United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1991
Health Care Liability Reform and Quality of Care Improvement Act of 1991 - Title I: Findings and Purpose - Sets forth: (1) findings regarding this Act; and (2) the purpose of this Act. Title II: Health Care Liability Reforms - Requires, in order to be eligible to participate in the incentive program provided for in this title, that States have in effect the health care liability reforms set forth in this title. Requires, in any health care liability action, the liability of each defendant for non-economic damages to be several and not joint, with each defendant liable only for the proportion of that defendant's fault and a separate judgment against that defendant in that amount. Prohibits awarding non-economic damages over a certain dollar amount in any health care liability action, subject to waiver. Reduces the total damages received by a plaintiff by the amount of any collateral source benefits. Allows: (1) future economic damage awards to be paid periodically based on when the damages are likely to occur or at the time the damages accrue; and (2) in certain circumstances, the court to require the health care provider to purchase an annuity or fund a reversionary trust to make such periodic payments. Prohibits reopening a judgment awarding periodic payments to contest, amend, or modify the schedule or amount in the absence of fraud or any ground permitting relief after entry of a final judgment. Declares it U.S. policy to encourage alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Requires a State to establish at least one ADR mechanism. Requires a State to: (1) cooperate with Federal research efforts regarding patient outcomes, clinical effectiveness, and clinical practice guidelines; (2) collect, analyze, and supply the Secretary of Health and Human Services with information regarding the performance of State medical boards; and (3) impose continuing education requirements on a disciplined physician. Allows alternatives to these requirements regarding medical boards and continuing education if the Secretary finds the alternatives at least as effective in reducing the incidence of negligence as compliance with the requirements. Allows States three years from the adoption of this Act to enact, adopt, or otherwise comply with the requirements of this title. Requires withholding two percent of payments to States computed under specified provisions of title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act and one percent of payments to hospitals computed under specified provisions of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act and redistribution of the withheld funds to those States and hospitals which have complied with the provisions of this title. Allows waiver of the requirements of this title for any experimental, pilot, or demonstration project which is likely to assist in promoting the objectives of this Act. Title III: Federal Implementation of Health Care Liability Reforms - Amends Federal law to prohibit, in a health care liability action, finding the United States jointly and severally liable for non-economic damages. Allows liability only for those non-economic damages directly attributable to its pro rata share of fault. Reduces damages paid by the United States by the amount of any collateral source benefits. Prohibits awarding non-economic damages, in an action against the United States, over a certain dollar amount. Requires, at the request of the United States when future economic damages are awarded in excess of a specified amount, an order that such damages be paid by periodic payments based on when the damages are likely to occur. Allows the United States, in such cases, to pay the judgment periodically purchase an annuity, or fund a reversionary trust. Prohibits reopening the judgment to contest, amend, or modify the schedule or amount in the absence of fraud or any ground permitting relief after entry of a final judgment. Title IV: Construction of Provisions - Provides for construction of this Act, severability, and the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1991
Condemns the murder of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and others in the bomb explosion on May 21, 1991. Expresses regret over the deaths of Gandhi and other victims of election violence in India. Offers condolences to Gandhi's widow and children and to the people of India. Stands in solidarity with the Indian people in their effort to sustain the most successful democratic tradition in the developing world.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1991
Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 1991 - Amends the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968 and the Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Act of 1979 (HLPSA) to direct the Secretary of Transportation to define environmentally sensitive areas to include: (1) earthquake zones and areas subject to substantial ground movements like landslides; (2) areas where groundwater contamination would be likely in the event of a pipeline rupture; (3) freshwater lakes, rivers, and waterways; and (4) river deltas and other areas subject to soil erosion or subsidence from flooding or other water action where pipeline facilities are likely to become exposed or undermined. Makes the Secretary responsible for protection of the environment in issuing Federal pipeline safety standards. Requires pipeline operators to report to the Secretary any conditions that could have a significant adverse impact on the natural environment. Revises the required pipeline inventory to include: (1) all pipeline facilities in environmentally sensitive areas, or in or immediately adjacent to cities, towns, or villages; and (2) all pipelines built before 1971. Amends the HLPSA to direct the Secretary to survey and assess the effectiveness of procedures, systems, and equipment used to detect and locate hazardous liquid pipeline ruptures and minimize product releases from pipeline facilities. Requires the Secretary, within 12 months after completing the survey, to issue regulations to establish standards and require procedures and equipment for the rapid detection and location of pipeline ruptures and shut down of pipeline facilities located in or adjacent to environmentally sensitive areas and cities, towns, and villages. Amends the HLPSA to direct the Secretary to issue regulations to require hydrostatic testing of all hazardous liquid pipelines regardless of date of construction. Amends the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968 to direct the Secretary to: (1) issue regulations requiring operators of natural gas distribution systems to install excess flow valves in new or renewed gas service lines; and (2) publish guidelines for assessing the safety of existing cast iron gas pipes and for determining the conditions under which pipeline facilities using such pipes shall be replaced in order to ensure continuing pipeline safety.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1991
Enterprise Zone Jobs-Creation Act of 1991 - Title I: Designation of Enterprise Zones - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (Secretary) to designate enterprise zones for purposes of providing tax and regulatory relief and improving local services. Limits choices to areas nominated by States and local governments. Limits the total number of areas that may be designated, and the time period of the designation. Authorizes the Secretary to designate a zone only if the area meets certain locational, demographic, unemployment, and poverty criteria. Requires nominating local governments, as a condition of the Secretary's designation, to agree in writing to follow a course of action that may include reducing tax rates, improving local services, simplifying or streamlining regulation of business, and providing job training to area residents. Describes areas to which the Secretary must give preference in selecting areas for designation. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress every four years on the effects of such enterprise zones' designation in accomplishing the purposes of this Act. Title II: Federal Income Tax Incentives - Allows a nonrefundable income tax credit to enterprise zone employees for five percent of any wages earned as do not exceed a specified amount. Phases out such credit. Provides for the nonrecognition of capital gain on the sale of enterprise zone property. Allows a taxpayer a deduction on the aggregate amount paid for the purchase of enterprise stock on its original issue by a qualified issuer. Requires any gain from the disposition of the stock to be treated as ordinary income. Title III: Regulatory Flexibility - Amends Federal law to revise the definition of "small entity" for purposes of the analysis of regulatory functions to include qualified business, government, and nonprofit enterprises operating within enterprise zones. Authorizes Federal agencies, upon request by a designating government, to waive or modify rules and regulations pertaining to the implementation of projects or activities within an enterprise zone. Requires agencies to approve the request if the resulting benefits of job creation, community development, or economic revitalization outweigh the public interest in retaining the rule unchanged. Disallows waiver or modification of a rule that would directly violate a statutory requirement or present a danger to the public health and safety. Title IV: Establishment of Foreign-Trade Zones in Enterprise Zones - Requires the Foreign-Trade Zone Board to consider on a priority basis and to expedite the processing of applications for the establishment of foreign-trade zones within enterprise zones. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to give priority to, and expedite applications for, the establishment of ports of entry necessary to establish such zones. Title V: Repeal of Title VII of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987 - Repeals title VII (enterprise zone development) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1991
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Authorization Act of 1991 - Title I: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations to carry out the following Acts: (1) the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966; (2) the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act; and (3) the National Driver Register Act of 1982. Authorizes appropriations for National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) highway safety programs and research and development. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to expend sums authorized as necessary to conduct research on intelligent vehicle highway systems. Directs the Secretary to develop a strategic plan for such research. Specifies that such research should place particular emphasis on aspects of those systems that will increase safety and should identify any aspects that might degrade safety. Title II: Requirements for Vehicles - Directs the Secretary to: (1) issue a final rule amending Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 214 to establish performance criteria for improved occupant head injury protection in side impacts; and (2) issue a final rule to extend the applicability of such Standard to multipurpose passenger vehicles. Directs the Secretary to enter into arrangements with the National Academy of Sciences to study means of establishing a method for calculating a uniform numerical rating, or series of ratings, enabling consumers to compare meaningfully the crashworthiness data for passenger cars and multipurpose passenger vehicles. Prescribes the contents of such study. Requires that a report of such study be submitted to the Secretary and the Congress within 19 months after the date of enactment of this Act. Prescribes schedules for: (1) obtaining public comment on implementation of National Academy recommendations; (2) determining whether an objectively based system of comparative crashworthiness data can be established; (3) promulgating a rule to establish such a system, if the determination is positive; (4) submitting the proposed rule for review to specified congressional committees; (5) waiting 60 calendar days after such submission, unless both committees notify the Secretary that they have no objection to the rule; and (6) establishing (by rule) procedures requiring auto dealers to make comparative crashworthiness data available to prospective purchasers. Amends the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 to direct the Secretary to establish: (1) a schedule for use in ensuring compliance with each Federal motor vehicle safety standard established under such Act which the Secretary determines is capable of being tested; (2) written guidelines and procedures for conducting investigations regarding noncompliance with the regulations issued under such Act; and (3) criteria for the determination and imposition of civil penalties for such noncompliance. Directs the Secretary to complete a rulemaking to: (1) review the classification system for vehicles with a gross weight under 10,000 pounds to determine if such vehicles should be reclassified; and (2) consider the establishment of a standard to protect against unreasonable risk of rollover of passenger cars and multipurpose passenger vehicles. Mandates that a specified percentage of certain authorized appropriations be used to disseminate consumer information regarding retrofitting passenger cars with lap and shoulder rear seatbelts. Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to direct the Secretary to promulgate regulations establishing passenger motor vehicle bumper impact labeling requirements. Directs the Secretary to submit periodic reports to the Congress detailing efforts to ensure that State motor vehicle inspection programs are implemented in the most effective manner possible. Requires reports to: (1) specify Federal manpower allocations for support of State safety inspection efforts, and allocations and expenditures of Federal funds on such efforts; (2) describe the extent and effect of coordination with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency regarding required safety and emissions inspections; (3) list the States that do not have periodic safety inspection programs meeting Federal requirements; and (4) include any data furnished by the States that operate such safety inspection programs concerning the relative effectiveness of their particular programs. Directs the Secretary to establish a program requiring airbags for: (1) Federal passenger vehicles, beginning with passenger cars acquired after September 30, 1991; and (2) all passenger cars and light trucks, buses, and multipurpose passenger vehicles, phased in according to a specified schedule, starting with passenger cars manufactured on and after September 1, 1995. Directs the Secretary to amend the bumper standard published in the Code of Federal Regulations to ensure that such standard is identical to that in effect on January 1, 1982. Requires the Secretary to conduct a rulemaking to increase the safety of child booster seats used in passenger cars. Amends the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 to authorize the Secretary to direct the manufacturer of a defective motor vehicle or motor vehicle part to send a second notification if the Secretary determines that the first notification sent by such manufacturer has not resulted in an adequate number of vehicles (or items of equipment) being returned for remedy. Requires any lessor who receives notification of a defective motor vehicle part pertaining to any leased motor vehicle to send a copy of such notice to the lessee. Provides that a dealer may sell or lease a motor vehicle (or motor vehicle item) for which a safety defect notice has been received only if: (1) the defect or failure to comply has been remedied before delivery under sale or lease; or (2) an enforcement order has been set aside or restrained. Directs the Secretary to conduct a rulemaking on the use of darkened windshields and window glass in passenger automobiles. Directs the Secretary to make grants to States which adopt and implement seatbelt and child restraint programs which include specified measures to foster the increased use of seatbelts and the correct use of child restraint systems. Sets conditions for the use of such grants by such States. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to initiate a rulemaking to: (1) consider methods of reducing head injuries in passenger automobiles and multipurpose passenger vehicles from contact with vehicle interior components by revising the appropriate Federal motor vehicle safety standards; and (2) consider the establishment of a standard to minimize pedestrian death and injury attributable to vehicle components. Directs the Secretary to complete a rulemaking to amend Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 to authorize passenger cars and multipurpose passenger vehicles to be equipped with daytime running lights. Directs the Secretary to conduct a rulemaking to consider: (1) whether to adopt a Federal motor vehicle safety standard requiring antilock brake systems for all passenger cars and multipurpose passenger vehicles manufactured after September 1, 1996; (2) the establishment of a standard requiring that such cars and vehicles be equipped with heads-up displays capable of projecting speed, fuel, and other instrument readings on the lower part of the windshield (enabling the driver to check such readings without looking down); and (3) whether to amend any existing standard applicable to seatbelts for modification of seatbelt design to take into account the needs of children and short adults. Requires that standards established under this Act be in accordance with applicable provisions of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, including provisions requiring that Federal motor vehicle safety standards be practicable, meet the need for motor vehicle safety, and be stated in objective terms. Title III: Highway Traffic Safety - Impaired Driving Prevention Act of 1991 - Directs the Secretary to make basic and supplemental grants to States which adopt and implement impaired driving enforcement programs to prevent impaired driving. Sets forth: (1) eligibility requirements for basic and supplemental grants (such as State mandatory blood alcohol concentration testing programs and standards, programs for preventing drivers under age 21 from obtaining alcoholic beverages, drugged driving prevention laws, and unlawful open container and alcohol consumption programs); (2) a waiver provision of basic grant eligibility requirements for reduced alcohol-related fatalities within a State; and (3) the Federal share payable for such grants. Authorizes appropriations. Sets deadlines for the issuance of regulations by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1991
Designates the week beginning July 21, 1991, as Korean War Veterans Remembrance Week. Requires the President to urge that the American flag be flown at half staff on July 27, 1991, in honor of those Americans who died as a result of their service in Korea.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1991
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 in an expeditious manner; and (2) the United States should take the necessary steps to assure such country's membership in the GATT.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1991
Driftnet Moratorium Enforcement Act of 1991 - Directs the President to certify to the Congress each country (defining "country" as the Republic of Korea, Japan, and Taiwan) that: (1) has not notified the United States that it will cease large-scale driftnet fishing by a certain date; and (2) has not, by that date, ceased such fishing. Deems certification that a country has failed to give notice of its intent to cease driftnet fishing to be a certification under the Fishermen's Protective Act of 1967 (allowing banning importation of fish products). Directs the President, if a country fails to cease driftnet fishing by the deadline, to prohibit the bringing or importation of fish and fish products from the country. Authorizes the President to impose additional economic sanctions (including duties, import bans, or restrictions, and fees or restrictions on services) if: (1) the U.S. ban on fish imports is insufficient to stop large-scale driftnet fishing; (2) the country engages in such fishing after the deadline; or (3) a country retaliates as a result of a U.S. ban on fish imports. Continues the fish import ban or additional sanctions until the country completely ceases large-scale driftnet fishing.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1991
Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1991 - Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Account of the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) for: (1) the National Highway Program; (2) the Urban and Rural Program; (3) the Bridge Program; and (4) the Right-of-Way Revolving Fund. Specifies that unobligated balances of funds apportioned or allocated to a State under Federal highway provisions before October 1, 1991, shall be available for obligation in such State under the law, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to the obligation and expenditure of those funds in effect on September 30, 1991. Provides for the establishment of the National Highway System (NHS) to consist of: (1) the highways of the Interstate System (IS); (2) other urban and rural principal arterials, including toll facilities; (3) highways of the Strategic Highway Network (SHN) (defined as a network of highways that constitutes an important factor in U.S. strategic defense policy); and (4) major Strategic Highway Network Connectors (SHNCs) (which provide access from major military installations to the SHN). Makes the following activities, subject to specified conditions, eligible for funding: (1) construction; (2) operational and highway safety improvements; (3) modifications to existing facilities necessary to accommodate other modes; (4) transportation planning; and (5) highway research and development. Specifies that: (1) designation of the NHS, other than the IS, SHN, and SHNCs, shall be by the State in cooperation with local officials; (2) in urbanized areas, local officials shall act through the designated metropolitan planning organizations; (3) the NHS shall be based on a functional reclassification of roads and streets in each State which shall be designated not later than September 30, 1993, in accordance with guidelines issued by the Secretary of Transportation; and (4) the Secretary shall have the authority to approve, in whole or in part, the NHS and may add segments to the NHS as necessary to meet National Highway Program objectives. Sets forth further specifications with respect to new construction or major reconstruction of NHS beltways and bypasses. Directs the Secretary to establish an Urban and Rural Program to provide a category of funds that minimizes Federal requirements and provides flexibility in the use of available funds for either highway or transit projects. Specifies eligible highways and projects. Requires States to: (1) have an ongoing bridge inspection and inventory system; and (2) develop a method to distribute apportionments within the State fairly and equitably to rural areas, urban areas, and urbanized areas of over 200,000 in population. Sets forth provisions with respect to the obligation of funds, and the Federal share of projects, for the construction of toll roads, bridges, and tunnels. Declares it to be in the vital interest of the nation that a program be established to enable the States and Federal agencies to replace and rehabilitate highway bridges over waterways, other topographical barriers, other highways, or railroads when the States or Federal agencies and the Secretary find that a bridge is important, that a bridge is unsafe and poses a safety hazard to highway users, that replacement or rehabilitation would minimize disruptions, delays, and costs to users, or that replacement or rehabilitation would provide more efficient routes for emergency services. Directs the Secretary to: (1) inventory all highway bridges on any public road which are bridges over waterways, other highways, and railroads; (2) classify them according to serviceability, safety, and essentiality for public use; (3) based on such classification, assign each a priority for replacement with a computable facility or rehabilitation; and (4) determine the cost of replacing each such bridge with a comparable facility or of rehabilitating such bridge. Sets forth requirements and procedures for Federal participation in, and approval of, bridge replacement and rehabilitation projects. Makes funds available to the States under a Major Bridge Discretionary Program. Sets forth criteria and requirements under such Program. Authorizes States to give special consideration to low volume traffic bridges qualifying for replacement or repair under such Program. Encourages, and authorizes the Secretary to allocate funds to, States to initiate or expand efforts for planning and program development for scenic byways. Sets forth provisions regarding the availability and apportionment of funds for the various programs, including specifications of the Federal share of certain projects. Authorizes a State to transfer up to 15 percent of its annual apportionments for the National Highway Program, the Urban and Rural Program, and the Bridge Program among the three programs, as it determines necessary. Sets forth limitations on obligations for Federal-aid highway programs for FY 1992 through 1996 and provisions regarding the redistribution of unused obligation authority.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the tax-exempt status of a cooperative telephone company to provide for the tax treatment of income received from a nonmember telephone company for services by the cooperative which are indirectly paid for by members of the cooperative. Includes billing and collection services for a nonmember telephone company under such treatment.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1991
Declares that the Senate expresses its: (1) regret that Senator Pryor's illness will require his absence from the Senate Chamber; and (2) heartfelt wishes to him for a speedy and complete recovery, and that he return to his duties, serving the people of Arkansas, in the near future.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend discharge of indebtedness provisions to loan cancellation programs of banks and institutions of higher education. Includes under such program loans made to students by institutions of higher education to repay other loans. Permits the institution to repay such other loans.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1991
United States One-Dollar Coin Act of 1991 - Amends Federal currency law to prescribe the color and features (including features to aid the visually handicapped) of one-dollar coins. Mandates that the obverse side of the one-dollar coin have a design recognizing the discovery of the New World by Christopher Columbus. Requires such coins to be placed in circulation within 18 months of enactment of this Act. Mandates that the seigniorage of the new one-dollar coins be used to offset the reverse seigniorage resulting from the destruction of Susan B. Anthony dollar coins in Government storage.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1991
Airline Computer Reservation System Availability Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to require the Secretary of Transportation to ensure that computer reservation systems are available to all air carriers, ticket agents, and other persons on a nondiscriminatory basis. Prohibits air carriers (or affiliates) from operating such a system after January 1, 1992.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1991
Amends the National Trails System Act to designate as components of the National Trails System: (1) the Pony Express National Historic Trail, extending from Saint Joseph, Missouri, through Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, and Nevada to Sacramento, California; and (2) the California National Historic Trail, extending from Independence and Saint Joseph, Missouri, and Council Bluffs, Iowa, to various points in California and Oregon.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1991
Community and Migrant Health Centers Self-Insurance Act of 1991 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish in the Public Health Service the Office of Medical Insurance (Office) to administer the Self-Insurance Fund established by this Act. Establishes in the Treasury a trust fund known as the Office of Medical Insurance Self-Insurance Fund (Fund). Provides for transfer to the Self-Insurance Fund of specified amounts appropriated under provisions relating to migrant and community health centers and grants for health services for the homeless. Provides for operation of the Fund. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Office, to obligate sums in the Fund to provide coverage for successful: (1) medical malpractice claims against recipients of funds under such provisions or their health care providers; and (2) claims against Directors or officers of such recipients arising out of acts, errors, or omissions under procedures as provided in this Act. Directs the Secretary to set aside specified amounts from the Fund as a contingency fund to be used only if the Secretary determines that a claim on the fund is catastrophic. Sets forth requirements for coverage by the Fund of a migrant or community health center or a homeless health services program, including requiring centers and programs to make contributions to the Fund in amounts set by the Office. Allows a center or program to retain and use amounts saved as a result of participating in the Fund. Makes it unlawful for any hospital to deny admitting privileges to any health care personnel employed by a center or program, subject to certain requirements. Requires the Office to contract for three actuarial analyses of the Fund, one each by the Health Care Financing Administration, the Congressional Budget Office, and an independent evaluator selected by the Office by competitive bid. Requires the Office to develop a data collection method to insure that accurate and reliable data is collected and made available concerning the Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1991
Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to establish a part B (Health Services Access) under such title to fund grants to federally-qualified health centers (FQHCs) and other entities and organizations for the expansion and development of primary health care service programs for medically underserved populations. Sets forth the eligibility criteria for such grants and the requirements applications for such grants most meet. Outlines limitations on the use of grant funds. Establishes different priorities for the awarding of grants, with the highest priority for those FQHCs and other entities proposing to expand operations to serve medically unserved populations with the highest degree of unmet need in the most efficient manner. Requires entities and organizations receiving program funds to return excess revenues to the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to terminate grants to entities which fail to meet certain requirements. Directs the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on the relationship between community health centers and hospitals in providing such services.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1991
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States and the Soviet Union should lead an effort to promptly repeal United Nations General Assembly Resolution 3379 (equating Zionism with racism.)
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1991
Church Retirement Benefits Simplification Act of 1991 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to recodify and revise qualifications for church retirement and pension plans. Makes employee contributions to such plans nonforfeitable. Allows ten-year vesting with a nonforfeitable right to 100 percent of accrued benefits derived from employer contributions. Allows five-to-15 year vesting with a nonforfeitable right to a percentage (25% to 100%) of such accrued benefits. Requires the plan to meet minimum vesting requirements. Provides that no employee shall be considered an officer, shareholder, supervisor, or highly compensated employee if such employee receives less than $50,000 per year. Excludes from such consideration employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement if retirement benefits were a subject of good faith bargaining. Recodifies the authority of a church or a convention or association of churches to be treated as an employer making contributions to retirement income accounts. Subjects church-related hospitals and universities to certain coverage and related rules in the case of a contract purchased by a church. Requires distributions from retirement income accounts provided by churches to be in accordance with distributions under cash or deferred arrangements. Provides for determining the beginning date for such distributions. Allows self-employed ministers and chaplains who work for non-church employers to participate in their church plans. Provides that certain rules aggregating employees do not apply to churches. Restores qualified voluntary employee contributions to church plans. Treats self-employed ministers as employees for purposes of certain welfare benefit plans and retirement income accounts. Allows a deduction for contributions to retirement income accounts by such ministers. Provides that a church plan maintained by more than one employer shall not be treated as a single plan. Provides that accounting methods of deferred compensation plans of State and local governments and tax-exempt organizations do not apply to a church plan. Exempts a church plan from the requirement to maintain separate accounts for medical benefits for key employees. Provides that the special rules for computing employee contributions to pension plans do not apply to certain foreign missionaries. Repeals the elective deferral catch-up limitation for church retirement income accounts. Allows church plans to annuitize benefits and increase benefit payments. Provides that rules for self-insured medical reimbursement plans are not applicable to church plans.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the requirement that an S corporation (certain small business corporations) have only one class of stock. Provides that an S corporation shall be treated as having one class of stock if all outstanding shares of stock confer identical rights for distribution and liquidation proceeds. Grants such corporations a reasonable period of time to take corrective action if found to have more than one class of stock in order to retain S corporation status.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1991
R & E Permanent Resolution Act of 1991 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the rules on the allocation of research and experimental expenditures. (Currently, such rules expire on August 1, 1991.)
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1991
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to States to suspend, through December 31, 1994, the duty on O,O-Dimethyl-S-(4-oxo-1,2,3-benzotriazin-3-(4H)-yl) methyl) phosphorodithioate.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1991
Declares that the Senate: (1) extends a warm welcome to His Excellency Lech Walesa, President of the Republic of Poland, upon the occasion of his State Visit to the United States; (2) recalls the historic ties between the people of both countries; (3) applauds his commitment to economic and political reform; (4) reaffirms the Senate's and U.S. people's support for the independence and security of Poland; (5) looks forward to cooperation with Poland on issues relating to security and stability in Europe; and (6) commends the Bush Administration's decision to reduce Poland's debt to the United States, applauds the Paris Club's decision to reduce Poland's foreign debt, and urges Poland's private creditors to do the same.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1991
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to revise a specified subheading relating to nonalloy iron and steel pipes and tubes to include non-galvanized forms of such products. Increases the duty on certain other iron and steel pipes and tubes. Imposes a duty on galvanized nonalloy iron and steel pipes and tubes having a specified thickness. Increases the duty on certain stainless steel pipes and tubes. Authorizes the U.S. Trade Representative to negotiate compensation for claims made pursuant to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, or any other trade agreement to which the United States is a party, as a result of the amendments made by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1991
Tourism Policy and Export Promotion Act of 1991 - Declares it to be the national goal to increase U.S. export earnings from U.S. tourism and transportation services traded internationally and to maintain a travel and tourism export surplus to help eliminate the U.S. trade deficit. Requires the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) to improve the survey of international air travelers providing data to estimate the U.S. balance of payments in international travel, and report to the Congress on such efforts. Requires the Secretary to: (1) identify acts, policies, or practices of foreign countries that constitute barriers to, or distortions of U.S. travel and tourism exports; (2) estimate the trade-distorting impact on U.S. commerce of any such act, policy, or practice; and (3) estimate the value of additional U.S. travel and tourism exports that would have been exported to such foreign countries if such acts, policies, and practices did not exist. Requires the Secretary to take appropriate action to ensure that foreign tourists are not unnecessarily delayed when entering the United States. Amends the International Travel Act of 1961 to require the Secretary to submit to the Congress annual tourism trade development plans to stimulate travel to the United States. Requres such a plan to focus on those countries in which tourism trade development has the greatest potential for increasing travel and tourism export revenues. Requires at least one member of the Travel and Tourism Advisory Board to be a city representative knowledgeable of tourism promotion. Revises the length of service of members on the Board. Requires the Board to send its comments to the Congress with regard to a marketing plan to stimulate travel to the United States. Declares that the Congress finds that increased efforts directed at the promotion of rural tourism will contribute to the economic development of rural America. Establishes the Rural Tourism Development Foundation. Authorizes the Secretary to assist the Foundation in the development and promotion of rural tourism. Directs the Secretary to assemble information on economic activity associated with scenic and recreational travel, including case studies of existing scenic byways. Requires the Secretary to study and transmit to the Congress a report on such information. Sets forth specified policy considerations with respect to national tourism. Adds as members to the Tourism Policy Council the Secretary of Agriculture, the Chairman of the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Commanding General of the Corps of Engineers of the Army, and the Administrator of the Small Business Administration. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1993.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1991
Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to direct the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish a program requiring domestic and foreign air carriers to conduct preemployment, reasonable suspicion, random, recurring, and post-accident testing of airmen, crewmembers, airport security screening contract personnel, and other air carrier employees responsible for safety-sensitive functions for use of alcohol or a controlled substance. Requires the Administrator to establish the same program for FAA employees. Sets forth guidelines for such program. Prohibits such employees from serving in safety-sensitive functions unless they have completed a rehabilitation program established under FAA auspices. Prohibits such individuals from performing air transportation-related duties if they: (1) engaged in such use while on duty; (2) prior to such use had undertaken or completed a rehabilitation program; (3) refuse to undertake such rehabilitation program; or (4) fail such rehabilitation program. Requires domestic and foreign air carriers to maintain a rehabilitation program for the identification and treatment of their employees who need assistance in resolving substance abuse problems. Requires the Administrator to establish and maintain such a rehabilitation program for FAA employees whose duties include responsibility for safety-sensitive functions and who need assistance in resolving substance abuse problems. Outlines the requirements of such program. Amends the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970 to direct the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to issue regulations that establish a program which requires railroads to conduct preemployment, reasonable suspicion, random, recurring, and post-accident testing of railroad employees responsible for safety-sensitive functions for use of alcohol or a controlled substance. Outlines the requirements for such testing program. Requires each railroad to maintain a rehabilitation program for the identification and treatment of their employees who need assistance in resolving substance abuse problems. Amends the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 to direct the Secretary to establish a program requiring motor carriers to conduct preemployment, reasonable suspicion, random, and post-accident testing of commercial motor vehicle operators for use of alcohol or a controlled substance. Mandates that such program include post-accident testing of a commercial motor vehicle operator in any accident involving loss of human life, serious bodily injury, or significant property damage. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations setting forth the requirements for a rehabilitation program for the identification and treatment of commercial motor vehicle operators who are determined to have used alcohol or a controlled substance. Sets forth the requirements of the testing procedures. Requires the Secretary to: (1) determine appropriate sanctions against operators who are determined, as a result of such tests, to have used alcohol or a controlled substances without lawful authorization (but who are not under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance); (2) design and implement a pilot test program for the random testing of commercial motor vehicle operators to determine the use without lawful authorization of alcohol or a controlled substance; (3) solicit (and select) State participation in such a program; and (4) submit a comprehensive report to the Congress setting forth the pilot program results. Authorizes appropriations for such pilot testing program. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations that establish a program which requires mass transportation operations which receive mass transportation assistance under the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to conduct preemployment, reasonable suspicion, random, periodic recurring, and post-accident testing of mass transportation employees responsible for safety-sensitive functions for use of alcohol or a controlled substance. Requires the Secretary to issue regulations setting forth requirements for rehabilitation programs which provide for the identification and treatment of mass transportation employees who are determined to have used alcohol or a controlled substance. Outlines the requirements for such program. Requires the disqualification for a period of time or dismissal of mass transportation employees who have been determined to have used alcohol while on duty or a controlled substance, whether on duty or not on duty. Prohibits a person from receiving mass transportation assistance if such person is required to establish an alcohol and controlled substances testing program and fails to establish such a program.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1991
Directs the Secretary of the Army to convey to the Missouri Housing Development Commission the United States Army Charles Melvin Price Support Center Wherry Housing Annex in Pine Lawn, Missouri, for low-income and transitional housing for the homeless.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1991
Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to direct the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish a program requiring air carriers and foreign air carriers to conduct pre-employment, reasonable suspicion, periodic recurring, random, and post-accident testing of employees whose duties include responsibility for safety-sensitive functions for use of alcohol or a controlled substance in violation of Federal law. Requires the Administrator to establish the same program for FAA employees. Sets forth guidelines for such program. Prohibits such employees from serving in safety-sensitive functions unless they have completed a rehabilitation program established under FAA auspices. Prohibits such individuals from performing air transportation-related duties if they: (1) engaged in such use while on duty; (2) prior to such use had completed a rehabilitation program; (3) following a determination of such use refuse to undertake such a program; or (4) fail to complete the program. Requires the Administrator to prescribe regulations setting forth requirements for rehabilitation programs which provide for the identification and opportunity for treatment of such employees in resolving problems with substance abuse. Requires the Administrator to establish and maintain such a rehabilitation program for FAA employees whose duties include responsibility for flight safety operations and who need assistance in resolving substance abuse problems. Outlines the requirements of such program. Amends the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to establish a program requiring motor carriers to conduct pre-employment, periodic recurring, random, and post-accident testing of commercial motor vehicle operators for use of alcohol or a controlled substance. Mandates that such program include post-accident testing of a commercial motor vehicle operator in any accident involving a commercial motor vehicle in which serious bodily injury, loss of human life, or significant property damage has occurred. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations setting forth the requirements for a rehabilitation program for the identification and opportunity for treatment of commercial motor vehicle operators who are determined to have used alcohol or a controlled substance. Sets forth the requirements of the testing procedures. Requires the Secretary to: (1) determine appropriate sanctions against operators who are determined, as a result of such tests, to have used alcohol or a controlled substance (but who are not under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance); (2) design and implement a pilot test program for the random testing of commercial motor vehicle operators to determine the use of alcohol or a controlled substance; (3) solicit (and select) State participation in such a program; and (4) submit a comprehensive report to the Congress setting forth the pilot program results. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 for such pilot testing program. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations which establishes a program that requires mass transportation operations which receive Federal financial assistance under the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 and other specified Federal law to conduct preemployment, reasonable suspicion, random, and postaccident testing of mass transportation employees whose duties include responsibility for safety-sensitive functions for use of alcohol or a controlled substance in violation of Federal law. Outlines the requirements for test procedures for alcohol and drug use among mass transportation employees. Requires the disqualification for a period of time or dismissal of a mass transportation employee who has been found to have used alcohol or a controlled substance while on duty. Prohibits a person from receiving such Federal assistance if such person: (1) is required to establish a program of alcohol and controlled substances testing; and (2) fails to establish such a program.
![Official portrait of Sen. Danforth, John C. [R-MO]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/d000030_200.jpg)