United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permanently extend the period during which qualified mortgage bonds and mortgage credit certificates may be issued.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1991
Comprehensive Campaign Finance Reform Act of 1991 - Title I: Reduction of Special Interest Influence - Subtitle A: Elimination of Political Action Committees from Federal Election Activities - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to: (1) revise the definition of a "political committee" to delete references to any separate segregated fund and any committee, club, association, or group which receives contributions or makes expenditures annually totaling over $1,000 and to include any national, State, or district committee of a political party, including any subordinate committee thereof, and any committee jointly established by such committees or by any local committee as defined under current law for joint fundraising activities; (2) repeal provisions excluding nonpartisan registration and get-out-the-vote campaigns and the establishment of, and solicitation of contributions for, a separate segregated fund from the definition of a "contribution or expenditure" by a national bank, corporation, or labor organization; and (3) prohibit making, soliciting, or receiving contributions or making expenditures to influence a Federal election by any person other than an individual or a political committee. Specifies that if such prohibition is not in effect: (1) it and the other amendments made by this Act to the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 regarding such definitions shall not be in effect and prior law will be reinstated; and (2) political action committees not connected to corporations, labor organizations, or trade associations will be subject to a $1,000 contribution limit. Deems any political committee which is established, financed, maintained, or controlled by any candidate or Federal officeholder to be an authorized committee of such candidate or officeholder for purposes of limitations on contributions to a candidate's committees. Subtitle B: Ban on Soft Money in Federal Elections - Bans the use of soft money (any amount raised or contributed outside of source restrictions, contribution limits, and disclosure requirements of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971) to influence any Federal election. Requires the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to issue regulations providing a method for allocating the contributions and expenditures for any mixed activity between Federal and non-Federal accounts. Sets forth guidelines for such allocation which include the establishment of minimum percentages of Federal funds for activities designed to contact voters in connection with elections for Federal and non-Federal office. Requires each treasurer of a political committee to keep an account of, and file reports disclosing, each account maintained by such committee. Includes political committees among those entities eligible to receive contributions or expenditures by national banks, corporations, or labor organizations. Permits a labor organization, upon reinstatement of prior law regarding certain political activities not considered to be contributions or expenditures, to make political communications and establish and solicit contributions for a separate segregated political fund if it: (1) provides the employees it represents with written notification of specified information at least once annually; (2) provides such employees with an annual examination by an independent certified public accountant of its financial statements which verify its costs for representation services; and (3) maintains certain procedures regarding the cost of such representation. Requires a labor organization which does not follow such requirements to finance those communications expressly advocating the election or defeat of any clearly identified candidate for elective public office as well as the other political activities not considered to be contributions or expenditures with funds legally collected under this Act for its separate segregated fund. Imposes Federal limits on contributions to: (1) political organizations maintained by a candidate for Federal office which are not political committees of a national, State, or local party; and (2) State and local party committees. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny tax-exempt status for an organization: (1) which devotes any of its operating budget to voter registration, get-out-the-vote campaigns, or participation in political campaign activities; (2) on whose behalf a candidate or an authorized committee thereof solicits contributions; or (3) which intervenes or participates in any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for Federal office. Subtitle C: Other Activities - Reduces from $1,000 to $500 the maximum contribution allowed to any candidate for Federal office (other than a candidate for President or Vice President) by a person residing outside the State with respect to which such candidate seeks Federal office. Maintains the current $1,000 limitation for contributions to any candidate for President or Vice President or to any candidate for Federal office by a person residing within the State with respect to which such candidate seeks Federal office. Provides for periodic indexing of such limitations according to the consumer price index. Excludes costs of campaign materials and general research activities paid by national committees of a political party from the definition of "expenditure and contribution" under the same conditions currently provided for such payments by State or local committees of a political party. Exempts contributions to political party committees from the $25,000 annual limit. Prohibits: (1) any intermediary or conduit from delivering or arranging to have delivered contributions from more than two persons who are employees of the same employer or members of the same labor organization; and (2) lobbyists from acting as an intermediary or conduit with respect to a contribution to a candidate for Federal office. Sets forth disclosure requirements for independent expenditures through broadcast communications on any radio or television station. Provides that an expenditure is not an independent expenditure where the person making an expenditure is in coordination, consultation, or concert with a candidate. Requires the FEC to provide a hearing within three days after receiving a complaint alleging that an independent expenditure was made in cooperation, consultation, or concert with a candidate. Provides for expedited judicial review for any matter relating to the making of an independent expenditure. Title II: Increase of Competition in Politics - Allows the congressional campaign committee or the senatorial campaign committee of a national political party to make contributions to a candidate for Federal office (other than President or Vice President) who does not hold Federal office which in the aggregate do not exceed the lesser of: (1) $100,000; or (2) the aggregate contributions made during the election cycle preceding the primary election by an individual who, at the time such contributions are made, is a resident of the State in which the election with respect to which such contributions are made is to be held. Prohibits such a contribution from being treated as an expenditure by a national committee, State committee, or subordinate committee, of a State committee in connection with the general election campaign of a candidate for Federal office. Prohibits a holder of Federal office from transferring any amounts received as contributions or other campaign funds to any account maintained for purposes of defraying ordinary and necessary expenses in connection with the duties of such office. Requires a candidate, within 15 days of qualifying for a primary election ballot, to file with the FEC and each other qualifying candidate a declaration stating whether or not such candidate intends to expend for the primary and general election an amount exceeding $250,000 from: (1) personal funds; (2) family funds; and (3) personal loans incurred in connection with the campaign for election. Allows the opponents of such candidate to accept larger contribution amounts from individuals. Requires a candidate who files a declaration of intent not to expend more than $250,000 and who subsequently does exceed such amount, to file an amended declaration within 24 hours after exceeding such amount. Allows a candidate to repay any expenditure or personal loan incurred in connection with the candidate's election to Federal office from contributions made to such candidate or any authorized committee of such candidate. Prohibits: (1) repayment of any interest on the principal of such loan or the amount of such expenditure; and (2) repayment from any such contributions received after the general election to which the expenditure or loan relates. Prohibits franked mass mailings by: (1) Members of Congress during the year in which they are candidates for reelection; (2) Members of, or Members-elect to, the House during the year in which they are candidates for any other public office; or (3) Members of the Senate during the year in which they are candidates for any other public office. Requires Members of Congress using franked mass mailings to register such mailings annually with the Secretary of the Senate or the Clerk of the House of Representatives who shall make such mailing available for public inspection along with a description of the persons to whom the mass mailing was mailed. Amends rule XL of the Standing Rules of the Senate to prohibit the use of franked mass mail by a Senator or an individual who is a candidate for nomination for election, or election, to the Senate during the year in which the Senator is a candidate for public office or the individual is a candidate for the Senate. Revises provisions with respect to congressional reapportionment and redistricting so that the number of persons in congressional districts within each State shall be as nearly equal as practicable, as determined under the most recent decennial census. Prohibits congressional districts from being established with the intent and effect of diluting the voting strength of any persons or members of any political party. Requires district boundaries to avoid the division of counties and minimize the division of cities and other political subdivisions. Establishes expedited Federal judicial review procedures of the redistricting process, giving Federal district courts exclusive jurisdiction. Amends the Federal criminal code to prescribe criminal penalties to be imposed against anyone who uses any facility of, or affects, interstate or foreign commerce to deprive or defraud the inhabitants of a State or political subdivision of: (1) the honest services of a government official or employee; or (2) a fair and impartially conducted election process through the use of fraudulent ballots or voter registration forms or the filing of fraudulent campaign reports to secure the election of an official who, if elected, would have authority over the administration of funds derived from an Act of the Congress totalling $10,000 or more for a year before or after the election or offense. Prescribes criminal penalties to be imposed against anyone who deprives or defrauds the inhabitants of the United States of the honest services of a public official. Prescribes criminal penalties to be imposed upon any official who: (1) uses interstate commerce to deprive or defraud the inhabitants of any State or political subdivision of the right to have government affairs conducted on the basis of complete, true, and accurate information; or (2) in order to carry out or conceal any scheme or artifice to defraud, discriminates, harasses, or takes adverse action against any employee or official of the United States or any State or political subdivision. Authorizes such an adversely affected employee or official to obtain relief through a civil action, providing such person did not participate in the scheme or artifice. Amends mail fraud provisions to prohibit the use of any facility of interstate or foreign commerce in the execution of a scheme or artifice to defraud. Title III: Reduction of Campaign Costs - Sets forth congressional findings regarding discounts for political broadcasts. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to: (1) limit the cost to qualified candidates of broadcasting time for pre-election political advertising to the lowest rate charged for any time in the same period; and (2) prohibit any broadcast licensee from preempting the use of any such time purchased by a qualified candidate. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Subtitle A: Federal Election Commission Enforcement Authority - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to revise the enforcement provisions. Changes the determination the FEC must make upon receiving a complaint, before notifying the person of an alleged violation. Authorizes the FEC to seek an injunction if: (1) it believes that there is a substantial likelihood that a violation of Federal election laws is occurring or about to occur; (2) the failure to act expeditiously will result in irreparable harm; (3) such expeditious action will not cause undue harm or prejudice to the interests of others; and (4) the public interest would be best served by such an injunction. Reduces the period provided for the FEC to attempt informally to prevent or correct a violation of such Act from 90 to 60 days. Requires the FEC to make such an attempt for a period of no more than 15 days, if the violation occurs within 45 days of an election. Provides greater penalties for knowing and willful violations committed within 15 days of any election. Changes from discretionary to mandatory the requirement that the FEC, upon an affirmative vote of four of its members, institute a civil action if it is unable to correct or prevent a violation of such Act. Requires a court in such civil action to grant a specified remedy upon a showing that the person involved has committed or is about to commit a violation of such Act. Provides a private right of action if, by a tie vote, the FEC does not vote to institute a civil action. Requires a court to impose a specified civil penalty for a knowing and willful violation of such Act. Expedites from 120 days to 60 days the time which an aggrieved party must wait before seeking judicial redress because the FEC dismissed, or failed to reasonably pursue, a complaint filed by such party. Allows the aggrieved party to file an action in any U.S. district court having jurisdiction. Requires that any monetary award under such action be paid to the United States. Provides for a mandatory award of attorney fees and costs to the prevailing party. Increases the penalties for violation of the confidentiality requirement with respect to any notification or investigation made under such Act. Removes the ceiling on the fine for any person who willfully and knowingly commits a violation of such Act which involves any contribution or expenditure aggregating $2,000 or more during a calendar year. Directs the FEC to establish time limitations for its investigation and to publish an index of all of its investigations. Establishes procedures for initial determinations and probable cause determinations by the FEC. Eliminates the en banc hearing requirement for constitutional questions regarding such Act. Subtitle B: Other Provisions - Requires each treasurer of a political committee to file reports disclosing for the reporting period the terms of any settlement agreement or any security or collateral agreement entered into with respect to a loan or other debt as evidenced by a copy of such agreement filed as part of the report. Includes any gift subscription, loan, advance, or deposit of money made for the purpose of drafting a clearly identified individual as a candidate for Federal office or encouraging a clearly identified individual to become a candidate for Federal office within the definition of "contribution." Requires such a contribution to be treated, with respect to the individual involved, as a contribution to a candidate, whether or not the individual becomes a candidate for purposes of limitations on contributions and expenditures.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1991
Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to the income tax deduction for the health insurance costs of self-employed individuals to: (1) increase the allowable deduction from 25 percent to 100 percent; and (2) make the deduction permanent (under current law it will expire after tax year 1991).
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1991
Veterans Compensation Rates Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 1991 - Increases the rates of compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation, and the clothing allowance payable to veterans with service-connected disabilities and their survivors. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to adjust administratively the rates of disability compensation payable to persons who are not in receipt of compensation for service-connected disability or death.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1991
Chesapeake Bay Restoration Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to maintain within EPA a Chesapeake Bay Liaison Office to support the Chesapeake Executive Council in the following areas: (1) supporting and coordinating Federal, State, and local efforts to improve the water quality and living resources of the Chesapeake Bay; (2) assisting Bay program signatories in implementing specific action plans to carry out responsibilities under the Chesapeake Bay Agreement; (3) collecting and making available information on the Bay's environmental quality and living resources; and (4) coordinating the monitoring and data collection program to assess the impact of environmental changes on the Bay. Requires the Administrator and the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to implement science, research, monitoring, and data collection activities supporting the Chesapeake Bay Program. Sets forth responsibilities of the Administrator of NOAA with respect to the Chesapeake Bay. Directs the Administrators to ensure that projects for which funds are requested have undergone peer review. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the EPA Administrator to implement the Comprehensive Basinwide Toxics Reduction Strategy to achieve a multijurisdictional approach for reducing toxic inputs to the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed. Directs the Administrator to: (1) undertake research and monitoring to improve understanding of intermedia transfers and the eventual fate and biological effects of toxics within the Bay watershed; and (2) implement toxics reduction and prevention programs. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the EPA Administrator to expedite the development of a Chesapeake Bay watershed land use data base to provide information to plan for and manage growth and development and associated impacts on the Chesapeake Bay system. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the EPA Administrator to establish a demonstration program to address problems associated with urban and suburban runoff. Sets forth program requirements. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the EPA Administrator, the Administrator of NOAA, and the Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service to implement a living resources program for the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed to meet commitments in the Chesapeake Bay Agreement. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the EPA Administrator to study and report to the Congress on the Chesapeake Bay Agreement, Chesapeake Bay Program management strategies, and the Chesapeake Bay restoration program. Authorizes appropriations. Extends the authorizations of appropriations for the Chesapeake Bay Program and related interstate development plan grants through FY 1994.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1991
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to increase the amount of outside income which beneficiaries who have attained retirement age may earn without incurring a reduction in benefits. Removes such income limitation thereafter. Accelerates the effective dates of increases in the delayed retirement credit rate for individuals who work beyond retirement age.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1991
Drug Emergency Areas Act of 1990 - Amends the National Narcotics Leadership Act of 1988 to replace language with respect to the designation of high intensity drug trafficking areas with provisions authorizing the President to declare a State or part of a State to be a drug emergency area. Requires requests for such a declaration to be made, in writing, by the Governor or chief executive officer of any affected State or local government and forwarded to the President through the Director of National Drug Control Policy. Allows cities, counties, or States to submit a joint request. Requires requests to be based on a written finding that the emergency is of such severity and magnitude that Federal assistance is necessary to ensure an effective response. Prohibits the President from limiting declarations made under this Act to highly-populated centers of drug trafficking, drug use, or drug-related violence. Requires the President to consider applications from governments of less populated areas where the magnitude and severity of such activities are beyond the capability of the State or local government to respond. Requires Governors or chief executive officers, as part of such requests and as a prerequisite to such assistance, to: (1) take appropriate action under State or local law to respond to the crisis and furnish information on the nature and amount of State and local resources which have been or will be committed to alleviating the emergency; (2) certify that State and local government obligations and expenditures will comply with all applicable cost-sharing requirements; and (3) submit a detailed plan outlining the State or local government's short- and long-term plans to respond to the emergency. Requires the Director to review requests submitted and forward the application to the President, along with a recommendation. Authorizes the President to make grants to State or local governments of up to $50,000,000 for any single emergency. Limits the Federal share to 75 percent of the costs necessary to implement the short- and long-term plan. Limits the duration of assistance to a drug disaster area to one year, after which the Governors or chief executive officers may apply for an extension of up to 180 days. Requires any State or local government receiving Federal assistance to balance the allocation of such assistance evenly between drug supply and demand reduction efforts, unless State or local conditions dictate otherwise. Authorizes the President to: (1) direct any Federal agency to utilize its authorities and resources to support State and local efforts; and (2) provide technical and advisory assistance. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1991
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State on account of sex.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1990
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) liquidate or reliquidate as free of duty any partially assembled lead fuel assembly that was or is imported on March 9, 1990, on September 9, 1990, or before December 31, 1993; and (2) refund any duties paid with respect to such imports if a specified certification is made and submitted to the appropriate customs officer. Describes such an assembly as composed of nuclear fuel rods of zircaloy tubes filled with slightly enriched uranium dioxide pellets.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1990
Declares that the fast track procedure under the Trade Act of 1974 shall not apply to the Senate's consideration of an implementing bill for the Uruguay Round on the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 1990
Chesapeake Bay Restoration Act of 1990 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to maintain within EPA a Chesapeake Bay Liaison Office to support the Chesapeake Executive Council in the following areas: (1) supporting and coordinating Federal, State, and local efforts to improve the water quality and living resources of the Chesapeake Bay; (2) assisting Bay program signatories in implementing specific action plans to carry out responsibilities under the Chesapeake Bay Agreement; (3) collecting and making available information on the Bay's environmental quality and living resources; and (4) coordinating the monitoring and data collection program to assess the impact of environmental changes on the Bay. Requires the Administrator and the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to implement science, research, monitoring, and data collection activities supporting the Chesapeake Bay Program. Sets forth responsibilities of the Administrator of NOAA with respect to the Chesapeake Bay. Directs the Administrators to ensure that projects for which funds are requested have undergone peer review. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the EPA Administrator to implement the Comprehensive Basinwide Toxics Reduction Strategy to achieve a multijurisdictional approach for reducing toxic inputs to the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed. Directs the Administrator to: (1) undertake research and monitoring to improve understanding of intermedia transfers and the eventual fate and biological effects of toxics within the Bay watershed; and (2) implement toxics reduction and prevention programs. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the EPA Administrator to expedite the development of a Chesapeake Bay watershed land use data base to provide information to plan for and manage growth and development and associated impacts on the Chesapeake Bay system. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the EPA Administrator to establish a demonstration program to address problems with urban and suburban runoff. Sets forth program requirements. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the EPA Administrator, the Administrator of NOAA, and the Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service to implement a living resources program for the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed to meet commitments in the Chesapeake Bay Agreement. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the EPA Administrator to study and report to the Congress on the Chesapeake Bay Agreement, Chesapeake Bay Program management strategies, and the Chesapeake Bay restoration program. Authorizes appropriations. Extends the authorizations of appropriations for the Chesapeake Bay Program and related interstate development plan grants through FY 1994.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 1990
Expresses the sense of the Senate that any proposal to increase the Federal-aid highway program's minimum allocation percentage from 85 to 95 percent should be addressed as part of the legislative process to reauthorize surface transportation programs in 1991.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 1990
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cover as a prosthetic device corrective eyeglasses provided with intraocular lenses following cataract surgery.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 1990
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Secretary of the Senate and the Architect of the Capitol shall take necessary action to assure that recycled paper and paper products are used to the greatest extent practicable in the Senate operations, unless they: (1) are not available; (2) are available only at an unreasonable price; or (3) fail to meet end-use performance requirements. Requires the Joint Committee on Printing to examine the role of the Public Printer and to urge, in providing printing and other services to the Senate, the Government Printing Office to use recycled paper and paper products to the greatest extent practicable. Requires the Secretary of the Senate to report on the implementation of this resolution in the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1990
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide, for income tax purposes, for the allocation of interest expense attributable to environmental control assets.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1990
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) to: (1) provide benefits to widows or widowers who in good faith married unaware that their marriages were invalid and who lost their entitlement to benefits because another entitled spouse claimed those benefits; (2) waive the two-year waiting period after a divorce for divorced spouses who are eligible for dependent spouse benefits; and (3) continue disability benefits during appeal.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1990
Prohibits the use of appropriated funds for the export, or the licensing for export, to South Korea of technology for the coproduction of F/A-18 aircraft until at least 30 days after the Congress has received a specified memorandum of understanding. Provides for an extension of the congressional review period until the President transmits such memorandum to the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1990
Disability Determination Fairness Act - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) and title 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 disability determination by the Service, 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 · 26 September 1990
Medicaid Drug Dependency Treatment Coverage Act of 1990 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicaid coverage for inpatient and outpatient alcoholism and drug dependency treatment services (including counseling) provided by a State authorized entity.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1990
SSI Independence Act for Elderly and Disabled Americans - Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) of the Social Security Act to exclude from an SSI recipient's income in SSI eligibility and benefit determinations, contributions of clothing and other contributions, other than cash paid directly to the recipient, which are for the purchase of social services, vocational rehabilitation services, medical care, transportation, educational services, personal assistance or attendant care services, and certain services or equipment related to the quality and livability of his or her shelter. Excludes a trust created for an SSI recipient's benefit from such recipient's resources if such recipient does not have access to the trust's assets. Excludes funds or property placed in a trust for an SSI recipient's benefit from such recipient's income. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide notices and pamphlets to SSI applicants and recipients informing them of the consequences various actions affecting their income and resources will have on their SSI and Medicaid (title XIX of the Social Security Act) eligibility. Deems SSI applicants who lost disability benefits under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act after their trial work period to have received SSI benefits while still eligible for OASDI disability benefits and therefore qualify for participation in the SSI work incentive program (providing Medicaid and special SSI cash benefits to disabled individuals whose earnings otherwise make them ineligible for SSI and Medicaid benefits) if they meet SSI income, resource, and disability tests. Provides that reviews to determine the continuing disability of participants in the SSI work incentive program need to be conducted no more frequently than once every 12 months. Excludes spousal income in determining a disabled and working individual's eligibility for participation in the SSI work incentive program. Precludes the attainment of age 65 from serving as a basis for the termination of Medicaid eligibility under the SSI work incentive program. Requires that State supplementary cash payments to the needy include participants in the SSI work incentive program. Excludes impairment-related work expenses from the income of an individual who is eligible for SSI and OASDI disability benefits but receives only State supplementary payments. Treats royalties from the publication of an individual's work and scholarships which have not been used for education expenses as earned income.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1990
Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 and the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to make permanent certain provisions providing for a limited waiver of liability of hospices, skilled nursing facilities, and home health services for Medicare payments for services for which Medicare coverage is later denied.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1990
Environmental Research Geographic Location Information Act - Directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to periodically identify at least 35 environmental research journals, conference proceedings, or other reference sources in which scientific research or engineering studies related to air, water, or soil quality or pollution or other environmental issues are published. Requires the review of at least 50 journals or proceedings. Directs the EPA to review such materials annually and to publish an index of the articles by geographic location. Requires the EPA to review the list of references at least biennially and to revise the list of sources, as appropriate. Provides that all reports resulting from EPA research projects shall indicate the specific location to which the research pertains. Requires all U.S. Government documents relating to the environment that are submitted to the National Technical Information Service to identify the location to which the document pertains. Directs the Service to submit to the Congress an annual bibliography of publications by geographic location. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1990
Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate certain segments of the Allegheny River in Pennsylvania as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Requires the Secretary to establish the Northern Advisory Council and the Southern Advisory Council to advise on the establishment of final boundaries and the management of the Allegheny National Recreation River. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1990
Title I: Congressional Medal for Veterans of the Attack on Pearl Harbor - Authorizes the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to present a bronze medal to individuals who: (1) were members of the armed forces and were present in Hawaii on December 7, 1941; and (2) participated in combat operations that day against Japanese military forces attacking Hawaii. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike such medals. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Yosemite National Park Centennial Medal - Yosemite National Park Centennial Medal Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell not more than 750,000 gold, silver, and bronze medals in commemoration of the centennial of Yosemite National Park, California, in 1990. Requires that all sales of such medals include a surcharge of $35 per medal for the gold medals, $7 per medal for the silver medals, and $2 per medal for the bronze medals. Requires that all surcharges be paid to an endowment fund for the benefit of the Park to be administered by the National Park Foundation. Requires that the interest from the fund be paid to the Secretary of the Interior to fund special supplemental projects relating to back country trail development and rehabilitation and the preservation of Sequoia groves within the boundaries of the Park. Requires the Secretaries to enter into a memorandum agreement to allow: (1) the Secretary of the Treasury to deliver medals to the Secretary of the Interior; and (2) the Secretary of the Interior to provide for the sale of the medals in National Park facilities. Grants the Comptroller General the right to examine all records of the National Park Foundation which are related to such medals. Title III: Bicentennial Coin Commemorating the United States Constitution - Amends Federal law to: (1) change the design on the reverse side of certain coins; (2) authorize the redesign of one or more coins at one time (requires the first designated coin to have a design commemorating the 200th anniversary of the United States Constitution for a two-year period, after which such coin shall be redesigned again); and (3) require the design on the obverse side of such coins to contain the likenesses of those currently displayed, although these shall also be considered for redesign. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury in selecting the new design to consider thematic representations of certain defined constitutional concepts. Amends Federal law to require the Secretary to deposit in the general fund of the Treasury any profits received from the sale of uncirculated and proof sets of coins for reduction of the national debt.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1990
Radiation Protection Act of 1990 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to declare that no Federal law may be construed to prohibit or otherwise restrict the authority of a State to regulate, on the basis of radiological hazard, the disposal of low-level radioactive waste designated a State responsibility for which the Nuclear Regulatory Commission does not require disposal in a low-level radioactive waste disposal facility licensed by the Commission or by an Agreement State. Provides that no Federal law may be construed to preclude or otherwise restrict the authority of any State to impose standards for the protection from radiological hazards more stringent than the Commission's for such disposal. Revokes certain policy statements of the Commission relating to radioactive waste below regulatory concern.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1990
Children's Health Access and Prevention Act of 1990 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to extend Medicaid coverage to pregnant women, and children who have not attained age six, whose family income is no less than 100 percent and no more than 200 percent of the Federal poverty level. Requires Medicaid coverage of children who have attained age six but who have not attained age 19 and whose family income does not exceed 200 percent of the Federal poverty level if such children are not otherwise covered under the Medicaid program or under title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) or part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) of title IV of the Social Security Act. Provides Federal coverage for all of the costs of such coverage. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the excise tax on cigarettes. Establishes the Medicaid Expansion Trust Fund into which cigarette tax revenues shall be placed to finance this Act's expansion of Medicaid eligibility. Eliminates the cigarette tax increase at the close of FY 1993.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1990
Employee Educational Assistance Act of 1990 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the income tax exclusion of amounts paid under employee educational assistance programs. (Under current law the exclusion expires for taxable years beginning after September 30, 1990.) Repeals provisions that deny assistance for graduate work.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1990
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the limitations on taxable years which may be elected by a partnership, S corporation, or personal service corporation. Provides that a change of taxable year shall not be treated as a termination of an election to have a taxable year other than the required taxable year unless such change is to a required taxable year. Provides that if such entities terminate such election, then they are not eligible to make another election before five taxable years have passed, without the consent of the Secretary of the Treasury. Sets forth circumstances for making such an election without the consent of the Secretary. Provides that any loss for the short period resulting from a change in election: (1) shall not be allowed as a carryback to any preceding taxable year (and shall not be taken into account by any partner of a partnership, or shareholder of an S corporation); and (2) shall be taken into account by the entity (or partner or shareholder) ratably over the first six taxable years beginning after the short period.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1990
Amends the Railroad Retirement Solvency Act of 1983 to extend for two years provisions for the transfer of tier two railroad retirement benefit taxation revenues from the general fund of the Treasury to the Railroad Retirement Account.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1990
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the United States should seek international cooperation on the issues identified at the Interparliamentary Conference on the Global Environment, including: (1) limiting the emissions of greenhouse gases; (2) providing economic assistance to developing countries for environmental protection efforts; (3) developing environmental protection technologies; (4) strengthening the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer; (5) initiating a convention for global forest protection and strengthening the Tropical Forestry Action Plan; (6) establishing a convention on protection of biological diversity; (7) increasing investments in, and commitments to, international family planning; (8) controlling source pollution; (9) recognizing the environmental impacts of trade and development assistance and mitigating adverse impacts; and (10) focusing on environmental protection issues in assistance programs.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1990
Reclamation Reform and Integrity Act of 1990 - Amends the Reclamation Reform Act of 1982 to require: (1) the price of irrigation water delivered under a water service contract entered into with the Secretary of the Interior after October 12, 1982, to reflect a substantial share of associated fixed construction costs in addition to operation and maintenance charges; and (2) that the disposal of excess lands after the enactment of the Reclamation Reform Act Amendments of 1990 to nonexcess owners be for fair market value related to the delivery of irrigation water in order to be eligible to receive irrigation water. Repeals the authority for incorporating renewal clauses in Bureau of Reclamation water service contracts. Requires the Secretary to evaluate all unstarted reclamation projects in accordance with the June 1987 Statement of Procedures regarding the use of normalized commodity prices in the evaluation of the costs and benefits of future water projects. Amends the Reclamation Projects Act of 1939 to require farmers who receive irrigation water from Federal reclamation projects and who are using that water to produce surplus crops to pay 50 percent of the full cost for delivery of that water under contracts entered into two years after the enactment of this Act and at least the full cost for delivery of such water under contracts entered into four years after such enactment, except as provided.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1990
Energy Production and Conservation Act of 1990 - Title I: Energy Production From Used Oil - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to require the National Institute of Standards and Technology (formerly the National Bureau of Standards) to develop test procedures for determining substantial equivalency of recycled oil and new oil within 15 months of enactment of this Act. Requires producers or importers of lubricating oil either to burn for energy production or to refine an amount of used oil equal to at least a certain amount determined according to a specified formula. Directs the Secretary, as part of such formula, to establish a percentage that is two points higher than the existing recovery rate for lubricating oil. Provides for increases in such percentage of two points annually until the year 2000. Authorizes producers or importers to comply with this Act by: (1) burning used oil for energy production; (2) refining used oil for purposes of producing petroleum products; or (3) purchasing credits under the credit system established under this Act. Requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations to implement the credit system. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Energy Production From Tires and Newsprint - Requires producers or importers of tires either to burn for energy production or otherwise use an amount of scrap tires equal to at least a certain amount determined according to a specified formula. Directs the Secretary, as part of such formula, to establish a percentage that is five percentage points higher than the existing rate for tires. Provides for increases in such percentage of five points annually in the ten years following the date of enactment of this Act. Authorizes a producer or importer of tires to comply with the title by purchasing credits under the credit system established by the Secretary. Requires a producer or importer of tires to report to the Secretary at least annually on the number of tires produced or imported in each calendar year. Requires the Secretary to establish a system under which: (1) reclaimers may create credits for scrap tire energy production or other use; and (2) producers or importers of tires may purchase such credits from such reclaimers. Sets forth the amount of credit that may be created for one scrap tire handled at a scrap tire facility. Requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations to implement this title by a certain deadline. Declares that the generation of credits by facilities having a permit shall not alter: (1) the status of scrap tires and scrap tire production as a "waste" under the Federal Power Act; or (2) the tax-exempt treatment of facility bonds relating to whole or shredded tire energy production processing or disposal facilities as solid waste disposal facilities. Requires producers or importers of newsprint annually to burn for energy production or otherwise use an amount of newsprint determined according to a specified formula. Directs the Secretary, as part of such formula, to establish a recycling percentage that is two points higher than the existing recycling rate for newsprint. Provides for increases in such percentage of two points annually until the year 2000. Declares a producer or importer of newsprint in compliance with this Act by: (1) burning old newspapers for energy production; (2) converting old newspapers into fuel alcohol; (3) de-inking old newspapers for purposes of producing newsprint; (4) purchasing de-inked old newspapers for purposes of combining with shipments of virgin newsprint; or (5) purchasing credits under the credit systems established by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations to establish a management system under which: (1) producers or importers of newsprint may create credits for the use of old newspapers; (2) certain facilities may create credits for energy production from old newspapers; and (3) producers or importers of newsprint may purchase credits from reclaimers. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on short- and long-term options for energy production from old newspapers. Applies this section to any person who produces or imports more than ten tons of newsprint annually. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1990
Lead Battery Recycling Incentives Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate regulations for persons who generate, transport, store, recycle, or dispose of spent lead-acid batteries. Requires the Administrator, in developing such regulations, to conduct an analysis of the economic impact of the regulations on the recycling industry. Sets forth required elements of such regulations, including specific requirements for: (1) the storage and transfer of batteries by generators; (2) recordkeeping by battery generators, transporters, and recyclers; and (3) management practices of recyclers. Directs battery retailers to accept from customers used lead-acid batteries of the same type and quantity of the batteries sold. Requires transporters to acquire an identification number from the EPA or the State enforcing this Act. Directs the Administrator to implement education activities to inform the public about the environmental and safety hazards associated with improper handling and disposal of spent lead-acid batteries. Authorizes appropriations. Applies such requirements to batteries which are transported to or managed by a lead-acid battery recycling facility, a secondary lead smelter, or any facility that prepares batteries for recycling by means of exposing lead to the atmosphere. Requires producers or importers of lead-acid batteries to recycle, for the ten-year period beginning 24 months after this Act's enactment, an amount of spent lead equal to at least the amount determined by multiplying the amount of lead in the batteries produced or imported annually by such persons by the recycling percentage established by the Administrator. Authorizes compliance with such requirement by: (1) reclaiming lead from such batteries and using it in the production of new batteries; (2) purchasing reclaimed lead from spent batteries for purposes of producing new batteries or shielding; or (3) purchasing recycling credits. Directs producers or importers to report annually to the Administrator on the amount of virgin and secondary lead used in new lead-acid batteries produced or imported by such persons. Requires the Administrator to establish a recycling percentage that is two points higher than the existing recycling rate for spent lead in used lead-acid batteries. Increases such percentage by two points annually. Authorizes the Administrator to reduce or waive the two percent increase if the rate exceeds 95 percent. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations to allow: (1) producers or importers of lead-acid batteries to create credits for recycling an amount of batteries greater than required; and (2) producers or importers of new batteries to purchase such credits for purposes of complying with this Act. Sets forth minimum requirements for the credit system. Applies battery recycling requirements to persons who produce or import more than 10,000 pounds of new lead-acid batteries annually. Sets the recycling percentage at 90 percent if the Administrator fails to promulgate recycling regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1990
Declares that it is the sense of the Senate that: (1) the unchecked zebra mussel may devastate Great Lakes fisheries; and (2) the President should direct the Secretary of State to negotiate with Canada to establish a program of zebra mussel research and control through the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, to be coordinated with other research and control in and outside the Great Lakes Basin.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1990
Grand Canyon Protection Act of 1990 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to operate the Glen Canyon Dam in a manner so as to protect, mitigate adverse impacts to, and improve the conditions of the natural resources of Grand Canyon National Park and Glen Canyon Recreation Area under operating criteria consistent with the water storage and delivery functions of the Dam. Directs the Secretary to determine whether the available scientific data is sufficient to permit the implementation of interim power operating criteria (IPOC) for the Dam that would, without impeding research, increase the protection and improvement of natural resources of the Park and the Recreation Area. Directs the Secretary to implement the IPOC if sufficient scientific data is found to exist or to take appropriate action to procure such data as quickly as possible in order to implement the IPOC. Enumerates certain objectives to be included in the IPOC implemented, including noninterference with the water storage and delivery functions of the Dam, the minimization of adverse environmental impacts of the Dam operations on the downstream Park and Recreation Area, and adjustment and monitoring of sufficient water flows downstream from the Dam. Directs the Secretary to consult with appropriate agencies of the Department of the Interior, the Secretary of Energy, the Governors of affected States, and affected Indian tribes in the development and implementation of the IPOC. Authorizes the Secretary to deviate from the IPOC if found necessary and in the public interest. Requires the Secretary to complete a final Glen Canyon Dam Environmental Impact Statement within three years after enactment of this Act and, based on the statement's findings, to implement final power operating criteria that will ensure that the Dam is operated in a manner consistent with this Act. Requires the Secretary to establish and implement long-term monitoring requirements to assure that the Dam is operated in a manner consistent with the protection of the Park and the Recreation Area downstream. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1990
SSI Technical Amendments Act of 1990 - Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) of the Social Security Act to establish a formula for determining the amount of parental resources deemed available to a disabled or blind child for SSI benefit and eligibility purposes. Increases the cash value of life insurance and burial fund accounts which is excluded from a beneficiary's resources for SSI purposes. Treats income received on a weekly or biweekly basis as being received on a regular monthly basis at the same annual rate if such treatment would render the payee eligible for SSI benefits. Preserves the Medicaid (title XIX of the Social Security Act) eligibility of individuals who lose their SSI blindness or disability benefits upon entitlement to old-age or spouse's insurance benefits under the Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance program (title II of the Social Security Act). Treats unemployment compensation and worker's compensation as earned income for SSI purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1990
Amends the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 to authorize civil actions for specified banking law violations involving federally insured financial institutions.