United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1991
Central American Democracy and Development Act - Declares that it is U.S. policy to: (1) encourage and support the Central American countries in efforts to build democracy, restore peace, establish respect for human rights, expand economic opportunities, and improve living conditions; (2) support and encourage dialogue as the proper means of resolving armed conflicts in Central America; (3) assist in, and secure greater international support for, the recommendations of the International Commission on Central American Recovery and Development; (4) participate in, and contribute to, the United Nations Development Programme for its Special Plan of Economic Cooperation for Central America; (5) help organize a partnership among donor countries and the Central American countries to provide a means of mobilizing resources and promoting a forum for dialogue about issues of development, democracy, social justice, and human rights; and (6) support and promote the President's proposed Enterprise for the Americas Initiative to assist Central American countries in opening their economies and managing their foreign debt. Requires the United States, if requested by the governments of Central America, to provide assistance for the development of the Central American Development Coordination Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1991
Comprehensive Campaign Finance Reform and Ethics Act of 1991 - Title I: Senate Election Flexible Fundraising Targets - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) to establish a new title V, Senate Election Flexible Fundraising Targets. Provides for voluntary acceptance of such targets, in return for specified benefits. Entitles candidates for the Senate to the reduced broadcast rates under specified provisions of the Communications Act of 1934 if they file with the Federal Election Commission (FEC), at any time prior to the general election, a statement that they have not exceeded the specified fundraising targets for any primary or runoff election and will not exceed such targets for the general election. Sets forth formulas for determining such fundraising targets for primary, runoff, and general elections to the Senate. Sets the target for the general election at not more than the lesser of: (1) $5,500,000; or (2) the greater of: (a) $950,000; or (b) $400,000 plus 30 cents for each person in the voting age population up to 4,000,000 and 25 cents for each such person above that number. Sets the primary election target at not more than the lesser of: (1) 67 percent of the general election target; or (2) $2,750,000. Sets the runoff election target at not more than 20 percent of the general election target. Exempts from being counted against such targets contributions by: (1) individuals who are not residents of the candidate's State; and (2) individuals who are not such State residents but who make contributions of no more than $250 in the aggregate to any one candidate. Provides for yearly indexing of such targets on the basis of increases in the price index. Directs the FEC to: (1) issue regulations implementing this title within 180 days; and (2) provide eligible candidates advisory opinions concerning application of this title within 30 days after their request. Directs specified congressional officials to appoint members of a bipartisan commission to: (1) study the effects of this title on Senate election campaign spending and costs during primary and general elections in 1994 and 1996; and (2) report its findings to those congressional officials by November 7, 1997. Authorizes appropriations to the FEC and the bipartisan commission to carry out this title. Makes this title effective with respect to Senate candidates in 1994, 1996, and 1998. Exempts contributions made to or received by an eligible candidate on or prior to the date of enactment of this title from being counted against the specified targets. Provides that FECA title I through IV shall remain in effect with respect to Senate election campaigns affected by this title except insofar as those provisions are inconsistent with this title. Title II: Ethics in Government - Requires public disclosure of all congressional interventions, whether by unwritten or written contracts, in Federal department and agency enforcement action or contract awards. Directs each executive department and agency to compile a monthly list of all unwritten communications received from congressional Members, employees, or agents with respect to enforcement matters or contract awards. Sets forth required details of such lists. Requires that such lists be filed monthly with the appropriate congressional committees and published biennially in the Congressional Record. Directs each executive department and agency to create a public file containing all written communications received from congressional Members, employees, or agents with respect to enforcement matters or contract awards. Requires such information to be included in an appropriate existing public file. Title III: Reduction of Special Interest Influence - Subtitle A: Ban on Political Action Committees - Amends title III of FECA to ban Federal election activities by political action committees (PACs), by prohibiting any person other than an individual or a political committee to make contributions, solicit or receive contributions, or make expenditures to influence a Federal election. Redefines political committee (thus eliminating references to PACs) to mean: (1) the principal campaign committee of a candidate; (2) any national State, or district committee of a political party, including subordinate committees; (3) any local committee of a political party which receives contributions, makes certain exempted payments, or makes contributions or expenditures exceeding specified levels; and (4) any committee jointly established by a principal campaign committee and such national, state, district, or local committees of a political party to conduct joint fundraising activities. Provides, for purposes of specified FECA limitations on contributions and expenditures, that any political committee which is established, financed, maintained, or controlled by any candidate or Federal officeholder shall be deemed to be an authorized committee of such candidate or officeholder. Prohibits any political committee that supports or has supported more than one candidate from being designated as an authorized committee, with the following exceptions: (1) Presidential nominees may designate their political party's national committee as their principal campaign committee if such national committee maintains separate account books for its functions as principal campaign committee; and (2) candidates may designate a political committee established solely for joint fundraising by such candidates as an authorized committee. Sets forth rules applicable when the ban on PACs is not in effect (i.e. if the Supreme Court rules such ban unconstitutional). Prohibits (when the PAC ban is not in effect) any non-connected PAC (i.e. one which is not directly or indirectly established, administered by a connected organization which is a corporation, labor organization, or trade association) from making aggregated contributions of more than $1,000 to any candidate or candidate's authorized committee. Subtitle B: Ban on Soft Money in Federal Elections - Amends FECA to make it unlawful to influence any Federal election by soliciting or receiving any soft money or by making any payments from soft money. Defines soft money as any amount which, in terms of specified FECA provisions, is: (1) solicited or received from a prohibited source; (2) contributed, solicited, or received in excess of contribution limits; or (3) not subject to recordkeeping, reporting, or disclosure requirements. Sets forth certain restrictions on national, State, and local political committees of political parties. Requires the treasurer of each such committee to keep an account of and report on each account maintained by such committee (including Federal and non-Federal accounts), and deposits into and disbursements from each such account. Directs the FEC to issue regulations providing for a method of allocating the contributions and expenditures for any mixed activity (one affecting both a Federal and a non-Federal election) between Federal and non-Federal accounts of political party committees. Sets forth required guidelines for such allocation. Includes political committees among the entities to which national banks, corporations, and labor organizations are prohibited from making contributions or expenditures for purposes of certain political elections. Permits a labor organization to make political communications and establish and solicit contributions for a separate segregated political fund only if it provides the employees it represents with written notification of specified information, including that they cannot be obligated to pay for the political activities of the labor organization. Requires a labor organization which does not provide employees with such notification to finance those political activities which are not considered contributions or expenditures with funds collected for its separate, segregated political fund. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny tax-exempt status to any organization that participates or intervenes in any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for Federal office. Denies tax-exempt status for any organization: (1) which devotes any of its operating budget to voter registration, get-out-the-vote campaigns, or participation in political campaign activities; and (2) on whose behalf a candidate or an authorized committee thereof solicits contributions. Amends FECA to impose Federal limits on contributions to political organizations maintained by a candidate for Federal office which are not political committees of a national, State, or local political party. Makes it unlawful for national banks, corporations, and labor organizations to make campaign contributions or expenditures to a political organization of a candidate (unless it is an authorized committee). Subtitle C: Other Activities - Amends FECA to reduce the maximum allowable contribution by individuals residing outside a candidate's State from $1,000 to $500. Provides for increases in the maximum allowable individual contribution ($1,000 in-State and $500 out-of-State) by adjusting such limits in relation to increases in the Consumer Price Index. Exempts certain national (as well as State and local) political party committee activities (such as campaign materials, voter registration, and get-out-the-vote activities) from treatment as contributions or expenditures. Includes general research activities among such exempted activities. Increases the limit on individual contributions to political party committees from $25,000 to $50,000 in any calendar year. Prohibits a conduit or intermediary from delivering or arranging to have delivered contributions from more than two persons who are employees of the same employer or members of the same labor organization. Prohibits registered lobbyists or their officers, employees, or agents from acting as a conduit or intermediary with respect to contribution to a candidate for Federal office. Sets forth disclosure requirements for independent expenditures through broadcast communications on any radio or television station. Provides that an expenditure is not an independent expenditure where the person making an expenditure is in coordination, consultation, or concert with a candidate. Requires the Commission to provide a hearing within three days after receiving a complaint alleging that an independent expenditure was made in cooperation, consultation, or concert with a candidate. Requires expedited judicial review of matters related to the making or alleged making of an independent expenditure. Title IV: Increases of Competition in Politics - Subtitle A: General Provisions - Allows seed money for challengers. Permits political party committees to use specified limited funds to match pre-primary, in-State contributions for challengers. Allows congressional and senatorial campaign committees to establish an opposition research fund, limited to a specified amount, for a challenger to conduct research into the voting and other public records of the incumbent. Sets forth requirements for use of surplus campaign funds. Allows surplus campaign funds to be: (1) transferred to specified types of tax-exempt organizations; (2) refunded to contributors on a pro rata basis; or (3) paid into the Treasury to reduce the public debt. Makes it unlawful for any political committee or its agent to utilize or dispose of surplus campaign funds except as specified or for any person to accept or receive surplus campaign funds for purposes other than those specified. Requires all dispositions of surplus campaign funds to be reported through an itemization of such expenditures on the post-election semiannual report. Allows the following amounts of surplus campaign funds existing on November 9, 1994, and thereafter to be rolled-over: (1) $50,000, for a candidate for the House of Representatives; and (2) $100,000, in the case of a candidate for the Senate. Prohibits rolling-over of State or local campaign funds for use in a Federal election, except within the above limits for House and Senate candidates. Provides that certain radio and television expenditures by a State or local committee of a political party made for the purpose of publicizing, before a primary election, the voting or other public record of an incumbent who is not a member of such party will not be considered an expenditure in connection with the general election campaign of a candidate. Sets forth requirements relating to campaign expenditures from personal funds. Requires a candidate, within 15 days of qualifying for a primary election ballot, to file with the Commission and each other qualifying candidate a declaration stating whether or not such candidate intends to expend funds and incur personal loans for the primary and general election in the aggregate of $250,000 or more from the following sources; (1) personal funds; (2) family funds; and (3) personal loans incurred in connection with the campaign for office. Allows the opponents of such candidate to accept larger contribution amounts from individuals. Requires a candidate who files a declaration of intent not to expend more than $250,000 and who subsequently does exceed such amount, to file an amended declaration within 24 hours after exceeding such amount. Allows a candidate to repay a personal loan in connection with the candidate's campaign from contributions made to such candidate or any authorized committee of such candidate. Prohibits the repayment of any interest on the principal amount of such loan. Amends Federal law to prescribe guidelines for the reapportionment of Representatives and the establishment of congressional districts. Provides that nothing in such provisions shall be construed to supersede any provision of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Revises provisions with respect to congressional reapportionment and redistricting so that the number of persons in congressional districts within each State shall be as nearly equal as practicable, as determined under the most recent decennial census. Prohibits congressional districts from being established with the intent and effect of diluting the voting strength of any persons or members of any political party. Requires district boundaries to avoid the division of counties and minimize the division of cities and other political subdivisions. Establishes expedited Federal judicial review procedures of the redistricting process, giving Federal district courts exclusive jurisdiction. Amends Federal law to set forth prohibitions and criminal penalties against election fraud and other public corruption and fraud in interstate or foreign commerce. Subtitle B: Congressional Mass Mailings - Sets forth procedural guidelines under which Members of Congress shall receive a statement of costs and related expenses of congressional mass mailings. Requires quarterly publication of such expenses in the Congressional Record. Prohibits Members from sending franked mass mailing which exceed appropriated funds. Prohibits Members or Members-elect from mailing any mass mailing as franked mail: (1) during the calendar year of any primary or general election in which the Member is a candidate for reelection; or (2) in the case of a House Member or Member-elect who is a candidate for any other public office if the mailing is postmarked during the year of the election (currently, fewer than 60 days before the election). Sets forth requirements for reporting and publication of franked mass mailings by Members. Prohibits a congressional office from transferring any of its allocated official mail costs (franking privileges) to the office of a Member who is a candidate for Federal office. Sets forth requirements for reporting and publication of any such transfers between congressional offices. Amends the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1973 to eliminate provisions for reimbursement from the contingent fund of the Senate to each Senator for official expenses incurred in the preparation of required official reports, and the acquisition of mailing lists to be used for official purposes, and in the mailing, delivery, or transmitting of matters relating to official business. Title V: Broadcast Discount Rates - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to: (1) prohibit a broadcast licensee from denying or preempting use of the broadcast station to a candidate during certain periods preceding a primary or general elections; and (2) require such licensee to certify under penalty of perjury that the charges made for such broadcast station use are at the lowest unit charge for the same amount of time for the same period. Requires the Commission to monitor compliance with these and other specified requirements with timely auditing of licensees' records relating to the use, and requests for use, of broadcast stations by candidates. Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Subtitle A: Federal Election Commission Enforcement Authority - Amends FECA to revise the enforcement provisions. Changes the determination the Federal Election Commission (FEC) must make upon receiving a compliant, before notifying the person of an alleged violation. Authorizes the FEC to seek an injunction if: (1) it believes that there is a substantial likelihood that a violation of the Federal election laws is occurring or about to occur; (2) the failure to act expeditiously will result in irreparable harm; (3) such expeditious action will not cause undue harm or prejudice to the interests of others; and (4) the public interest would be best served by such an injunction. Reduces the period provided for the FEC to attempt informally to prevent or correct a violation of such Act from 90 to 60 days. Requires the FEC to make such an attempt for a period of no more than 15 days, if the violation occurs during the 45 days prior to an election. Provides greater penalties for knowing and willful violations committed during the 15-day period immediately preceding any election. Requires the FEC, upon an affirmative vote of four of its members, to institute a civil action if it is unable to correct or prevent a violation of such Act. Requires a court in such civil action to grant a specified remedy upon a showing that the person involved has committed or is about to commit a violation of such Act. Provides a private right of action if, by a tie vote, the FEC does not vote to institute a civil action. Requires a court to impose a specified civil penalty for a knowing and willful violation of such Act. Reduces the time which an aggrieved party must wait before seeking judicial redress because the FEC dismissed, or failed to reasonably pursue, a complaint filed by such party. Allows the aggrieved party to file an action in any U.S. district court having jurisdiction. Increases the penalties for violation of the confidentiality requirement with respect to any notification or investigation made under such Act. Removes the ceiling on the fine for any person who willfully and knowingly commits a violation of such Act which involves any contribution or expenditure aggregating $2,000 or more during a calendar year. Requires the FEC to: (1) establish time limitations for investigations; and (2) publish an index for all investigations and update that index quarterly. Revises FEC enforcement procedures for initial determinations and probable cause determinations. Eliminates a requirement for an en banc hearing, under judicial review provisions. Repeals the three-year statute of limitations for violations of FECA. Allows the Federal Election Commission to make information contained in compliance files available to the Attorney General, at the Attorney General's request. Subtitle B: Telephone Voting by Persons with Disabilities - Directs the FEC to: (1) study the feasibility of developing systems to permit persons with disabilities to vote by telephone; and (2) submit such study to the Congress within one year after enactment of this Act. Subtitle C: Other Provisions - Revises requirements relating to campaign credit to require disclosures of debt settlement and loan security agreements. Includes under the definition of contribution contributions made for drafting or encouraging an individual to become a candidate for Federal office. Treats such contributions as candidate contributions.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1991
Comprehensive Campaign Finance Reform Act of 1991 - Title I: Reduction of Special Interest Influence - Subtitle A: Elimination of Political Action Committees from Federal Election Activities - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to: (1) revise the definition of a "political committee" to delete references to any separate segregated fund and any committee, club, association, or group which receives contributions or makes expenditures annually totaling over $1,000 and to include any national, State, or district committee of a political party, including any subordinate committee thereof, and any committee jointly established by such committees or by any local committee as defined under current law for joint fundraising activities; (2) repeal provisions excluding nonpartisan registration and get-out-the-vote campaigns and the establishment of, and solicitation of contributions for, a separate segregated fund from the definition of a "contribution or expenditure" by a national bank, corporation, or labor organization; and (3) prohibit making, soliciting, or receiving contributions or making expenditures to influence a Federal election by any person other than an individual or a political committee. Specifies that if such prohibition is not in effect: (1) it and the other amendments made by this Act to the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 regarding such definitions shall not be in effect and prior law will be reinstated; and (2) political action committees not connected to corporations, labor organizations, or trade associations will be subject to a $1,000 contribution limit. Deems any political committee which is established, financed, maintained, or controlled by any candidate or Federal officeholder to be an authorized committee of such candidate or officeholder for purposes of limitations on contributions to a candidate's committees. Subtitle B: Ban on Soft Money in Federal Elections - Bans the use of soft money (any amount raised or contributed outside of source restrictions, contribution limits, and disclosure requirements of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971) to influence any Federal election. Requires the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to issue regulations providing a method for allocating the contributions and expenditures for any mixed activity between Federal and non-Federal accounts. Sets forth guidelines for such allocation which include the establishment of minimum percentages of Federal funds for activities designed to contact voters in connection with elections for Federal and non-Federal office. Requires each treasurer of a political committee to keep an account of, and file reports disclosing, each account maintained by such committee. Includes political committees among those entities eligible to receive contributions or expenditures by national banks, corporations, or labor organizations. Permits a labor organization, upon reinstatement of prior law regarding certain political activities not considered to be contributions or expenditures, to make political communications and establish and solicit contributions for a separate segregated political fund if it: (1) provides the employees it represents with written notification of specified information at least once annually; (2) provides such employees with an annual examination by an independent certified public accountant of its financial statements which verify its costs for representation services; and (3) maintains certain procedures regarding the cost of such representation. Requires a labor organization which does not follow such requirements to finance those communications expressly advocating the election or defeat of any clearly identified candidate for elective public office as well as the other political activities not considered to be contributions or expenditures with funds legally collected under this Act for its separate segregated fund. Imposes Federal limits on contributions to: (1) political organizations maintained by a candidate for Federal office which are not political committees of a national, State, or local party; and (2) State and local party committees. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny tax-exempt status for an organization: (1) which devotes any of its operating budget to voter registration, get-out-the-vote campaigns, or participation in political campaign activities; (2) on whose behalf a candidate or an authorized committee thereof solicits contributions; or (3) which intervenes or participates in any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for Federal office. Subtitle C: Other Activities - Reduces from $1,000 to $500 the maximum contribution allowed to any candidate for Federal office (other than a candidate for President or Vice President) by a person residing outside the State with respect to which such candidate seeks Federal office. Maintains the current $1,000 limitation for contributions to any candidate for President or Vice President or to any candidate for Federal office by a person residing within the State with respect to which such candidate seeks Federal office. Provides for periodic indexing of such limitations according to the consumer price index. Excludes costs of campaign materials and general research activities paid by national committees of a political party from the definition of "expenditure and contribution" under the same conditions currently provided for such payments by State or local committees of a political party. Exempts contributions to political party committees from the $25,000 annual limit. Prohibits: (1) any intermediary or conduit from delivering or arranging to have delivered contributions from more than two persons who are employees of the same employer or members of the same labor organization; and (2) lobbyists from acting as an intermediary or conduit with respect to a contribution to a candidate for Federal office. Sets forth disclosure requirements for independent expenditures through broadcast communications on any radio or television station. Provides that an expenditure is not an independent expenditure where the person making an expenditure is in coordination, consultation, or concert with a candidate. Requires the FEC to provide a hearing within three days after receiving a complaint alleging that an independent expenditure was made in cooperation, consultation, or concert with a candidate. Provides for expedited judicial review for any matter relating to the making of an independent expenditure. Title II: Increase of Competition in Politics - Allows the congressional campaign committee or the senatorial campaign committee of a national political party to make contributions to a candidate for Federal office (other than President or Vice President) who does not hold Federal office which in the aggregate do not exceed the lesser of: (1) $100,000; or (2) the aggregate contributions made during the election cycle preceding the primary election by an individual who, at the time such contributions are made, is a resident of the State in which the election with respect to which such contributions are made is to be held. Prohibits such a contribution from being treated as an expenditure by a national committee, State committee, or subordinate committee, of a State committee in connection with the general election campaign of a candidate for Federal office. Prohibits a holder of Federal office from transferring any amounts received as contributions or other campaign funds to any account maintained for purposes of defraying ordinary and necessary expenses in connection with the duties of such office. Requires a candidate, within 15 days of qualifying for a primary election ballot, to file with the FEC and each other qualifying candidate a declaration stating whether or not such candidate intends to expend for the primary and general election an amount exceeding $250,000 from: (1) personal funds; (2) family funds; and (3) personal loans incurred in connection with the campaign for election. Allows the opponents of such candidate to accept larger contribution amounts from individuals. Requires a candidate who files a declaration of intent not to expend more than $250,000 and who subsequently does exceed such amount, to file an amended declaration within 24 hours after exceeding such amount. Allows a candidate to repay any expenditure or personal loan incurred in connection with the candidate's election to Federal office from contributions made to such candidate or any authorized committee of such candidate. Prohibits: (1) repayment of any interest on the principal of such loan or the amount of such expenditure; and (2) repayment from any such contributions received after the general election to which the expenditure or loan relates. Prohibits franked mass mailings by: (1) Members of Congress during the year in which they are candidates for reelection; (2) Members of, or Members-elect to, the House during the year in which they are candidates for any other public office; or (3) Members of the Senate during the year in which they are candidates for any other public office. Requires Members of Congress using franked mass mailings to register such mailings annually with the Secretary of the Senate or the Clerk of the House of Representatives who shall make such mailing available for public inspection along with a description of the persons to whom the mass mailing was mailed. Amends rule XL of the Standing Rules of the Senate to prohibit the use of franked mass mail by a Senator or an individual who is a candidate for nomination for election, or election, to the Senate during the year in which the Senator is a candidate for public office or the individual is a candidate for the Senate. Revises provisions with respect to congressional reapportionment and redistricting so that the number of persons in congressional districts within each State shall be as nearly equal as practicable, as determined under the most recent decennial census. Prohibits congressional districts from being established with the intent and effect of diluting the voting strength of any persons or members of any political party. Requires district boundaries to avoid the division of counties and minimize the division of cities and other political subdivisions. Establishes expedited Federal judicial review procedures of the redistricting process, giving Federal district courts exclusive jurisdiction. Amends the Federal criminal code to prescribe criminal penalties to be imposed against anyone who uses any facility of, or affects, interstate or foreign commerce to deprive or defraud the inhabitants of a State or political subdivision of: (1) the honest services of a government official or employee; or (2) a fair and impartially conducted election process through the use of fraudulent ballots or voter registration forms or the filing of fraudulent campaign reports to secure the election of an official who, if elected, would have authority over the administration of funds derived from an Act of the Congress totalling $10,000 or more for a year before or after the election or offense. Prescribes criminal penalties to be imposed against anyone who deprives or defrauds the inhabitants of the United States of the honest services of a public official. Prescribes criminal penalties to be imposed upon any official who: (1) uses interstate commerce to deprive or defraud the inhabitants of any State or political subdivision of the right to have government affairs conducted on the basis of complete, true, and accurate information; or (2) in order to carry out or conceal any scheme or artifice to defraud, discriminates, harasses, or takes adverse action against any employee or official of the United States or any State or political subdivision. Authorizes such an adversely affected employee or official to obtain relief through a civil action, providing such person did not participate in the scheme or artifice. Amends mail fraud provisions to prohibit the use of any facility of interstate or foreign commerce in the execution of a scheme or artifice to defraud. Title III: Reduction of Campaign Costs - Sets forth congressional findings regarding discounts for political broadcasts. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to: (1) limit the cost to qualified candidates of broadcasting time for pre-election political advertising to the lowest rate charged for any time in the same period; and (2) prohibit any broadcast licensee from preempting the use of any such time purchased by a qualified candidate. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Subtitle A: Federal Election Commission Enforcement Authority - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to revise the enforcement provisions. Changes the determination the FEC must make upon receiving a complaint, before notifying the person of an alleged violation. Authorizes the FEC to seek an injunction if: (1) it believes that there is a substantial likelihood that a violation of Federal election laws is occurring or about to occur; (2) the failure to act expeditiously will result in irreparable harm; (3) such expeditious action will not cause undue harm or prejudice to the interests of others; and (4) the public interest would be best served by such an injunction. Reduces the period provided for the FEC to attempt informally to prevent or correct a violation of such Act from 90 to 60 days. Requires the FEC to make such an attempt for a period of no more than 15 days, if the violation occurs within 45 days of an election. Provides greater penalties for knowing and willful violations committed within 15 days of any election. Changes from discretionary to mandatory the requirement that the FEC, upon an affirmative vote of four of its members, institute a civil action if it is unable to correct or prevent a violation of such Act. Requires a court in such civil action to grant a specified remedy upon a showing that the person involved has committed or is about to commit a violation of such Act. Provides a private right of action if, by a tie vote, the FEC does not vote to institute a civil action. Requires a court to impose a specified civil penalty for a knowing and willful violation of such Act. Expedites from 120 days to 60 days the time which an aggrieved party must wait before seeking judicial redress because the FEC dismissed, or failed to reasonably pursue, a complaint filed by such party. Allows the aggrieved party to file an action in any U.S. district court having jurisdiction. Requires that any monetary award under such action be paid to the United States. Provides for a mandatory award of attorney fees and costs to the prevailing party. Increases the penalties for violation of the confidentiality requirement with respect to any notification or investigation made under such Act. Removes the ceiling on the fine for any person who willfully and knowingly commits a violation of such Act which involves any contribution or expenditure aggregating $2,000 or more during a calendar year. Directs the FEC to establish time limitations for its investigation and to publish an index of all of its investigations. Establishes procedures for initial determinations and probable cause determinations by the FEC. Eliminates the en banc hearing requirement for constitutional questions regarding such Act. Subtitle B: Other Provisions - Requires each treasurer of a political committee to file reports disclosing for the reporting period the terms of any settlement agreement or any security or collateral agreement entered into with respect to a loan or other debt as evidenced by a copy of such agreement filed as part of the report. Includes any gift subscription, loan, advance, or deposit of money made for the purpose of drafting a clearly identified individual as a candidate for Federal office or encouraging a clearly identified individual to become a candidate for Federal office within the definition of "contribution." Requires such a contribution to be treated, with respect to the individual involved, as a contribution to a candidate, whether or not the individual becomes a candidate for purposes of limitations on contributions and expenditures.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1991
Grassroots Campaigning and Election Reform Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to make it unlawful for congressional candidates to solicit or accept campaign funds from individuals, organizations, or political action committees that do not reside or have their headquarters within the candidate's State. Requires Members of Congress to rebate to their contributors, on a pro rata basis, all campaign funds retained as of January 1, 1993, or donate such funds to certain organizations within the Member's State after the 1990 elections. Requires Senators who were not candidates for such elections to make such a rebate and donation with respect to all campaign funds raised as of January 1, 1993. Sets forth civil penalties for violations under these provisions. Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to: (1) make it unlawful for any bank, labor organization, or corporation to establish any political committee; and (2) reduce from $5,000 to $500 the amount a person may contribute to any other political committee; and (3) require each candidate for Federal office to file a declaration with the Federal Election Commission on whether such candidate intends to spend an aggregate amount of at least $250,000 for a Senate race or $100,000 for a House race, from personal funds, funds of immediate family, and personal loans. Establishes formulae to increase the limitations on contributions for a candidate in an election in which another candidate: (1) declares that he or she intends to spend or incur loans for more than such amounts; (2) does spend or incur loans for more than such amounts; or (3) fails to file the required declaration. Requires any candidate who has declared the intention not to exceed the personal spending limit and who subsequently does exceed such limit to file an amended declaration and to notify all other candidates for such office of such change. Sets forth a civil penalty for failure to do so. Prohibits a candidate who expends personal funds from repaying personal loans for an election campaign from contributions made after such election. Prohibits a candidate from expending personal funds or family funds or incurring personal loans for a campaign at any time after the later of 90 days before the date of the election, or 24 hours after the primary election. Sets forth a civil penalty for a violation of such prohibition. Provides that the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 shall apply to any amount solicited, received, or spent by a national, State, or local committee of a political party in connection with a Federal election.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1991
Reform of Federal Intervention in State Proceedings Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal judicial code to condition consideration of a habeas corpus claim by a prisoner on a showing of actual prejudice resulting from the Federal right violated and that: (1) State or Federal Government action precluded assertion of that right; (2) the Federal right did not previously exist; or (3) the factual basis of the claim could not have been discovered by reasonable diligence. Establishes a one-year statute of limitations for habeas corpus actions brought by State prisoners and a two-year statute of limitations for similar motions made by Federal prisoners. Vests authority to issue certificates for probable cause for appeal of habeas corpus orders exclusively in the courts of appeals. Permits denial on the merits of habeas corpus writs notwithstanding the failure to exhaust State remedies. Prohibits the granting of a habeas corpus writ with respect to any claim which has been fully and fairly adjudicated in State proceedings.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1991
Exclusionary Rule Limitation Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal criminal code to provide that evidence obtained by a search or seizure shall not be excluded in a Federal proceeding if the search or seizure was undertaken in an objectively reasonable belief that it was in conformity with the fourth amendment to the U.S. Constitution. States that evidence obtained pursuant to and within the scope of a warrant constitutes prima facie evidence of such a reasonable belief (unless the warrant was obtained through intentional and material misrepresentation). States that, except as provided by statute or a rule of procedure, evidence which is otherwise admissible shall not be excluded on the ground that the evidence was obtained in violation of a law, rule, or regulation.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to declare that any individual who performed Desert Shield services (and the individual's spouse) shall be entitled to an extension of time for performing certain tax-related acts by reason of service in a combat zone. Allows the payment of interest on any overpayments due such individuals starting April 15. (Generally, interest will be paid only on refunds made more than 45 days after a return is filed.) Applies the time extension granted by this Act to individuals during any period of continuous hospitalization.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1991
Veterans Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 1991 - Increases the rates of compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation, and the clothing allowance payable to veterans with service-connected disabilities and their survivors. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to adjust administratively the rates of disability compensation payable to persons who are not in receipt of compensation for service-connected disability or death.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1991
WIPP Administrative Land Withdrawal Extension Act of 1991 - Extends until June 29, 1993, a specified land order relating to the land withdrawal for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) in New Mexico. Revokes and nullifies the legal effect of any prior approval of the Secretary of the Interior on or before enactment of this Act to an application by the Secretary of Energy to: (1) make a land withdrawal relating to WIPP (other than a certain public land order); or (2) modify such order. Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from issuing, modifying, extending, or revoking any land withdrawal relating to WIPP without congressional consent. Includes in such prohibition any emergency withdrawal or other action permitted under certain provisions of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1991
Private Property Rights Act of 1991 - Gives the force and effect of statute to certain procedures under Executive Order 12630 providing for the protection of private property against Federal regulations which result in a taking of such property for which compensation is required. Makes such procedures applicable to regulations promulgated, after this Act is enacted, by Federal executive agencies which engage in an activity with the potential for taking private property. Provides for a limited judicial review of actions taken pursuant to this Act applicable to whether the Attorney General has certified the issuing agency as in compliance with the Executive Order or similar procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 12 January 1991
Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution - Authorizes the President to use U.S. armed forces against Iraq pursuant to United Nations Security Council Resolution 678 to implement Resolutions 660, 661, 662, 664, 665, 666, 667, 669, 670, 674, and 677 (summarized below) after making available to the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate his determination that: (1) the United States has used all appropriate diplomatic and other peaceful means to obtain compliance by Iraq with such resolutions; and (2) those means have not been and would not be successful. Declares that this Act constitutes specific statutory authorization for the use of U.S. armed forces required under the War Powers Resolution. Requires the President to report to the Congress every 60 days on the status of efforts to obtain compliance by Iraq with the U.N. resolutions. RESOLUTION 660-AUGUST 2, 1990: Condemns Iraqi invasion of Kuwait and demands immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Iraqi forces. RESOLUTION 661-AUGUST 6, 1990: Imposes trade embargo and financial sanctions against Iraq and Iraqi-occupied Kuwait. (Medical supplies and humanitarian foodstuffs are exempt from the trade embargo.) RESOLUTION 662-AUGUST 9, 1990: Declares Iraq's annexation of Kuwait null and void and demands that Iraq rescind the annexation. RESOLUTION 664-AUGUST 18, 1990: Demands that Iraq permit immediate safe departure of foreign nationals from Iraq and Kuwait. Demands rescindment of Iraq's orders to withdraw diplomatic immunity and close diplomatic missions in Kuwait. RESOLUTION 665-AUGUST 25, 1990: Calls upon states to enforce the trade embargo against Iraq and Iraqi-occupied Kuwait. RESOLUTION 666-SEPTEMBER 14, 1990: Provides for humanitarian provision of any necessary food and medical supplies to Iraq and Kuwait. RESOLUTION 667-SEPTEMBER 16, 1990: Demands that Iraq protect diplomatic personnel and premises and take no action that hinders the performance of their duties. RESOLUTION 669-SEPTEMBER 24, 1990: Authorizes Sanctions Committee to examine requests for assistance from states confronted with special economic problems related to the sanctions. RESOLUTION 670-SEPTEMBER 25, 1990: Requires states to cooperate with air embargo and to detain any ships that are being used to violate the sanctions. (Food and medical supplies being shipped for humanitarian reasons are exempt, but subject to authorization.) RESOLUTION 674-OCTOBER 29, 1990: Reminds Iraq that it is liable under international law for any loss, damage, or injury arising in regard to Kuwait and third states and their nationals as a result of Iraq's invasion and occupation of Kuwait. RESOLUTION 677-NOVEMBER 28, 1990: Condemns Iraqi attempts to alter Kuwait's demographic composition and destroy Kuwaiti civil records. Mandates steps to be taken by the U.N. to safeguard the demographic composition of Kuwait. RESOLUTION 678-NOVEMBER 29, 1990: Authorizes member states to use all means necessary to uphold the above resolutions and restore international peace and security in the region, unless Iraq fully complies with the above resolutions on or before January 15, 1991.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1990
Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a replacement fuels development program which: (1) promotes the replacement of gasoline as a motor fuel with alternative motor fuels; (2) ensures the availability of replacement and alternative motor fuels; and (3) will have the greatest impact in improving air quality in urban areas, along transportation corridors, and nationwide. Prescribes program guidelines. Requires the Secretary to establish optimal replacement and alternative motor fuel production goals for 1996 and 1997 and to report to the Congress about program status. Prescribes minimum percentages of domestically produced replacement fuel to be sold in specified calendar years. Sets a deadline by which the Secretary must prescribe the minimum percentage of domestically produced replacement and alternative fuel which must be contained in the total annual gasoline sales by refiners for motor fuel use in certain years. Requires refiners and manufacturers to report annually to the Secretary regarding the amount of domestically produced replacement and alternative fuel sold. Requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations by a specified deadline regarding the exchange of marketable credits among: (1) refiners; (2) manufacturers of replacement fuels; and (3) distributors of alternative motor fuels sold in commerce for transportation purposes. Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act with respect to average fuel economy standards to require the Secretary to not consider the fuel economy of alcohol powered automobiles or natural gas powered automobiles, and to consider dual energy automobiles and natural gas dual energy automobiles operated on gasolines and diesel fuel, to the extent that alternative motor fuel sales indicate that such fuels are being used to displace the use of gasoline and diesel fuel as a transportation fuel. Establishes civil penalties for violations of this Act. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary to issue regulations requiring gasoline retailers to have replacement motor fuels and nonpetroleum motor fuels to sell for the transportation needs of consumers. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to report to the Congress on the environmental impact potential of developing replacement fuels and nonpetroleum motor fuels.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1990
Natural Gas Competition Act of 1990 - Requires, upon issuing a certificate for construction or operation of natural gas importation facilities, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission immediately to: (1) determine if the rates and practices of domestic pipelines confer a competitive disadvantage upon domestic producers of natural gas; and (2) establish by Commission order rates and practices which do not confer such competitive disadvantage upon such producers if it finds that a competitive disadvantage does in fact exist.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1990
Recognizes the important part the Alaska Highway played in the defense of our Nation and the settling of Alaska and the ever-important role it will inevitably play in our future. States that this highway should be maintained in a condition that encourages people throughout the Nation to travel it.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1990
Amends Federal law to increase the Federal payments in lieu of taxes to units of local government for entitlement land. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to adjust such payments by the rate of inflation according to the Consumer Price Index.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1990
Vehicular Natural Gas Jurisdiction Act of 1990 - Declares that for purposes of the Natural Gas Act: (1) natural gas for ultimate use in a motor vehicle fuel (VNG) shall be deemed to be "ultimately consumed" within the State in which physical delivery of such VNG occurs, whether or not physical combustion occurs in another State; (2) in the case of a wholesale of VNG by the holder of a service area determination such holder shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the State commission in the State in which physical delivery of VNG occurs; and (3) in the case of VNG transportation by such holder, the VNG shall be deemed to be "consumed" within the State in which physical delivery occurs.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1990
Central American Democracy and Development Act - Declares that it is U.S. policy to: (1) encourage and support the Central American countries in efforts to build democracy, restore peace, establish respect for human rights, expand economic opportunities, and improve living conditions; (2) support and encourage dialogue as the proper means of resolving armed conflicts in Central America; (3) assist in, and secure greater international support for, the recommendations of the International Commission on Central American Recovery and Development; (4) participate in, and contribute to, the United Nations Development Programme for its Special Plan of Economic Cooperation for Central America; (5) help organize a partnership among donor countries and the Central American countries to provide a means of mobilizing resources and promoting a forum for dialogue about issues of development, democracy, social justice, and human rights; and (6) support and promote the President's proposed Enterprise for the Americas Initiative to assist Central American countries in opening their economies and managing their foreign debt. Requires the United States, if requested by the governments of Central America, to provide assistance for the development of the Central American Development Coordination Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1990
Reduces the pay of Members of Congress to correspond to the percentage reduction in pay of any Federal employee for each month during FY 1991 resulting from a furlough or other employment action necessitated by a sequestration order under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to determine the percentage for computation of such reduced pay.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1990
Salutes and congratulates the people of Poland as they commemorate the 200th anniversary of the adoption of the Polish Constitution on May 3, 1991. Directs the Library of Congress to commemorate the anniversary with appropriate ceremonies.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1990
Commends the President for his initial actions with respect to Iraq. Urges the President to seek the full and unconditional withdrawal of Iraqi forces from Kuwait and to impose: (1) against Iraq unilateral sanctions applicable to countries which engage in a consistent pattern of human rights violations; and (2) a sustained freeze of Iraqi assets and a ban on U.S. exports to Iraq. Urges the President to achieve collective international sanctions against Iraq, to include: (1) a cessation of all arms shipments and military technology to Iraq; (2) a cessation of trade with Iraq and a worldwide freeze on Iraqi and Kuwaiti assets; (3) a suspension of all economic development activities within Iraq; (4) the imposition of a full economic blockade under the United Nations Charter; and (5) additional multilateral actions involving air, sea, or land forces as necessary to maintain or restore international peace or security.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1990
Christopher Columbus Quincentenary Commemorative Coin and Scholarship Endowment Act of 1990 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue a specified number of five dollar gold coins, one dollar silver coins, and half dollar clad coins emblematic of the quincentenary of the discovery of America. Sets forth certain features of such coins and provides for their design, issuance, and sale. Provides that such coins shall be considered legal tender. Requires that all sales of such coins include specified surcharges. Requires that all surcharges received from the sale of such coins be paid quarterly to the Christopher Columbus Quincentenary Scholarship Endowment Fund established by this Act. States that such Fund shall be maintained by the Quincentenary Scholarship Foundation to generate income for scholarships and secondary school summer programs for students with the potential to make lasting contributions in the disciplines of geography, foreign languages, and international affairs. Requires the Foundation to report annually on its activities to the Congress and the Secretary of Education.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1990
Establishes the National Atomic Museum on the grounds of the Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to establish permanent or temporary advisory committees to provide studies, consultation, advice, or assistance to the Museum.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1990
Department of Energy Science and Education Enhancement Act - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to authorize use of the facilities, equipment, personnel, and other resources of the Department of Energy (the Department) to the fullest extent possible to enhance educational opportunities in science, mathematics, and engineering for U.S. students and educators to improve U.S. scientific literacy and competitiveness. Directs the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary), to the extent appropriate, to establish programs to be operated at or through the support of each Department facility that will use fully the unique scientific resources of the Department to promote: (1) transfers of federally owned or originated technology to State and local governments, private industry, and universities, or other nonprofit organizations, to enhance prospects for commercialization of such technology; (2) activities enhancing the quality of mathematics, science, and engineering education throughout the Nation; and (3) research, development, and other activities to enhance the health and quality of life, particularly in areas pertaining to environmental improvement and biomedical research. Requires such programs to supplement and to be coordinated with, but not to supplant, current activities of the Department. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to establish a program to develop Department-originated technologies, directed at the stage of technology development beyond basic research, that have significant promise for commercial and public benefit to the Nation, to the point where private industry will undertake further scientific and commercial development. Authorizes the Secretary to require, as a condition for supporting specific projects, a private sector commitment to future, wholly non-Federal funding of commercial development of particular technologies. Requires all technology development programs of the Department to be coordinated. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to establish Laboratory Cooperative Science Centers at national laboratories operating under the Department's authority. Requires the Centers to coordinate both laboratory-based and offsite programs to advance the purposes of this Act. Sets forth required activities of the Center. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to coordinate and sponsor university-based programs directed at encouraging more students, particularly women and minority students, to pursue energy-related scientific and technical careers. Requires such programs to include a pre-freshman engineering program in which middle-school students attend summer workshops on mathematics, science, and engineering conducted by universities on their campuses. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1990
1992 Olympic Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue 1992 Olympic Games commemorative five-dollar gold coins and one-dollar silver coins. Prescribes guidelines for the sale and pricing of such coins and directs the Secretary to ensure that their issuance will not result in any net cost to the United States. Mandates that surcharges be paid to the U.S. Olympic Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1990
Employer Sanctions Repeal Act of 1990 - Repeals specified provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act, the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA), and the United States Code relating to the unlawful employment of aliens. Repeals specified provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act and IRCA relating to unfair immigration-related employment practices. Continues the duties of the Special Counsel for Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices regarding unfair immigration-related employment practices for one year after enactment of this Act, such duties thereafter to be assumed by the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice. Increases FY 1991 Border Patrol funding and personnel levels. Provides Border Patrol personnel training with respect to the rights and varied cultural backgrounds of aliens and citizens. Authorizes appropriations. Increases FY 1991 personnel levels for: (1) the Wage and Hour Division within the Employment Standards Administration of the Department of Labor; and (2) the Assistant United States Attorneys employed by the Department of Justice. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to increase penalties for bringing in or harboring certain aliens. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Attorney General should initiate discussions with Mexico and Canada with regard to the smuggling of aliens into the United States. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1990
Designates the week beginning November 11, 1990, as National Disabled Veterans Week, in recognition of the contributions that disabled veterans have made to the welfare of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1990
Designates August 1, 1990, as Helsinki Human Rights Day. Authorizes and requests the President to: (1) reassert American commitment to the Helsinki Accords; (2) raise the issue of noncompliance with such Accords with any signatory nation which may be in violation; (3)convey to all signatories of such Accords that respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms is vital to progress in the ongoing Helsinki process; and (4) develop new proposals to advance the human rights objectives of the Helsinki process, including the self-determination of peoples.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1990
Designates as South African Freedom Week the week in 1990 coinciding with the first visit of Nelson Mandela to the United States after his release from prison in South Africa.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1990
Amends the Public Health Service Act to replace provisions relating to community mental health services for the homeless with provisions to be cited as the Projects to Aid the Transition from Homelessness (PATH) Act of 1990. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary) to make an allotment each fiscal year to metropolitan cities, urban counties, and States in the same manner (but with specified different percentages) as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development makes allocations under specified provisions of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (HCDA). Provides for allotments to Territories. Requires, subject to waiver, matching non-Federal contributions, with funds received under specified provisions of the HCDA allowed to be included. Requires submission of a description of the intended use of the grant funds. Requires the intended use to be consistent with, and included in, the State comprehensive mental health services plan required under current law. Requires an entity receiving an allotment to use the allotment for grants to or contracts with service providers to provide services and housing to homeless individuals, with at least two-thirds of the allotment used for homeless individuals who have: (1) a primary diagnosis of serious mental illness; or (2) a diagnosis involving serious mental illness and substance abuse. Requires, subject to waiver, that one-third of the allotment go to services, one-third to housing, and one-third to services or housing, all for eligible homeless individuals. Prohibits a grant to a service provider which has a policy of excluding individuals from: (1) mental health services because of substance abuse; or (2) substance abuse services because of mental illness. Specifies the uses of grant funds for services and housing. Prohibits placing homeless individuals in housing in which more than 20 percent of the units are occupied by homeless individuals. Allows grant funds to be used to purchase housing only if at least 50 percent of the purchase price is from non-Federal sources. Prohibits using funds for emergency shelters, construction of housing, inpatient psychiatric or substance abuse treatment, or cash payments to recipients of services. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1990
Designates July 1, 1990, as Imported Oil Dependence Day. Requires the Secretary of Energy to report to the Congress, annually, on July 1, of the extent of the reliance of the United States on imported oil during the previous year, and the extent of its projected reliance for the coming year.
![Official portrait of Sen. Domenici, Pete V. [R-NM]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/d000407_200.jpg)