United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1990
Designates August 1, 1990, as Helsinki Human Rights Day. Authorizes and requests the President to: (1) reassert American commitment to the Helsinki Accords; (2) raise the issue of noncompliance with such Accords with any signatory nation which may be in violation; (3)convey to all signatories of such Accords that respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms is vital to progress in the ongoing Helsinki process; and (4) develop new proposals to advance the human rights objectives of the Helsinki process, including the self-determination of peoples.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1990
Declares that the acquisition or retention by a registered public utility holding company of any interest in a natural gas company (or a company engaged in specified natural gas-related activities) shall be deemed to be reasonably incidental and economically necessary, for purposes of the Public Utility Holding Company Act, to the operation of the gas utility companies whose voting securities the holding company owns. (This makes any gas-related activities functionally related to the gas distribution business, thus meeting the requirements of such Act, regardless of whether the local distribution company involved is affiliated or unaffiliated with the holding company.)
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1990
Designates as South African Freedom Week the week in 1990 coinciding with the first visit of Nelson Mandela to the United States after his release from prison in South Africa.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1990
Trade Agreement Compliance Act of 1990 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to require the United States Trade Representative (USTR), at the request of an interested person, to determine whether a foreign country is complying with any agreement it has with the United States. Requires the USTR to take specified action under the Act if he or she determines that such country is in material noncompliance with any agreement or is denying mutually advantageous market opportunities to U.S. firms. Requires the amendments made by this Act to be consistent with U.S. international obligations, including the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1990
Coastal Barrier Resources Act Amendments of 1990 - Amends the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (the Act) to replace provisions describing the properties included in the Coastal Barrier Resources System and providing for boundary modifications and maps with provisions including in the System undeveloped coastal barriers: (1) depicted on specified maps; (2) owned by the United States and meeting certain requirements; and (3) incorporated into the System under provisions of this Act. Requires the Administrator of General Services, prior to transfer or disposal of excess property that may be an undeveloped coastal barrier, to obtain from the Secretary of the Interior a determination of whether the property constitutes such a barrier. Sets forth procedures for adding such a property to the System. Directs the Secretary to provide to the Governor of each State on the Atlantic, Gulf, or Great Lakes coasts copies of maps of the undeveloped coastal barriers owned by that State or a local government. Directs the Secretary, if a Governor elects to have any portion added to the System, to follow certain procedures for adding such portions. Sets forth procedures regarding filing, public inspection, and changing of maps. Requires review of maps: (1) on request of certain officers of States, political subdivisions, and coastal zone management agencies; and (2) at least once every seven years. Amends provisions setting forth permissible Federal expenditures affecting the System to: (1) require that expenditures for the disposal of dredge materials be consistent with the purposes of the Act; (2) require that emergency actions essential to saving lives and protecting property be subject to specified provisions of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act regulating the amount of assistance; and (3) allow expenditures for the maintenance of existing channel improvements and related structures only if all, or a portion, of the moneys for the improvement or structure were appropriated before that System unit was included within the System (currently, before October 18, 1982). Requires the head of each Federal agency concerned (currently, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget) to certify compliance with the Act annually to specified congressional committees and the Secretary (currently, to the House of Representatives and the Senate). Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1990
Amtrak Reauthorization and Improvement Act of 1990 - Amends the Rail Passenger Service Act to authorize appropriations through FY 1992 for the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak). Limits the liability for certain rail accidents occurring in the District of Columbia to no more than the limits of coverage maintained by a publicly funded commuter transportation authority established under Virginia law to indemnify Amtrak or any railroad over which the authority conducts its operations. Authorizes the use of proceeds from the sale of railroad lines that were acquired and rehabilitated with funds under the Rail Safety and Service Improvement Act of 1982 for similar purposes with respect to railroad lines connected with such a line for the purpose of continued rail service on them. Requires Amtrak to cooperate with the efforts of the Washington State Department of Transportation in designing a study of the feasibility of reestablishing rail service between Seattle, Washington, and Vancouver, British Columbia. Directs Amtrak to study and report to the Congress on the revenue and cost implications of separating the California Zephyr-Desert Wind-Pioneer train into two service routes serving a southern and a control route through Iowa. Prohibits the compensation of any rail or motor carrier employee who works in more than one State from being subject to State income taxes in any State but the State in which the employee resides. Amends the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act to treat Amtrak as a publicly funded rail carrier with respect to its contribution toward employees' unemployment compensation benefits. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to study and report to the Congress on the potential need among Class II and Class III railroads for Federal guarantees of obligations for funding rehabilitation and improvement of facilities and equipment, acquisition of new railroad facilities, or refinancing of existing debt.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1990
Declares that the United States should suspend its dialogue with the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) if the PLO does not: (1) condemn the May 30, 1990, Palestine Liberation Front terrorist attack against Israel; and (2) expel leader Abul Abbas for his role in such attack.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1990
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the accession of Taiwan to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) is in the best interest of the United States and of the world trading system and should be achieved prior to the end of the Uruguay Round; and (2) the United States should take the necessary steps to assure such country's membership in the GATT.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1990
Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with regard to insurance company taxable income, to treat as unpaid losses any termination reserves under minimum premium plans (thus providing that amounts reflected as reserves or other liabilities on a property and casualty insurance company's annual statement for future claim payments under minimum premium accident and health plans are properly deductible during the policy period).
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1990
Medicare Home Hemodialysis Improvement Act of 1990 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cover home hemodialysis staff assistance provided by renal dialysis facilities to individuals who: (1) are nonambulatory, have serious medical conditions which would be exacerbated by traveling to and from a dialysis facility, or are eligible for ambulance transportation to and from such facility but at a cost which meets or exceeds the cost of this Act's services; and (2) have no other potential caregiver who is willing and able to provide home hemodialysis. Sets forth payment provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1990
Designates the week of June 17 through June 23, 1990, as National Week to Commemorate the Victims of the Famine in Ukraine, 1932-1933. Condemns the disregard for human rights characterized by the Soviet Union during the famine and expresses sympathy for victims of the famine. Requests the President to call attention to Soviet policies that caused the famine and have suppressed Ukrainian human rights and the expression of cultural and social heritage. Recognizes the reforms underway in the Ukraine and urges the Soviet Government to: (1) move forward toward democratization and restructuring; and (2) provide a framework for the realization of the rights and aspirations of the Ukrainian people.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1990
Authorizes and requests the President to call on the people to observe May 26, 1990, as the bicentennial of "An Act for the government of the territory of the United States, south of the river Ohio" (from which Tennessee was formed).
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1990
Requires the Secretary of Commerce to take appropriate measures beginning with the 1990 census to ensure that: (1) no member of the armed forces shall be excluded based on being assigned to a post outside of the United States; and (2) each such member is enumerated at such member's home of record.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1990
Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with regard to insurance company taxable income, to treat as unearned premiums any termination reserves under minimum premium plans (thus providing that amounts reflected as reserves or other liabilities on a property and casualty insurance company's annual statement for future claim payments under minimum premium accident and health plans are properly deductible during the policy period).
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1990
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should immediately call for a 1991 White House Conference on Aging and begin planning and implementing such a conference without delay.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1990
Lead Exposure Reduction Act of 1990 - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to prohibit the manufacturing, processing, or distribution in commerce of certain products containing more than a specified percentage of lead. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to modify the allowable lead percentage for such products under certain conditions. Prohibits the manufacture, import, or distribution in commerce of food cans containing more than .1 percent lead by dry weight. Prohibits the sale of leaded gasoline at a price lower than that of unleaded gasoline sold at the same establishment. Directs persons manufacturing, processing, or importing any product containing more than .1 percent lead by dry weight to submit specified information to the Administrator. Requires the Administrator to publish a compilation of such information. Directs owners and operators of primary and secondary lead smelters or refiners and of battery manufacturing facilities to report to the Administrator on lead emissions from their facilities. Requires such facilities to be equipped with emissions monitoring devices meeting the Administrator's requirements. Directs manufacturers or importers of products containing more than .1 percent lead by dry weight to indicate the percentage of lead on such products' labels. Provides for interim labeling requirements until the Administrator promulgates labeling regulations. Prohibits the processing or manufacturing of products with lead contents exceeding .1 percent unless the product is listed in the Administrator's compilation of information or: (1) the manufacturer or processor has submitted a specified notice to the Administrator prior to such manufacturing or processing; (2) such person complies with certain test data requirements; and (3) the Administrator has determined that the product is not likely to contribute to the dispersion of lead in the environment and no comparable product is available in commerce. Prohibits: (1) the placement into landfills and incineration of lead-acid batteries; and (2) the disposal of such batteries other than by recycling in accordance with this Act. Requires persons to dispose of batteries by delivery to: (1) battery retailers or wholesalers; (2) permitted secondary lead smelters; or (3) permitted collection or recycling facilities. Sets forth specified delivery and disposal requirements for battery retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers. Directs battery retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers to accept from customers used batteries of the same type as the batteries sold. Requires battery wholesalers who sell to retailers to provide for removal of batteries from the retailers' place of business. Directs battery retailers to post notices in public areas of retail establishments that: (1) state that it is illegal to throw away motor vehicle or lead-acid batteries and that Federal law requires an exchange of used batteries for new batteries; and (2) encourage recycling of used batteries. Prohibits the sale of any lead-acid battery unless the battery bears a label containing such language. Permits the Administrator to inspect any establishment and to issue warnings and citations for noncompliance. Prescribes civil and criminal penalties for violations of lead-acid battery provisions. Directs the Administrator to undertake a program to promote monitoring, detection, and abatement of lead-based paint and other lead exposure hazards. Requires the Administrator to establish: (1) standards for laboratory analysis of lead in blood and in paint films, soil, and dust; and (2) certification programs to assure the quality and consistency of such analyses, unless voluntary accreditation programs are operating nationwide. Requires the Administrator to develop minimum core curricula for technical training courses for lead-based paint abatement workers, supervisors, designers, inspectors, and building owners. Provides that such courses shall address factors associated with lead testing and abatement in various types of housing units. Directs the Administrator to evaluate such programs and to encourage State certification programs or the development of national proficiency tests. Requires the Administrator to evaluate and develop standards and testing protocols for emerging products and techniques for detecting lead in paint films and dust. Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress on the efficacy and effectiveness of various abatement and management techniques in reducing lead dust levels. Requires the Administrator to establish a program and develop standards for the evaluation of products and procedures for encapsulating or removing lead-based paint. Directs the Administrator to publish a list of products and procedures that meet performance standards. Requires the Administrator to issue guidelines for the management of lead-based paint debris. Prohibits the funding of travel of EPA employees outside the United States unless such guidelines are issued. Requires the Administrator to undertake a research project on lead exposure in children who have elevated blood lead levels or other indicators of elevated lead body burden. Requires the Administrator to sponsor public education and outreach activities to increase awareness of the scope and severity of lead poisoning from household sources and the need for abatement and management action. Directs the Administrator to issue guidelines concerning the levels for lead in soil at which appropriate action must be taken. Directs the Administrator to appoint a Coordinator for Lead Activities. Requires the Administrator to award grants to institutions of higher education for purposes of establishing Centers for the Prevention of Lead Poisoning. Limits the Federal share of Center operation costs. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control, to: (1) encourage State public health officials to report blood-lead measurements to the Director; and (2) report to the Congress on the status of such reporting and the feasibility and desirability of instituting a national requirement for mandatory pre-school blood-lead screening. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary, acting through the Director, to establish a blood-lead laboratory reference project to assist State and local governments in establishing and improving the quality of laboratory measurements performed for childhood lead poisoning prevention programs. Amends the Clean Air Act to set forth a specific revised national ambient air quality standard for lead if the Administrator fails to promulgate such standard. Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to set forth a specific revised national primary drinking water regulation for lead and require quarterly monitoring of lead at end users' taps if the Administrator fails to promulgate such regulation. Requires the Administrator of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry to update a report submitted pursuant to the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 to include information on childhood lead poisoning. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1990
Medigap Simplification Act of 1990 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require that Medicare supplemental policy issuers: (1) cover a core group of basic benefits and, if they offer other benefits, issue a policy covering only such basic benefits; and (2) provide prospective purchasers of a policy with a summary information sheet describing policy benefits and the amount of any premiums attributable to optional benefits. Requires the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) or, upon the NAIC's default, the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate simplification standards which set the core group of basic benefits policies must provide, limit the additional benefit packages that may be provided, and establish a uniform language and format to be used with respect to policy benefits. Prohibits the sale of policies which do not meet such standards, though permits approved waivers of such standards to test new or innovative benefits. Directs the NAIC to educate Medicare beneficiaries on the simplification standards. Prohibits a policy issuer from selling a policy without: (1) obtaining a written statement of the buyer indicating any Medicare supplemental policies or Medicaid (title XIX of the Social Security Act) coverage the buyer may have; and (2) notifying the buyer of the possibility and effect of his or her coverage under the Medicaid program and the address and telephone number of any State Medicare supplemental policy counseling program and the State Medicaid office. Prohibits the issuer from selling a policy to a person who indicates that he or she is eligible for Medicaid coverage which would duplicate coverage under such policy. Penalizes individuals who sell a policy in violation of such requirements. Directs the Administrator of the Health Care Financing Administration to conduct a study and report to the Congress on the use of Medicare supplemental policies by individuals who are entitled to Medicaid benefits. Authorizes appropriations for a grant program to assist States in establishing toll-free consumer hotlines providing information on Medicare supplemental policies issued in States and Medicare and Medicaid benefits available to Medicare-eligible individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1990
Medigap Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act of 1990 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require that Medicare supplemental policy issuers: (1) cover a core group of basic benefits and, if they offer other benefits, issue a policy covering only such basic benefits; (2) provide prospective purchasers of a policy with a summary information sheet describing policy benefits and the ratio of benefits to premiums; (3) guarantee the renewability of policies; (4) offer each group policyholder terminating their coverage or group membership the right to continued coverage under an individual policy (the policyholder ending his or her group membership may also opt for continued coverage under the group policy) or, if the old group policy is replaced by a new group policy, the right to coverage under a new group policy without exclusion for preexisting conditions; and (5) suspend policy benefits and premiums upon the policyholder's indication that he or she is entitled to Medicaid (title XIX of the Social Security Act) benefits. Requires the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) or, upon the NAIC's default, the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate simplification standards which set the core group of basic benefits policies must provide, limit the additional benefit packages that may be provided, and establish a uniform language and format to be used with respect to policy benefits. Prohibits the sale of policies which do not meet such standards, though permits approved waivers of such standards to test new or innovative benefits. Directs the NAIC to educate Medicare beneficiaries on the simplification standards. Gives State Insurance Commissioners the right to approve or disapprove policies mailed into their State from another jurisdiction. Increases the civil monetary penalty for knowingly selling a policy which duplicates health benefits to which an individual is already entitled. Prohibits a policy issuer from selling a policy without: (1) obtaining a written statement of the buyer indicating any Medicare supplemental policies or Medicaid coverage the buyer may have; and (2) notifying the buyer of the possibility and effect of his or her coverage under the Medicaid program and the address and telephone number of any State Medicare supplemental policy counseling program and the State Medicaid office. Prohibits the issuer from selling a policy to a person who indicates that he or she is covered by the Medicaid program or has a duplicative Medicare supplemental policy. Penalizes individuals who sell a policy in violation of such requirements. Stiffens other Medicare supplemental policy fraud penalties. Increases the percentage of premiums which must be returned to policyholders as benefits. Establishes a process whereby States must approve premium increases prior to their implementation. Requires public hearings for any premium increase request exceeding twice the percentage increase in the medical care component of the consumer price index. Limits Medicare supplemental policy sales commissions. Authorizes appropriations or a matching grant program to assist States in establishing counseling programs to aid Medicare-eligible individuals in choosing Medicare supplemental policies. Prohibits such policies from denying a claim for losses incurred more than six months from the effective date of coverage for a preexisting condition.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1990
Extends the congratulations of the Congress to the National Federation of the Blind on the occasion of its 50th anniversary, November 16, 1990, and notes with appreciation the significant contributions made by it in improving the quality of life, the public image, and increasing public understanding of the blind.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1990
Comprehensive Alzheimer's Assistance, Research, and Education Act of 1990 (CARE) - Title I: Amendments to the Public Health Service Act - Replaces provisions of the Public Health Service Act authorizing the establishment and operation of Alzheimer's Disease centers with provisions requiring the Director of the National Institute on Aging to make grants and enter into cooperative agreements for planning, establishing, or strengthening at least 15 Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers to support any part of the full range of research and development from very basic to clinical. Requires the Director to award Center Core grants or enter into cooperative agreements to support shared resources for categorical research. Requires the Director to award grants or enter into cooperative agreements with entities receiving assistance under the Research Centers and Center Core provisions of this Act to assist in providing high-quality research and services at locations other than the Research Centers. Requires the Director to make grants or enter into cooperative agreements to: (1) attract new or young investigators to careers involving research on biomedical, behavioral, and social aspects of Alzheimer's disease; and (2) develop institutional training programs emphasizing postdoctoral training and training of women and groups underrepresented in such research. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) the grants and cooperative agreements above in this Act; and (2) under existing provisions, awards for leadership and excellence, research on services to individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias and their families, preparation and revision of a plan for certain research related to Alzheimer's disease, and dissemination of research results. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Commissioner on Aging, to make grants and enter into contracts for family support demonstration projects. Authorizes the Director to make grants and enter into contracts for long-term care research with regard to Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. Authorizes the Secretary, through the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health, the Administration on Aging, and the National Center for Nursing Research, to make grants and enter into contracts for research on methods for improving the delivery of supportive services to individuals with Alzheimer's disease or related disorders. Authorizes appropriations for family support demonstration projects, long-term care research, and supportive services delivery research. Directs the Secretary to make competitive grants to States for State Alzheimer's disease programs, including medical, legal, educational, health care financing, and other aspects. Requires that 25 to 50 percent of a grant be used in any fiscal year for respite care. Limits grants to: (1) a minimum dollar amount; and (2) one-half of the costs of the research for which the grant is made. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary, through the Director of the National Institutes of Health and the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), to make grants and enter into contracts for basic and clinical research with respect to Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Amendments to the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Services Research Act of 1986 - Amends the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Services Research Act of 1986 to require the Council on Alzheimer's Disease to make certain annual reports to the Congress and the public regarding matters related to Alzheimer's disease. Authorizes appropriations for the establishment and operation, under existing provisions, of the Advisory Panel on Alzheimer's Disease. Requires grants under specified existing provisions for Alzheimer's research to focus on specialized care as well as on services. Requires the Director of the NIMH to submit a research plan to the Council annually. Modifies the research to be provided for in the plan. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the responsibilities of the NIMH relating to Alzheimer's disease under the Act. Requires the Administrator of the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research to submit a research plan to the Chairman of the Council annually. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the responsibilities of the Agency under the Act. Replaces provisions requiring education programs for providers of care for individuals with Alzheimer's disease with provisions authorizing the Director of the National Institute on Aging to make grants: (1) on the basis of merit, for training programs and continuing education programs with respect to health care for individuals with Alzheimer's disease or related disorders; and (2) for the development of curricula for the training programs and continuing education programs. Requires the Director to establish the National Alzheimer's Education Program to: (1) provide coordination and leadership in the Federal education and promotion effort; (2) develop and distribute education materials; (3) encourage and work with the media to provide information; (4) encourage and work with public and private efforts to develop models for education, training, and assistance programs; and (5) provide technical assistance. Authorizes the Director to make grants for programs to educate health care providers and the families of individuals with Alzheimer's disease or related disorders on caring for such individuals, and on the availability of public and private sources of assistance. Authorizes appropriations to carry out educational activities provisions of the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1990
Comprehensive Campaign Finance Reform Act of 1990 - 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 political organizations maintained by a candidate for Federal office which are not political committees of a national, State, or local party. 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 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 · 4 May 1990
Expresses the sense of the Congress that Greyhound Lines, Inc., and the Amalgamated Transit Union should negotiate to resolve their dispute promptly, under the auspices of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service and the Secretary of Labor.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1990
Fair Trade in Auto Parts Act of 1990 - Requires the United States Trade Representative to initiate an unfair trade practice investigation under the Trade Act of 1974 with respect to: (1) the elimination of unreasonable Japanese trade practices that limit imports of U.S. auto parts and accessories; and (2) increasing access for such items to Japanese markets. Amends the Fair Trade in Auto Parts Act of 1988 to require the Secretary of Commerce to submit biannual reports to the Congress concerning increases in the sale of U.S. auto parts and accessories in Japanese markets. Directs the Attorney General and the International Trade Commission to study and report to the Congress on the pattern of procurement of such items by foreign automobile manufacturers operating in the United States to determine if there may be unfair methods of competition in connection with such procurement.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1990
Congressional Commitment to Long-Term Care Concurrent Resolution - Expresses the sense of the Congress that payments to long-term care providers under titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act be sufficient to maintain the highest quality of patient care in nursing homes.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1990
Congressional Recycling Act of 1990 - Requires the Clerk of the House of Representatives and the Secretary of the Senate to purchase recycled paper and paper products for use to the greatest extent practicable in the operations of the House and the Senate. Directs the Public Printer to assure that the Government Printing Office uses recycled paper in providing services to the House.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1990
Provides for grants to establish at least five projects in which addicted mothers in residential drug abuse treatment facilities are allowed to have their children reside with them during treatment. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1990
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend, through December 31, 1992, the duty on: (1) 4,5-dichloro-2-n-octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one; and (2) mixtures of 4,5-dichloro-2-n-octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one and application adjuvants, with or without stabilizers.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1990
Tire Recycling Incentives Act of 1990 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require tire producers or importers to recycle an amount of scrap tires equal to at least the amount determined by multiplying the amount of tires produced or imported that year by the recycling percentage established by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Authorizes compliance by: (1) recycling scrap tires through reintroducing the reclaimed rubber into a manufacturing process to produce new tires or retread old tire casings; or (2) purchasing recycling credits under this Act. Requires such individuals to report annually to the Administrator on the amount of tires produced or imported. Directs the Administrator to establish a recycling percentage that is five percentage points higher than the existing recycling 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. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations allowing recyclers to create credits for tire recycling and tire producers or importers to purchase such credits. Sets forth: (1) specified recordkeeping requirements for owners or operators of tire sale and installation facilities and tire producers and importers; and (2) the amount of credits allowed for scrap tires. Directs the Attorney General to determine the effects of the credit system on competition within the tire and scrap tire recycling industries and to report annually to the Congress. Sets the recycling percentage at 60 percent if the Administrator fails to promulgate regulations. Directs the Administrator to: (1) publish in the Federal Register minimum requirements for State scrap tire management and procedures under which such requirements shall be incorporated into state solid waste management plans; (2) provide for expedited review of State plans which include specified scrap tire recycling measures; and (3) establish standards to minimize health and environmental damages from the improper disposal and storage of tires. Requires such standards to provide for: (1) bans on the disposal of tires in land disposal facilities; (2) State inventories of scrap tire collection facilities, tire advisory boards, and scrap tire abatement plans; (3) agreements between facilities which distribute more than 1,000 tires annually and licensed tire haulers for the exclusive hauling of scrap tires by licensed haulers; and (4) prohibitions on the transportation of scrap tires by transporters without transportation identification numbers, with specified exceptions. Directs the Administrator to publish guidelines for States for the issuance of permits to scrap tire storage, processing, transfer, and recycling facilities. Provides for: (1) limits on the size of scrap tire piles at such facilities; (2) bans on open burning within 50 feet of a scrap tire pile; (3) regulations on vegetation, rodent, and mosquito control at such facilities; and (4) different requirements for collection and storage facilities located in 100-year flood plains or other areas where water resources are critical. Requires the Administrator to promulgate guidelines for States for facility emergency plans. Directs facility owners or operators to maintain and update emergency preparedness manuals. Requires facility operators to notify the State immediately in the event of an emergency with potential offsite impacts. Sets forth specified emergency and operational recordkeeping, reporting, and inspection requirements. Requires all regulated facilities to have appropriate financial responsibility or insurance to maintain the facility for at least five years after closure. Exempts specified persons from permitting requirements. Requires the Secretary of the Interior, together with the heads of agencies responsible for public lands or military installations, to implement a plan to remediate tire piles. Applies plan requirements to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation. Directs the Administrator to develop a guideline for procuring goods that make use of scrap or used tires. Permits States to: (1) enter into consent orders with owners and operators of scrap tire collection facilities for proper management and abatement of scrap tires; and (2) levy fines on facilities for noncompliance. Imposes fines on tire facilities and landfills for specified violations of this Act. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1990
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should nominate two public trustees to fill the current vacancies on the Social Security Board of Trustees and, upon their confirmation, such trustees should be afforded full participation in the preparation of this year's Trustees Report.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1990
Textile, Apparel, and Footwear Trade Act of 1990 - Limits the 1990 imports of textiles and textile products classified under a category to an amount equal to 101 percent of the total 1989 imports classified under such category. Limits the 1990 imports of nonrubber footwear classified under a nonrubber footwear category to an amount equal to: (1) the total 1989 imports of nonrubber footwear classified under such category; and (2) in the case of high priced nonrubber footwear, the total 1989 imports of high priced nonrubber footwear classified under such category. Provides for a one-percent annual growth in the amount of permitted imports of textiles and textile products after 1990. Exempts from the limitations imposed under this Act imports of textiles and textile products from U.S. possessions if such articles are exempt from duty under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States and are manufactured by U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents of such a possession. Limits the imports of certain sweaters made in Guam to a specified amount during FY 1990 and to such amount increased by one percent per year in subsequent years. Declares that such limitations shall not apply to Canada or Israel. Sets forth limitations on the amount of textile and textile products classified under certain import categories which may be imported from beneficiary countries under the Caribbean Basin Initiative. Authorizes the President to: (1) enter into trade agreements to grant new concessions as compensation to the extent required under U.S. trade agreements for the import limits imposed by this Act; and (2) proclaim such modification or continuance of any existing duty on textiles and textile products and on nonrubber footwear as necessary to carry out such agreements. Prohibits the President from reducing any rate of duty by more than ten percent. Requires the President, before entering into such trade agreements, to consider whether a country has violated trade concessions of benefit to the United States and the violation has not been adequately offset. Sets forth requirements governing staged rate reductions in the tariffs of articles affected by this Act. Prohibits the President, except as authorized by this Act, from entering into trade negotiations with any country with respect to duties on textiles, textile products, and nonrubber footwear. Prohibits the President, except as provided in this Act, from decreasing or proposing a decrease in any such duty by any means, including an implementing bill or a proclamation. Requires the President to report annually to the Congress on the administration of this Act. Requires the Secretary of Commerce, ten years after enactment of this Act, to study and report to the Congress on its operation. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a pilot program for the issuance and sale to U.S. companies at public auction of import licenses applicable to categories of textiles. Terminates such licensing program on December 31, 1991, and requires a report to the Congress on its administration.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1990
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should nominate two public trustees to fill the current vacancies on the Social Security Board of Trustees and, upon their confirmation, such trustees should be afforded full participation in the preparation of this year's Trustees Report.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1990
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) Amtrak should be funded at a level that will enable it to continue to operate a national railway system, to acquire new passenger equipment and modernize its maintenance facilities, and to improve its financial performance and service levels; and (2) the Secretary of Transportation and the Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration should work with Amtrak management to lower Amtrak's dependence on public funding, to assign the highest priority possible to safety, and to ensure the adequacy of the national rail passenger infrastructure as a key element in a balanced national transportation system.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1990
Yosemite National Park Centennial Medal Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell medals in commemoration of the centennial of Yosemite National Park, California, in 1990. Requires that all sales of such medals include a surcharge of $2 each. 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 net income 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 of 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.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1990
Summer Science Academy Act of 1990 - Directs the National Science Foundation to make grants, contracts, or agreements for at least 20 Summer Science Academies for talented, economically disadvantaged minority students in grades seven through 12 to study mathematics, science, engineering design, and communications. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1990
National Forest Foundation Act - Establishes the National Forest Foundation to promote and support activities of the Forest Service. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1990
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the treatment of rental and nonrental real estate activities under the limitations on losses from passive activities.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1990
Requires the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to submit a report (initiating an enforcement investigation under the Trade Act of 1974) which limits to Japan the identification of trade barriers and trade distorting practices under the Structural Impediments Initiative of the USTR, and the identification of priority foreign countries under the Trade Act of 1974, if the President has not certified to the Congress by September 1, 1990, that Japan has agreed with the United States to eliminate such unfair trade practices. Requires the USTR to submit a similar report if the President: (1) certifies that an agreement has been entered into; but (2) has not certified within another 18 months that it has been implemented and U.S. exports to Japan have increased.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1990
National Biological Diversity Conservation and Environmental Research Act of 1990 - States that the global conservation of biological diversity is a national priority. Requires Federal actions to be consistent with such goal. Directs Federal agencies to conduct annual reviews of their programs for consistency with the conservation of biological diversity pursuant to this Act and to report the results of such reviews to the President, the Council on Environmental Quality, and the Congress. Sets forth requirements for programs found to be inconsistent with this Act. Directs the Council on Environmental Quality to: (1) establish guidelines for consideration of biological diversity in the preparation of environmental impact statements; and (2) identify those biotic communities, species, and populations that appear to be in decline, in imminent danger of loss of viability, or otherwise of special concern. Requires impacts on biological diversity to be considered in the assessment of impacts of Federal actions under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Sets forth requirements for the Council on Environmental Quality with respect to the review of agency reviews on biological diversity. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, in reviewing environmental impacts under the Clean Air Act, to consider an action to be unsatisfactory if it is likely to result in a significant reduction of biological diversity. Establishes within the Smithsonian Institution a National Center for Biological Diversity and Conservation Research (Center) responsible for: (1) coordinating the collection of data pertaining to the national biota and supplementing and disseminating such information; (2) arranging and conducting surveys and supplementary research of the national biota; and (3) enhancing the application of biological data to the conservation of biological diversity. Establishes an Interagency Working Committee on Biological Diversity responsible for preparing a coordinated Federal strategy (Strategy) for conservation of biological diversity. Requires specified entities to designate representatives to work with the Committee to ensure the coordination of the Strategy with the existing U.S. strategy on international biological diversity and with related international treaty obligations. Dissolves the Committee after the submission of Federal and regional strategies for biological diversity. Sets forth required contents of the Strategy. Requires the Committee to delineate large ecological regions within the United States and to prepare a biological diversity strategy for such regions. Authorizes each agency represented on the Committee to provide grants to public agencies, private individuals, and organizations for projects to maintain or restore biological diversity. Directs each entity represented on the Committee to: (1) give high priority to research and personnel training directed towards implementation of the Strategy; and (2) assess the adequacy of its environmental research and training programs. Requires the National Science Foundation to support research that integrates fundamental and applied science toward conservation of biological diversity. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) research the potential of increased utilization of biological diversity in agriculture; (2) undertake long studies of agroecosystems; and (3) assess the impact of agricultural and forestry practices on biological diversity and recommend improvements, as appropriate. Establishes, as a permanent entity, a National Scientific Advisory Committee on Biological Diversity which shall: (1) oversee the implementation and coordination of the Strategy; (2) assist in the evaluation of the impacts of proposed Federal activities on biological diversity; (3) assist in the review of Federal programs for consistency with the conservation of biological diversity and the adequacy of such programs in environmental research and training; and (4) serve as a general reference and advisory resource for the Nation in matters relating to conservation of biological diversity. Directs specified Federal agencies to encourage conservation of biological diversity through: (1) supporting and coordinating global conservation of biological diversity programs; (2) supporting research for, and increasing training, education, and technical assistance related to, sustainable development and international conservation of biological diversity; and (3) cooperating with each other and international organizations to carry out such activities. Requires the Agency for International Development (AID) to hire U.S. environmental and natural resources staff with training in conservation of biological diversity and sustainable development. Reaffirms congressional support for provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 which address tropical deforestation and loss of biological diversity. Directs AID to give high priority to the implementation of such provisions. Authorizes appropriations.
![Official portrait of Sen. Heinz, John [R-PA]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h000456_200.jpg)