United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1991
Authorizes the President to present a gold medal to General H. Norman Schwarzkopf in recognition of his exemplary performance in coordinating the planning, strategy, and execution of U.S. combat action and his invaluable contributions to the United States and to the liberation of Kuwait. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1991
Taxpayer Regulatory Relief Act of 1991 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe the extent to which rules and regulations may be applied without retroactive effect (or with it). Requires all final, temporary, or proposed regulations and rulings issued by the Secretary to apply prospectively from the date of publication in the Federal Register, unless the Congress supersedes such treatment.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1991
Amends rule XXV of the Standing Rules of the Senate to revise current committee structure by designating the following standing committees of the Senate: (1) National Priorities; (2) Agricultural Policy; (3) Defense Policy; (4) Commercial Policy; (5) Economic Policy; (6) Energy Policy; (7) Environmental Policy; (8) Foreign Policy; (9) Governmental Policy; (10) Judicial Policy; (11) Social Policy; (12) Native American Programs; (13) Senior American Programs; (14) Veteran American Programs; and (15) Entrepreneurial American Programs. Maintains the committees on Rules, Ethics, and Intelligence. Sets forth procedures for making committee assignments. Provides that each standing committee shall be responsible for appropriations legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1991
Applauds and expresses the appreciation of the Nation to President George Bush, Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney, Armed Forces Chief of Staff Colin Powell, Desert Storm Commander Norman Schwarzkopf, the American forces deployed in the Persian Gulf region, the forces from our coalition partners, and the families of American service men and women participating in Operation Desert Storm. Sends condolences to the families of those killed during such operation. Demands from Saddam Hussein: (1) the immediate release of all prisoners of war held by Iraq; (2) a complete accounting for all American and coalition forces listed as missing in action or otherwise unaccounted for; and (3) the immediate and unconditional release and return of all Kuwaiti citizens held by Iraqi forces. Urges all relevant authorities to seriously examine the issue of possible war crimes by Hussein and other Iraqi military leaders and forces and to hold Iraq responsible in principle for reparations for the destruction caused by the invasion and occupation of Kuwait.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1991
Amends the National School Lunch Act to remove the requirement that schools participating in the school lunch program offer students specified types of fluid milk (while retaining the requirement that they offer fluid milk).
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1991
Federal Recycling Incentive Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to direct the Administrator of General Services to: (1) establish, and periodically modify, a program requiring Federal agencies to separate and collect solid waste (including high-grade paper, newspapers, aluminum, bottles, and containers) for recycling; (2) establish and implement a system for monitoring and enforcing the provisions of this Act; and (3) report periodically to the Congress as to the extent of compliance for the preceding 12-month period. Authorizes Federal agencies to retain any moneys received from the sale of such waste for use in carrying out their functions. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1991
Ensuring Access Through Medical Liability Reform Act of 1991 - Title I: Grant Programs - Subtitle A: Implementation of Alternative Dispute Resolution Systems - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to States for the development or implementation of alternative dispute resolution systems (ADRSs). Defines ADRS to mean a system to resolve claims involving health care malpractice other than through a health care malpractice action and meeting other requirements. Allows a State to refuse a grant. Requires that a State ADRS provide for the resolution of health care claims for all individuals receiving health care services in the State and be of the following types: (1) fault-based administrative systems; (2) defined catastrophic injury compensation systems; (3) early offer and recovery mechanisms; (4) binding arbitration; or (5) a State-initiated alternative to such systems. Sets forth requirements for each system type. Subtitle B: Other Grant Programs - Directs the Secretary to make grants to States and private nonprofit organizations for basic research in the prevention of and compensation for injuries resulting from health care professional or health care provider malpractice, and research of the outcomes of health care procedures. Declares that the Secretary shall determine the amount of a grant. Directs the Secretary to make grants to States to improve the State's ability to license and discipline health care professionals. Declares that the Secretary shall determine the amount of a grant. Directs the Secretary to provide technical assistance to States to assist them in evaluating their medical practice acts and procedures and to encourage the use of early warning systems and for disciplining health care professionals. Directs the Secretary to make grants for: (1) educating the public about the appropriate use of health care and realistic expectations; (2) educating the public about professional licensing and discipline; and (3) developing faculty training and curricula on quality assurance, risk management, and medical injury prevention. Subtitle C: Administrative Provisions - Sets forth administrative procedures for supplemental grants using any remaining amounts under this title. Authorizes appropriations for grants under this title. Title II: Health Care Malpractice Dispute Reform - Declares that provisions in this Act relating to civil actions govern any health care malpractice action brought in any Federal or State court and any health care malpractice claim resolved through arbitration, subject to exceptions relating to the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. Prohibits requiring any person to pay for future damages exceeding a specified amount in a single payment, but allows such payments on a periodic basis. Requires damages to be reduced by any governmental or private payment intended to compensate for the injury. Limits the amount of damages which may be paid for noneconomic losses and the percentage of any award or settlement which may be paid as attorney's fees. Sets forth time limits on initiation of actions. Supersedes State laws with higher payment limits, greater damages, greater attorney's fees, or longer time limits. Mandates that a State, in order to receive assistance under the Public Health Service Act, certify that it: (1) allocates an amount equal to all health professional licensing or certification fees to State agencies responsible for disciplinary actions for each type of health professional; (2) requires certain service providers to have a risk management program to prevent and provide early warning of unsafe practices; (3) requires each health care practitioner liability insurance entity to establish or sanction risk management programs and require practitioners they insure to participate; (4) requires each State agency responsible for disciplinary actions to enter into agreements with professional societies to permit the review by the societies of the practice patterns of a health care practitioner. Sets forth confidentiality and other requirements. Exempts large entities with continuing quality review programs which report certain findings to the State disciplinary agency for that type of practitioner. Prohibits any activity under such an agreement from being grounds for any State or Federal civil or criminal antitrust action, or any other State civil action. Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from entering into certain agreements with a State under title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act unless the State certifies that it meets the requirements of this paragraph. Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make a grant to an entity that represents recipients of assistance under provisions relating to migrant health centers and community health centers to enable the entity to develop a business plan for, and to establish, a nationwide risk retention group as provided for in the Liability Risk Retention Act of 1986, and that meets other requirements. Allows the group to negotiate with other entities for the purpose of managing and administering the group, and for obtaining reinsurance. Requires the group to provide professional liability insurance, and other types of profitable insurance approved for issuance by the Secretary, to migrant and community health centers. Requires the centers, subject to exception, to become members of the group and purchase the group's insurance. Makes all professional staff members of the centers eligible to obtain the group's insurance. Requires the group to engage outside experts in insurance, financing, and business to analyze and audit the group. Requires the experts to provide the group with an evaluation of the plan and group. Requires the group to submit the plan and the evaluation to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to permit implementation of the plan and operation of the group if the Secretary determines that the operation of the group will result in an increase in the amount of funds available for use by community and migrant health centers and other entities receiving assistance under the specified provisions. Authorizes appropriations for preparation of the plan, establishment of the group, and capitalization of the group. Requires assets remaining after dissolution of the group to be used by the Secretary to pay the remaining expenses of the group. Authorizes appropriations to carry out specified provisions relating to migrant health centers and community health centers.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1991
Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act - Prohibits a State, or any political subdivision, from sponsoring, operating, advertising, authorizing, licensing, or promoting any lottery, sweepstake, or other betting, gambling, or wagering scheme based, directly or indirectly, on any game or games engaged or conducted or scheduled by any professional or amateur sports organization, or on any performance or performances in such games.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for the production of electricity with qualified technologies property. Describes such property to include the use of solar thermal, photovoltaic, wind, geothermal, biomass, and other renewable energy technologies. Extends the solar and geothermal energy credit until December 31, 1996 (currently, such credit terminates December 31, 1991).
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1991
Amends the Department of Education Organization Act to establish within the Department of Education an Office of Community Colleges, which is to be administered by the Assistant Secretary of Community Colleges. Transfers to such Assistant Secretary all functions of the Assistant Secretary of Postsecondary Education related to community colleges.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1991
Prohibits the President from lifting U.S. economic sanctions against Saddam Hussein's regime in Iraq and directs the President to make every effort to ensure that the multinational coalition maintains the full range of economic sanctions, until such regime has released all prisoners of war and has accounted as fully as possible for all those missing in action.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1991
Consumer Protection Against Price-Fixing Act of 1991 - Amends the Sherman Act to set forth evidentiary standards for price-fixing actions. Requires the court to allow the issue of concerted action to fix prices to be decided by the trier of fact if there is sufficient evidence from which a trier of fact could reasonably conclude that: (1) the supplier of a good or service received from a competitor of a reseller an express or implied suggestion, request, or demand that the supplier take steps to curtail or eliminate price competition; and (2) such communication was the major reason that the supplier terminated sales or supplies to the reseller. Prohibits the court from allowing the trier of fact to consider whether an individual and a competitor engaged in concerted action to set prices in violation of this Act if the court determines that the trier of fact could only find concerted action by making implausible inferences. Provides that the fact that a supplier and a reseller entered into an agreement to establish the resale price of a good or service shall be sufficient to constitute a price fixing violation, except when the agreement is to establish the maximum resale price of a good or service. Specifies that an agreement between the seller and the purchaser of a good or service to terminate another purchaser as a dealer or to refuse to supply such other purchaser because of that purchaser's pricing policies violates this Act, regardless of whether or not a specific price or price level is agreed upon.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1991
Americans with Disabilities Luxury Tax Relief Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the luxury excise tax parts or accessories installed for use in passenger vehicles by disabled individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1991
Directs the establishment of an international research, development, and production center at the Hanford Reservation in Richland, Washington, to be known as the Research Reactor User Complex (RRC). Allows the RRC to enter into agreements with non-Federal entities, including foreign governments and entities, or a consortium of such entities, for use of the RRC relating to production of isotopes, irradiation services, and steam. Allows assessment of charges from those entities as necessary. Limits the agreements to 25 years. Allows the agreement to: (1) include a termination provision requiring the payment of the unamortized balance of certain facilities in some circumstances; and (2) authorize the use and to make the repayments of funds made available for operating expenses. Allows, in entering into an agreement, the use of procedures other than competitive procedures as described in specified provisions of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949. Requires any entity under contract to operate the RRC to operate the Fast Flux Test Facility pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act and to meet other requirements. Establishes in the Treasury the RRC Fund to consist of all amounts received under the assessments under this Act. Authorizes the use of Fund amounts to offset RRC operating costs.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1991
National Recreational Trails Fund Act of 1991 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish the National Recreational Trails Trust Fund (Fund). Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to pay into the Fund an amount equivalent to 0.5 percent of total Highway Trust Fund receipts, adjusted triennially to reflect revenues from nonhighway recreational fuel taxes. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to use such amounts in the Fund to make grants to the States for constructing and maintaining recreational trails. Establishes the National Recreational Trails Act Advisory Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1991
Expresses the sense of the Senate that it should be U.S. policy to specify reductions in the national emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases by a date certain and to assume a leadership position in negotiating an international climate protection treaty that contains specific commitments to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, including: (1) achieving agreements by industrialized nations to reduce current carbon dioxide emissions, by developing nations to limit their growth in emissions from fossil fuel combustion, and by all countries to limit the release of carbon dioxide due to deforestation and to take steps to cut emissions of other greenhouse gases; (2) establishing an international fund to help developing countries achieve such objectives, a mechanism for continuing international cooperation for development of efficient policies for future emissions reductions, and institutional mechanisms to facilitate cooperation in research, observation, and analysis, information exchange and reporting, technology development and transfer, and technical training and public education. Urges the United States to support, at the February 1991 negotiating session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for a Framework Convention on Climate Change, the establishment of a process that will allow negotiations of substantive provisions to accomplish each of these elements for inclusion in the convention that is to be concluded in June 1992.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1991
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to construct buildings and related facilities on federally-owned land in Skagit County, Washington, for plant materials purposes. Achieves funding for such construction from the exchange of certain lands in Skagit County and Bellingham, Washington.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1991
Military Reservists Small Business Relief Act - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Small Business Administration (the Administration) to defer, upon request, repayment on any direct loan incurred by a member of a reserve component of the armed forces prior to being ordered to active duty. Provides that during the deferral period repayment of principal and interest on the loan shall not be required, and no interest will accrue thereon. Prescribes guidelines for economic injury disaster loan assistance for military reservists' small businesses. Directs the Administration to: (1) utilize all its business development and management assistance programs (including State and private sector partners) to provide business counseling and training to small businesses adversely affected by the deployment of armed forces units in military or emergency situations; and (2) publicize such programs. States that for purposes of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) all direct and discretionary spending contained in this Act are emergency expenditures related to Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, or any successor thereto.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1991
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey to Sunnyside Valley Irrigation District of Sunnyside, Washington, without consideration, all U.S. right, title, and interest, excluding oil, gas, and other mineral deposits, in specified lands in Sunnyside, Washington.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1991
Indian Economic Development Act of 1991 - Title I: Designation and Tax Incentives - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the designation of Indian enterprise zones by the Secretary of the Interior for purposes of providing tax relief and increasing the economic stake of tribal residents in their community and its development. Sets forth eligibility requirements and required tribal commitments for such designations. Allows employers in Indian enterprise zones the following tax incentives: (1) an employment credit for wages and health insurance costs; (2) deferral of capital gain that is reinvested in such zones; (3) credit for investments in child care facilities; and (4) an income tax payment credit. Provides limitations for such incentives. Continues the authority for qualified small issue bonds for Indian enterprise zones. (Currently, such provisions expire December 31, 1991.) Removes the restrictions on tribal issuance of private activity bonds. Title II: Establishment of Foreign-Trade Zones in Indian 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 Indian enterprise zones. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to give priority to and expedite the processing of applications for, the establishment of foreign-trade zones within Indian enterprise zones. Requires the Secretary to give priority to, and expedite applications for, the establishment of ports of entry necessary to establish such zones. Title III: Study - Directs the Secretary and the Comptroller General to each study the overall impact of this Act, including the effectiveness of the incentives in attracting businesses to Indian reservations. Requires reports to the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Finance.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to remove charitable contributions of appreciated capital gain property as an item of tax preference for purposes of the alternative minimum tax.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1991
Garnishment Equalization Act of 1991 - Provides for the treatment of Federal pay in the same manner as non-Federal pay with respect to garnishment. Allows administrative costs to be included in such garnishment.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1991
PRIME Retirement Account Act of 1991 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a simplified retirement plan for small business to be known as PRIME accounts (private retirement incentives matched by employers). Allows an income tax deduction to employees who make pre-tax contributions of up to $3,000 annually to a PRIME account and requires an employer to match such contributions up to three percent of the employee's compensation. Declares that such accounts are not to be treated as pension plans. Excludes such accounts from limitation on the maximum amount allowed for retirement savings deductions. Specifies the pension plan rules that are applicable to PRIME accounts. Establishes a 25-percent penalty on withdrawals made from such accounts during the first three years. Imposes penalties upon: (1) account trustees for failure to provide requirement information to employers; and (2) employers for failure to make required notifications to employees.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1991
Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act Amendments of 1991 - Amends the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940 to prohibit an eviction or distress from being made during a period of military service with respect to a premise for which the agreed rent does not exceed $1,200 (currently, $150) per month, when such premise is occupied chiefly by the dependents of the person in military service, except upon leave of the court granted upon application or in a proceeding affecting the rights of possession. Extends the power of attorney coverage under such Act to include a power of attorney that by its terms expires after July 31, 1990. Provides professional liability protection for persons ordered to active duty after July 31, 1990, who, prior to such date, were engaged in the furnishing of health care services or other services determined by the Secretary of Defense to be professional services and who had in effect a professional liability insurance policy that does not continue coverage during the period of active duty. Specifies that an insurance carrier shall have no liability with respect to any claim that is based on professional conduct of a person that occurs during a period of suspension of such person's professional liability insurance under this Act. Requires an insurance carrier to suspend and to reinstate coverage of such affected person upon receipt of a written request from such person. Requires such person to request reinstatement within 30 days after release from active duty. Provides a minimum period of required coverage by the carrier following reinstatement, without an increase in the insurance premiums charged. Provides for the stay of a civil or administrative action for damages on the basis of professional liability of a person whose insurance has been suspended under these provisions if: (1) the action is based on an act or omission that occurred before the suspension was effective; and (2) the suspended insurance would, on its face, cover the alleged professional misconduct. States that the period of such stay shall not be included in any statute-of-limitations period. Outlines provisions concerning the death of a person whose professional liability insurance has been suspended and the consequences with respect to the suspended insurance coverage on previous or suspended (stayed) claims. Provides that any person employed and covered under an employer-offered health insurance policy who enters into active military service or training and is reemployed upon returning may not be subject to a waiting period or exclusion of coverage imposed in connection with coverage of a qualifying health or physical condition if: (1) the condition arose before or during such person's period of training or service; (2) no exclusion or waiting period would have been imposed for the condition during a period of coverage resulting from participation by such person in the insurance; and (3) the condition of such person has not been determined by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to be service-connected. Provides that any person who, by reason of military service, is entitled to the rights and benefits of the Act shall be entitled upon release from such military duty to reinstatement of any health insurance which: (1) was in effect on the day before such service commenced; and (2) was terminated during the period of such service. Prohibits any exclusion or waiting period from being imposed in connection with reinstatement of health insurance coverage of a health or physical condition covered by the Act if: (1) the condition arose before or during such person's period of training or service; (2) no exclusion or waiting period would have been imposed for the condition during a period of coverage resulting from participation by such person in the insurance; and (3) the condition of such person has not been determined by the Secretary to be a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty. Requires a court, upon application, to stay a judicial action or proceeding involving any member of the armed forces serving on active duty outside the State in which the court is located until after June 30, 1991. Provides that an application by a person in military service for a stay, postponement, or suspension of the payment of any tax, fine, penalty, insurance premium, or other civil obligation shall not provide that basis for denial or revocation of, or a change in, credit by creditors, a presumption that such individual cannot pay his or her debts due and owing, or refusal of an insurer to insure such individual. Amends existing law which allows reservists ordered to active duty for not more than 90 days to reemployment rights by removing the 90-day limitation.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1991
National Energy Policy Act of 1991 - Establishes as national goals: (1) the identification of an appropriate mix of policies that have the potential of stabilizing and reducing the generation of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the United States; and (2) the promotion of international cooperation in addressing potential global climate change through the establishment of an international framework convention on global climate change. Title I: Energy Policy Initiatives - Mandates that the first National Energy Policy Plan submitted by the President to the Congress (and each subsequent Plan) include a least-cost energy strategy prepared by the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary). Prescribes strategy guidelines. Amends the Energy Security Act to repeal energy target provisions. Directs the Secretary to appoint a Director of Climate Protection within the Department of Energy to participate in: (1) global climate change policy considerations; and (2) least-cost energy strategy considerations. Requires the Director to contract with the National Research Council for the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering (the Academies) to review and report to the Congress on trends in greenhouse gases and global climate change. Requires a report to the Office and the Congress. Requires the President to transmit to the Congress his assessment of such report. Title II: Energy Efficiency Initiatives - Requires the Secretary to: (1) submit periodic evaluations to the Congress regarding energy efficiency policy options necessary to produce certain percentage decreases in U.S. energy use; (2) pursue a research and development program intended to improve energy efficiency and productivity in energy-intensive industries and industrial processes; (3) undertake joint ventures to encourage commercialization of technologies developed from such program; and (4) conduct competitive solicitation for joint venture proposals and provide financial assistance to such ventures. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1994. Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act (NECPA) to set a deadline by which each Federal agency must: (1) install energy conservation measures in its Federal buildings with specified payback periods; (2) submit a list of projects to the Secretary which meets such payback criterion and indicates total energy and cost savings involved; and (3) have substantially completed at least 25 percent of such projects as would account for 25 percent of total energy savings. Directs the Secretary to develop guidelines in consultation with the Secretary of Defense and the Administrator of the General Services Administration with respect to the selection of energy service contractors. Sets forth a deadline by which: (1) each Federal agency must consider the energy efficiency of all potential building space at the time of lease renewal or entering into a lease; and (2) all federally owned and leased space under construction must meet model Federal building standards for energy efficiency. Amends the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technology Competitiveness Act of 1989 to direct the Secretary to solicit proposals and provide financial assistance for joint ventures in fuel cell technology to demonstrate critical enabling technologies to accelerate commercialization of electric energy production from fuel cells. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the NECPA to repeal the prohibition against the supply and installation of residential energy conservation measures by utilities. Directs the Secretary to provide financial assistance to support a voluntary, national window rating program to develop window energy ratings and labels. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to prescribe labeling rules for windows and window systems. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1994. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Information Administration to report to the Congress regarding the acquisition of energy efficiency information. Requires the Secretary to: (1) submit a feasibility report to the Congress regarding the mandatory use in Federal facilities of compact fluorescent lamps instead of incandescent lamps; and (2) submit a plan to the Congress for the demonstration in Federal facilities of energy efficiency technologies that are ready for commercial demonstration but are not widely available commercially. Amends the NECPA to direct the Secretary to: (1) promulgate procedural guidelines enabling the States to assign energy efficiency ratings to residential buildings; and (2) establish a technical assistance program to State and local governments adopting energy efficiency rating systems or building codes. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA) to mandate that State regulatory commissions consider a least-cost ratemaking standard under which utility investments in demand-side measures shall be as profitable as investments in new generation facilities (thus creating an economic incentive for utilities to promote residential energy conservation measures). Requires the Secretary to report to the President and the Congress an evaluation of: (1) the results of least-cost planning methodologies implemented by electric utilities; and (2) the extent to which ratemaking methodologies implementing least-cost planning take into account the impact of such measures on electric utilities' profitability. Amends the NECPA to require the Secretary to: (1) conduct a fuel cell systems demonstration program in Federal buildings; and (2) report to the Congress on the program's implementation. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1994. Title III: Energy Research and Development Initiatives - Requires the Secretary to: (1) consider specified criteria when establishing research and development priorities; (2) biennially submit to the Congress a management plan for research, development, and commercialization of energy technologies; (3) implement an engine and vehicle fuel research and demonstration program on systems that offer a potential reduction in the generation of greenhouse gases, and that improve transportation energy uses; and (4) emphasize advanced gas turbine cycles (and their incorporation of energy efficient materials for high efficiency electric and automotive power generation) when implementing a high efficiency heat engine research, demonstration, and commercialization program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1994. Directs the Secretary to conduct a natural gas cofiring research, development, and demonstration program with respect to electric utility units and large industrial boilers. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary to establish within the Department of Energy a program to develop technologies to a point where private industry will undertake further commercial development. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to conduct demonstration programs regarding: (1) magnetic and inertial confinement fusion for the production of electricity; and (2) coal-based technologies. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1994. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements or joint ventures with certain urban area transit authorities to demonstrate the feasibility of using natural gas or other alternative mass transit fuels. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1994. Directs the Secretary to implement and finance a fleet vehicle program for the commercialization of natural gas and other alternative fuels. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1994. Directs the Secretary of Labor to implement a technician training and certification program for the conversion of conventionally fueled vehicles to natural gas and alternative fuels. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1994. Directs the Secretary to conduct or expand the following demonstration programs: (1) specified aspects of improved natural gas and alternative fueled vehicle technology; (2) increased availability of natural gas from specified sources; (3) natural gas and electric heating and cooling technologies for residential and commercial buildings; and (4) electric vehicle and battery technology. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1994. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress the results of an assessment of the statutory, economic, and regulatory barriers to expanded hydroelectric capacity development at existing dams. Electric Vehicle Technology Development and Demonstration Act of 1991 - Requires the Secretary to: (1) identify by a specified deadline the nonattainment areas in which conventionally fueled vehicles contribute significantly to that nonattainment and in which the use of electric vehicles could contribute to attainment of National Air Quality Standards; (2) designate nonattainment areas eligible to participate in a specified electric vehicle research and demonstration program; (3) report to the Congress on the program's status; and (4) report to the Congress on the extent to which nuclear fission generated electricity can safely and reliably supply electricity and reduce greenhouse gases. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1994. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on: (1) specified aspects of methane generation; (2) measures that could reduce atmospheric methane concentrations from sources within the United States; and (3) methane emissions from countries other than the United States. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to establish an interagency working group known as the Committee on Renewable Energy Commerce and Trade (CORECT) to recommend coordinated Federal actions and programs promoting the export of U.S. renewable energy and energy efficiency products and technologies. Authorizes the Committee to establish renewable energy industry information outreach offices in the Pacific Rim and the Caribbean Basin. Mandates that a program established by the Secretary of Commerce for enhancing commerce in renewable energy technologies shall provide for an information program regarding: (1) the specific energy technology needs of lesser developed countries; (2) the technical and economic competitiveness of various renewable energy and energy efficiency resources technologies; and (3) the status of ongoing technology assistance programs. Requires the Secretary to report biennially to the Congress concerning the range of environmental and energy technologies necessary to meet the energy needs of developing countries. Mandates that a certain management plan required under the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technology Competitiveness Act of 1989 include a five-year implementation plan for joint ventures with U.S. manufacturers (including assistance to smaller manufacturers) for the development and marketing of energy efficient and renewable energy technologies in key lesser-developed countries. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1994. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress the results of a comparative fuel cycle cost analysis with respect to the United States, Europe, and Asia. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 to establish a secretariat within the Department of State to prepare for the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development. Title V: Natural Resource Policy - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study of ecological and environmental resources that could be affected by global climate change. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to report to the President and the Congress on the feasibility of a National Reforestation Initiative. Directs the Secretary of Energy to transmit to the Congress a study of the potential for reducing carbon dioxide emissions by undertaking targeted urban tree and vegetative plantings, including landscaping and the use of natural windbreaks designed to reduce the air conditioning and heating needs of buildings.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require that payment under a life insurance contract on the life of an insured who is terminally ill be treated as a death benefit, making such payment eligible for tax exclusion from gross income. Provides that any reference to life insurance shall be treated as referring to a qualified terminal illness rider. Provides for the tax treatment of such riders. Describes such a rider as one which provides for payments to an individual upon the insured's becoming terminally ill. Provides that applicants for or recipients of assistance under the Social Security Act may not be required to elect to receive accelerated death benefits under life insurance policies.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1991
Requires the United States Postal Service to study and report to the Congress, in writing, on ways to encourage mailers of second-class and third-class mail to use recycled paper or other recycled materials, including lower postage rates for such use.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1991
Motor Vehicle Fuel Efficiency Act - Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to establish average fuel economy standards for passenger automobiles and automobiles other than passenger automobiles (light trucks) (for model years 1996 and thereafter). Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary), to modify such standards for model year 1996 and thereafter. Directs the Secretary, in response to petitions filed at least 12 months in advance of the model year, to conduct a rulemaking proceeding to determine whether to increase or decrease such standard to a level that is the maximum feasible average fuel economy for that model year, except that such standard shall not be reduced below a level equal to the average fuel economy achieved by the manufacturer of such vehicle for model year 1988, as multiplied by a specified percentage. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to report annually to specified congressional committees on a study which: (1) examines the accuracy of fuel economy testing of passenger automobiles and light trucks; and (2) assesses the extent to which fuel economy deteriorates during the lifetime of such vehicles. Directs the Secretary of Energy to distribute at least 100 explanatory booklets each year to every dealer and additional numbers if requested. Requires the Secretary to provide for a review and report to the Congress by the National Academy of Sciences on the current state of research and development in light truck fuel economy and passenger automobile fuel economy and an assessment of the potential for improving the fuel efficiency and reducing the energy consumption of passenger automobiles and light trucks. Requires the Secretary of Energy to study and report to the Congress on the future options for regulating the fuel efficiency of such vehicles beyond 2001. Provides for the judicial review of average fuel economy standards (including modifications thereof) established under this Act. Doubles the civil penalty for repeated violations of the fuel economy standard. Requires such penalty to be adjusted for inflation.
![Official portrait of Sen. Gorton, Slade [R-WA]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/g000333_200.jpg)