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Official portrait of Sen. Mitchell, George J. [D-ME]

Sen. Mitchell, George J. [D-ME]

United States · Official source

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2,614 records where Sen. Mitchell, George J. [D-ME] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years

Bill· SS. 845 (102nd)referred

Anti-Boycott Passport Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1991

Anti-Boycott Passport Act of 1991 - Directs the Secretary of State to: (1) instruct the U.S. Middle Eastern diplomatic corps to seek an end to the policy of the majority of Arab League nations of rejecting passports of, and denying entrance visas to, persons whose passports or other documents reflect that they have visited Israel; and (2) report to specified congressional committees on the status of efforts to secure an end to such policy. Prohibits the Secretary from issuing any passport that is designated for travel only to Israel. Requires the Secretary to cancel existing passports designated for travel only to Israel. Prohibits the Secretary from issuing more than one official or diplomatic passport to any U.S. Government official for purposes of enabling such official to acquiesce in or comply with the Arab League's passport policy concerning persons who have visited Israel.

Bill· SS. 821 (102nd)open

Silvio Conte Center National Fish and Wildlife Refuge Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1991

Silvio Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to designate refuge boundaries within the lands and waters of the Connecticut River basin. Authorizes the Secretary to acquire the lands and waters for inclusion in the refuge. Establishes the Silvio Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge when sufficient property has been acquired that can be effectively managed as a refuge. Directs the Secretary to: (1) identify additional areas outside the refuge but within the basin, the conservation of which would further the purposes of the refuge; (2) identify activities outside the refuge but related to the basin that may adversely affect those purposes; and (3) provide assistance to, education for or with, or enter into cooperative agreements with private and public entities with respect to the wise use and management of those additional areas and activities. Establishes the Silvio Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge Advisory Committee. Authorizes the Secretary to construct, administer, and maintain within the refuge up to four Silvio Conte National Fish and Wildlife Education Centers. Authorizes appropriations.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 99 (102nd)passed

A resolution concerning the protection of refugees in Iraq.

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1991

Condemns Iraq's continuing military atrocities, its slaughter of civilians, and its violations of international standards of human rights and the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949. Calls for a U.S. policy in support of democracy and respect for human rights and international law in Iraq. Urges the President to continue his efforts to garner international support for those fleeing Iraq. Encourages Turkey and Iran to continue to assist the refugees and pledges U.S. assistance to international relief efforts for such refugees. Condemns Iraq's use of helicopter gunships to conduct attacks on civilians. Calls upon the President to press the United Nations Security Council to adopt measures to assist Iraqi refugees and to enforce the demand that Iraq end its repression of Iraqi civilians.

Bill· SS. 792 (102nd)open

Indoor Radon Abatement Reauthorization Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1991

Indoor Radon Abatement Reauthorization Act of 1991 - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to extend through FY 1994 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) publication entitled "A Citizen's Guide to Radon"; (2) model construction standards and techniques for controlling radon levels in new buildings; (3) technical assistance and grants to States for radon programs; and (4) regional radon training centers. Makes eligible for State grant assistance activities that: (1) assist public and Indian housing authorities in establishing radon programs; and (2) target outreach and technical assistance to licensed child care facilities in low-income Priority Radon Areas. Requires regional radon training centers to provide training to State and local building code officials on model construction standards and techniques for controlling radon levels. Directs the EPA Administrator, by January 1, 1992, to designate as Priority Radon Areas areas in which the average radon level is likely to exceed the national average by more than a de minimis amount. Requires homes owned by Federal agencies or Government corporations in Priority Radon Areas to be tested for radon before sales contracts to sell such homes are signed. Provides that such testing shall be undertaken on or below the second floor and supervised by a person who has received instruction pursuant to an EPA or approved State program and who uses approved radon measurement devices and methods. Makes test results available to potential buyers of such homes. Requires Federal agencies to adopt procedures to assure that new Federal buildings or schools constructed with Federal funds in Priority Radon Areas conform to model construction standards for controlling radon levels. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to disseminate information on health threats posed by radon, proper radon testing methods, radon mitigation techniques, and Priority Radon Areas to: (1) public housing and Indian housing assisted under the United States Housing Act of 1937 in Priority Radon Areas; and (2) tenants in housing funded by the Secretary in Priority Radon Areas. Authorizes the Administrator to establish a national educational campaign to increase public awareness about radon health risks and to motivate public action to reduce radon levels. Requires the Administrator to study and report to the Congress on the extent of radon contamination in work places. Authorizes the Administrator to undertake diagnostic and remedial efforts to reduce radon in high-risk work places. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Administrator to: (1) evaluate existing efforts to promote radon testing in homes and ways to increase such testing; and (2) report to the Congress on the effectiveness of alternative strategies to promote such testing.

Bill· SS. 791 (102nd)open

Radon Information Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1991

Radon Information Act of 1991 - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop a written document containing radon-related information. Requires such document to be made available by every originating mortgage institution to every person from whom it receives or for whom it prepares a written application for a mortgage loan. Prohibits federally-chartered secondary mortgage institutions from purchasing mortgage loans unless such institutions determine that the originating mortgage institution complied with requirements concerning such document. Prescribes monetary penalties for violations of such requirements. Prohibits persons from offering radon measurement devices or services to the public unless they have completed the EPA radon measurement proficiency program. Permits the Administrator to delegate authority for such program to States. Makes it unlawful to fail to comply with proficiency program requirements or to fail to keep records, submit reports, or permit access to facilities or records. Prescribes civil penalties for such violations.

Bill· SS. 779 (102nd)open

Radon Assessment and Mitigation Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1991

Radon Assessment and Mitigation Act of 1991 - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for: (1) grants and technical assistance to States for radon programs; (2) an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) publication entitled "A Citizen's Guide to Radon"; and (3) model construction standards and techniques for controlling radon levels in new buildings. Limits the Federal share of grants to States for radon programs to 50 percent of a program's cost. Adds to the list of activities eligible for grant assistance: (1) technical assistance to public water supply systems concerning mitigation of radon in public water supplies and public education activities to assist homeowners in the assessment and mitigation of radon in water supplies; (2) activities to adopt new construction standards for reducing radon levels in new buildings; and (3) technical and financial assistance to public interest groups to encourage radon testing and mitigation at local levels. Requires the EPA Administrator to make available final radon control standards and techniques for new buildings by January 1, 1992. Directs the appropriate Federal official to require single family or multifamily housing constructed in a high risk radon area with Federal financial assistance to be constructed in accordance with such standards. Requires regional radon training centers to provide for the training of contractors and others in the building community in the implementation of such standards. Directs the Administrator to establish a radon design award program to provide for annual awards for the best residential design incorporating radon control or mitigation standards. Requires the Administrator to designate high risk radon areas on a biennial basis. Prohibits Federal officials, within one year of the date of designation of an area as a high risk radon area, from approving financing of a residence covered by Federal housing assistance programs, unless such officials have been provided with results of radon tests for the residence. Prescribes civil penalties for persons who knowingly act to reduce the accuracy of such tests. Directs the Administrator to submit to the Congress a plan describing activities to be undertaken by Federal agencies to mitigate radon in Federal buildings. Requires the Administrator to: (1) implement an outreach program to provide information about radon to the medical community; and (2) develop and distribute informational material concerning radon tailored to doctors in general practice and in specialties related to lung cancer. Directs the Administrator, in FY 1992 through 1994, to support at least five applications for regional radon training centers. Authorizes appropriations.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 95 (102nd)open

A resolution urging the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to accelerate the scheduled phaseout of production of ozone-destroying substances in the United States as required pursuant to the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 and calling on the President to urge the United Nations to call a special session of the Contracting Parties to the Montreal Protocol in order to conclude an agreement accelerating the scheduled phaseout of such substances and for other purposes based on recent scientific findings concerning the degradation of the stratospheric ozone layer and increased atmospheric concentrations of substances that lead to the degradation of the stratospheric ozone layer.

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1991

Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) accelerate the scheduled phaseout of production of ozone-destroying substances and provide for complete phaseout as early as possible, but not later than 1997 for chlorofluorocarbons and methyl chloroform; and (2) issue regulations providing for the recapture and recycling of ozone-destroying substances used in appliances and motor-vehicle air-conditioners and for the elimination of such substances used in nonessential consumer products. Declares that the President should: (1) urge the United Nations to call a special session of the Contracting Parties to the Montreal Protocol to conclude an agreement accelerating the phaseout of ozone-destroying chlorofluorocarbons and methyl chloroform and providing for such phaseout by 1997; (2) urge the Contracting Parties to provide for the phaseout of hydrochlorofluorocarbons by 2010; and (3) urge the Contracting Parties to accelerate the compliance of developing countries with the Protocol.

Bill· SS. 747 (102nd)open

Church Retirement Benefits Simplification Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1991

Church Retirement Benefits Simplification Act of 1991 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to recodify and revise qualifications for church retirement and pension plans. Makes employee contributions to such plans nonforfeitable. Allows ten-year vesting with a nonforfeitable right to 100 percent of accrued benefits derived from employer contributions. Allows five-to-15 year vesting with a nonforfeitable right to a percentage (25% to 100%) of such accrued benefits. Requires the plan to meet minimum vesting requirements. Provides that no employee shall be considered an officer, shareholder, supervisor, or highly compensated employee if such employee receives less than $50,000 per year. Excludes from such consideration employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement if retirement benefits were a subject of good faith bargaining. Recodifies the authority of a church or a convention or association of churches to be treated as an employer making contributions to retirement income accounts. Subjects church-related hospitals and universities to certain coverage and related rules in the case of a contract purchased by a church. Requires distributions from retirement income accounts provided by churches to be in accordance with distributions under cash or deferred arrangements. Provides for determining the beginning date for such distributions. Allows self-employed ministers and chaplains who work for non-church employers to participate in their church plans. Provides that certain rules aggregating employees do not apply to churches. Restores qualified voluntary employee contributions to church plans. Treats self-employed ministers as employees for purposes of certain welfare benefit plans and retirement income accounts. Allows a deduction for contributions to retirement income accounts by such ministers. Provides that a church plan maintained by more than one employer shall not be treated as a single plan. Provides that accounting methods of deferred compensation plans of State and local governments and tax-exempt organizations do not apply to a church plan. Exempts a church plan from the requirement to maintain separate accounts for medical benefits for key employees. Provides that the special rules for computing employee contributions to pension plans do not apply to certain foreign missionaries. Repeals the elective deferral catch-up limitation for church retirement income accounts. Allows church plans to annuitize benefits and increase benefit payments. Provides that rules for self-insured medical reimbursement plans are not applicable to church plans.

Law· SS. 725 (102nd)enacted

Persian Gulf Conflict Supplemental Authorization and Personnel Benefits Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1991

Persian Gulf Conflict Supplemental Authorization and Personnel Benefits Act of 1991 - Title I: Authorization of Fiscal year 1991 Supplemental Appropriations for Operation Desert Storm - Authorizes supplemental appropriations for FY 1991 to the Department of Defense (DOD) for its current and future balances in the Defense Cooperation Account (Cooperation Account). Requires Cooperation Account funds to be used for: (1) incremental costs associated with Operation Desert Storm; and (2) replenishment of the working capital account for DOD to be known as the Persian Gulf Working Capital Account (Capital Account). Authorizes appropriations to the Capital Account for FY 1991. Requires Capital Account funds to be used for incremental costs associated with Operation Desert Storm, but only to the extent that funds for such use are not available in the Cooperation Account. Requires Cooperation Account funds to replenish funds used from the Capital Account. Reverts Capital Account balances to the Treasury upon its termination. Authorizes funds from both Accounts to be transferred to appropriation accounts of DOD as necessary to meet Operation Desert Storm incremental costs. Increases the transfer authority provided in current law for DOD transfers to accomodate such increased transfer authority. Requires all such transfers to comply with a congressional notice-and wait requirement. Requires monthly reports through FY 1992 on such transfers to the Senate and House Armed Services Committees (the defense committees) and to the Comptroller General. Title II: Waiver of Personnel Ceilings Affected by Operation Desert Storm - Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to waive any military personnel end strength in such department as prescribed in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991. Allows certain grade strength limitations to be suspended. Requires such Secretary to certify to the defense committees that the exercise of such authority is necessary because of personnel actions relating to Operation Desert Storm. Authorizes additional appropriations to DOD from the Cooperation Account for increases in military personnel costs for FY 1991 through 1995 resulting from the exercise of such waiver and suspension authorities. Title III: Benefits for Persons Serving in the Armed Forces During the Persian Gulf Conflict - Part A: Military Compensation and Benefits - Increases, as of August 1, 1990, the rate of special pay for duty subject to hostile fire or imminent danger. Terminates such increase 180 days after termination of the Persian Gulf War. Increases from $60 to $75 the monthly family separation allowance for the period beginning January 15, 1991, and ending at the beginning of the first month after a 180-day period after the end of the Persian Gulf conflict. Requires that the variable housing allowance being paid to reserve members called to active duty in the Persian Gulf be calculated using the rate to which the member is entitled in the area of the member's principal place of residence in lieu of a permanent duty location. Authorizes the payment of active duty special pay to reserve optometrists, veterinarians, nurse anesthetists, and certain other non-physician health care providers called or ordered to active duty in connection with activities in the Persian Gulf. Authorizes the payment of such special pay to physicians, dentists, optometrists, veterinarians, nurse anesthetists, and other non-physician health care providers who are: (1) involuntarily retained on active duty; (2) recalled to active duty; or (3) agreeing to remain on active duty for less than one year in connection with the Persian Gulf Conflict. Authorizes continued payment of board certification pay to physicians, dentists, and other health care providers who have completed residency training and were scheduled for board certification or recertification, but were unable to complete such process due to a duty assignment in connection with the Persian Gulf conflict. Conditions such payments upon the completion of such certification or recertification requirements within 180 days after release from such duty assignment or such additional time thereafter as determined necessary by the Secretary of Defense. Requires foreign language proficiency pay to be paid to members assigned to duty in connection with the Persian Gulf Conflict who meet all eligibility criteria for such pay except that they have not been certified by the Secretary concerned to be proficient in a foreign language necessary for national defense purposes. Conditions such payment upon the completion of such certification within 180 days after release from such duty assignment or such additional time thereafter as determined necessary by the Secretary. Establishes a death gratuity of $6,000 for all deaths resulting from injury or illness incurred during the Persian Gulf Conflict or 180 days after such conflict. Directs the Secretary to pay a death gratuity to each Servicemen's Group Life Insurance (SGLI) beneficiary of each deceased member of the armed forces who died after August 1, 1990, and before the date of enactment of this Act. Makes the amount of such death gratuity an amount equal to the SGLI coverage at the time of death. Requires the appropriate SGLI recipient to make application to the Secretary for the payment of such death gratuity within one year after the enactment of this Act. Entitles survivors of members who die as a result of injury or illness sustained while on active duty during the Persian Gulf War to payment for all accrued leave of such member. (Currently, there are limitations to the authorized build-up of such leave.) Removes the ceiling on savings deposit for service members carried in a missing person status during the Persian Gulf Conflict. Requires the payment of a basic allowance for quarters to reserve members without dependents called to active duty in connection with the Persian Gulf Conflict who are unable to occupy the primary residence owned or rented by such member because of such active duty. Part B: Military Personnel Policies and Programs - Allows a retired member of the armed forces who is ordered to return to active duty in connection with Operation Desert Storm to be ordered to such active duty in the highest grade in which the member previously satisfactorily served on active duty. States that a member ordered to active duty in a grade higher than his or her retired grade shall be deemed to have been promoted to such grade. Delays until October 1, 1991, the implementation of a required increase in the annual deductible for services provided under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) in the case of dependents of active duty personnel serving or who have served in connection with the Persian Gulf Conflict. Allows any health care provider furnishing health care under CHAMPUS to dependents of military personnel serving on active duty in the Persian Gulf to waive any required copayment from such dependents during the Persian Gulf Conflict. Requires the provider to certify to the Secretary of Defense that the amount charged to the Government under such waiver was not increased above the amount the provider would have charged the Government had the payment not been waived. Provides certain transitional health care benefits under CHAMPUS to reservists called to active duty in connection with the Persian Gulf Conflict, and to active duty personnel involuntarily retained on active duty or voluntarily agreeing to remain on active duty for less than one year in connection with Operation Desert Storm. Provides such transitional health care for 30 days after release from active duty or the date on which the member and his or her dependents are covered by an employer-sponsored health plan. Provides such coverage for dependents of such reservists or active-duty personnel. Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991 to remove certain fiscal year restraints in such Act concerning spending in support of the Persian Gulf Conflict. Directs the Secretary to carry out a study of DOD policies relating to the family interests and responsibilities of reserve members called to active duty and of active and reserve members deployed overseas. Requires a report on study results. Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991 to extend to October 1, 1991, the effective date for certain reductions in inpatient mental health services to be implemented under such Act. Provides funding from the Cooperation Account to pay for the costs incurred in delaying such reductions in services. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that armed forces policy should provide that mothers of newborn children under six months of age shall not be: (1) deployed on active duty; or (2) activated if such activation requires separation from such child, or deployed, in the case of a mother serving in the reserves. Part C: Veterans Benefits and Programs - Persian Gulf War Veterans' Benefits Act of 1991 - Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to include the Persian Gulf War within the definition of "period of war" for purposes of eligibility for general veterans' benefits, veterans' pensions, and survivors' benefits for a veteran's spouse and dependents. Requires, in the case of pension eligibility of the surviving spouse of a Persian Gulf War veteran, that such spouse marry the veteran before January 1, 2001. Extends the eligibility for one-time dental care for dental conditions found to have been incurred while on active duty to those who served at least 90 days on active duty during the Persian Gulf War. Extends to such veterans a presumption of service-connection for psychosis that becomes manifest within two years from discharge from active duty and before the end of the two-year period beginning on the last day of the Persian Gulf War. Makes veterans of the Persian Gulf War and subsequent wars eligible for drugs and medicine required due to being permanently housebound or in need of regular aid and attendance. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish readjustment counseling to any veteran who served on active duty after May 7, 1975, in an area at a time during which hostilities occurred in such area. Defines "hostilities" as an armed conflict comparable to the danger members are subjected to in combat with enemy forces during a period of war. Requires the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs to each submit two reports to the Congress concerning the need for rehabilitative services for military personnel participating in the Persian Gulf War who experience post-traumatic stress disorder. Increases from $50,000 to $100,000 the maximum amount of life insurance coverage available to servicemen and veterans under the SGLI and Veterans' Group Life Insurance programs. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure that persons insured under either program are notified of such increase and given an opportunity to increase their coverage. Increases the monthly educational assistance benefits available to active-duty military personnel under the Montgomery GI Bill to: (1) $350 for those serving on active duty for three years or more; and (2) $275 for those serving two years on active duty. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, after FY 1993, to continue such increased rates and to further increase such rates to reflect increases in the Consumer Price Index. Increases in FY 1992 and 1993 the monthly educational assistance benefits available to reserve members serving at least six years in the reserves to: (1) $170 for full-time study; (2) $128 for three-quarter-time study; and (3) $85 for half-time study. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense, after FY 1993, to continue such increased rates and to further increase such rates to reflect increases in the Consumer Price Index. Authorizes veteran representatives of the Persian Gulf War to be included on the Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education. Revises veterans' reemployment rights with respect to disabled veterans to state that a person shall be considered qualified for an employment position if such person, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of such position. Requires the employer to make reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of the individual disabled, unless the employer can demonstrate that the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on its business. Excludes employers employing less than a certain number of personnel as of a specified date from such requirements. Requires an employer to make reasonable efforts to requalify a service member returning to his or her employment position held before such service. Makes each veteran who served on active duty for 90 days or more during the Persian Gulf War eligible for housing loan benefits under the veterans' home loan program. Part D: Federal Employee Benefits - Directs the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to establish a leave bank program under which: (1) employees of any executive agency may donate any unused annual leave to a leave bank established by OPM; (2) the total donated annual leave is divided equally among the annual leave accounts of employees who have been members of the armed forces serving on active duty during the Persian Gulf War and who return to civilian employment with their agencies; and (3) such participants may use such donated annual leave in the same manner as any other annual leave to their credit. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a similar program for the benefit of health-care professionals returning to employment within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Part E: Higher Education Assistance - Persian Gulf Conflict Higher Education Assistance Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to waive or modify any statutory or regulatory provision applicable to the student financial aid programs under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 in order to ensure that men and women serving on active duty during the Persian Gulf War who are borrowers of student loans under such Act are not placed in a worse position financially in relation to those loans because of such service. Requires the Secretary to publish such waivers or modifications in the Federal Register. Expresses the sense of the Congress that all institutions offering postsecondary education should provide a full refund or credit to any reserve member serving on active duty in the Persian Gulf for the portion or period of instruction such member was unable to complete because the individual was called up for such service. Directs the Secretary of Education to report to the Congress on the implementation of this provision. Amends the Public Health Service Act to exempt members of the armed forces from required payments on loans under such Act for the training of professional health personnel for the duration of active duty during the Persian Gulf conflict. Terminates the provisions concerning student loan modifications and waivers, and interrupted education refunds or credits, as of the end of FY 1997. Part F: Programs for Farmers and Ranchers - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (the Secretary, for purposes of this part), with respect to a producer on a farm who is an activated reservist (called or ordered to active duty in the Persian Gulf) during a crop year, to provide for the protection of the producer's crop acreage base for any crop to the extent necessary to provide fair and equitable treatment. Allows producers on a farm to be eligible for payments for rice or upland cotton under the Agricultural Act of 1949 without regard to minimum planting requirements of such Act if: (1) one or more of the producers is an activated reservist during any part of the crop year; and (2) the producers satisfy all other appropriate requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to provide for a temporary waiver or modification of the application of subtitles A through E of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (erodible land conservation requirements): (1) for the period during which the producer is an activated reservist; (2) if necessary to prevent undue hardship caused as a result of the producer's active duty during the Persian Gulf War or to provide equitable treatment; and (3) if the waiver or modification will not significantly detract from the purposes and objectives of such subtitles. Requires a report from the Secretary concerning temporary waivers and modifications so granted. Directs the Secretary to establish a program to provide relief to any borrower under any farmer program loan under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act if the borrower is an activated reservist. Directs the Secretary to modify the terms and conditions of such loans in order to alleviate conditions of distress and to assist in keeping the farm or ranch of an activated reservist in operation until his or her return. Allows the Secretary to modify loans or to take other specified action in order to maintain a farm or ranch until the reservist returns. Requires the Secretary to notify persons operating a farm or ranch of an activated reservist who is a farmer program borrower of these relief provisions. Authorizes the Secretary to provide for procedures by which the spouse or other close relative of an activated reservist may participate in, or make decisions related to, a program administered by the Secretary under the Agricultural Act of 1949 or other specified Acts concerning the operation of the activated reservist's farm or ranch. Allows the Secretary to rely on the representations of the spouse or close relative made under such procedures, under certain conditions. Directs the Secretary to conduct outreach projects in order to inform households of which a member is serving on active duty in the armed forces of possible eligibility for participation in the Food Stamp Program authorized under the Food Stamp Act of 1977. Requires the Secretary to report on the effectiveness of the outreach projects. Part G: Budget Treatment - Authorizes supplemental appropriations from the Cooperation Account for the payment of new or enhanced benefits authorized under title III of this Act for FY 1991 through 1995, with specified spending prohibitions. Authorizes appropriations from the Cooperation Account for title III costs accruing after FY 1995. Provides that certain title III benefit costs are to be considered incremental costs associated with Operation Desert Storm. Prohibits the payment of any title III benefit payable during FY 1991 through 1995 unless funds are specifically appropriated from the Cooperation Account for transfer to the applicable appropriations. Prohibits payment of Montgomery GI Bill rate increases during FY 1992 or 1993 unless a specific appropriation from the Cooperation Account for such purpose occurs. Title IV: Reports on Foreign Contributions and the Costs of Operation Desert Storm - Requires the Director of OMB to prepare periodic reports on the incremental costs associated with Operation Desert Storm and the contributions made to the United States by foreign countries to offset these costs. Requires each such report to include periodic and cumulative costs, as well as nonrecurring costs and cost offsets. Requires the Secretaries of State and the Treasury to jointly prepare periodic reports on the contributions made by foreign countries as part of the international response to the Persian Gulf Crisis. Outlines specific types of contributions to be included in such report. Requires both of the above series of reports to be submitted in unclassified form, to the extent practicable. Title V: Report on the Conduct of the Persian Gulf Conflict - Directs the Secretary of Defense to report to the congressional defense committees on the conduct of the hostilities in the Persian Gulf, including a discussion of the accomplishments and shortcomings of the armed forces in such conflict, as well as casualty information. Requires a preliminary and final report on such matters. Title VI: General Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to provide assistance to ensure that families of military personnel serving on active duty obtain needed child care services, with special focus on children of personnel serving in the Persian Gulf or otherwise deployed in connection with Operation Desert Shield. Authorizes appropriations from the Cooperation Account for such purpose. States that such funds are in addition to other funds used for child care programs for members of the armed forces. Authorizes the Secretary to provide assistance to ensure that families of military personnel serving on active duty receive educational assistance and family support services necessary to meet the needs arising out of Operation Desert Storm. Outlines provisions concerning the types of assistance, areas of assistance, and the types of educational and family support assistance to be provided. Authorizes appropriations from the Cooperation Account. Directs the Secretary of the Army to convey to Caroline County, Virginia, or the Commonwealth of Virginia all rights and interest to a parcel of land located at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia. Directs the Secretary to identify the size and location of the property to be so conveyed. Outlines property conveyance conditions, and requires reversion to the United States if such property is not used for the construction and operation of a regional correctional facility. Prohibits housing certain prisoners in such correctional facility. Repeals a provision of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991 made inconsistent by such provision. States that the Congress: (1) supports and endorses national, State, and local grassroots efforts to support our servicemen and women who participated in Operation Desert Storm, as well as their families at home; (2) encourages Federal, State, and local governments, as well as private business and industry, to organize task forces intended to provide support for the families of military personnel deployed in the Persian Gulf region and to organize celebrations for returning servicemen and women; and (3) encourages those governments, businesses, and industries to include Vietnam Veteran organizations in all activities conducted for the benefit of the troops returning home from Operation Desert Storm. Amends a provision of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 relating to the filing of financial disclosure statements by certain senior Government officials to extend the time for such filing, in the case of an individual serving in the armed forces or in support of the armed forces, to a date that is the later of 180 days after the last day of the individual's: (1) service in an area; or (2) hospitalization as a result of injury received or illness contracted while serving in such area. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Army Corps of Engineers and other Federal agencies should award contracts for the rebuilding of Kuwait, and should encourage the Government of Kuwait to award such contracts, according to the following priority: (1) to U.S. firms that are committed to employing U.S. workers under the contract; (2) to other U.S. firms; and (3) to firms from allied nations that committed troops to the liberation of Kuwait during the Persian Gulf Conflict. Expresses the sense of the Congress that any U.S. firm that receives such a contract should: (1) employ U.S. citizens under such contract; and (2) provide a preference to veterans in hiring for work under such contract. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the President should take steps to provide assistance to U.S. small and minority-owned businesses seeking to be awarded contracts for the rebuilding of Kuwait; (2) the Administrator of the Small Business Administration should conduct a public information campaign to advise such businesses about becoming so involved; and (3) U.S. firms that are awarded such contracts should award subcontracts under such contracts to U.S. small and minority-owned businesses. Directs the President to submit quarterly reports with respect to contracting for the rebuilding of Kuwait. Expresses the sense of the Congress that none of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by any provision of law may be obligated or expended, directly or indirectly, for rebuilding Iraq while Saddam Hussein remains in power there. Directs the Secretary of Defense, as of six months after enactment of this Act, to withhold payments normally provided to a foreign nation for expenses of indirect-hire civilian DOD personnel in that nation if such nation has pledged to make contributions to the United States to assist in defraying the cost of Operation Desert Shield and has not paid the full amount so pledged. Releases amounts so withheld upon payment of the full amount pledged. Authorizes the Secretary to waive such withholding upon certification to the Congress that such waiver is in the national security interest. Requires the Secretary, in allocating to defense installations and facilities the defense acquisition workforce reductions required for FY 1991, to use considerable flexibility in order to respond to the influx of work expected to enter the defense acquisition system as a result of Operation Desert Storm. States that any installation or facility that will experience a significant workload increase during FY 1991 as a result of Operation Desert Storm activities is not required to make defense acquisition workforce reductions during FY 1991. Title VII: Miscellaneous Technical Amendments - Makes various technical, clarifying, or conforming amendments to Federal armed forces provisions, military pay and allowances provisions, National Guard provisions, and various public laws and specified Acts. Title VIII: Authorization of Supplemental Appropriations for Department of Energy National Security Programs for Fiscal Year 1991 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 for: (1) operating expenses incurred in carrying out national security programs for weapons activities production and surveillance; and (2) carrying out environmental restoration and waste management programs necessary for national security programs. States that provisions contained in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991 concerning the applicability of recurring general provisions shall apply in the same manner to this title. Directs the Secretary of Energy to develop a program to relocate within ten years operations performed at the Rocky Flats Plant in Golden, Colorado, to a replacement facility at which public health and safety can be assured. Requires a report concerning implementation of such relocation.

Bill· SS. 730 (102nd)referred

Reduction of Metals in Packaging Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1991

Reduction of Metals in Packaging Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue regulations prohibiting the sale or promotion in the United States of any packaging that includes inks, dyes, pigments, adhesives, stabilizers, other additives, lead, cadmium, mercury, or hexavalent chromium intentionally introduced during manufacturing or distribution. Sets forth the maximum allowable concentration level of the sum of such elements in packaging. Makes such regulations inapplicable (for a specified period) for packaging: (1) that was manufactured prior to this Act's effective date; (2) to which lead, cadmium, mercury, or hexavalent chromium have been added to comply with Federal health or safety requirements or for which there is no feasible alternative, provided that the manufacturer petitions EPA for the exemption; or (3) that would not exceed the maximum contaminant levels set forth in this Act but for the addition of post-consumer materials. Requires packaging manufacturers or suppliers to furnish certificates of compliance (with respect to this Act's requirements) to purchasers. Authorizes the assessment of civil penalties for violations of this Act. Sets forth requirements with respect to public access to certificates of compliance.

Bill· SS. 729 (102nd)referred

Small Community Environmental Infrastructure Assistance Act of 1990

United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1991

Small Community Environmental Infrastructure Assistance Act of 1990 - Title I: Small Community Environmental Infrastructure Assistance - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make grants to States for the establishment of small community environmental infrastructure revolving funds. Makes such funds available to small communities for the construction of wastewater treatment works, public water systems, and solid waste management facilities and for assuring that underground storage tanks are in compliance with the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Sets forth provisions concerning grant payment schedules and allotment and reallotment requirements. Requires States to establish revolving funds to receive such grants. Sets forth specific requirements for the use of such funds and for the loans and grants to be provided to small communities. Permits States to provide assistance only to community wastewater treatment and solid waste management facilities and public water systems that are in compliance with plans under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, and the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as appropriate. Requires States to submit plans to the Administrator that identify the intended use of the revolving funds. Directs States to reserve the greater of one percent of fund sums or $100,000 to carry out planning. Provides for the withholding of grant payments if a State is not in compliance with this Act's requirements. Requires the Administrator to establish an Office of Small Community Environmental Infrastructure Assistance to: (1) oversee and manage the grants and funds made under this title; and (2) provide specified environmental and financial information to small communities. Authorizes the Office to provide grants to States and not-for-profit organizations to assist small communities in assessing issues related to the financing of environmental facilities, compliance with environmental laws, and the construction, operation, and rehabilitation of environmental infrastructure facilities. Requires such grants to be matched by non-Federal funds. Authorizes and allocates appropriations. Title II: Environmental Infrastructure Facilities for Economically Distressed Areas - Establishes an Office of Community Environmental Infrastructure Assistance within the Directorate of Civil Works of the Office of the Chief of Engineers to implement this title. Makes funds provided under this title available for the construction of wastewater treatment works, public water systems, and solid waste management facilities. Provides that such funds shall be available only for environmental infrastructure projects serving less than 25,000 persons that are located in economically distressed areas. Authorizes State Governors to submit State Priority Project Plans to the Secretary of the Army. Directs the Secretary to submit annual Economically Distressed Area Environmental Infrastructure Assistance Plans to the Congress. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into local cooperation agreements to provide for the planning, design, and construction of environmental infrastructure projects. Requires the Secretary to assure that local cooperation agreements are signed for a project from each State submitting a Priority Project Plan. Requires the Administrator to publish guidelines for the design of wastewater treatment, public water supply, and solid waste disposal facilities pursuant to this title. Provides for the review and revision of such guidelines at least every five years. Directs the Secretary to establish an Office of Environmental Infrastructure Assistance. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Financing of Public Owned Treatment Works - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize owners of publicly owned treatment works to issue debt with respect to any treatment works that has received financial assistance under such Act and to pledge, as security for repayment of such debt obligation, revenues realized from the operation of the treatment works, subject to the prior payment of the costs of proper operation and maintenance. Permits such financing only if at least 95 percent of the proceeds of the debt issuance will be used for: (1) the construction portion of a program for the rehabilitation or expansion of the treatment works; or (2) the establishment of financial mechanisms to subsidize or stabilize rates, provide for equipment repair or replacement, or provide for other uses that benefit the ratepayers of the treatment works. Authorizes such financing only if the owner of the treatment works obtains a prior determination from the State agency responsible for administering the State water pollution control revolving fund that the proceeds will be used for such purposes. Permits State water pollution control revolving funds to be used to guarantee, or purchase insurance or letters of credit for, local obligations for equipment, facilities, or plants to be used in conjunction with treatment works.

Bill· SS. 732 (102nd)referred

Independent Nuclear Safety Board Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1991

Independent Nuclear Safety Board Act of 1991 - Amends the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 to establish the Independent Nuclear Safety Board. Directs the Board to: (1) investigate events under Nuclear Regulatory Commission jurisdiction which could adversely affect public health and safety; and (2) recommend to the Commission and to the Congress measures to minimize threats to public safety. Requires the Commission to respond in writing to such recommendations, and to provide explanations for its inaction on recommendations it chooses to reject. Authorizes the Board to hold hearings and to issue subpoenas for the attendance and testimony of witnesses. Directs the Board to issue periodic reports to the Congress and various government agencies affected by activities subject to Commission jurisdiction. Requires such reports to contain: (1) specific recommendations to reduce the likelihood of nuclear events similar to those investigated by the Board; and (2) recommended corrective measures to improve safety conditions at nuclear facilities. Transfers to the Board all functions of the Office for the Analysis and Evaluation of Operational Data which relate to the Board's functions and authorities, including such personnel as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget determines are necessary. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1997. Terminates such Board at the end of FY 1997.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 90 (102nd)passed

A resolution extending a warm welcome to His Excellency Lech Walesa, President of the Republic of Poland, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1991

Declares that the Senate: (1) extends a warm welcome to His Excellency Lech Walesa, President of the Republic of Poland, upon the occasion of his State Visit to the United States; (2) recalls the historic ties between the people of both countries; (3) applauds his commitment to economic and political reform; (4) reaffirms the Senate's and U.S. people's support for the independence and security of Poland; (5) looks forward to cooperation with Poland on issues relating to security and stability in Europe; and (6) commends the Bush Administration's decision to reduce Poland's debt to the United States, applauds the Paris Club's decision to reduce Poland's foreign debt, and urges Poland's private creditors to do the same.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 85 (102nd)passed

A resolution to amend paragraph 3 (a), (b) and (c) of Rule XXV.

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1991

Amends rule XXV of the Standing Rules of the Senate to change the number of Members on the Committees on the Budget, Small Business, Veterans' Affairs, and Aging.

Bill· SS. 612 (102nd)open

Savings and Investment Incentive Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1991

Savings and Investment Incentive Act of 1991 - Title I: Retirement Savings Incentives - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to remove the limitations on deductions for individual retirement plans and provides a cost of living adjustment for deductible amounts. Establishes special individual retirement accounts that are nondeductible. Makes such accounts nontaxable if earnings on contributions are held for at least five years. Applies the early withdrawal penalty to distributions made before the end of the five year-period. Title II: Penalty-Free Distributions - Provides exemptions from the ten-percent penalty on early withdrawals from individual retirement plans for: (1) first home purchases; (2) higher education expenses; and (2) financially devasting medical expenses.

Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 21 (102nd)passed

A concurrent resolution commending the people of Mongolia on their first multi-party elections.

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1991

Congratulates the people of Mongolia for a generally free and fair election process. Commends the political leaders and parties of Mongolia that worked together to achieve the creation of democratic pluralism and free market institutions. Urges the U.S. Government to continue to grant appropriate economic and technical assistance to Mongolia and its people. Welcomes the people of Mongolia into the community of free nations.

Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 18 (102nd)referred

A concurrent resolution expressing the concern of the Congress for the ongoing human rights abuses in Burma and for the status of displaced Burmese and Burmese refugees.

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1991

Calls upon: (1) Burma's State Law and Order Restoration Council to cede legal authority to a civilian government as mandated by the May 1990 elections; and (2) the United Nations Human Rights Commission to seek greater access to Burma for its Expert on human rights and to continue and expand its scrutiny of human rights in such country. Condemns: (1) the arrest and detention of Burmese citizens for the peaceful expression of their political views; and (2) such Government's disregard of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Urges: (1) the President to impose additional economic sanctions upon Burma pursuant to the Customs and Trade Act of 1990; (2) the United States to affirm its support for the resettlement of Burmese asylum seekers; and (3) the Government of Thailand to accord all displaced Burmese temporary safe haven, protection against return of those who might face persecution, and access to procedures for third country resettlement for those Burmese refugees who are without safe and reasonable alternatives.

Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 19 (102nd)open

A concurrent resolution condemning the People's Republic of China's continuing violation of universal human rights principles.

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1991

Condemns the Government of the People's Republic of China for human rights violations in China, including Tibet, and for the arrest and detention of Chinese citizens for the peaceful expression of their views. Calls upon such Government to: (1) release the number and names of political and religious prisoners, the charges against them, and the dates scheduled for their trials; (2) allow international human rights organizations to observe the trials of political prisoners and the Chinese judicial process and to allow the International Red Cross to visit detention and reeducation centers and prisons; and (3) cease its support of the Khmer Rouge forces in Cambodia. Urges the President to inform Chinese leaders that the persistence of human rights abuses and continued detention of political prisoners will have a negative effect upon decisions to renew most-favored-nation trade status.

Bill· SS. 596 (102nd)open

Federal Facility Compliance Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1991

Federal Facility Compliance Act of 1991 - Requires Federal agencies to perform assessments of hazardous substance releases from solid waste management units at each hazardous substance treatment, storage, or disposal facility owned or operated by such agencies after November 19, 1980. Requires such assessments to indicate whether such facilities are in compliance with specified environmental laws and to be provided to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and to States in which such facilities are located. Directs the EPA Administrator to inspect such facilities annually to enforce compliance with such laws. Requires such inspections to include an analysis of groundwater monitoring. Makes inspection records available to the public. Requires Federal agencies owning or operating such facilities to reimburse the EPA for inspection costs. Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to waive sovereign immunity for Federal agencies with respect to certain requirements under such Act. Makes Federal employees subject to criminal sanctions under Federal or State solid or hazardous waste laws. Permits Federal agencies to: (1) represent or expend funds to represent an employee in State criminal proceedings if the actions for which representation were requested appear to have been performed within the scope of the employee's employment; and (2) reimburse an employee for defense costs in Federal criminal proceedings if actions were performed within such scope. Authorizes the Administrator to commence enforcement actions against Federal agencies pursuant to this Act.

Bill· SS. 588 (102nd)referred

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 with respect to the tax treatment of certain cooperative service organizations of private and community foundations.

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1991

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit tax-exempt private foundations and community foundations to establish tax-exempt cooperative service organizations to operate exclusively for charitable purposes. Declares that the excise tax based on investment income applies to such organizations.

Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 16 (102nd)open

A concurrent resolution urging Arab states to recognize, and end the state of belligerency with, Israel.

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1991

Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) all Arab nations should recognize Israel, end the economic boycott against Israel, end the state of belligerency with Israel, and enter into direct negotiations with Israel for the purpose of concluding peace treaties and establishing full diplomatic relations; and (2) the United States should use all available means to influence and encourage the Arab states which were allied with it in the Persian Gulf War to achieve those objectives.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 75 (102nd)passed

A resolution commending and thanking former Prime Minister Thatcher.

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1991

Commends former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher for her leadership to her nation and to the cause of freedom in the world. Reaffirms the appreciation of all Americans for the friendship she and her nation have shown to the United States during her years of leadership of the British Government.

Bill· SS. 575 (102nd)open

Radon Testing for Safe Schools Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1991

Radon Testing for Safe Schools Act - Amends the Indoor Radon Abatement Act of 1989 to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish guidelines on testing for and remediating radon in school buildings. Requires local educational agencies located in areas designated as priority radon areas to conduct radon tests in school buildings owned or operated by such agencies. Directs the Administrator to designate such areas by September 30, 1991. Makes test results available for public review. Requires testing to be supervised by a person who has received instruction pursuant to an EPA or State-approved program and requires the use of devices and methods approved by the radon proficiency program. Extends the authorization of appropriations for grant assistance to States for radon programs through FY 1992. Earmarks funds for radon remediation measures for local educational agencies and for grants to such agencies to reduce radon levels. Authorizes appropriations.

Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 13 (102nd)referred

A concurrent resolution commending the President and the Armed Forces for the success of Operation Desert Storm.

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1991

Applauds and expresses the appreciation of the Nation to President George Bush, Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney, Armed Forces Chief of Staff Colin Powell, Desert Storm Commander Norman Schwarzkopf, the American forces deployed in the Persian Gulf region, the forces from our coalition partners, and the families of American service men and women participating in Operation Desert Storm. Sends condolences to the families of those killed during such operation. Demands from Saddam Hussein: (1) the immediate release of all prisoners of war held by Iraq; (2) a complete accounting for all American and coalition forces listed as missing in action or otherwise unaccounted for; and (3) the immediate and unconditional release and return of all Kuwaiti citizens held by Iraqi forces. Urges all relevant authorities to seriously examine the issue of possible war crimes by Hussein and other Iraqi military leaders and forces and to hold Iraq responsible in principle for reparations for the destruction caused by the invasion and occupation of Kuwait.