United States · United States Congress · 16 October 1991
Extends nondiscriminatory treatment (most-favored-nation treatment) to the products of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to remove their products from the column two duty rate. Terminates application of a specified provision under the Trade Act of 1974 denying such treatment to them. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should take action to provide preferential treatment to such countries' products under the Generalized System of Preferences of the Trade Act of 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 1991
Urges the President to call upon the President of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics to begin a prompt withdrawal of Soviet armed forces from the Baltic States and to undertake discussion with the Governments of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia to facilitate such withdrawal.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 1991
Directs all Members of Congress to pay full market value for all medical services, medical tests, and medications provided by the Office of the Attending Physician. Establishes the Office of Attending Physician Revolving Fund in the Treasury (within the contingent fund of the Senate) for deposit of such payments and monies received from any other source.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1991
Family Simplification Act of 1991 - Title I: Definition of Dependent - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the definition of "dependent" for purposes of the personal exemption deduction by replacing the present-law support test with a residency test similar to that used in the determination of the earned income tax credit. Redefines a dependent to be a qualifying child or relative (eliminating the requirement that the taxpayer provide over half the dependent's support). Defines a qualifying child as an individual who: (1) is a child of the taxpayer or a descendant of a child of the taxpayer; (2) has the same principal place of abode as the taxpayer for more than one-half of the taxable year; and (3) has not attained the age of 19, or is a student who has not attained the age of 24. Defines a qualifying relative as one whose: (1) adjusted gross income is less than the exemption amount; and (2) principal place of abode for over half of the taxable year is the same as the taxpayer's. Revises provisions concerning divorced or separated parents. Allows a child to be treated as the qualifying child or relative of the noncustodial parent if the such parent provides support equal to or greater than the exemption amount (currently, no actual support is required) and the custodial parent (as under current law) releases any claim to the exemption. Provides an exception for pre-1992 divorce or separation agreements. Modifies the dependent care credit to require a dependent to have the same place of abode as the taxpayer. Modifies the earned income credit to conform its requirements to those for the personal exemption. Makes an exception to the residency test for members of the armed forces stationed outside the United States while serving on extended active duty. Requires employers of members of the armed forces and ministers of the gospel to report to their employees the amount of excludable income received in the form of allowances for housing. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe a simplified valuation method for determining the value of housing allowances of members of the armed forces and the rental value of parsonages. Modifies provisions defining surviving spouse status and head of household status to require that such taxpayers be eligible for a dependency exemption for the one or more individuals. (Current law requires them to pay over half the cost of maintaining the home in which the dependent resides.) Requires dependents of a surviving spouse or head of household to live with the taxpayer. Repeals the requirement that certain married individuals living apart maintain a household which constitutes the principal place of abode of a child. Repeals the provision which requires a reduction in the medical expense deduction based on the health insurance credit allowable under the earned income credit. Title II: Definition of Child - Establishes a definition of "child" to mean: (1) a son, daughter, stepson, or stepdaughter; (2) an adopted child; and (3) any individual for whom a taxpayer cares as the taxpayer's own child, and who has the same principal place of abode as the taxpayer.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1991
White House Commemorative Coin Act of 1991 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) issue up to 500,000 silver one-dollar coins to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone of the White House; and (2) obtain silver for such coins from stockpiles established under the Strategic and Critical Mineral Stock Piling Act. Specifies that: (1) all amounts received from the sale of coins issued under this Act shall be deposited in the coinage profit fund; and (2) the Secretary shall pay amounts from a ten-dollar surcharge per coin into the White House Endowment Fund. Directs the Secretary to take such actions as necessary to ensure that the minting and issuance of such coins do not result in any net cost to the Government. Bars the issuance of such coins unless the Secretary has received full payment or adequate security for payment. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1991
Condemns Syria's denial of Syrian Jews' right to travel freely and calls upon the Syrian Government to: (1) immediately grant Syrian Jews the right to travel freely without imposing a fee; and (2) release all Jewish prisoners who were charged or suspected of traveling illegally. Urges the President to encourage U.S. allies and trading partners to make similar pleas to the Syrian Government. Calls upon the United Nations to send an official delegation to Syria to investigate the present condition of Syrian Jews.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1991
Medicare Physician Payment Reform Implementation Act of 1991 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to increase the conversion factor for physicians' services for each of the years after 1993 through 1996 by one-fourth of the percentage by which the conversion factor may have been decreased due to an adjustment for asymmetry in 1992; (2) prohibit the Secretary, in determining the conversion factor for 1992, from assuming that changes in the volume and intensity of physician services in response to the implementation of the new payment system for such services would increase the estimated aggregate physician expenditures by more than one percent; (3) make any reduction to the conversion factor due to assumed volume and intensity changes equally applicable to the adjusted historical payment base; (4) permit separate payment to physicians for interpretation of electrocardiograms (EKGs) provided during office vists; (5) direct the Secretary to: (a) establish separate fee schedule amounts for the interpretation of EKGs; (b) adjust the relative values in the fee schedule for physician visits to reflect separate payments for EKG interpretation; (c) establish EKG practice guidelines for dissemination to physicians along with other educational information relating to EKG use; (d) develop a profile for EKG use by physicians; and (e) study EKG utilization and costs for a report to the Congress; and (6) make the new payment system for physicians nonapplicable to services furnished on or after January 1, 1992, by a physician who was in his or her first, second, or third year of practice in 1991 and to whom the payment rules under the new system did not apply in that year. Prohibits the Secretary from issuing final regulations before July 1, 1993, which change the methodology for determining: (1) the amount of time that may be billed for anesthesia services; and (2) the amount paid for drugs and biologicals furnished incident to physicians' services. Requires the Director of the Office of Technology Assessment to conduct a study and report to the Congress on whether payments for anesthesia services should be based on a particular unit of time according to the medical procedure with respect to which the service is furnished. Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct a study and report to the Congress with respect to payment for drugs and biologicals furnished incident to physicians' services and payment for multiple surgical procedures; and (2) provide for pilot projects for developing Medicare volume performance standards other than at the national level. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the pilot projects.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1991
Breast Cancer Screening Safety Act of 1991 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require certification in order for a facility to perform or interpret mammograms, inspect equipment, perform needle localizations or other procedures using mammography equipment, or conduct quality assurance oversight related to mammography. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue and renew certificates for up to two years. Allows the Secretary to approve a private nonprofit organization to be an accreditation body which meets certain requirements, including inspecting facilities. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish standards for facilities to assure the safety and accuracy of mammography; (2) specify organizations eligible to certify individuals to perform radiological procedures; (3) specify boards eligible to certify individuals to interpret screening mammograms; (4) establish standards regarding the qualifications for individuals to interpret screening mammograms; and (5) specify boards eligible to certify individuals to inspect screening mammography equipment and oversee quality assurance practices. Directs the Secretary to conduct annual announced and unannounced inspections of certified facilities. Provides for: (1) intermediate sanctions for certain violations; (2) suspension, revocation, and limitation of certificates; and (3) injunctions. Requires fees for certificate issuance and renewal, and for inspections, sufficient to cover costs. Requires annual publication of a list of facilities convicted of fraud and abuse, false billings, or kickbacks, facilities that have had certificates revoked, suspended, or limited, and facilities that have been the subject of a sanction or other similar matters. Allows the Secretary to exempt facilities in a State or locality with more stringent requirements from compliance with this Act. Directs the Secretary to: (1) make grants for research on new methods of establishing a Mammography Registry; and (2) based on the research, establish the Registry. Authorizes grants to enhance the capacity of health personnel in the area of breast cancer mortality prevention. Allows grant funds to be used to establish a breast cancer mortality prevention regional training center and develop a training curriculum. Authorizes appropriations. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require that screening mammographies paid for under Medicare be performed by a facility: (1) certified under this Act; and (2) in compliance with specified provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1991
Deficit-Neutral Unemployment Compensation Act of 1991 - Title I: Emergency Unemployment Compensation Program - Establishes an emergency unemployment compensation program. Allows any State to enter into and participate in an agreement with the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary) under which the State agency which administers the State unemployment compensation law will make payments of emergency unemployment compensation: (1) to individuals who have exhausted all rights to regular compensation under State law, have no rights to such regular compensation or any additional State or Federal compensation, and are not receiving Canadian compensation; and (2) for any week of unemployment beginning in the individual's eligibility period. Sets forth provisions relating to exhaustion of regular benefits and weekly amount of emergency benefits equal to regular benefits. Requires a State, under such an agreement, to establish an emergency unemployment compensation account with respect to the benefit year of each eligible individual who files an application. Limits benefit payments to not more than the amount in the individual's account. Sets forth formulas for determining the amount in such account. Provides that the applicable limit in such account shall be equal to: (1) ten weeks during a five-percent period (triggered if the adjusted rate of insured unemployment for such week and the immediately preceding 12 weeks is at least five percent); and (2) six weeks for any other period. Sets forth special rules relating to such applicable limits. Requires reduction in such account by the amount of extended benefits received by the individual relating to the same benefit year under the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970. Sets the weekly benefit amount at the amount of regular compensation (including dependents' allowances) payable under the State law to the individual for such week for total unemployment. Provides for determination of periods and applicable triggers. Provides for a minimum period. Provides, in general, that no emergency unemployment compensation shall be payable to any individual under this Act for any week beginning: (1) before the later of October 1, 1991, or the first week following the week in which an agreement under this Act is entered into; or (2) after June 30, 1992. Sets forth transition and reachback provisions for the eligibility of certain individuals for such benefits, as exceptions to such general rule. Provides for payments to States having such agreements for emergency unemployment compensation. Sets forth financing provisions. Requires that funds in the extended unemployment compensation account of the Unemployment Trust Fund be used to make payments to States having agreements under this Act. Authorizes appropriations to the extended unemployment compensation account of sums necessary to pay emergency unemployment compensation payable: (1) under specified provisions for former members of the armed forces; and (2) on the basis of certain services performed for nonprofit organizations or governmental entities, to which certain Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to State unemployment compensation law apply. Sets forth provisions relating to fraud and overpayments. Defines the individual eligibility period under this Act. Amends specified Federal law to repeal certain limitations on payment of unemployment compensation to former members of the armed forces. Reduces the length of required active duty by reserves for purposes for such payment, if the reservist served on active duty in the Persian Gulf area of operations in connection with Operation Desert Storm. Title II: Collection of Nontax Debts - Amends the Deficit Reduction Act of 1984 to provide for permanent extension of provisions relating to collection of nontax debts owed to Federal agencies. Title III: Guaranteed Student Loans - Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to revise provisions relating to the Stafford student loan program (including guaranteed student loans and federally-insured student loans). Requires, in the case of such student loan applicants over age 21, that the lender: (1) obtain a credit report; and (2) require a cosigner for such applicants who have adverse credit histories. Allows the lender to charge such applicants for the actual cost of such credit reports, up to $25. Requires the lender to obtain the borrower's driver's license number, if any, at the time of application for such a student loan. Directs eligible institutions to require borrowers of any student loan under HEA to supply the following exit interview information: (1) their expected permanent address after leaving the institution; (2) the name and address of their expected employer; and (3) the name and address of their next of kin. Requires student loan interest-subsidy insurance program agreements to require the lender to obtain the borrower's authorization for entry of judgment against the borrower in the event of default. Provides for wage garnishment for student loan collection. Authorizes a guaranty agency, or the Secretary where appropriate, to garnish the disposable pay of an individual to collect the amount owed or the required repayment, subject to certain conditions. Provides for data matching. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to obtain from Federal agencies specified information relating to an individual for student loan collection purposes. Title IV: Electromagnetic Spectrum Function - Emerging Telecommunications Technologies Act of 1991 - Requires the Secretary of Commerce and the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to conduct biannual joint electromagnetic spectrum planning meetings with respect to: (1) future spectrum needs and the allocation actions to accommodate those needs; and (2) actions to promote the efficient use of the spectrum. Requires an open process and joint annual reports to the President. Directs the Secretary to submit reports to the President that identify frequency bands that: (1) are allocated on a primary basis for Government use and eligible for licensing pursuant to the Communications Act of 1934 (the Act); (2) are not required for the present or identifiable future Government needs; (3) can be made available for use under the Act for non-Government users; (4) are likely to have significant value for such users; and (5) will not result in excessive costs to the Government. Sets forth criteria for identifying, and recommending for reassignment or sharing, such frequency bands. Requires such reports to make an initial identification of 50MHz of spectrum for immediate reallocation and distribution by the FCC pursuant to competitive bidding procedures, and preliminary and final identifications of additional reallocable frequency bands. Directs the Secretary to convene a private sector advisory committee to: (1) review frequency bands identified in the preliminary report; (2) advise the Secretary with respect to those bands which should be included in the final report; (3) receive public comment on the reports; and (4) prepare and submit to the Secretary and specified congressional committees a report on recommendations for the reform of allocating the spectrum between Government and non-Government users. Directs the President to: (1) withdraw or limit the assignment to a Government station of any frequency recommended in the initial identification report for reallocation; (2) withdraw or limit the assignment to a Government station of any frequency recommended in the final report for reallocation or mixed use; (3) assign or reassign other frequencies to Government stations as necessary to adjust to such withdrawal or limitation of assignments; and (4) publish in the Federal Register a notice and description of such actions taken. Authorizes the President to substitute alternative frequencies in the interests of national security, important Government needs, public health or safety, or Federal financial considerations. Provides that any Government licensee, or non-Government entity operating on behalf of a Government licensee, that is displaced from a frequency pursuant to this Act may be reimbursed not more than the incremental costs it incurs, in such amounts as provided in advance in appropriation Acts, that are directly attributable to the loss of the use of the frequency pursuant to this Act. Authorizes appropriations to affected licensee agencies to cover such costs. Directs the FCC to form a plan to assign the spectrum identified in the initial report pursuant to competitive bidding procedures during FY 1994 through 1996. Directs the FCC to submit to the President a plan for the distribution of the remaining reallocated frequency bands. Authorizes the President to reclaim reallocated frequencies for reassignment to Government stations. Sets forth procedures for reclaiming frequencies. Amends the Act to require the FCC to use competitive bidding for awarding all initial licenses and new construction permits, subject to specified exclusions. Outlines criteria for awarding licenses and permits under competitive bidding procedures. Prohibits licensing by lottery when competitive bidding is required. Title V: Dislocated Workers - Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish for eligible dislocated workers: (1) a program of readjustment allowances; (2) a program for job training and related services substantially similar to the program under specified provisions of the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA); and (3) a program for job search and relocation allowances substantially similar to the program under specified JTPA provisions. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Labor to carry out such programs, for each of FY 1993 through 1995, in an amount equal to the revenues raised in such fiscal year by the provisions of and amendments made by titles II, III, and IV of this Act which are in excess of the expenditures made in such fiscal year under title I of this Act. Directs the Secretary of Labor to give special consideration to providing services to dislocated workers in the timber industry in the State of Washington, in determining specified programs and activities to be funded under JTPA in FY 1991 and 1992. Directs the Secretary of Labor to submit a comprehensive report to the Congress on the feasibility and utility of using a total unemployment rate versus an insured unemployment rate, adjusted to include those claimants who have exhausted their benefits, for purposes of triggering extended benefits and, if appropriate, revising the foregoing measures of unemployment to include seasonal adjustments. Title VI: Deficit Reduction Requirement - Sets forth the congressional funding that provisions contained in titles I through V of this Act would lead to a reduction in the deficit. Declares that the Congress designates all direct spending amounts (both increases and decreases) provided by such titles (for all fiscal years) as emergency requirements under specified provisions of the Balance Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). Requires, as a condition for any provisions of this Act to take effect, that the President: (1) make a determination and notify the Congress that this Act would reduce the deficit cumulatively for FY 1991 through 1996; and (2) submits a written designation of all direct spending amounts (both increases and decreases provided by titles I through V of this Act (for all fiscal years)) as emergency requirements under such specified provisions of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1991
Semiconductor Investment Act of 1991 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to classify the depreciable life for semiconductor manufacturing equipment as three-year property.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1991
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) recognize Ukraine's independence and take steps toward the establishment of full diplomatic relations with Ukraine should the December 1, 1991, referendum confirm the Ukrainian parliament's independence declaration; and (2) use U.S. assistance, trade, and other programs to support the Government of Ukraine and encourage the further development of democracy and a free-market.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1991
Declares it is U.S. policy that the European Community's Third Country Meat Directive is an unfair nontariff trade barrier and that it is in the public interest to remove barriers to exports of U.S. meat products. Directs the President to prohibit the importation of all European Community meat products.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1991
Christopher Columbus Quincentenary Commemorative Coin and Scholarship Endowment Act of 1991 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue not more than a specified number of five-dollar gold coins, one-dollar silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins emblematic of the quincentenary of Columbus' encounter with the New World. Sets forth certain features of such coins and provides for their design, issuance, and sale. Terminates the minting of such coins after a certain deadline. Establishes the Christopher Columbus Quincentenary Scholarship Foundation as an independent entity within the executive branch to promote educational activities for secondary students using funds deposited in the Christopher Columbus Quincentenary Scholarship Endowment Fund (the Fund). Requires the Board of Directors of the Foundation to appoint an Executive Secretary who shall be subject to its supervision. Outlines the Fund's operating parameters. Sets forth scholarship criteria for eligible students to be known as "Columbus Scholars." Mandates that the Foundation submit an annual status report to the Congress and the Secretary of Education. Sets forth guidelines for possible termination of the Fund and the Foundation.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1991
Declares that the Congress acknowledges and appreciates the commitment, devotion, and sacrifices of present and former military families. Designates November 25, 1991, as National Military Families Recognition Day.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 1991
Glass Ceiling Act of 1991 - Establishes the Glass Ceiling Commission to conduct a study and prepare recommendations concerning: (1) eliminating artificial barriers to the advancement of women and minorities; and (2) increasing opportunities and developmental experiences of women and minorities to foster advancement of women and minorities to management and decisionmaking positions in business. Establishes the National Award for Diversity and Excellence in American Executive Management. Allows a recipient business to use the award in its advertising if the business agrees to help other U.S. businesses improve with respect to the promotion of opportunities and developmental experiences of women and minorities regarding management and decisionmaking positions. Authorizes appropriations. Terminates the Commission and the authority to make awards four years after enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1991
Urges the President to: (1) communicate to the leadership of the Government of the People's Republic of China the concern of the Congress and the American people for Wang Juntao and Chen Ziming and to call for their immediate release from prison; and (2) request the Secretary General of the United Nations (UN) to urge Beijing officials to provide quality medical care for them and for all political prisoners and to dispatch representatives of the UN Human Rights Commission to China to assess and report on the treatment of political prisoners and the condition of Chinese prisons.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1991
Negotiated Rates Equity Act of 1991 - Amends Federal transportation law to direct the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC), in determining the reasonableness of a tariff rate for transportation or service previously rendered by a motor common carrier (except household goods carriers), where the motor carrier is claiming a tariff rate hgher than the rate originally offered, billed, and collected, to find the claimed rate unreasonable to the extent that it exceeds the rate charged by and paid to the same motor carrier or other motor carriers for like transportation or service. Directs ICC, if the motor carrier seeks to collect less than $10,000, to find that the claimed rate is per se unreasonable to the extent that it exceeds by more than 20 percent the rate originally offered, billed, and collected. Requires ICC to establish simplified procedures for determining rate reasonableness under such circumstances. Shortens the statute of limitations for the filing of claims: (1) by a motor common carrier for recovery of transportation or service charges; and (2) by a person to recover overcharges by a motor carrier. Decreases the limitation period for both kinds of claims from 36 months to: (1) 24 months for claim accruals during the year following enactment of this Act; and (2) 18 months for claim accruals on or after one year following enactment. Permits motor carriers and shippers to resolve by mutual consent, subject to ICC review and approval, any overcharge and undercharge claims resulting from billing errors or incorrect tariff provisions arising from the inadvertent failure to properly and timely file and maintain agreed upon rates, rules, or classifications.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1991
Directs the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary) to comply with requirements and procedures established by this Act relating to the Federal contractor use of helpers, in administering: (1) Federal laws and regulations with respect to contracts covering federally financed and assisted construction; and (2) labor standards provisions applicable to nonconstruction contracts subject to the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act. Establishes requirements for wage determinations concerning helper classifications. Directs the Secretary to comply with specified criteria in determining whether the use of a particular helper classification prevails in the area involved, for purposes of issuing wage rates for semi-skilled helper classifications. Directs the contracting officer to: (1) require, if specified criteria have not been met, that any class of laborers or mechanics, including helpers, not listed in the wage determination be classified in conformance with such wage determination; or (2) if such specified criteria have been met, approve an additional classification and wage rate, and fringe benefits. Prohibits the ratio of helpers to journeymen employed by the contractor or subcontractor from being greater than two helpers for every three journeymen. Requires paying any helper performing work on the job site in excess of such permissible ratio at least the applicable journeyman's (or laborer's, where appropriate) wage rate based on the wage determination for the work actually performed. Requires paying any other worker at least the applicable wage rate based on the wage determination for the classification of work actually performed by such worker if such worker is listed on a payroll at a helper wage rate but is not a helper.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1991
Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to revise the tariff classification of certain flat goods with an outer surface of plastic sheeting.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1991
Airline Competition Equity Act of 1991 - Prohibits the purchase, sale, lease, or transfer of slots at airports on or after August 1, 1991, except that: (1) one slot may be exchanged for another if there is no other consideration associated with the exchange; (2) slots may be transferred on or after such date as part of an overall or substantial transfer of assets of an air carrier; (3) slots at high density traffic airports may be transferred by a carrier that prior to August 1, 1991, filed for bankruptcy if the transfer is necessary to effectuate the sale of assets; and (4) slot leases entered into before August 1, 1991, may continue or be extended until 18 months after enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to establish by rulemaking a pool of slots for new entrant air carriers at high density traffic airports. Terminates such rule (as well as the existing "buy-sell rule") 18 months after enactment of this Act. Requires the Administrator to provide a specified certification to the Congress if, after such rule ceases to be effective, the Secretary of Transportation or the Administrator decides to issue a new rule for the allocation of such slots. Requires the Secretary to: (1) study the extent to which shuttle service provided by air carriers between LaGuardia National Airport to Boston and to Washington National Airport is of public interest to the northeastern United States; and (2) report to the Congress within 12 months after enactment of this Act on the results of such study, including recommendations. Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to approve the transfer of a foreign air transportation route certificate upon finding that the transfer: (1) does not adversely affect the long term viability of any carrier involved in the transfer; (2) will not increase economic concentration or otherwise adversely affect competition in the domestic airline industry; and (3) is in the public interest. Limits foreign investment in domestic air carriers to 25 percent of the voting interest, and no more than 25 percent of the equity, unless the Secretary authorizes a higher percentage (up to 49 percent of the voting interest or equity). Directs the Secretary to review any proposed transaction which would result in foreign ownership or control of air carriers of more than 25 percent. Sets forth criteria for approval of such ownership. Amends bankruptcy law to provide for the treatment of unexpired leases or executory contracts with airport operators under which the debtor has a right to the use or possession of an airport terminal, aircraft gate, or related facility. Authorizes airport operators, subject to guidelines and limits established by the Secretary, to modify agreements on the use of aircraft gates. Amends the Federal Trade Commission Act to remove the authority of the Federal Trade Commission over unfair methods of competition by certain air carriers and foreign air carriers. Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to require the Secretary of Transportation to ensure that computer reservation systems are available to all air carriers, ticket agents, and other persons on a nondiscriminatory basis. Prohibits air carriers (or affiliates) from operating such a system after March 1, 1992. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue an order authorizing a covered air carrier to develop an air transportation plan which protects airline ticket holders in the event it becomes a debtor in bankruptcy proceedings after the ticket purchase date. Provides that if satisfactory plans have not been submitted by a specified deadline, the Secretary must promulgate regulations requiring all covered air carriers to provide air transportation for such ticket holders.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to specify the frequency of deposits of employment taxes (social security, railroad retirement, and withheld income taxes) by small and large depositors. Repeals a provision of the Railroad Retirement Solvency Act of 1983 to conform to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1991
Audio Home Recording Act of 1991 - Amends Federal copyright law to: (1) set forth definitions relating to digital audio recording devices and media; and (2) prohibit certain copyright infringement actions based on the manufacture, importation, or distribution of a digital or analog audio recording device or medium, or the use of such device or medium for making phonorecords, except when done for commercial advantage. Sets forth a mandatory recordation and filing procedure for the importation, manufacture, or distribution in the United States of digital audio recording devices or media. Requires importers and manufacturers to file quarterly and annual statements of account with the Register of Copyrights (the Register). Mandates Register verification of such statements. Sets forth verification guidelines. States that verification audit costs shall be borne by interested copyright parties. Sets forth confidentiality guidelines with respect to such mandatory statements of accounts. Prescribes royalty payment guidelines for digital audio recording devices and media imported, manufactured, or distributed in the United States. Requires that royalty payments be deposited into the Treasury. Identifies interested copyright parties entitled to royalty payments. Prescribes royalty payment allocation and distribution procedures. Permits alternative royalty collection and distribution arrangements to be negotiated among interested copyright and manufacturing parties. Maintains the Copyright Tribunal jurisdiction over such negotiated arrangements insofar as nonparticipant interests are affected. Prohibits: (1) the importation, manufacture, and distribution of any digital audio recording device or audio interface device that does not conform to certain standards and specifications to implement the Serial Copy Management System; and (2) the circumvention of such System. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to publish in the Federal Register a certain Technical Reference Document which sets forth the standards and specifications pertinent to the Serial Copy Management System. Authorizes the Secretary to implement such System according to the prescribed guidelines. Sets forth civil remedies for violations of this Act, including impoundment, remedial modification and destruction of non-complying devices, and binding arbitration.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1991
Expresses the sense of the Senate that in light of the current economic conditions the Federal excise taxes on gasoline and diesel fuel shall not be increased.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1991
Extends nondiscriminatory treatment (most-favored-nation treatment) to Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania upon conclusion of the Agreement on Trade Relations between the United States and the Soviet Union granting it most-favored-nation status.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1991
Establishes a Joint Committee on the Organization of the Congress to: (1) make a full and complete study of the organization and operation of the Congress; and (2) recommend improvements in such organization and operation with a view toward strengthening its effectiveness, simplifying its operations, improving its relationships with other branches of the Government, and improving the orderly consideration of legislation. Requires a report to the Senate and the House of Representatives not later than the adjournment sine die of the 102d Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1991
Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 1991 - Amends the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968 and the Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Act of 1979 (HLPSA) to authorize appropriations for FY 1992 through 1994 for implementation of Federal natural gas and hazardous liquids pipeline safety standards. Requires the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to define environmentally sensitive areas to include: (1) earthquake zones and areas subject to substantial ground movements such as landslides; (2) areas where ground water contamination would be likely in the event of a pipeline rupture; (3) freshwater lakes, rivers, and waterways; and (4) river deltas and other areas subject to soil erosion or subsidence from flooding or other water action where pipeline facilities are likely to become exposed or undermined. Makes the Secretary responsible for protection of the environment in issuing Federal pipeline safety standards. Requires pipeline operators to report to the Secretary any conditions that could have a significant adverse impact on the natural environment. Requires pipeline maps to include: (1) all pipeline facilities in environmentally sensitive areas, or in or immediately adjacent to cities, towns, or villages; and (2) all pipelines built before 1971. Amends the HLPSA to direct the Secretary to survey and assess the effectiveness of procedures, systems, and equipment used to detect and locate hazardous liquid pipeline ruptures and minimize product releases from pipeline facilities. Requires the Secretary, within 12 months after completing the survey, to issue regulations to establish standards and require procedures and equipment for the rapid detection and location of pipeline ruptures and shutdown of pipeline facilities located in or adjacent to environmentally sensitive areas and cities, towns, and villages. Amends the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968 to direct the Secretary to: (1) issue regulations requiring operators of natural gas distribution systems to install excess flow valves in new or renewed gas service lines; (2) evaluate the use of such valves to improve system safety; and (3) develop standards for the performance of excess flow valves used to protect service lines in natural gas distribution systems. Requires the Secretary to publish a notice as to the availability of industry guidelines for the replacement of cast iron pipelines. Directs the Secretary to ensure by rulemaking the safety of pipe owned by residential and small commercial non-operators of pipelines, including requirements that the distribution companies serving such customers assume responsibility for the operation and maintenance of such lines up to the outlet of the meter or the building wall, whichever is further downstream. Makes it unlawful for any person excavating with power-operated equipment to: (1) knowingly fail to use an appropriate one-call notification system to determine the location of underground pipeline facilities in the area being excavated; and (2) damage during such excavation a natural gas or hazardous liquid pipeline. Amends the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968 and the HLPSA to require the Secretary to establish procedures to notify the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of any natural gas and hazardous liquids pipeline accidents caused by excavation.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1991
Recognizes and grants a Federal charter to the Military Order of the World Wars, a nonprofit corporation organized under the laws of the District of Columbia.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1991
Rail Safety Improvement Initiatives Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970 (the Act) to authorize appropriations for FY 1992 through 1994 for railroad research and development (except magnetic levitation) and general safety operations. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to request and use non-Federal funds for expenses incurred in training safety employees of public and private industry, and State and local authorities, except rail safety inspectors. Declares that civil penalties with respect to the failure to comply with railroad safety rules, regulations, orders, and standards shall, to the same extent as they do to railroads, apply to: (1) any owner, manufacturer, lessor, or lessee of railroad equipment, track, or facilities; or (2) any independent contractor providing goods or services to a railroad. Amends Federal law to provide criminal penalties for the murder or attempted murder or manslaughter of any Federal Railroad Administration employee assigned to perform investigative, inspection, or law enforcement functions. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on efforts to improve the safety of locomotive cabs. Directs the Secretary to ensure that the Secretary of Labor is apprised of the extent to which the Secretary has exercised jurisdiction to prescribe or enforce regulations or orders affecting occupational safety or health or any other Federal railroad safety laws. Requires the National Transportation Safety Board to have immediate access to event recorders and the first opportunity to read event recorder data and related materials following any reportable railroad accident. Requires the Secretary to submit to specified congressional committees a report on voice communications and advanced train control systems. Amends the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 1988 to require the Northeast Corridor Safety Committee to meet at least once every two years to consider safety matters on the main line of the Northeast Corridor. Amends the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970 to subject any final agency action taken under any Federal railroad safety laws to judicial review. Requires the Secretary to review the Department of Transportation's rules with respect to railroad power brakes and to revise such rules based on safety data presented during such review. Amends the Department of Transportation Act to authorize appropriations for the local rail freight assistance program.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1991
National Sea Grant College Program Authorization Act of 1991 - Amends the National Sea Grant College Program Act (Sea Grant Act) to authorize appropriations to carry out the Act. Repeals provisions of the Sea Grant Act authorizing grants and contracts for a sea grant strategic research plan. Amends the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (Aquatic Nuisance Act) to generally authorize appropriations for grants under the Sea Grant Act. (Currently, the provisions of the Aquatic Nuisance Act being amended here authorize appropriations only for grants for the sea grant research plan under the Sea Grant Act.)
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1991
Constitutional Amendment - Requires the Congress, prior to each fiscal year, to adopt a statement in which total Federal outlays (except those for repayment of debt principal) do not exceed total receipts (except those derived from borrowing), unless a three-fifths vote of both Houses authorizes a specific excess. Limits the rate of increase in receipts in the statement to that of the increase in national income in the previous calendar year, unless law is enacted solely to approve specific additional receipts by a three-fifths majority vote of both Houses. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget. Authorizes waiver of these provisions in time of war. Sets a permanent limit on the amount of Federal public debt, prohibiting any increase unless legislation enacted by a three-fifths majority of both Houses becomes law.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow farmers' cooperatives to elect to treat as ordinary income or loss certain capital gains and losses from the disposition of assets used in conducting business with or for patrons.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1991
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to increase milk price support levels. Provides for price increase or decrease adjustments based upon production costs. Establishes an Industry Marketing Board to advise the Secretary of Agriculture with respect to domestic milk surplus reduction programs. Establishes a two-tiered milk price support program with full price supports for necessary marketings and lower price supports for surplus marketings. Sets forth minimum milk solid contents for whole, lowfat, and skim milk.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1991
Congressional Budget Office Neutrality Act of 1991 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act to provide that appointment of the Director of the Congressional Budget Office be made after consideration of recommendations of the chairmen and ranking minority members of the House and Senate Budget Committees. (Current law specifies only the recommendations of such Committees). Requires the Director to carry out duties in an objective and nonpartisan manner. Prohibits the Office from altering information compiled at the request of a Member or Committee of the Congress, unless such Member or Committee agrees to the change. Requires the Director to notify the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct or the Senate Select Committee on Ethics of any attempt by any Member or congressional employee to unduly influence the Office with respect to the contents of its response to any request for information or any report. Requires cost analysis estimates of congressional legislation to include direct and indirect costs. Establishes a Congressional Budget Office Board to: (1) provide general oversight of Office operations; (2) approve in advance the undertaking of any studies and reports in addition to those required by law; and (3) provide general guidance to the Director in the formulation and implementation of procedures and policies. Directs the Office to establish an Economic Advisory Council to: (1) review and make recommendations to the Board on Office activities; (2) evaluate the quality and objectivity of Office research and reports; and (3) undertake additional tasks as the Board may direct. Subjects the appointment of the Director to approval by concurrent resolution of the Senate and House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1991
Limited Partnership Rollup Reform Act of 1991 - Amends the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 to revise proxy solicitation rules with respect to partnership rollup transactions (in which general partners combine several limited partnerships into one unit that trades on a stock exchange). Requires any proxy rules prescribed by the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) to: (1) permit dissenting shareholders in a proposed rollup to contact other limited partners before the transaction date without first having to file a written proxy statement with the SEC; (2) prohibit any general partner from paying directly or indirectly any person providing solicitation services (a broker-dealer) on the basis of whether the solicitations either approve or disapprove the proposed transaction, or the compensation is contingent on the transaction's approval or completion; (3) require the issuer to provide to a shareholder (limited partner) a list of all limited and general partners involved in the proposed rollup; (4) require the rollup prospectus to be clear, concise, and understandable and summarize all effects of the proposed transaction, conflicts of interest, changes in voting rights and ownership interests, dissenters' rights, and other pertinent information; (5) provide that the soliciting material describe in reasonable detail any opinion, appraisal, or report that is prepared by a person, unaffiliated with the general partner or sponsor and received by the entity subject to the transaction or its affiliates and that is related to the proposed transition; (6) require that each prospectus be accompanied by an independent opinion on the rollup's fairness; and (7) give each shareholder at least 60 days to review the prospectus; and (8) contain such other provisions as the SEC determines necessary. Requires the rules of a national securities association to prevent association members from participating in any rollup transaction unless it protects the rights of dissenting limited partners, including: (1) the right to an appraisal and compensation, or to retain a security under the same terms as the original issue; (2) the right not to have dissenters' voting power unfairly reduced or abridged; (3) the right not to bear the costs of a rejected rollup; and (4) restrictions on the conversion of management profit-sharing interests and incentive fees into asset-based management fees. Requires a national securities exchange to prohibit the listing of any security resulting from a rollup transaction unless it provided for such dissenters' rights. Requires SEC rules to prohibit any national market system from trading any security resulting from a rollup transaction unless it provided for such dissenters' rights.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1991
Federal Railroad Safety Authorization Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970 (the Act) to authorize appropriations for FY 1992 and 1993 for railroad research and development and general safety operations. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to request and use non-Federal funds for expenses incurred in training safety employees of public and private industry, State and local authorities, or other rail safety inspectors. Declares that civil penalties with respect to the failure to comply with railroad safety rules, regulations, orders, and standards shall, to the same extent as they do to railroads, apply to: (1) any owner, manufacturer, lessor, or lessee of railroad equipment, track, or facilities; or (2) any contractor providing goods or services to a railroad. Amends Federal law to provide criminal penalties for the murder or attempted murder or manslaughter of any Federal Railroad Administration employee assigned to perform investigative, inspection, or law enforcement functions. Amends the Act to repeal the Hours of Service Act. Requires the Secretary to issue regulations embodying such Act's provisions regarding the number of continuous hours a railroad employee can safely work. Authorizes the Secretary to make linguistic changes to transform such provisions into regulatory form. Declares such regulations shall not be subject to judicial review. Repeals specified Federal safety laws to make changes similar to those made above. Prohibits railroad accident reports or reports of investigations of such accidents that are submitted to the Secretary from being admitted as evidence or used for any purpose in any suit or action for damages growing out of any matter contained in such reports.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1991
Pipeline Safety Reauthorization Act of 1991 - Title I: Natural Gas - Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Authorization Act of 1991 - Amends the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968 (NGPSA) to revise the definition of "transportation of gas" to include the control of natural gas being delivered in consumer-owned pipe. Authorizes only a State agency that has submitted a current certification of jurisdiction and enforcement to adopt additional or more stringent safety standards for such intrastate pipeline transportation if they are compatible with the Federal minimum pipeline safety standards. (Currently a State agency may adopt more stringent standards even if it does not submit a current certification.) Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to extend Federal safety standards requiring new gas transmission facilities to accommodate instrumented internal inspection devices (smart pigs) to require that existing transmission facilities be modified to accommodate such devices. Excludes municipalities from the meaning of "State agency" in such Act to the extent that: (1) Federal pipeline safety standards shall not apply to intrastate gas pipeline transportation when similar safety standards are regulated by State agencies; and (2) in certain cases, the Secretary may enter into an agreement authorizing a State agency to assume responsibility for enforcing Federal safety standards for intrastate gas pipeline transportation. Changes from $5,000 to an amount established by the Secretary the threshold amount of property damage per accident that State annual certifications must report on regarding gas pipeline accidents within the State during the preceding 12 months. Increases from $10,000 to $25,000 the civil penalty per day for violations of Federal pipeline safety inspection and maintenance standards committed by persons engaged in the transportation of gas or pipeline facility operators. Grants jurisdiction to district courts to order persons who refuse to obey a subpeona or allow authorized persons to conduct Federal gas pipelines safety standard compliance inspections or record examinations to comply with such orders or be found in contempt of court. Authorizes the Secretary to request the Attorney General to request such court enforcement of subpoenas. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) assess costs incurred by the Department of Transportation in monitoring the design and construction of gas pipeline facilities prior to their operation; and (2) collect them from the persons responsible for the development of such facilities. Requires such assessments to be deposited into the Pipeline Safety Fund to pay such costs. Requires the Secretary to submit to the Congress on August 15 (currently, April 15) of each year a report on the administration of Federal gas pipeline safety standards during the preceding calendar year. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 and 1993. Title II: Hazardous Liquids - Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Authorization Act of 1991 - Amends the Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Act of 1979 (HLPSA) to require Federal safety standards established by the Secretary for the transportation of hazardous liquids and pipeline facilities to be designed to meet the need for the protection of the environment. Requires operators of hazardous liquid pipeline facilities to report to the Secretary any condition that constitutes a hazard to the environment. Requires the Secretary in prescribing such standards to consider the extent to which they will contribute to environmental protection. Makes changes to the HLPSA similar to those in the NGPSA with respect to: (1) the necessity of a current certification for any State agency that would adopt additional or more stringent safety standards for intrastate pipeline facilities; (2) authority to require existing hazardous liquid pipeline facilities to be modified to accommodate instrumented internal inspection devices; (3) changes in threshold dollar amount of property damages that must be reported in State certifications regarding hazardous liquid pipeline accidents; (4) increases in civil penalties for violations of Federal pipeline safety inspection and maintenance standards; (5) district court jurisdiction to order persons to comply with Federal hazardous liquid pipeline safety standard inspections or record examinations; (6) the levy of assessments for costs incurred by the Department of Transportation in monitoring the design and construction of hazardous liquid pipeline facilities prior to their operation; and (7) the submission of a report on the administration of Federal hazardous liquid pipeline standards during the preceding year. Directs the Secretary to require operators of hazardous liquid pipeline facilities to provide information that includes, among other things, an accurate map, including geographic description of environmentally sensitive areas, showing the location of such operator's facilities. (Currently such description need not refer to such areas.) Requires the Secretary to order a person operating a hazardous liquid pipeline facility to take corrective action whenever he or she finds that such facility is hazardous to the environment. Requires the Secretary when making such findings to consider, if relevant, the aspects of the areas in which the pipeline facility is located, particularly, among other factors, proximity to environmentally sensitive areas. Requires the Secretary in determining the adequacy of inspection and maintenance plans of persons who engage in the transportation of hazardous liquids or own or operate pipeline facilities to consider, among other factors, the extent to which such plans will contribute to the protection of the environment. Revises criteria the Secretary must use when making recommendations as to the frequency and type of testing and inspection of hazardous liquid pipeline facilities to include consideration of the proximity of such facilities to environmentally sensitive areas. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 and 1993.
![Official portrait of Sen. Kasten, Robert W., Jr. [R-WI]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/k000019_200.jpg)