's basic pay for purposes other than pay retention such as retirement, life insurance, and severance pay. Directs the President to make general annual adjustments and locality-based adjustments to the rates of pay of Federal employees unless he reports to the Congress in his budget that such adjustments should be limited or not implemented because of a national emergency or economic conditions affecting the general welfare that require imposition of national wage-price controls. Requires such adjustments to be implemented after the termination of a national emergency or wage price controls. Grants the President the authority to provide for special pay rates if the Government's efforts to recruit or retain well-qualified individuals are significantly handicapped by: (1) the remoteness of the area or location involved; (2) undesirable working conditions, including exposure to toxic substances; or (3) any other circumstances which the President considers appropriate. Prohibits a minimum special pay rate from exceeding the maximum statutory pay rate for the applicable grade or level. Authorizes the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to grant authority to executive department and agency heads to fix the basic rate of pay of up to 100 Government-wide critical positions at an annual rate that does not exceed the rate for level I of the Executive Schedule. Directs agency heads, in determining whether a position is critical, to consider the extent to which: (1) the position requires scientific, technical, professional, or administrative qualifications; and (2) additional compensation is necessary to recruit or retain exceptionally qualified individuals. Allows such authority to be reexercised when: (1) such a position remains a critical position; and (2) the Director reconfirms his or her original allocation of critical-position pay authority among executive departments and agencies. Eliminates the grade requirement for positions for which agencies may pay new employees above the minimum rate of the appropriate grade in order to attract candidates. Limits aggregate pay for positions receiving locality-based adjustments to the rate of pay for level II of the Executive Schedule. Directs the Council to report to the President and the Congress on: (1) the feasibility of including Federal employees stationed outside the continental United States or in Alaska who receive allowances for living costs and environmental conditions within a locality pay plan; (2) the feasibility of linking all or part of the annual adjustments and locality-based adjustments to the employee's on-the-job performance; and (3) a plan to close any remaining differences in Federal pay in comparison with private enterprise and State and local government pay rates. Revises the definition of statutory pay system to apply pay comparability provisions to the Performance Management and Recognition System.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1990
Breast and Cervical Cancer Mortality Prevention Act of 1990 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control, to make grants to States, with regard to breast and cervical cancer, for screening, referrals and follow-up services, public information and education programs, education and training for health professionals, quality monitoring of screening, and evaluations of such activities. Sets forth preferences in making the grants and requires equitable geographical distribution. Requires matching non-Federal funds in a specified ratio. Requires that States agree to: (1) provide all of certain services by a specified date; (2) switch to any improved screening procedures which become available; and (3) assure the quality of any screening procedures used. Directs the Secretary to establish guidelines for assuring the quality of mammography and cytological screening conducted under these provisions. Requires that low-income women be given priority in the provision of services. Requires that a charge for services, if any: (1) be made according to a public schedule; (2) be adjusted for income of the woman involved; and (3) not be imposed on any woman with incomes below the poverty line. Requires services to be provided throughout a State, including to members of any Indian tribe or tribal organization. Authorizes the Secretary to provide training and technical assistance. Directs the Secretary to provide for annual evaluations of programs carried out under this Act. Authorizes appropriations. Limits the number of grants made to seven in FY 1991.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1990
Magnetic Levitation Transportation Act of 1990 - Amends the High-Speed Ground Transportation Act to require the Secretary of Transportation to lead and coordinate Federal efforts in the development of magnetic levitation (maglev) transportation technologies. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into one or more cooperative research and development agreements with U.S. companies to: (1) research how to overcome technical barriers to the development and construction of maglev transportation systems; and (2) transfer such technology to industry to help create a viable commercial maglev transportation industry in the United States. Authorizes appropriations. Establishes within the Federal Railroad Administration the High-Speed Ground Transportation Office.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1990
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the current inquiries into the activities of the British West Midlands Serious Crime Squad must be extended to cover the period of the Birmingham bombings of November 21, 1974; and either (2) the British Prime Minister should call upon the British Home Secretary to reopen the case of the Birmingham Six (those convicted for the bombings); or (3) an independent review tribunal should be established.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1990
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employees to make voluntary contributions by payroll deduction to the Presidential Election Campaign Fund. Authorizes payments from such Fund for congressional candidates and for voter registration and get-out-the-vote campaigns.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1990
Federal Law Enforcement Pay Reform Act of 1990 - Raises the minimum per annum rates of basic pay for entry level grades GS-3 through GS-10 for Federal law enforcement officers on a sliding scale with larger adjustments at the lower levels. Directs the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to prescribe regulations to: (1) readjust the rates of pay for such entry level grades every three years, based upon comparisons of State and local compensation for comparable work, in order to keep starting salaries of Federal law enforcement officers competitive with those paid to State and local law enforcement officers; and (2) establish a mechanism to adjust the rates of pay of Federal law enforcement officers serving in certain high cost-of-living areas in order to recruit and retain the best-qualified individuals. Sets forth procedures for identifying those regions for which higher pay rates are needed. Terminates a pay rate payable to Federal law enforcement officers that is based on a particular region if such an officer is transferred or reassigned to a place outside of such region. Requires pay rates established under this Act to be based on data compiled by the National Advisory Commission on Law Enforcement. Directs the Bureau of Labor Statistics to survey State and local law enforcement salaries every three years to compile the data needed to carry out this Act. Authorizes Federal agency heads, in order to retain highly qualified law enforcement officers who possess special skills or experience or whose continued services are particularly important due to factors associated with the geographic area to which they are assigned, to pay Federal law enforcement officers who are eligible for retirement an allowance of up to $10,000 per year provided the officers agree to complete at least one year of additional service in the agency involved. Makes Federal law enforcement officers who are transferred to an area within the United States having higher than average housing costs eligible for a relocation payment of up to $20,000 provided they agree to remain in Federal law enforcement for a specified period. Authorizes Federal agencies to offer rates of pay higher than the minimum rates for positions of GS-3 (currently, GS-11) or above if necessary to attract well qualified entry-candidates for Federal law enforcement service. Authorizes Federal agencies to pay law enforcement officers who possess and make substantial use of foreign language proficiency while performing their official duties a cash award of up to 25 percent of basic pay. Raises the mandatory age for Federal law enforcement officers to retire under the Civil Service and Federal Employees' Retirement Systems from 55 to 57. Changes the method of computing overtime for Federal law enforcement officers to one and one-half times the hourly rate of basic pay for work performed in excess of 40 hours per week. Limits the aggregate rate of pay (including premium pay) for Federal law enforcement officers in a calendar year to the pay rate for level V of the Executive Schedule. Prohibits application of other limitations on premium pay for administratively uncontrollable overtime.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1990
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the proposal of the Coalition Government of Democratic Kampuchea for a quadripartite interim government is not an acceptable basis for negotiations; (2) the proposal for an enhanced United Nations role in Cambodia that would lead to free and fair elections this year is the most feasible way to achieve a settlement compatible with the best interests of the Cambodian people; (3) outside observers or organizations should be mobilized to supervise the elections; and (4) the administration should initiate discussions with the Cambodian Government on holding elections, request that multilateral aid organizations begin planning for Cambodia's reconstruction and development, and encourage the People's Republic of China to cease its weapons exports to the Khmer Rouge.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1990
Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency Act of 1990 - Title I: HIV Emergency Relief Grant Program - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award emergency relief grants to any metropolitan statistical area (eligible area) as specified by the Secretary that has reported more than 2000 AIDS cases and that meets other requirements. Requires that the grants be directed to the chief elected official of the city or county that administers the public health agency serving the greatest proportion of individuals with AIDS in the eligible area. Requires the administering local political subdivision (ALPS) to establish a mechanism to allocate funds based on the proportion of AIDS cases and the severity of need of the local political subdivisions. Provides for the establishment of an HIV health services planning council, by each ALPS and its chief elected official, to establish fund allocation priorities and assess fund allocation efficiency. Provides, at specified times, that one-half of funds appropriated for the grants be used for regular grants and one-half be used for supplemental grants. Allows the grants to be used by the grantee to provide assistance to any public or nonprofit hospital, clinic, nursing home, sub-acute care facility, or health center that is providing services to a disproportionate share of low-income individuals and families with HIV disease and is expending resources that exceed reimbursement. Allows a recipient institution to use the amounts to: (1) enhance the quality of services to low income individuals and families with HIV disease; and (2) deliver outpatient and ambulatory care services, including case management, to such individuals and families, including comprehensive treatment and support services. Allows grant amounts to be used to provide direct financial assistance to any public or nonprofit agency, clinic, community based organization, or community health center that has the capacity to provide case managed outpatient health and support services to individuals and families with HIV disease that are critical to prevent unnecessary inpatient hospitalization and to expedite the discharge of the individual to the most medically appropriate level of service. Allows grant amounts to be used to renovate or rehabilitate congregate care housing units, long-term care facilities, and sub-acute care facilities, provided certain conditions, including a requirement of matching local or State funds, are met. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: HIV Care Grants - Directs the Secretary to make grants to States to improve the quality, availability, and organization of care, treatment, and support services for individuals and families with HIV disease. Allows grant funds to be used, with regard to HIV disease, to: (1) establish and operate care consortia; (2) provide home- and community-based care; (3) assist mechanisms that assure the continuity of health insurance; (4) provide therapeutic treatments to low income individuals; and (5) integrate early intervention services with care and support services provided in existing public health and medical care settings. Requires a State, subject to waiver in certain circumstances, to use at least 15 percent of the funds allocated to provide health and support services to infants, children, women, and families with HIV disease. Requires that, to the extent practicable, services under these provisions be provided without regard to the ability of the individual to pay, and that: (1) any charges be pursuant to a public schedule; (2) no charges be imposed on an individual with an income of 200 percent of the poverty line or less; and (3) charges imposed on individuals above such income level be adjusted to reflect their income. Requires the Secretary to use ten percent of the funds appropriated under this title to: (1) provide technical assistance to States; and (2) establish and administer a Special Projects of National Significance Program to make direct grants to States, localities, or community-based organizations to fund special programs for the care and treatment of individuals with HIV disease. Sets forth: (1) award criteria; and (2) permitted goals of recipient programs. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: HIV Disease Health Services Research, Evaluation, and Assessment - Directs the Secretary, through the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, to establish a program to enable independent research to be conducted by individuals and organizations to develop: (1) a comparative assessment of the impact and cost-effectiveness of major models for organizing treatment and support services; (2) a review of major health services financing mechanisms; (3) an assessment of how point-of-entry procedures for obtaining treatment and services impact cost, quality, and outcome, and the extent to which quality, cost, and outcome can be related to the source of payment; (4) a comprehensive report of financial, regulatory, organizational, and social barriers that serve to limit the delivery of services; (5) a summary concerning major and continuing unmet needs in health care, treatment, early intervention, and support service delivery; and (6) a review and assessment of models for the delivery of services to infants, children, women, and families.
![Official portrait of Sen. Cranston, Alan [D-CA]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/c000877_200.jpg)