United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1992
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit penalty-free withdrawals from individual retirement plans and certain other pension plans for first-time home purchases by taxpayers, their children, or their grandchildren. Requires the use of the distribution within 60 days of distribution. Defines a first-time homebuyer as one who had no present ownership interest in a principal residence during the two years before its acquisition.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1992
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for a first-time homebuyer who purchases a principal residence during 1992 and 1993. Limits such credit to $2,000.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1992
Commends and congratulates: (1) all parties to the negotiations with respect to the war in El Salvador, former United Nations (UN) Secretary General Javier Perez de Cuellar, and the Salvadoran people for their persistence, commitment, and dedication to peace; and (2) the Governments of Colombia, Mexico, Spain, and Venezuela for their contributions in support of the negotiating process. Praises President Cristiani for his efforts. Encourages the Salvadoran people and all sectors of Salvadoran society to commit themselves to the process of consolidating peace, democracy, and economic and social development. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the United States should commit itself to: (1) providing appropriate assistance to the Government and people of El Salvador that promote reconstruction, reconciliation, and further strengthening of democracy and democratic institutions; (2) seeking and encouraging other members of the international community to contribute materially to such process; and (3) cooperating with UN efforts to monitor compliance with the peace agreements in El Salvador and other efforts pertaining to the UN role in post-war El Salvador.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1992
Congratulates the Governments and people of Croatia and Slovenia on the occasion of the recognition of their independence by 38 countries. Urges the President to immediately extend diplomatic recognition to, and establish mutually beneficial relations with, Croatia and Slovenia.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1992
Expresses the sense of the Senate that regulators of depository institutions should consider making changes in the risk-based capital standards applicable to loans for the purchase or construction of housing.
United States · United States Congress · 27 November 1991
1996 Atlanta Centennial Olympic Games Commemorative Coin Act - Provides for the minting and sale of commemorative gold and silver coins to support the 1996 Atlanta Centennial Olympic Games and the programs of the United States Olympic Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991
Social Security Service Preservation Act of 1991 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act), and the Budget Enforcement Act of 1991 to exclude social security administrative expenses from the budget. Exempts such expenses from sequester. Sets forth baseline amounts for FY 1992 through 1996 for such expenses. Provides for decreasing the discretionary spending limit for the domestic category for FY 1992 through 1995.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991
Directs the President, for each proposed sale of defense articles to a Persian Gulf or Arabian Peninsula country for which a certain numbered certification is required (for sales exceeding specified amounts) under the Arms Export Control Act, to report to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee on: (1) the military balance in such region; (2) the legitimate defensive requirements of each country situated on the Arabian Peninsula; (3) how such sale would fit into multilateral efforts to control arms on a regional basis and would affect efforts to secure bilateral security agreements; and (4) the weapons and munitions inventories of the proposed purchasing country before Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, the quantity of weapons and munitions expended by that country during such Operations, and the need of the country to replenish expended weapons and munitions, to the extent that any proposed sale is justified on grounds that such transfer would be a replenishment of expended weapons and munitions.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991
Job Training and Basic Skills Act of 1991 - Amends the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) to revise and extend employment and training assistance programs. Title I: Adult and Youth Employment and Training Programs - Subtitle A: Policy, Authorization of Appropriations, and Definitions - Declares it to be the policy of the United States to: (1) provide financial assistance to States and local service delivery areas (SDAs) to meet the training needs of low-income adults and youth and assist them in obtaining unsubsidized employment; (2) increase funds available for programs of training services for the disadvantaged by at least ten percent of the baseline each fiscal year to provide for growth in the number of eligible adults and youth served beyond the current five percent of the eligible population in need of these services; and (3) encourage provision of longer and more comprehensive education, training, and employment services to the eligible population, with increased funding to maintain current service levels. Amends the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) to authorize appropriations for FY 1993 and succeeding fiscal years. Defines "basic skills deficient" as reading or computing skills at or below eighth grade level. Adds the Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs, literacy organizations, and organizations serving older workers to the the list of community-based organizations. Revises the definition of "economically disadvantaged" to refer to the official poverty line. Revises the definition of "supportive services" to include: (1) drug and alcohol abuse counseling and referral; and (2) individual and family counseling. Subtitle B: Job Training Partnership - Includes representatives of public assistance agencies and local welfare agencies on private industry councils (PICs) under JTPA. Revises other provisions for PIC membership. Applies the requirement for a job training plan to training services for the disadvantaged only. Revises requirements for the contents of such plans to provide for linkages with appropriate agencies and for outreach to recruit locally determined target groups. Adds community-based organizations to those entities reviewing such plans. Revises requirements for training services for the disadvantaged performance standards to: (1) promote delivery of services to the hard-to-serve; and (2) add measurement of increased basic education attainment and occupational skills (as well as the current measurement of increased employment and earnings and reduced dependency). Provides for the following additional factors in performance standards for youth programs: (1) attainment of employability competencies; (2) secondary and postsecondary school completion or its equivalent; (3) dropout prevention and recovery; and (4) enrollment in other education, training, or employment program or apprenticeship, or enlistment in the armed forces. Allows variations in standards to reflect differences between in-school and out-of-school programs. Requires the private industry council to determine levels for competency standards based on such factors as entry skill levels and other hiring requirements. Sets forth additional elements of performance standards. Retains the requirement that the Secretary prescribe performance measures, but states that such standards shall not be taken into consideration in the award of incentive grants. Provides that Governor's incentive grant awards shall be to service delivery areas (SDAs) conducting adult and youth programs which: (1) meet specified performance standards established by the Secretary, serve more than a specified minimum percentage of out-of-school youth, and exceed performance standards for hard-to-serve- populations; (2) place participants in employment providing wages at placement exceeding the appropriate performance criteria, as well as employer-assisted employment benefits (including health benefits); (3) meet specified performance standards established by the Governor; and (4) establish linkages with other programs to avoid duplication and enhance delivery of services. Retains the requirement for the Secretary to prescribe performance standards for dislocated workers employment and training assistance based on placement and retention in unsubsidized employment. Retains the requirement that such standards make appropriate allowance for the difference in cost resulting from serving workers receiving cetain needs-related payments. Changes from discretionary to mandatory the authority of State Governors to prescribe, within certain parameters, variations in performance standards for training services for the disadvantaged and for dislocated workers employment and training assistance. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide information and technical assistance on performance standards adjustments; (2) collect data that identify hard-to-serve individuals and long-term welfare dependency; (3) provide guidance on setting performance goals at the service provider level that encourages increased service to the hard-to-serve, particularly long-term welfare recipients; and (4) review performance standards to ensure that they provide maximum incentive in serving the hard-to-serve, particularly long-term welfare recipients, including those receiving benefits under the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) and Supplement Security Income (SSI) programs under, respectively, part A of title IV, and title XVI, of the Social Security Act. Authorizes Governors to prescribe additional performance standards for these programs, which must be reported in the coordination and special services plan. Directs the Secretary to prescribe performance standards for: (1) employment and training programs for Native Americans and migrant and seasonal farm workers; (2) the Jobs Corps; and (3) the jobs for employable dependent individuals incentive bonus program. Directs the Secretary to prescribe a system for adjustments in JTPA performance standards for special populations to be served. (Current law requires prescriptions of such variations, but without system.) Authorizes the Secretary to modify JTPA performance standards not more often than once every two program years (except that Job Corps standards may be modified each program year). Prohibits such modifications from being retroactive. Sets forth required responses to failures to meet standards, including a process for correction. Requires each State Governor to provide technical assistance to SDAs failing to meet the performance standards. Requires the Governor, if an SDA continues to fail to meet performance standards for two program years, to impose a reorganization plan. Allows the alternative administrative entity under such reorganization plan to be a newly formed private industry council or any jointly selected by the Governor and the chief elected official of the largest local government in the SDA or substate area. Allows SDAs to appeal to the Secretary for revision of such reorganization plans. Defines "employment,"for purposes of JTPA performance standards, as employment for more than 20 hours per week. Requires SDAs, in selecting service providers, to consider provision of support services, including child care. Requires selection of service providers to be made on a competitive basis and to include: (1) a determination of such provider's ability to meet program design specifications that take into account JTPA's purposes and the goals established in the Governor's coordination and special services plan; and (2) documentation of compliance with procurement standards established by the Secretary, including the reasons for selection. Revises limitations on certain costs for specified programs, including general administrative costs, combined administration and support services costs, and training-related services costs. Prohibits duplication of supportive services which are available free to participants through other services. Adds provisions for SDA transfer and agreement. Provides for reallotment of funds for training services for the disadvantaged. Revises requirements for the Governor's coordination and special services plans to include: (1) descriptions of State coordination measures, projected grants uses, and services to older workers; (2) criteria for coordinating activities under JTPA with State and local services on aging and with programs operated under specified provisions of the Older Americans Act of 1965; and (3) initiatives under the State innovation and coordination program. Revises provisions for State education coordination and grants. Eliminates specified provisions for training programs for older workers. Requires identification of any State- or SDA-rule, regulation, or policy funded by JTPA. Requires State labor market information programs to include training and technical assistance to support comprehensive career guidance and participant outcome activities for local programs assisted under JTPA. Revises general program requirements for service delivery systems. Exempts normal tuition charges for training or education from certain requirements for a breakdown of cost components. Exempts from specified cost limitations certain administrative expenses related to training incurred by community-based organizations. Limits the duration of on-the-job training to a period not in excess of that generally required for acquisition of skills needed for that position, but never exceeding six months. Requires on-the-job contracts to: (1) specify types and duration of training and other services; and (2) if an intermediary brokering contractor is used for placements, specify certain additional services and factors. Revises provisions relating to disposal of assets and program income. Revises certain Federal and fiscal administrative provisions. Allows the use of certain advance payment methods when contracting with nonprofit organizations of demonstrated effectiveness. Requires States to establish fiscal control and fund accounting procedures to ensure proper disbursal and accounting of Federal funds. Requires the State Governor to establish procurement standards for the State, local areas, and SDAs to ensure that specified criteria are met. Requires State Governors to: (1) conduct annual on-site monitoring of each SDA and substate area to ensure compliance with such procurement standards; (2) impose corrective action to secure prompt compliance; (3) impose specified sanctions in the event of failure to take required corrective action; and (4) certify annually the State's implementation, monitoring, and enforcement of such standards. Directs the Secretary to: (1) annually review the procurement standards; and (2) upon determination that the Governor has not fulfilled such requirements, to impose such corrective actions and sanctions. Directs the Secretary to review the implementation of these requirements and report with recommendations to the Congress on the effectiveness of such fiscal control provisions. Adds provisions relating to program income. Revises reporting, recordkeeping, and investigative requirements. Requires recipients to maintain and provide to the Secretary standardized records of a sufficient number of individual participants to provide an adequate sample size to allow for preparation of natural estimates to meet specified requirements. Requires the Secretary, Inspector General, or Comptroller General to furnish States or SDAs which are going to be investigated with the monitoring guides to be used by reviewers (for audits other than the initial survey or one investigating possible criminal or fraudulent conduct). Requires States, administrative entities conducting the programs, and recipients (other than sub-recipients) to monitor the performance of service providers in complying with the agreements under JTPA. Revises requirements for information in reports. Directs the Secretary to ensure that all elements required for reports are defined and reported uniformly. Requires Governors to ensure that procedures are developed for retention of records for specified periods. Requires the head of the Directorate for Civil Rights in the Department of Labor to report annually on the administration and enforcement of nondiscrimination provisions. Authorizes appropriations to increase the number of Directorate personnel in order to prepare such reports. Subtitle C: Training Services for the Disadvantaged - Revises JTPA title II provisions for training services for the disadvantaged adults and youth. (Divides JTPA title II into: (1) part A, Adult Opportunity Program; (2) part B, Summer Youth Employment and Training Programs; and Part C, Youth Program.) Revises adult program allotment provisions to establish State set-asides for education, performance incentives, and auditing and administration. Allows individuals, whether employed or unemployed, to be eligible for adult program services as long as they are adults (age 22 through 72) who are economically disadvantaged. Requires that at least 60 percent of program participants in each SDA be individuals who, in addition to being economically disadvantaged adults, are in one or more of the following categories: (1) basic skills deficient; (2) school dropouts; (3) recipients of each cash welfare payments; (4) offenders; (5) individuals with disabilities; (6) homeless; (7) unemployed for the previous six months or longer; (8) limited-English proficient; or (9) in an additional category identified by an SDA and approved by the Governor and the Secretary. (Retains the current provisions that allow up to ten percent of program participants in an SDA not to be economically disadvantaged if they have encountered barriers to employment.) Allows for transfers of limited portions of funds among JTPA title II programs. Establishes adult program design requirments, including: (1) assessment of participants' skill levels and service needs; (2) development of service strategies to identify employment goals, appropriate achievement objectives, and appropriate services; (3) review of participant progress; and (4) if appropriate, basic and occupational skills training work experience be accompanied by other services designed to increase a participant's basic education or occupational skills. Allows an exception from such combination requirement only if: (1) the participant's assessment and service strategy indicate that the additional services are not appropriate; and (2) the activities are not available to the participant through the Employment Service or other public agencies. Allows continued provisions of counseling and supportive services to a participant for up to one year after termination from the program. Revises authorized services for which adult program funds may be used. Eliminates employment-generating activities from the list of such authorized services. Divides the lists of such services into direct training and training-related and supportive services. Authorizes State Governors, through agreements with various entities, to provide for job training and placement programs for older individuals (55 years of age and who are economically disadvantaged) for employment opportunities with private businesses, with such programs to be developed in conjunction with SDAs and consistent with SDA plans. Requires consideration to be given to assisting such programs involving training for jobs in growth industries and jobs reflecting the use of new technological skills. Requires Governors to: (1) coordinate delivery of such services with those under the Older Americans Act of 1965; and (2) give priority to service providers with demonstrated effectiveness in providing such services. Requires SDAs to link with: (1) other specified Federal programs; and (2) State, local, and private programs, as appropriate. Allows an SDA to transfer up to ten percent of adult program funds to the youth programs under certain conditions. Directs the Comptroller General to: (1) conduct a study to determine the number and percentage of adults assisted under JTPA title II part A provisions for disadvantaged adults that remain employed for at least nine months after receiving such assistance; and (2) report such study findings to appropriate congressional committees within three years. Revises part B provisions for summer youth employment and training programs to limit administrative costs to 15 percent. Requires SDAs to: (1) expend funds for basic and remedial education as described in the State job training plan (but allows such funds to be provided for the year-round youth employment and training program, the Job Corps, the JOBS program, alternative or secondary schools, or other employment and training programs); (2) assess participant skill levels and service needs and develop service strategy for participants; and (3) provide follow-up services for participants for whom a service strategy has been developed. Allows individual concurrent enrollment in such programs and in disadvantaged youth programs. Sets forth part C provisions for the disadvantaged youth programs. Revises allotment formulas to establish set-asides for State education coordination and grants. Revises eligibility requirements for in-school youth and out-of-school youth. Requires that at least 70 percent of the funds for in-school youth and for out-of-school youth, respectively, be used for participation of specified targeted groups (with provisions for additional categories). Requires the youth program to be conducted, and services made available during the year or on a multiyear basis as appropriate. Establishes year-round program design requirements, including: (1) assessment of participants' skill levels and service needs; (2) development of service strategies to identify achievement objectives, appropriate employment goals, and appropriate services; (3) review of participant progress; and (4) if appropriate, basic skills training, occupational skills training, pre-employment and work maturity skills training, work experience combined with skills training, and supportive services. Requires that work experience, job search, job search skills training, and job club activities be accompanied by additional services which: (1) are designed to increase a participant's basic education or occupational skills; and (2) may be provided, sequentially or concurrently, under other education and training programs. Allows continued provision of counseling and supportive services to a participant for up to one year after termination from the program. Requires SDAs to establish linkages with the appropriate educational agencies responsible for services to participants. Provides that authorized youth services may include, but need not be limited to, the services described under the headings of direct training, training related services, and participant support services under part A adult program provisions. Provides that additional authorized youth services may include specified features. Requires SDAs to link the youth program with: (1) other specified Federal education and training programs; and (2) as appropriate, State, local, and private programs. Allows an SDA to transfer up to ten percent of youth program funds to the adult program under certain conditions. Subtitle D: Special Programs - Provides, with respect to JTPA title III employment and training assistance for dislocated workers, that an eligible dislocated worker participating in training (except on-the-job training) shall be deemed to be in training with the approval of the State agency for purposes of unemployment compensation. Subtitle E: National Programs - Revises JTPA title IV part A employment and training programs for Native Americans and migrant and seasonal farmworkers. Includes references to American Samoans under such Native American programs. Directs the Secretary to: (1) designate a single organizational unit to have as its primary responsibility the administration of all Native American programs authorized under JTPA; and (2) promote recruitment and promotion of Indians, Alaska Natives, American Samoans, and Hawaiian Natives to positions in such unit. Establishes the Advisory Council on Native American Indian Job Training Programs. Revises the formulas for reservations of funds for Native American programs and for migrant and seasonal farmworker programs. Authorizes the Secretary to waive, under Native American programs and the migrant and seasonal farmworker programs, the requirement of biennial competition for grants for those grantees that: (1) have performed satisfactorily on their existing grant; and (2) submit a satisfactory two-year plan for the succeeding period. Requires JTPA grants for Native American programs and for migrant and seasonal farmworker programs to be consistent with specified standard competitive procurement procedures and auditing procedures. Amends JTPA title IV part B provisions for the Job Corps. Increases from ten to 20 percent the allowable number of nonresidential participants enrolled in the Job Corps in any year. Prohibits the Secretary from reducing the number of residential participants in Job Corps programs during any program year below the number during 1989 in order to increase the number of nonresidential participants. Revises JTPA title IV part D provisions for national activities. Sets forth provisions for training and information programs. Directs the Secretary to carry out specified staff training activities at national, regional, State, and local levels. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a clearinghouse to identify, develop, and disseminate innovative materials and successful program models, and to carry out other specified functions. Directs the Secretary to consult with the Secretaries of Education and of Health and Human Services to coordinate such clearinghouse activities with other relevant entities. Revises JTPA title IV part E provisions for the cooperative labor market information program. Authorizes the Secretary to engage in research, demonstration, or other activities (including ones that States may carry out) to determine the feasibility of various methods of organizing and making accessible nationwide information on the quarterly earnings for all individuals for whom such information is collected in the United States. Requires a report to the Congress on the findings resulting from such activities. Increases the annual amount of funds reserved for the National Occupational Information Coordinating Committee. Adds a new part H, Replication of Successful Programs, to JTPA title IV. Directs the Secretary to make competitive grants for replication of successful programs through the associated activities of: (1) public or private nonprofit organizations' technical assistance; and (2) State and SDA planning and program development. Establishes a new part I of JTPA title IV, the Fair Chance Youth Opportunities Unlimited Program. Authorizes the Secretary to establish such national program of Fair Chance Youth Opportunities Unlimited grants to pay 50 percent of the cost of comprehensive education, training, and employment services for youth in high poverty areas in urban and rural areas. Requires such grants to be awarded to the local service delivery area (on behalf of the participating community) in which the target area is located (or to designated grantees if the target area is a Native American Indian reservation or an Alaska Native village). Authorizes the Secretary to select as grant recipients up to 25 communities in the first fiscal year the program is authorized (and a total of 40 over the first five fiscal years). Makes such grants over a three-year period, with each year conditional upon compliance. Authorizes the Secretary to extend the renewal period for an additional two years. Authorizes participating communities to apply for grants for use on behalf of target areas. Requires that a designated target area have not more than 25,000 population, except in the case of single high school districts. Makes all youth aged 14 through 21 in the target area eligible to participate in assisted programs and activities. Requires each participating community to develop an integrated service delivery system in each target area which meets specified minimum criteria for services. Requires such program to also have an education component, outreach and recruitment efforts, youth program models, and measurable goals and outcomes. Sets forth requirements for maintenance of State and local funding levels, limitations on the use of program funds, applications, and Federal and local shares. Directs the Secretary to provide for technical assistance, independent evaluations, and a report. Subtitle F: General Provisions - Revises provisions for JTPA title V, Jobs for Employable Individuals Incentive Bonus Program. Grants each participating State a bonus for providing job training under JTPA to: (1) absent parents of children receiving aid to famiilies with dependent children (AFDC) under the Social Security Act, who subsequent to such training pay child support; and (2) blind or disabled individuals receiving supplemental security income (SSI) under the Social Security Act, who subsequent to such training are successfully placed in and retain employment. Makes the incentive bonus equal to the total, for up to two years after termination of the individuals from JTPA activities; (1) amounts of such child support paid by such absent parents; and (2) reduction in Federal contributions to the SSI amounts received by such blind or disabled individuals. Revises provisions for State use of such incentive bonus funds. Allows Job Corps centers (as well as SDAs) to make incentive payments to service providers. Extends to January 1, 1997, the deadline for the Secretary's report to the appropriate congressional committees on evaluation of the effectiveness of the incentive bonus program. Directs the Secretary to issue revised performance standards for the incentive bonus program pursuant to the amendment made by this Act. Directs the Secretary to provide guidance and technical assistance to States and SDAs relating to documentation required to verify the eligibility of participants under part A and B of title II of JTPA. Authorizes the Secretary to establish rules and procedures necessary for an orderly transition to programs established by, and implementation of, the amendments made by this title. Title II: State Human Resource Investment Councils - Directs each State receiving assistance under specified applicable Federal programs to establish a single State human resource investment council to: (1) review the provision of services and use of funds under applicable Federal human resource programs; (2) advise the Governor on methods of coordinating and using such services, funds, and resources, and on State and local standards and measures relating to such programs; (3) work cooperatively with the directors of the designated State units administering the State vocational rehabilitation programs and the directors of the State educational agencies to enhance employment and vocational education and training opportunities under applicable programs for individuals with disabilities; and (4) carry out a State Council's duties and functions as prescribed under applicable Federal law. Sets forth requirements for such State council's composition, including representation of business and industry, labor and community-based organizations, and State and local entities. Allows a State that receives financial assistance under an applicable program council to establish a consolidated council which shall have the authority and perform the duties, of a State council and an applicable program council. Makes conforming and technical amendments to the following Federal laws having applicable programs for purposes of such State human resource investment council: (1) the Adult Education Act; (2) the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act; (3) the JTPA; (4) the Wagner-Peyser Act; and (5) the JOBS program under AFDC provisions of the Social Security Act. Makes conforming and technical amendments to the following other Federal laws with reference to such State job training coordinating councils and such consolidated councils: (1) the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; (2) the Education and Training for a Competitive America Act of 1988; (3) the Displaced Homemakers Self-Sufficiency Assistance Act; and (4) the National and Community Service Act of 1990. Title III: Nontraditional Employment for Women - Nontraditional Employment for Women Act - Amends JTPA to define "nontraditional employment," as applied to women, to refer to occupations or fields of work where women comprise less than 25 percent of the individuals employed. Requires service delivery area (SDA) job training plans to include: (1) goals for the training of women in nontraditional employment and the training-related placement of women in nontraditional employment and apprenticeship; (2) a description of efforts to be undertaken to accomplish such goals, including efforts to increase awareness of such training and placement opportunities; and (3) procedures for annual reporting of the extent to which the SDA has met such goals and of a statistical breakdown of women trained and placed in nontraditional occupations, including specified types of information. Requires the State Governor's coordination and special services plan also to include such goals and descriptions of efforts for the training and placement of women in nontraditional employment under JTPA and the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act. Directs the State job training coordinating council to: (1) review, summarize, and annually disseminate the results of SDAs' and Governor's efforts to train and place women in nontraditional employment; and (2) obtain from the sex equity coordinator under the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act a summary of activities and an analysis of results under that Act and disseminate such summary annually. Requires State education coordination grant recipients to provide statewide coordinated approaches, including model programs, to train, place, and retain women in nontraditional employment. Allows the use of funds under title II (Training Services for the Disadvantaged) of JTPA for outreach activities relating to education, training, work experience, and retention of women in nontraditional employment. Directs the Secretary of Labor to use a specified portion of funds for national activities under JTPA for FY 1992 through 1995 to make grants to States to develop demonstration and exemplary programs to train and place women in nontraditional employment. Limits such grants to no more than six per fiscal year. Allows States receiving such assistance to award grants to service providers and SDAs under specified conditions. Directs the Secretary of Labor to report, with recommendations, to the Congress within five years on the extent of success of States and SDAs, and the effectiveness of such demonstration programs, in training, placing, and retaining women in nontraditional employment. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to mean that the Congress is taking a position on the issue of comparable worth. Provides that failure to meet the goals in this Act shall not itself constitute a violation of title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or any other Federal law prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, or age.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991
Requires the period for congressional review of proposed sales of defense articles or services to countries other than NATO member countries or major non-NATO allies for which numbered certification under the Arms Export Control Act were made (such certifications are required for sales exceeding specified amounts) to be 30 session days after the transmittal of the certification.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991
Preemption Clarification and Information Act of 1991 - Provides that no Federal statute shall preempt any State or local government law, ordinance, or regulation (law) unless the statute explicitly states that such preemption is intended or unless there is a direct conflict between the statute and a State or local law that cannot be reconciled. Directs the Congressional Research Service to prepare and make available to the public, within 90 days after each Congress adjourns sine die, a report on the extent of Federal statutory preemption of State and local government powers enacted into law during the preceding Congress or adopted through judicial interpretation of Federal statutes. Requires copies of such report to be sent to the President and appropriate congressional committee chairmen.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991
Youth Apprenticeship Act of 1991 - Establishes an Institute for Youth Apprenticeship (the Institute) as an independent establishment to administer youth apprenticeship demonstration programs set up under this Act. Directs the Board Chairperson to establish guidelines, criteria, and procedures for youth apprenticeship demonstration programs, based on such report, including curriculum guidelines, criteria for demonstration program sites and for apprenticeship occupations, and competency criteria and certification procedures for apprentices and trainers. Directs the Institute Executive Director to enter into contracts with public and nonprofit private organizations to develop and evaluate youth apprenticeship demonstration programs. Requires each eligible entity entering into such a contract with the Board to establish partnerships among secondary and postsecondary schools and employers, labor organizations, and community and civic leaders to provide apprenticeship training to students. Requires at least one: (1) secondary school wage incentive demonstration program under which the Institute shall pay 50 percent of the apprenticeship wage; and (2) one secondary school disadvantaged youth demonstration program. Authorizes two postsecondary school demonstration programs (i.e. two contracts with partnerships for programs solely for postsecondary students). Makes such partnerships responsible for program and curriculum development, coordination and quality assurances, and assessment and evaluation of apprentices and training programs. Sets forth requirements for partnership training for various levels of secondary school students and for postsecondary students. Sets forth requirements for employers to pay: (1) 100 percent of the apprentice wage rate in secondary school programs (but 50 percent in the wage incentive program); (2) 100 percent of the apprentice wage rate and costs of continuing basic skills courses in postsecondary programs; and (3) costs of on-the-job training. States that employers shall not be required to hire apprentices upon completion of the apprenticeships. Directs the Institute to coordinate programs by: (1) providing technical assistance to partnerships; (2) operating an apprenticeship clearinghouse for the partnerships; (3) disseminating model programs and practices to the partnerships; (4) gathering input from all sources on proposals for the labor mobility of apprentices; (5) consult with the Office of Work-Based Learning of the Department of Labor and the Division of Vocational and Technical Education of the Department of Education; and (6) comply with specified evaluation and report requirements. Sets forth provisions relating to: (1) nondiscrimination; (2) notice, hearing, and grievance procedures; (3) nonduplication and nondisplacement; and (4) evaluation and reports. Authorizes appropriations. Abolishes the Board and Institute, terminates all programs established by this Act, and repeals this Act and the amendments it makes not later than 69 months after the initiation of the youth apprenticeship demonstration programs.
United States · United States Congress · 25 November 1991
Establishes a Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States' Democratic Party to coordinate ceremonial events and related activities during 1992. Requires the Commission to submit periodic reports and a final one to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro tempore of the Senate on its activities. Terminates the Commission on February 13, 1993, unless otherwise provided by law.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 1991
Pension Protection in Bankruptcy Act of 1991 - Title I: Employer Liability, Lien, and Portability - Subtitle A: Amendments to Title IV of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 - Amends title IV (Plan Termination Insurance) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to revise limitations on employer liability liens and priority amounts. Provides that, in the case of plan terminations initiated on or after January 1, 1992, the lien of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) for employer liability shall be determined according to a specified formula. Makes similar revisions relating to the amount of liability to the PBGC which is entitled to priority treatment in insolvency and bankruptcy cases. Amends the Pension Protection Act with respect to bankruptcy and insolvency claims. Provides that specified amendments under this Act shall be effective as if included under the Single-Employer Pension Plan Amendments of 1986 and the Pension Protection Act. Amends ERISA to provide for liability upon liquidation of a contributing sponsor of a single-employer plan. Makes such sponsor liable as though the plan had terminated in a distress termination, even if the sponsor's controlled group remains a contributing sponsor of the plan or is liable for payment of specified contributions or installments. Directs the PBGC to transfer such liability payments to the ongoing plans. Subtitle B: Amendments to Title II, United States Code - Amends the Federal bankruptcy code to permit the PBGC to be a member of an unsecured creditors' committee. Revises priority payment provisions with respect to: (1) unpaid contributions to pension plans under ERISA; and (2) certain liability arising from pension plan terminations under ERISA. (Classifies these priorities as expenses arising before, or administrative expenses arising after, the commencement of the case, depending on whether such unpaid contributions are attributable, or such plan termination occurs, before or after the filing of the petition for bankruptcy.) Amends one of specified Bankruptcy Rules to require the bankruptcy court to give the PBGC notice of a bankruptcy petition filed (and all other notices required to be served on creditors and interested parties), in any case in which the debtor or an affiliate maintains a pension plan to which title IV of ERISA applies. Title II: Miscellaneous ERISA Title IV Amendments - Amends ERISA title IV to revise provisions relating to: (1) enforcement of minimum funding requirements; (2) definition of contributing sponsor; (3) recovery ratio payable under PBGC guaranty; (4) distress termination criteria for banking institutions; and (5) variable rate premium exemption. Eliminates a specified seventh revolving fund and transfers its assets and liabilities to the first revolving fund (i.e. the single-employer basic benefits guaranty fund).
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1991
State Care: State-Based Comprehensive Health Care Act of 1991 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the Universal Health Care Advisory Board. Conditions demonstration grants under this Act on establishment by a State of a State Health Care Authority and approval by the State legislature of a State plan under this Act. Authorizes health care planning grants to no more than 15 States. Authorizes appropriations. Mandates demonstration grants to ten States for design and implementation of State Care projects to provide health coverage to individuals residing in such States. Mandates waiver of Federal laws in certain circumstances as necessary to conduct each project and transfers funds which would have been expended under those laws to the State project. Requires payment to each State of a specified percentage of costs not covered by those transfers, covering those payments by issuance of notes to the Secretary of the Treasury. Declares that: (1) it shall not be a violation of antitrust laws for a State grant recipient under this Act to implement a single-payer health care plan; and (2) provisions of State plans supersede the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1991
Authorizes the U.S. Postal Service to issue and sell a postage stamp to honor the Women's Army Corps and to commemorate the date it officially became a part of the U.S. Army.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 1991
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay a specified sum to a named individual for damages incurred as a result of the search and seizure of his sailboat by the U.S. Customs Service.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1991
Enterprise Capital Formation Act of 1991 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction for gain on investments in new small business stock (seed capital) held for at least five years. Establishes special rules for such investments. Provides for determining the maximum capital gains rate for small business net capital gain or seed capital gain. Treats capital gains on the sale of such stock as a preference item for purposes of the minimum tax.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1991
Health Professions Training and Nurse Education Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 1991 - Title I: Provisions Relating to Title VII - Health Professions Training Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 1991 - Subtitle A: General Provisions - Amends title VII (Health Research and Teaching Facilities and Training of Professional Health Personnel) of the Public Health Service Act to change the composition of the National Advisory Council on Health Professions Education and establish the Subcommittee on Allied Health. Prohibits making a grant, loan guarantee, or interest subsidy payment to specified types of educational institutions and programs which discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or educational affiliation (currently, on the basis of sex). Adds graduate programs in clinical social work to the list of institutions and programs covered. Modifies requirements and authorizations concerning the collection and reporting of certain data about specified types of health professionals. Requires all grant or contract applicants under title VII to instruct all trainees regarding precautions to prevent transmission of bloodborne diseases. Sets forth priorities in the awarding of competitive grants under titles VII or title VIII (Nurse Education) of the Act. Subtitle B: Student Assistance - Sets forth limits on the total principal amount of new loans made and installments paid for specified fiscal years under the Federal program of insured loans to health professions graduate students. Extends the date after which insurance may not be granted for loans or installments. Sets forth additional circumstances under which principal repayment may be deferred. Modifies loan consolidation requirements, including removing provisions prohibiting, in certain circumstances, the inclusion of such an insured loan in a consolidated loan under the authority of the Student Loan Marketing Association. Prohibits interest on such loans from being compounded more frequently than annually (currently, semiannually). Sets a maximum rate of interest. Provides for a quarterly special allowance to eligible loan holders based on a percentage of the unpaid principal of all eligible loans held by that holder. Requires an increase in the allowance if not promptly paid. Allows the educational institution or program attended by the borrower to assist in the collection of a delinquent loan by providing information on the borrower to lenders and holders. Mandates performance standards and fees to be paid by lenders and holders for the servicing of loans and for the processing of loan default claims. Requires (currently, allows) reduction in Federal payments to borrowers who are practicing their professions and have defaulted on their loans. Modifies the circumstances under which a lender or holder is not required to prosecute an action for default. Requires assessment of a risk-based premium on an eligible borrower and, if required, an eligible institution that is based on the default rate of the eligible institution involved. Allows an institution to pay off the outstanding principal and interest owed by defaulters to reduce the risk category of the institution. Removes provisions regulating premiums for insurance on the loans. Bars Federal or State time limits on enforcement of repayment of the loans. Allows the student loan insurance fund to be used for making payments in connection with the administration as well as for the collection or default of insured loans. Authorizes the use of a specified amount for the Office for Health Education Assistance Loans. Requires that borrowers under the loan insurance program who enter and remain in specified primary care fields receive preference for participation in the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program. Increases the maximum amount which may be repaid per year in return for the borrower serving in a health professional shortage area. Cancels the borrower's repayment obligation on death or total permanent disability (currently, on death). Limits discharge through bankruptcy. Mandates a report to specified congressional committees regarding the default rates for each institution, lender, and loan holder. Modifies the authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue regulations regarding specified aspects of the loan insurance program. Requires each participating institution to have an annual workshop on the requirements of the program and require all student borrowers to attend. Establishes, in the Bureau of Health Professions, the Office for Health Education Assistance Loans to achieve a reduction in the number and amounts of defaults on loans made or guaranteed under specified provisions. Authorizes appropriations for Federal capital contributions to student loan funds under specified provisions. Subtitle C: Direct Student Loan Health Demonstration Program - Establishes a direct student loan health demonstration program to make assistance available to certain institutions for those institutions to use to make direct loans to health professions students. Directs the Secretary to borrow up to a specified amount from the Secretary of the Treasury each year to provide the assistance to the institutions. Authorizes selection of up to 20 eligible institutions for the program. Sets forth institutional eligibility and other requirements. Makes student borrowers under this program ineligible for loans under other specified provisions. Requires certain collection efforts. Terminates the authority to make loans under these provisions five years after enactment. Modifies the loan repayment program for allied health personnel to allow repayment in exchange for service in a medically underserved or rural community that can demonstrate a shortage of allied health professionals in a recognized discipline. (Current law allows repayment in exchange for service in one of a list of types of facilities and agencies.) Authorizes appropriations for scholarships for students in specified health fields schools who are of exceptional financial need. Repeals provisions mandating grants for medical school scholarships for individuals agreeing to enter family practice (known as Lister Hill scholars). Authorizes appropriations for scholarships for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. Modifies eligibility requirements for individuals to participate in a loan repayment program regarding service on the faculties of certain health professions schools. Limits payments to 20 percent of the principal and interest due on a loan (currently, 50 percent) of the principal and interest due on a loan for a given repayment year). Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle D: Grants and Contracts for Programs and Projects - Modifies application requirements and priorities regarding grants to establish, maintain, or improve departments of family medicine. Authorizes appropriations. Requires that agreements for developing and operating area health education center programs remain in effect for six years. Sets forth priorities. Mandates contracts to health education and training centers to improve services along the U.S.-Mexico border and in other high-impact urban or rural areas (currently, along the U.S.-Mexico border). Sets forth priorities. Authorizes agreements with eligible schools of medicine and osteopathic medicine for the planning, development, and operation of State supported area health education center programs meeting specified requirements. Authorizes appropriations. Requires matching non-Federal contributions. Adds a school of osteopathic medicine, a school of public health, and a graduate program in clinical psychology to the definition of "health professions school" for provisions mandating grants or contracts (currently, mandating grants) for programs of excellence in health professions education for minority individuals. Authorizes appropriations for such grants. Allows grants and contracts under existing provisions to be used to: (1) plan, develop, and operate, or participate in (currently, to plan, develop, and operate) a professional training program, including a residency or internship program (currently a residency program) in internal medicine or pediatrics for allopathic and osteopathic students, interns, residents, or practicing physicians (currently, for residents); and (2) provide financial assistance to allopathic and osteopathic students, interns, residents, practicing physicians, or other medical personnel (currently, to residents) who plan to work in general internal medicine and general pediatrics. Authorizes appropriations. Modifies eligibility requirements. Allows grants and contracts for educational assistance to individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds to be used for graduate programs in clinical social work. Modifies preferences (currently, priorities) in making the grants and contracts. Authorizes appropriations. Removes provisions setting aside certain funds for specified purposes. Authorizes limited payment of stipends. Authorizes appropriations for grants for retention programs for health professions schools with individuals with disadvantaged backgrounds. Authorizes grants and contracts to increase the number of underrepresented minority faculty at certain types of health professions schools. Authorizes appropriations. Replaces provisions authorizing grants for two-year schools of medicine or osteopathy with provisions authorizing grants and contracts for studies and demonstration projects regarding health professions education, licensing, credentialing, continuing competency, and discipline. Replaces provisions authorizing grants and contracts for model projects on faculty and curriculum development and development of new clinical training sites with provisions authorizing grants and contracts regarding chiropractic health care. Repeals provisions authorizing grants and contracts for training in preventive medicine. Transfers and authorizes appropriations for remaining similar provisions. Authorizes appropriations for grants and contracts for training physician assistants. Authorizes appropriations for grants and contracts for: (1) studies and demonstration projects regarding health professions education, licensing, credentialing, continuing competency, and discipline; (2) chiropractic health care; and (3) certain projects with respect to hospitals and schools of podiatric medicine. Amends provisions relating to training with respect to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) to modify eligibility for grants and contracts and allow such awards to be used with regard to: (1) faculty, students, and health professions practitioners (currently, faculty and students); (2) individuals infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and individuals at high risk for such infection (currently, individuals with AIDS); and (3) developing curricula for care, treatment, and prevention (currently, care and treatment). Modifies preferences in making grants. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) the grants; and (2) grants to assist dental schools and certain programs with respect to oral health care to patients with AIDS. Modifies eligibility requirements regarding grants and contracts relating to geriatric education. Allows certain grants and contracts to be used to train physicians and dentists to teach geriatric medicine, geriatric psychiatry, or geriatric dentistry (currently, to teach geriatric medicine or geriatric dentistry). Modifies the associated training options. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle E: Personnel in Public Health, Health Administration and Allied Health - Adds references to Healthy People 2000: National Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Objectives to provisions authorizing grants and contracts for certain special projects involving schools of public health. Sets forth purposes of such projects. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes appropriations for grants for: (1) graduate programs in health administration; and (2) traineeships for students in other graduate programs. Requires that public health traineeships under existing provisions be used to increase the number of graduate students preparing to serve the Healthy People 2000 objectives. Sets forth priorities and preferences and modifies program requirements. Authorizes appropriations. Replaces provisions authorizing grants and contracts relating to the training of allied health professionals with provisions authorizing grants and contracts for: (1) increasing program enrollments or establishing programs to increase the number of individuals in allied health professions with demonstrated personnel shortages to provide individuals to serve in medically underserved or rural communities; (2) planning, developing, establishing, and operating certain allied health training programs; and (3) training centers for allied health professions for student traineeships. Authorizes appropriations. Allows grants and contracts for training of allied health professions to be used with regard to postbaccalaureate (currently, doctoral or postdoctoral) training. Sets forth preferences. Authorizes appropriations. Replaces provisions authorizing grants and contracts for educational assistance to disadvantaged individuals in allied health training with provisions establishing the Division of Allied Health in the Bureau of Health Professions. Subtitle F: Miscellaneous Programs - Modifies the functions and composition of and authorizes appropriations for the Council on Graduate Medical Education. Modifies the uses of grants and contracts under provisions relating to rural health training (currently, to health care for rural areas). Changes eligibility requirements. Removes provisions mandating a study of manpower training needs in rural areas. Authorizes appropriations. Establishes the Council on Medical Licensure to take specified actions, including giving advice regarding the establishment and operation of a system of verifying and maintaining information on the qualifications of individuals to practice medicine. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to determine whether the system is operating efficiently and without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or educational affiliation and, if the system fails either test, to make recommendations regarding establishment of an alternative system. Mandates an annual study of at least ten States regarding licensure of domestic and foreign medical graduates. Subtitle G: Repealers and Technical and Conforming Amendments - Repeals provisions relating to grants and loan guarantees and interest subsidies for construction of teaching facilities for medical, dental, and other health personnel. Modifies testing requirements for admission to the United States of aliens who are graduates of unaccredited medical schools. Title II: Provisions Relating to Title VIII - Nurse Education Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 1991 - Amends title VIII (Nurse Education) of the Public Health Service Act to authorize grants and contracts for special projects to: (1) provide education for nurses serving in medically underserved or rural communities (currently, provide continuing education for nurses); and (2) provide nursing education courses to rural areas (currently, to rural areas through telecommunications via satellite). Removes provisions authorizing grants and contracts for: (1) facilitating agreements between health facilities and nursing students regarding repayment of educational loans by the facilities in return for service by the students in the facilities; and (2) geriatrics health education centers. Allows grants for innovative hospital nursing practice models to also be used for models in primary care and long-term care settings. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes appropriations for grants and contracts relating to advanced nurse education. Removes provisions requiring certain special considerations in making grants and contracts for the education of nurse practitioners and nurse midwives. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes grants and contracts for support, including traineeships and fellowships, to develop resources or strengthen programs or faculty to address the National Health Objectives for the Year 2000. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes appropriations for grants and contracts to increase nursing education opportunities for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. Makes non-nurses as well as nurses eligible for traineeships for masters and doctoral degree nursing programs, requiring non-nurses to first complete basic nursing preparation. Removes provisions authorizing grants for postbaccalaureate fellowships for faculty for certain studies. Authorizes appropriations for grants and contracts for advanced nurse education. Authorizes appropriations for grants for: (1) traineeships for licensed registered nurses to become nurse anesthetists and for developing and operating programs for the education of nurse anesthetists; and (2) improvement of existing programs for the education of nurse anesthetists. Authorizes appropriations for loan repayments, under existing provisions, in exchange for service in certain health facilities. Repeals provisions authorizing appropriations for allotments to schools of nursing for Federal capital contributions to their student loan funds. Amends remaining provisions relating to Federal capital contributions to allow allotted funds which have been returned to the Secretary of Health and Human Services to be available until expended (currently, to be available in the fiscal year of return and the subsequent fiscal year). Modifies requirements regarding the capital distribution of the balance of the loan fund. Requires certain scholarship recipients to serve as a nurse for a period equal to the number of years of the scholarship (currently, for a period of not less than two years). Authorizes appropriations. Repeals provisions authorizing loans to nursing students who enter into agreements with health facilities to engage in employment as nurses during a period of time not more than the period during which the students receive loan assistance. Prohibits making grants, loan guarantees, or interest subsidy payments under title VIII (Nurse Education) of the Public Health Service Act to any school of nursing which discriminates on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or educational affiliation (currently, on the basis of sex). Requires a report to specified congressional committees to be submitted every two years (currently, biannually). Authorizes grants for fellowships to licensed vocational or practical nurses, nursing assistants, and other paraprofessional nursing personnel to assist in obtaining professional nursing education to attain the level of registered nurse. Requires a fellowship recipient to contract with a long-term care facility certified under titles XVIII (Medicare) or XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to engage in full-time employment at the registered nurse level for a period not less than the period of assistance to the fellowship recipient. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes grants to nursing schools for the establishment or expansion of clinical training sites or training affiliations to provide training and experience in primary care. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Provides for the continuation of any grant or contract in effect on enactment of this Act for that grant or contract's full duration, notwithstanding termination by any provision of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1991
Resolution Trust Corporation Reform Act of 1991 - Title I: Reform of the RTC - Abolishes the Oversight Board of the Resolution Trust Corporation (the Corporation). Vests management of the Corporation in its Board of Directors. Directs the Board of Directors to establish a National Housing Advisory Board to advise it on issues related to low-income housing. Requires the Corporation to provide the Secretary of the Treasury with quarterly financing reports. Sets forth the rights of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation employees assigned to the Corporation. Title II: Disposition of Property by Resolution Trust Corporation - Amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to: (1) require the Corporation to record the reasons for selling any property in a distressed area for less than the minimum disposition price; (2) set forth condominium disposition and anti-speculation guidelines; (3) require the Corporation to make available for acquisition by any minority or women's depository institution those savings association branches located in predominatly minority neighborhoods for which it has been appointed conservator or receiver; (4) require the Corporation to review its seller financing procedures and endeavor to arrange appropriate financing to State and local governments seeking to acquire real property assets of institutions subject to the Corporation's jurisdiction; (5) require the Corporation to use competitive bidding methods; (6) set forth guidelines for the identification, disposition, and protection of Corporation properties with natural, cultural, recreational, or scientific value of special significance; and (7) require the Corporation to establish an Office of Dispute Resolution. Title III: Miscellaneous - Suspends Corporation funding if it does not provide the Congress with independently audited financial statements within specified deadlines. Precludes insurance coverage for uninsured depositors. Mandates disclosure of certain Corporation salaried executives whose compensation exceeds a specified level. Provides employee protections and remedies for Corporation employees and the employees of a Corporation contractor with respect to whistle-blowing activities. Requires the Comptroller General to report to the Congress regarding a feasibility study on the privatization of Corporation functions.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1991
Medicaid Moratorium Amendments of 1991 - Amends the Technical and Miscellaneous Revenues Act of 1988 to: (1) delay until September 30, 1992, the issuance of regulations changing the treatment under the Medicaid program (title XIX of the Social Security Act) of voluntary contributions and provider-specific taxes; and (2) maintain current regulations that allow intergovernmental transfers as a source of a State's expenditures for which Federal matching funds are available under the Medicaid program. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to submit to specified congressional committees a report on: (1) regulations to limit the use of voluntary contributions and provider-specific taxes to obtain Federal financial participation; (2) specific types of voluntary contributions and provider-specific taxes that may be used as sources of a State's expenditures for which Federal financial participation is available; and (3) any legislation that the Secretary believes is appropriate. Sets forth budget compliance provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1991
Better Access to Affordable Health Care Act of 1991 - Title I: Improvements in Health Insurance Affordability for Small Employers - Amends the Internal Revenue code to raise from 25 to 100 percent the deduction for self-employed individuals for health insurance premiums and makes the deduction permanent. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to make grants to up to 15 States for the establishment and operation of small employer health insurance purchasing programs. Permits grant funds to be used to finance administrative costs associated with developing and operating a group purchasing program for small employers. Authorizes appropriations. Requires a report to the Congress from the Secretary concerning the feasibility of establishing a requirement that health insurers must make available plans providing that payments to providers be made using Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act) payment rules. Title II: Improvements in Health Insurance for Small Employers - Amends the Social Security Act to add a new title, Title XXI: Standards for Small Employer Health Insurance and Certification of Managed Care Plans. Directs the Secretary to request the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to develop model standards and regulations concerning requirements for health insurance plans for small employers. Requires such plans to provide for: (1) guaranteed eligibility; (2) guaranteed availability; and (3) guaranteed renewability. Prohibits: (1) an insurer from refusing to renew or terminate a plan, except for nonpayment of premiums, fraud, or failure to maintain minimum participation rates; and (2) for certain services, discrimination based on health status. Sets limits controlling the variation of premium charges permitted among all small employers insured by an insurer. Requires the full disclosure of an insurer's rating practices. Requires a health insurance plan for small employers to offer: (1) both a standard and basic benefit package; and (2) a managed care option, if the insurer also offers such an option to other employers. Provides, under both the standard and basic package, for coverage of: (1) inpatient and outpatient hospital care; (2) inpatient and outpatient physician services; (3) diagnostic tests; and (4) preventive services. Provides, in addition, under the standard plan: (1) for the coverage of certain mental health care; (2) that, except as specified, there will be no limits on the amount, scope, or duration of benefits, and (3) for specified limits on deductibles, copayment, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket expenses. Provides under the basic plan that: (1) premiums, deductibles, copayments, or other cost-sharing may be imposed, but does not specify in what amounts; and (2) there shall be an out-of-pocket limit, but does not specify such limit. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an excise tax of 25 percent of gross premiums on the issuer of any health insurance plan to a small employer, if the plan does not meet the requirements of title XXI. Sets forth study and reporting requirements. Title III: Improvements in Portability of Private Health Insurance - Imposes an excise tax of $100 per day, with respect to a covered individual, on a group health plan for its failure to provide coverage for a preexisting condition, subject to stated exceptions. Title IV: Health Care Cost Containment - Establishes a Health Care Cost Commission which shall report annually to the President and the Congress on national health care costs. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, under title XXI of the Social Security Act, to establish a process for the certification of managed care plans and utilization review programs. Sets forth requirements for certification. Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Administrator of the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research to develop outcomes research and practice parameters for mental health services, including at least the diagnosis and treatment of childhood attention deficit syndrome disorders and manic depression. Amends Part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Social Security Act to authorize appropriations for research outcomes of health care services and procedures. Title V: Medicare Prevention Benefits - Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish frequency and payment limits for screening for fecal-occult blood tests and screening flexible sigmoidoscopies. Amends Medicare part C (Miscellaneous Provisions) to provide coverage for tetanus-diphtheria boosters and their administration. Provides Medicare coverage for well-child services, which include routine office visits, immunizations, laboratory tests, and preventive dental care. Expands the coverage of a screening mammography to provide for one such screening annually for all covered women over age 49. Directs the Secretary to establish and provide for a series of ongoing demonstration projects which provide coverage for specified preventive services, including: (1) glaucoma screening; (2) cholesterol screening; (3) osteoporosis screening and treatment; (4) screening services for pregnant women; (5) assessments for individuals beginning at age 65 or 75; and (5) other appropriate services. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1991
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) it should be U.S. policy to pursue discussions regarding Syria and terrorism at the Middle East peace conference in Madrid, Spain, in October and November of 1991; and (2) Syria should renounce all forms of terrorism, cease all support of terrorism, and close all terrorist training bases on Syrian territory and Syrian-controlled Lebanese territory.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1991
National Wildlife Refuge System Management and Policy Act of 1991 - Amends the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) (except as the context implies otherwise) from initiating or permitting a new use of a refuge or expanding, renewing, or extending an existing use unless it is determined that it is compatible with the purposes of the System and the refuge. Allows existing uses of such refuge system lands that have been determined to be compatible under this Act or the Refuge Recreation Act to continue under specified conditions. Ceases such use and revokes permits for it within five years after the enactment of this Act unless the Secretary determines that such use is compatible. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to establish and maintain a formal process for governing determinations of whether an existing or proposed new use in a refuge is compatible or incompatible with the purposes of the System and the refuge. Sets forth requirements for such determinations. Requires the head of each Federal agency that has, with respect to a refuge, an equivalent or secondary jurisdiction with the Department of the Interior, or conducts activities within any refuge to ensure that any actions authorized, funded, or carried out in whole or in part by such agency will not impair the resources of the refuge or be incompatible with the purposes of either the System or refuge, unless such action is specifically authorized by law or necessary for national security. Directs the Secretary to: (1) prepare by September 30, 1994, and revise not less that every ten years thereafter, a comprehensive plan for the System; and (2) prepare and revise at least every 15 years, a comprehensive conservation plan for each refuge or ecologically related complex of refuges in the System, except those in Alaska. Authorizes appropriations. Grants the Secretary emergency power to suspend any activity in any refuge in the National Wildlife Refuge System if such activity constitutes an imminent danger to the health and safety of any wildlife population, refuge, or to public health and safety.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 1991
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should continue to support the full protection of the African elephant through an unqualified listing of all populations of the African elephant on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1991
Amends the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act to provide temporary extended railroad unemployment insurance benefits, to railroad employees who have less than ten years of service, for periods of high national unemployment of six percent or greater. Provides for such extended benefits for up to 13 weeks, through July 4, 1992. Sets forth transition and reachback provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1991
White House Commemorative Coin Act of 1991 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) issue up to 500,000 silver one-dollar coins to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone of the White House; and (2) obtain silver for such coins from stockpiles established under the Strategic and Critical Mineral Stock Piling Act. Specifies that: (1) all amounts received from the sale of coins issued under this Act shall be deposited in the coinage profit fund; and (2) the Secretary shall pay amounts from a ten-dollar surcharge per coin into the White House Endowment Fund. Directs the Secretary to take such actions as necessary to ensure that the minting and issuance of such coins do not result in any net cost to the Government. Bars the issuance of such coins unless the Secretary has received full payment or adequate security for payment. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1991
Condemns Syria's denial of Syrian Jews' right to travel freely and calls upon the Syrian Government to: (1) immediately grant Syrian Jews the right to travel freely without imposing a fee; and (2) release all Jewish prisoners who were charged or suspected of traveling illegally. Urges the President to encourage U.S. allies and trading partners to make similar pleas to the Syrian Government. Calls upon the United Nations to send an official delegation to Syria to investigate the present condition of Syrian Jews.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1991
Medicare Physician Payment Reform Implementation Act of 1991 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to increase the conversion factor for physicians' services for each of the years after 1993 through 1996 by one-fourth of the percentage by which the conversion factor may have been decreased due to an adjustment for asymmetry in 1992; (2) prohibit the Secretary, in determining the conversion factor for 1992, from assuming that changes in the volume and intensity of physician services in response to the implementation of the new payment system for such services would increase the estimated aggregate physician expenditures by more than one percent; (3) make any reduction to the conversion factor due to assumed volume and intensity changes equally applicable to the adjusted historical payment base; (4) permit separate payment to physicians for interpretation of electrocardiograms (EKGs) provided during office vists; (5) direct the Secretary to: (a) establish separate fee schedule amounts for the interpretation of EKGs; (b) adjust the relative values in the fee schedule for physician visits to reflect separate payments for EKG interpretation; (c) establish EKG practice guidelines for dissemination to physicians along with other educational information relating to EKG use; (d) develop a profile for EKG use by physicians; and (e) study EKG utilization and costs for a report to the Congress; and (6) make the new payment system for physicians nonapplicable to services furnished on or after January 1, 1992, by a physician who was in his or her first, second, or third year of practice in 1991 and to whom the payment rules under the new system did not apply in that year. Prohibits the Secretary from issuing final regulations before July 1, 1993, which change the methodology for determining: (1) the amount of time that may be billed for anesthesia services; and (2) the amount paid for drugs and biologicals furnished incident to physicians' services. Requires the Director of the Office of Technology Assessment to conduct a study and report to the Congress on whether payments for anesthesia services should be based on a particular unit of time according to the medical procedure with respect to which the service is furnished. Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct a study and report to the Congress with respect to payment for drugs and biologicals furnished incident to physicians' services and payment for multiple surgical procedures; and (2) provide for pilot projects for developing Medicare volume performance standards other than at the national level. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the pilot projects.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1991
Veterans Bill of Rights Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to take all necessary action to ensure that all rights and benefits provided under Federal law to qualified veterans are: (1) made available to veterans to the same extent in every State or geographic location; and (2) not denied on the basis of race, ethnicity, sex, religion, age, or geographic location.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1991
Semiconductor Investment Act of 1991 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to classify the depreciable life for semiconductor manufacturing equipment as three-year property.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1991
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the President should make clear that the United States supports the restoration of the democratically elected government of President Aristide in Haiti; (2) all U.S. assistance to the Haitian Government should remain suspended until democratic government is restored; (3) the Haitian military should respect the human rights of the Haitian people; (4) the Organization of American States should be commended for condemning the coup and for its Santiago commitment creating a new automatic mechanism to respond to the interruption of legitimate elected government; and (5) the international community should take all appropriate action to restore democratic government in Haiti.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1991
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to design and strike a silver commemorative medal for members of the U.S. armed forces who serve in a combat zone in connection with the Persian Gulf conflict.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1991
Retirement and Health Planning Act of 1991 - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to authorize appropriations for the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish and carry out demonstration projects to assist up to three States through Federal grants in establishing and improving health and retirement information, counseling, and assistance programs for individuals age 55 or older. Requires each State which receives such a grant to report annually to the Congress on the number of individuals served by the program and the savings to the State and to such individuals resulting from implementation of the program. Directs the Secretary to evaluate such projects annually in a report to the Congress on project efficacy in meeting the health and retirement needs of participants. Requires such report to determine whether retirement and health planning could decrease Federal costs of health and assistance programs and improve the quality of life. Details the criteria for issuing such grants, as well as procedures for applying for them.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1991
Requires the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to: (1) establish a training program for all Federal agency retirement counselors to fully promote informed retirement decisions by Federal employees; and (2) designate and publicize a telephone number at OPM which annuitants may call to obtain answers to questions relating to retirement benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1991
Medicare Durable Medical Equipment Patient Protection Act of 1991 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to designate no more than five regional carriers nationwide to process all claims for durable medical equipment and prosthetics and orthotics. Requires the carrier designated to process the claims in a particular region to process all claims for such items furnished to an individual residing in that region unless the Secretary decides otherwise for reasons of administrative efficiency. Requires the development of a national fee schedule for ostomy supplies, urologicals, surgical, and other medical supplies. Directs the Secretary to develop recommendations for national uniform reimbursement rates and coverage and utilization policies for all the items mentioned above. Require an interim and final report to the Congress with recommendations on national uniform reimbursement rates and utilization parameters for such items. Directs the Secretary to group the procedure codes contained in any HCFA Common Procedure Coding System for payment purposes to minimize inappropriate increases in the volume of medical items and supplies provided as a result of coding distinctions which do not reflect substantial differences in the items supplied. Directs the Secretary, in grouping such codes, to ensure that no more is paid for an item that is billed separately than would be paid if the item were billed as part of a grouping of items. Amends title XI of the Social Security Act to set forth additional information disclosure requirements which suppliers of the items mentioned above who receive payment for such items under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) must meet. Requires such supplier to resubmit and renew an application for a provider number every two years in order to participate in Medicare and Medicaid (title XIX of the Social Security Act). Includes within provisions providing criminal penalties for kickbacks certain employment situations involving the processing of paperwork and warehousing or stock inventory functions. Authorizes user fees for provider numbers. Amends the Medicare program to require the Secretary to: (1) develop a list of suppliers and billing agents for the items mentioned above who the Secretary determines may be engaged in fraud or sales or billing practices which serve to maximize reimbursement or promote unnecessary utilization; and (2) develop an administrative mechanism to provide due process to suppliers or other entities placed on such list for removal from the list. Authorizes carriers to require prior approval of billings submitted by entities on the Secretary's list. Relieves Medicare beneficiaries from responsibility for payment of items or services furnished by a supplier on an unassigned basis in cases where the supplier is excluded from participation in any program under Medicare or is denied payment by the carrier for the item or service in advance. Authorizes the Comptroller General to study and report to the Congress on: (1) the types, volume, and utilization of services and supplies furnished under contract or under arrangement with suppliers to individuals eligible for benefits under Medicare part B and residing in nursing facilities; and (2) the appropriateness of utilization controls applied to the use of durable medical equipment by Medicare beneficiaries. Directs the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on the application of certain payment limits under Medicare to parenteral and enteral nutrition nutrients, supplies, and equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1991
Declares that the Congress acknowledges and appreciates the commitment, devotion, and sacrifices of present and former military families. Designates November 25, 1991, as National Military Families Recognition Day.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1991
Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act of 1991 - Establishes an emergency unemployment compensation program. Allows any State to enter into and participate in an agreement with the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary) under which the State agency which administers the State unemployment compensation law will make payments of emergency unemployment compensation: (1) to individuals who have exhausted all rights to regular compensation under State law, have no rights to such regular compensation or any additional State or Federal compensation, and are not receiving Canadian compensation; and (2) for any week of unemployment beginning in the individual's eligibility period. Sets forth provisions relating to exhaustion of regular benefits and weekly amount of emergency benefits equal to regular benefits. Authorizes a State Governor, in a period of a seven or eight percent total unemployment rate in that State (as defined under this Act), to elect to trigger off an extended compensation period to provide emergency unemployment compensation to individuals who have exhausted their rights to regular compensation under State law. Requires a State, under such an agreement, to establish an emergency unemployment compensation account with respect to the benefit year of each eligible individual who files an application. Limits benefit payments to not more than the amount in the individual's account. Sets forth formulas for determining the amount in such account. Provides that the applicable limit in such account shall be equal to: (1) 20 for an eight-percent period, i.e. one triggered by a total unemployment rate (TUR) of eight percent or more in the State, seasonally adjusted, for the most recent six calendar months with available data; (2) 13 for a seven-percent period; (3) seven for a six-percent period; and (4) four for any other period. Sets forth special rules relating to such applicable limits. Requires reduction in such account by the amount of extended benefits received by the individual relating to the same benefit year under the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970. Sets the weekly benefit amount at the amount of regular compensation (including dependents' allowances) payable under the State law to the individual for such week for total unemployment. Provides for determination of periods and applicable triggers. Provides for a minimum period of at least 13 weeks. Provides, in general, that no emergency unemployment compensation shall be payable to any individual under this Act for any week beginning: (1) before the later of October 6, 1991, or the first week following the week in which an agreement under this Act is entered into; or (2) after July 4, 1992. Sets forth transition and reachback provisions for the eligibility of certain individuals for such benefits, as exceptions to such general rule. Provides for payments to States having such agreements for emergency unemployment compensation. Sets forth financing provisions. Requires that funds in the extended unemployment compensation account of the Unemployment Trust Fund be used to make payments to States having agreements under this Act. Sets forth provisions relating to fraud and overpayments. Defines the eligible period under this Act. Provides that in no event shall an individual's period of eligibility include any weeks after the 39th week after the end of the benefit year for which the individual exhausted rights to regular compensation or extended compensation. Amends specified Federal law to repeal certain limitations on payment of unemployment compensation to former members of the armed forces. Reduces the length of required active duty by reserves for purposes of such payment. Amends the Social Security Act to establish an Advisory Council on Unemployment Compensation. Directs the Secretary to establish such a council by February 1, 1992, and every fourth year thereafter. Requires each such council to evaluate the unemployment compensation program. Sets forth membership and staff provisions. Requires each council to report to the President and the Congress by Feburuary 1 of the second year following the year in which it is required to be established. Requires the first Council report to include findings and recommendations on determining eligibility for extended unemployment benefits on the basis of unemployment statistics for regions, States, or subdivisions of States. Designates as emergency requirements, pursuant to the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act), all direct spending amounts provided, and all appropriations authorized by this Act (for all fiscal years). Provides that this Act shall not take effect unless, by its enactment date, the President submits to the Congress a written designation of all such direct spending amounts and authorized appropriations as such emergency requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1991
Disability Determination Fairness Act - Amends titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) and XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate regulations which provide for the State Disability Determination Service to conduct personal appearance interviews of applicants with a mental, cardiovascular, or musculoskeletal disability who, on the basis of an initial examination, are subject to potentially unfavorable determinations of benefit eligibility. Grants an applicant who is denied benefits on the basis of such an interview an immediate right to appeal directly to an administrative law judge without going through the reconsideration stage.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 1991
Designates 1992 as the Year of the Gulf of Mexico. Expresses the sense of the Congress that governmental entities that have responsibilities relating to the Gulf should work to increase public awareness concerning the immeasurable value of the Gulf's resources and conditions that threaten its aesthetic and economic value.
![Official portrait of Sen. Graham, Bob [D-FL]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/g000352_200.jpg)