United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1991
Declares that the Congress: (1) is firmly committed to reversing Iraq's occupation of Kuwait; and (2) supports the continued application of international sanctions and diplomatic efforts to pressure Iraq to leave Kuwait, but does not rule out declaring war or authorizing the use of force at a later time. Authorizes the use of American military force to enforce the United Nations economic embargo against Iraq, defend Saudi Arabia from direct Iraqi attack, and protect American forces in the region. Pledges continued support for sustaining the policy of increasing economic and diplomatic pressure against Iraq, maintaining U.S. military options, and seeking to increase the military and financial contributions made by allied nations. Declares that: (1) the Constitution vests all power to declare war in the Congress; and (2) the Congress will expeditiously consider any presidential request for a declaration of war or for authority to use military force against Iraq. Sets forth congressional priority procedures for consideration of a joint resolution declaring war or authorizing military force against Iraq.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1990
Expresses the Senate's support for: (1) an efficient, up-to-date Federal statistical system with the ability to provide reliable data on pertinent topics and to effectively set priorities to best use its resources; (2) adequate funding and qualified personnel for the Federal statistical agencies and offices; and (3) efforts to improve economic statistics so that both government and business users can make sound business and economic policy decisions. Expresses the Senate's belief that: (1) a sound statistical system is essential to the U.S. effort to compete in international markets; and (2) a sustained effort is necessary to bring the Federal statistical database up to the necessary level of performance.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1990
Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1990 - Prohibits Federal, State, and local governments, and any person acting under color of law, from restricting any person's free exercise of religion unless: (1) the restriction is in the form of a rule of general applicability that does not intentionally discriminate against religion or among religions; and (2) the government demonstrates that application of the restriction to a person is essential to furthering a compelling governmental interest and the least restrictive means of doing so. Authorizes a party aggrieved by a violation of such prohibition to obtain relief, including attorney fees, in a civil action.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1990
Amends title IV of the Social Security Act to require State plans for foster care and adoption assistance to provide for plans for cases where the placement of certain children in foster care or transitional independent living may not be carried out immediately.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 1990
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to enter into arrangements with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a comprehensive study and investigation of the effectiveness in reducing drug addiction of the various components of the Federal anti-drug program, including: (1) crop eradication; (2) crop substitution; (3) support for local and foreign law enforcement; (4) interdiction; (5) education; (6) treatment; (7) criminal justice system reforms; and (8) research. Requires that such study: (1) control for the effects of broad societal changes unrelated to specific anti-drug initiatives, such as changing demographic patterns; (2) separate the effects of each component of the Federal anti-drug program from the effects of other anti-drug initiatives; (3) consider the extent to which the expenditure of Federal funds on job training, education, and other health, education, and welfare programs contributes to reducing epidemic drug addiction; (4) examine the cost of each component of the Federal anti-drug program, as well as such other programs which reduce drug addiction; and (5) take into account social and demographic factors which influence rates and forms of epidemic drug addiction and provide information on the effectiveness of the various components of the Federal anti-drug program on various demographic subgroups within the population. Requires the General Accounting Office to provide to the Congress annual audit reports concerning the management and expenditures of the component parts of the Federal anti-drug program.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 1990
Expresses the sense of the Senate that any proposal to increase the Federal-aid highway program's minimum allocation percentage from 85 to 95 percent should be addressed as part of the legislative process to reauthorize surface transportation programs in 1991.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1990
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Department of Commerce, in considering the population discrepancies in the 1990 census, should utilize the statistical correction methodology to achieve a fair and accurate census. States that the Secretary of Commerce should release adjusted data by April 1, 1991, to avoid undue complications in various jurisdictions with respect to formulating redistricting plans.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1990
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should negotiate with Canadian officials to enter into a treaty to establish a bilateral commission to preserve and protect the Niagara Falls area.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1990
Amends part B (Child-Welfare Services) of title IV of the Social Security Act to provide Federal funds to enable States to plan, develop, or expand innovative programs of child welfare services and family support services in order to preserve and strengthen families and prevent the need for placement in foster care. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to authorize demonstration projects to improve the coordination of welfare services for families and children. Directs the Secretaries of HHS, Agriculture, and Education and the Attorney General to: (1) review department policies to determine whether changes can be made without statutory changes to improve the funding and delivery of such services; and (2) issue a report to the Congress that includes recommendations for both legislative and nonlegislative changes to improve the coordination of the funding and delivery of such services. Amends part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of title IV of the Social Security Act to set forth provisions to facilitate adoption, including provisions allowing States to disregard adoption assistance payments in determining a family's eligibility for the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program under part A. Directs the Secretary of HHS to establish an Advisory Committee on Foster Care Placement to study and make recommendations regarding the current requirement that States make reasonable efforts to prevent the need for removal of a child from home, and to make it possible for the child to return home, under State plans for foster care and adoption assistance. Requires that a child who is placed in foster care be placed in a setting that is most appropriate for that child. Authorizes demonstration projects to facilitate the reunification of children eligible for AFDC services with their families. Allows States to claim 90 percent Federal matching for the costs of planning, designing, developing, or installing a statewide data collection and information retrieval system for purposes of administering the Child-Welfare Services program and the Foster Care and Adoption Assistance program. Allows States to claim 50 percent Federal matching for the costs of operating a data collection and information system for purposes of administering the Foster Care and Adoption Assistance program. Revises the independent living program to: (1) allow States to continue independent living services for youths up to age 21 (age 18 as under current law); (2) allow youths in such programs to accumulate assets sufficient to enable them to establish their own households; and (3) allow States to continue to provide foster care maintenance payments for certain youths up to age 21, provided they are active participants in the program and in a full-time education or vocational training program. Includes child placement costs within the scope of allowable Federal matching under the Foster Care and Adoption Assistance program Requires States to submit all claims for Federal reimbursement under the Foster Care and Adoption Assistance program within one year after the calendar quarter in which the expenditure is made (currently, within two years). Outlines the criteria for the Secretary of HHS to use for approving applications by colleges for grants to provide child welfare traineeships. Permits the Secretary of HHS to authorize up to ten States to establish and evaluate specified types of child welfare demonstration projects. Grants such States more flexible spending authority for such purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1990
Amends the Internal Revenue Code and title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to revise social security tax rates to provide for reduced rates until 2015 and increased rates beginning in 2020. Increases the OASDI contribution and benefit base on a graduated basis from 1990 to 1996.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1990
Subjects to civil liability (provided by the Trademark Act of 1946) any person who uses the symbols, emblems, trademarks, and names of the 1993 Summer World University Games, without the consent of the Greater Buffalo Athletic Corporation (Corporation): (1) for the purpose of trade; (2) to induce the sale of any goods or services; or (3) to promote any theatrical exhibition, athletic performance, or competition. Permits contributors and suppliers of goods or services to use the tradename of the Corporation, or any trade mark, symbol, insignia, logo, or emblem belonging to it or the International University Sports Federation, to advertise that such goods were approved, selected, and used by the Corporation. Gives the Corporation the exclusive right to use the name "World University Games," the symbol, logo, and names described in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1990
Approves the leadership of the President in pursuing the passage of specified United Nations Security Council resolutions which call for: (1) the immediate, complete, and unconditional withdrawal of Iraqi forces from Kuwait; (2) the restoration of Kuwait's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity; (3) the release and safe passage of foreign nationals held hostage by Iraq; (4) the imposition of economic sanctions against Iraq; and (5) the maintenance of international peace and security in the Persian Gulf region. Supports continued action by the President to deter Iraqi aggression and to protect American lives and interests in the region. Calls on all nations to strengthen the enforcement of the United Nations imposed sanctions against Iraq and to provide assistance for those adversely affected by such sanctions and to refugees fleeing Kuwait and Iraq.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1990
Designates the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Albany, New York, as the Samuel S. Stratton Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1990
Medicaid Drug Dependency Treatment Coverage Act of 1990 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicaid coverage for inpatient and outpatient alcoholism and drug dependency treatment services (including counseling) provided by a State authorized entity.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1990
Expresses the support of the Senate for the newly rechristened Eisenhower Center for the Conservation of Human Resources at Columbia University in New York, New York.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1990
Federal Triangle Development Act Amendments of 1990 - Amends the Federal Triangle Development Act to exempt from any State and local sales taxation any materials, supplies, equipment, and goods connected with the development of the Federal Triangle property. Declares that no transfer or lease made pursuant to this Act, or an instrument executed in connection with financing development of such property shall be subject to State or local real or personal property tax, recordation tax, transfer tax, or special assessment. Applies State and local sales, use, and similar tax laws to any nonprofit entity established for the exclusive purpose of operating, maintaining, and managing the international cultural and trade center as though it were the International Cultural and Trade Center Commission, with respect to materials, supplies, equipment, goods, labor, or services. States that no lease or sublease of space by the Commission or a nonprofit entity pursuant to this Act shall be subject to State or local real or personal property tax, recordation tax, transfer tax, or special assessment. Grants the Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation authority to obtain financing for the development of the Federal Triangle property from appropriate persons (including Federal agencies and instrumentalities). Provides for the Board of Directors of the Corporation to increase the rate of pay of a maximum of three of its officers or employees to that of the Senior Executive Service. Adds the Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of Labor to the International Cultural and Trade Center Commission. Prohibits the Commission staff from being composed of more than 15 individuals after the center's occupancy date (thus permitting a larger staff up to such date). States that, on or before the center's occupancy date, personnel shall be detailed and office space, supplies, equipment, and support services shall be provided on a nonreimbursable rather than (as under current law) reimbursable basis. Excludes certain operation and maintenance expenses from the limit on overhead expenses of the center. Authorizes appropriations for the Commission and the center through FY 1992. Provides for reimbursement of the Commission by a Federal agency for any program the agency requests. Provides for annual payment to the General Services Administration (GSA) for various costs related to lease of space for the center. Authorizes nonprofit entities that manage the international cultural and trade center to purchase supplies directly from GSA. Defines occupancy date as the later of either: (1) the date on which construction of the building is substantially completed pursuant to this Act; or (2) the date on which all areas of the center are substantially available for public use and occupancy.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1990
Expresses the support of the Senate for the newly rechristened Eisenhower Center for the Conservation of Human Resources at Columbia University in New York, New York.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1990
Environmental Research Geographic Location Information Act - Directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to periodically identify at least 35 environmental research journals, conference proceedings, or other reference sources in which scientific research or engineering studies related to air, water, or soil quality or pollution or other environmental issues are published. Requires the review of at least 50 journals or proceedings. Directs the EPA to review such materials annually and to publish an index of the articles by geographic location. Requires the EPA to review the list of references at least biennially and to revise the list of sources, as appropriate. Provides that all reports resulting from EPA research projects shall indicate the specific location to which the research pertains. Requires all U.S. Government documents relating to the environment that are submitted to the National Technical Information Service to identify the location to which the document pertains. Directs the Service to submit to the Congress an annual bibliography of publications by geographic location. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1990
State Health Service Corps Demonstration Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a State Health Service Corps Demonstration Project. Directs the Secretary to make grants under the Project to up to three States for the Federal share of training and employment of physician and nonphysician providers serving health manpower shortage areas. Requires a recipient State to enter into an agreement with an area health education center for the planning, development, and operation of a program of such training and employment. Sets forth the responsibilities of a center. Authorizes appropriations. Requires each State carrying out a Project to establish a State Health Service Corps Scholarship Program involving a period of service in the service area or on the clinical staff of a medical school in return for a loan (for undergraduate study) or a scholarship (for graduate education, internship, or residency). Authorizes the official heading the State agency administering the Program to contract with an educational institution for the payment of scholarship or loan amounts.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1990
Zebra Mussel Control Act of 1990 - Directs the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works to develop a program of research and technology development for the control of Zebra Mussels in and around public infrastructure facilities. Authorizes the Governor of each State to submit to the Assistant Secretary for approval a management plan which identifies: (1) public infrastructure facilities which need financial and technical assistance; and (2) management practices which will be undertaken to reduce Zebra Mussel infestation. Authorizes the Assistant Secretary to make grants to States to assist the States in implementing the management program. Authorizes appropriations to carry out specified provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1990
Central American Democracy and Development Act - Declares that it is U.S. policy to: (1) encourage and support the Central American countries in efforts to build democracy, restore peace, establish respect for human rights, expand economic opportunities, and improve living conditions; (2) support and encourage dialogue as the proper means of resolving armed conflicts in Central America; (3) assist in, and secure greater international support for, the recommendations of the International Commission on Central American Recovery and Development; (4) participate in, and contribute to, the United Nations Development Programme for its Special Plan of Economic Cooperation for Central America; (5) help organize a partnership among donor countries and the Central American countries to provide a means of mobilizing resources and promoting a forum for dialogue about issues of development, democracy, social justice, and human rights; and (6) support and promote the President's proposed Enterprise for the Americas Initiative to assist Central American countries in opening their economies and managing their foreign debt. Requires the United States, if requested by the governments of Central America, to provide assistance for the development of the Central American Development Coordination Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1990
Public Service Act of 1990 - Title I: Procurement Management Improvements - Adds to the statutory list of functions of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) the role of serving as the President's principal advisor on issues of human resource management in the Government. Directs OPM to develop and implement a plan for decentralizing and delegating to the Federal departments and agencies as many of its current operating responsibilities as practicable. Title II: Recruitment - Directs OPM to establish a program to award scholarships to individuals pursuing a baccalaureate or advanced degree at an institution of higher education to cover annual educational expenses up to $15,000 and to pay such individuals an amount equal to the minimum biweekly rate of basic pay payable for grade GS-2 during each academic term in exchange for an individual's pledge to work for an executive agency before completion of studies and for a period equal to one and one-half times the period of the scholarship. Outlines general requirements for scholarships, including the requirement that OPM take into consideration the need to maintain a balanced workforce in which women and minorities are appropriately represented in Government service. Limits the annual number of scholarships to 1,000. Provides for indexing the $15,000 limitation according to changes in the Consumer Price Index. Codifies the existing Presidential Management Intern Program which currently operates under the authority of executive orders. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1990
Provides the following services or benefits for members of the armed forces serving under arduous conditions (as determined by the Secretary of Defense) pursuant to a temporary deployment for an operational emergency: (1) the deposit of pay and other allowances as part of a savings program for overseas personnel; (2) special pay relating to imminent danger; (3) exemption from payment for military meals sold at mess to personnel and their dependents; (4) mailing privileges; and (5) a basic allowance for subsistence. Authorizes the provision of a variable housing allowance for members of the reserves called to active duty for a period of less than 140 days under specific conditions other than during a war or national emergency. Removes the limitation on the payment allowed for unused accrued leave in the case of members, reserve members, or retired members called to active duty under specific conditions other than during a war or national emergency. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income payments received for active military service during any part of which such member: (1) served in a dangerous foreign area; or (2) was hospitalized as a result of wounds, a disease, or an injury incurred while serving in a dangerous foreign area. States that such exclusion shall not apply to compensation exceeding $2,000 received by a commissioned officer in any month.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1990
Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend, to April 1, 1991, the deadline by which a plaintiff who has a civil action pending for a vaccine-related injury or death and had such action pending on October 1, 1988, may file a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1990
Medicaid Drug Treatment for Families Act of 1990 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to allow States to provide federally reimbursed Medicaid coverage of case-managed alcoholism and drug dependency residential treatment services for pregnant women whose family income is below 185 percent of the Federal poverty level and their children and spouses. Lists the required services included in such coverage as: (1) individual, group, and family counseling; (2) room and board in a standard environment with on-site supervision 24 hours a day; (3) therapeutic child care to be provided under part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) of title IV of the Social Security Act; (4) assistance to parents in obtaining developmental assistance for their preschool children and public education for themselves and their shool-age children; (5) easier access to other health and social services; (6) planning and assistance in reentering society; and (7) continuing specialized training of residential treatment facility staff members in the most recent and effective treatment techniques. Requires that such coverage continue for 12 months, except that the coverage of pregnant women must continue for one year following the end of pregnancy. Limits the size of a residential treatment facility to no more than 40 beds unless the State provides assurances that a larger facility can provide the mandatory services.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1990
Family and Medical Leave Act of 1990 - Title I: General Requirements for Leave - Establishes certain requirements for family and medical leave for permanent employees. (Excludes from such coverage: (1) employees at worksites at which the employer employs less than 50 persons, if the total number of employees of that employer within 75 miles of that worksite is less than 50; and (2) Federal officers and employees covered under title II of this Act.) Entitles employees to 12 workweeks of leave during any 12-month period because of: (1) the birth of their child; (2) the placement of a child for their adoption or foster care; (3) their care of a child, spouse, or parent who has a serious health condition; or (4) their own serious health condition which makes them unable to perform the functions of their position. Conditions such leave for the birth or placement of a child as follows: (1) the entitlement ends 12 months after the birth or placement; (2) both parents may not take such leave at the same time; and (3) such leave may not be taken intermittently unless employee and employer agree otherwise. Allows all leave to which an employee is entitled under this title: (1) to be taken on a reduced leave schedule, upon agreement with the employer; and (2) to consist of unpaid leave, except under specified conditions when substitution of certain types of paid leave may be elected or required. Declares that nothing in this Act shall require an employer to provide paid sick or medical leave in any situation in which the employer would not normally provide any such paid leave. Requires employees to: (1) give reasonable notice of the need for leave to which they are entitled under this Act, when foreseeable; and (2) make a reasonable effort to schedule medical treatment or supervision so as not to disrupt unduly the employer's operations, subject to approval of the health care provider. Allows limitation of the dual aggregate leave entitlement to 12 weeks in any 12-month period, in the case of spouses employed by the same employer, if such leave is for the birth or placement of a child or for the care of a sick parent. Sets forth conditions of certification for leave entitlements under this Act, including provisions relating to: (1) sufficient certification; (2) second opinion; (3) resolution of conflicting opinions; and (4) subsequent recertification. Sets forth employment and benefits protections relating to leave entitlements under this Act, including provisions relating to: (1) restoration to position; (2) denial of such restoration in the case of certain highly compensated employees; (3) maintenance of health benefits; and (4) periodic employee reports to employers on their status and intention to return to work. Prohibits employers or other persons from interfering with employee rights under this Act or from discriminating against any individual because of participation in proceedings or inquiries under this Act. Provides for administrative enforcement of this title by the Secretary of Labor, as well as enforcement by civil action. Sets forth provisions for investigative authority, injunctive and monetary relief, attorneys' fees, and limitation of actions. Sets forth special rules concerning employees of local educational agencies, including provisions relating to intermittent leave for instructional employees, periods near the completion of an academic term, and reduction of liability. Requires employers to post notice of the pertinent provisions of this title. Requires fines for willful violations of such requirement. Directs the Secretary of Labor to prescribe regulations to carry out this title. Title II: Leave for Civil Service Employees - Amends specified Federal law to entitle civil service employees to family and temporary medical leave for specified periods. Allows such employees up to 12 workweeks in any 12-month period for: (1) family leave (i.e., leave because of the birth or placement of a child or care of a sick child, spouse or parent); or (2) temporary medical leave. Provides that such leave will be without pay. Allows employees to substitute other types of paid leave for part of such leave. Provides for protection for job position and health insurance benefits of employees using such leave. Sets forth certification provisions and prohibitions against coercion. Directs the Office of Personnel Management to prescribe regulations for administration of this title which are consistent with the regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Labor under title I of this Act. Title III: Commission on Leave - Establishes the Commission on Leave. Requires the Commission to report on its study of family and medical leave (which may include legislative recommendations concerning coverage of small businesses and alternative and equivalent State enforcement of this Act with respect to employees of local educational agencies) to the Congress within two years after the Commission first meets. Terminates the Commission within 30 days after its final report. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth the effect of this Act on existing laws and existing employment benefits. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to discourage employers from adopting more generous leave policies. Directs the Secretary of Labor to prescribe regulations to carry out this title within 60 days.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1990
Employee Educational Assistance Act of 1990 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the income tax exclusion of amounts paid under employee educational assistance programs. (Under current law the exclusion expires for taxable years beginning after September 30, 1990.) Repeals provisions that deny assistance for graduate work.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1990
Amends the Railroad Retirement Solvency Act of 1983 to extend for two years provisions for the transfer of tier two railroad retirement benefit taxation revenues from the general fund of the Treasury to the Railroad Retirement Account.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1990
El Salvador Military Aid Reduction and Restrictions Act of 1990 - Limits the amount of military assistance for El Salvador for FY 1991. Prohibits the provision of such assistance if the President reports to the Congress that: (1) the Salvadoran Government has declined to participate in negotiations for a permanent settlement and cease-fire to the armed conflict; (2) the Salvadoran Government has failed to support an active role for the United Nations Secretary General in mediating such settlement; (3) the Salvadoran Government has failed to conduct an investigation into, and prosecution of those responsible for, the murders at the University of Central America; (4) the Salvadoran military and security forces are engaging in violent acts against civilians or are failing to control such activities by elements subject to their control; or (5) the Salvadoran Government's representatives are not negotiating in good faith in the United Nations-sponsored negotiations with the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN). Provides for the resumption of such assistance pursuant to a law enacted by the Congress. Withholds 50 percent of military assistance allocated for FY 1990 and 1991 and of unobligated assistance for prior fiscal years. Releases such assistance only if: (1) the FMLN have declined to participate in settlement negotiations or have refused to accept the Secretary General's role in such settlement; (2) the survival of the Salvadoran Government is being jeopardized by FMLN actions; (3) proof exists that the FMLN is continuing to acquire significant shipments of lethal military assistance from outside El Salvador; (4) the FMLN is engaging in violent acts against civilians or is failing to control such activities by elements subject to its control; or (5) the FMLN representatives are not negotiating in good faith in the United Nations-sponsored negotiations with the Salvadoran Government. Prohibits U.S. assistance to El Salvador if the elected head of the government is deposed by military coup or decree. Provides for the resumption of such assistance pursuant to a law enacted by the Congress. Establishes the Demobilization and Transition Fund to assist in monitoring a settlement of the conflict and in demobilizing combatants in such conflict and aiding their transition to peaceful pursuits. Makes amounts in the Fund available only if the President notifies the Congress that a permanent settlement of the conflict has been reached. Transfers withheld military assistance to the Fund on the date of such notification or on September 30, 1991, if no notification has occurred. Authorizes the delivery of U.S. military assistance to the Salvadoran armed forces only with the prior approval of the elected president of El Salvador. Directs the Secretary of State, through agreement with the National Endowment for Democracy or other qualified organizations, to establish a program to strengthen democratic political and legal institutions in El Salvador. Makes available economic support fund assistance for such program. Earmarks a specified amount for elections monitoring. Withholds a specified amount of military assistance for El Salvador until the President reports to the Committees on Appropriations that the Salvadoran Government has pursued all legal avenues to bring to trial those responsible for the murders of certain land reformers, peasants, priests, and unionists.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1990
Commends the President for his initial actions with respect to Iraq. Urges the President to seek the full and unconditional withdrawal of Iraqi forces from Kuwait and to impose: (1) against Iraq unilateral sanctions applicable to countries which engage in a consistent pattern of human rights violations; and (2) a sustained freeze of Iraqi assets and a ban on U.S. exports to Iraq. Urges the President to achieve collective international sanctions against Iraq, to include: (1) a cessation of all arms shipments and military technology to Iraq; (2) a cessation of trade with Iraq and a worldwide freeze on Iraqi and Kuwaiti assets; (3) a suspension of all economic development activities within Iraq; (4) the imposition of a full economic blockade under the United Nations Charter; and (5) additional multilateral actions involving air, sea, or land forces as necessary to maintain or restore international peace or security.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1990
Employee Benefits Simplification Act - Title I: Nondiscrimination Provisions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to employee benefit plans. Redefines the term "highly compensated employee" for pension, profit sharing, and stock bonus plans, etc., purposes. Makes such employee one who is a five-percent owner or who has compensation from the employer in excess of $50,000. Provides a special rule where no employees are treated as highly compensated. Redefines "compensation" to mean, in general, the amount of wages shown on the W-2 form for the calendar year. Allows self-employed individuals to use their earned income amount. Includes the following deferrals as those which an employer may elect to take into account when determining salary reduction contributions: (1) deferred compensation plans of State and local government and tax-exempt organizations; (2) contributions to an employee trust; and (3) trusts for benefit payments funded by employer contributions. Permits an employer to elect to use base pay for all purposes, other than indentifying highly compensated employees, in lieu of W-2 compensation. Provides that the cost of living adjustment with respect to any calendar year is based on the increase in the applicable index as of the close of the calendar quarter ending September 30 of the preceding calendar year. Requires the rounding of such amounts to the nearest $1,000, except that elective deferrals and elective contributions to simplified employee pensions are to be rounded to the nearest $100. Provides that the minimum participation rule applies only to defined benefit pension plans. Requires such plans to benefit not less than 25 employees, or the greater of 40 percent of all employees or two employees (or if there is only one employee, such employee). Sets forth alternative methods of meeting nondiscrimination requirements for cash or deferred arrangements, including specified contribution and notice requirements. Sets forth alternative methods of satisfying the nondiscrimination test for matching contributions. Revises the method for distributing excess contributions to highly compensated employees. Title II: Distributions - Allows distributions from qualified pension plans to be rolled over tax-free to an individual retirement account or another qualified plan or annuity. Eliminates five-year forward averaging for lump-sum distributions from qualified plans. Requires certain tax-free distributions to be made in the form of a direct trustee-to-trustee transfer to an eligible individual retirement plan. Sets forth administrative requirements in making such distributions. Requires distributions to be made from qualified plans by April 1 of the calendar year following the later of: (1) the calendar year in which the employee attains age 70; or (2) the calendar year in which the employee retires. (Present law requires such distributions no later than April 1 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the employee attains age 70 1/2.) Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Revises the definition of a leased employee to include one whose services are performed under the control of a service recipient, instead of one whose services are historically performed by employees. Replaces the 59 1/2- and 70 1/2-year age requirement with 59- and 70-year age requirements for specified pension plans. Eliminates the special aggregation rules that apply to plans maintained by owner-employees that do not apply to other qualified plans. Makes the 150 percent current liability limitation on the deduction allowed for employer contributions to qualified pension plans inapplicable to multi-employer plans. Repeals the present law annual valuation requirement for such plans and applies the prior law requirement that valuations be performed at least every three years. Sets forth affiliation requirements for employers jointly maintaining a voluntary employees' beneficiary association. Makes the following limitations inapplicable to plans maintained by State and local governments and certain tax-exempt organizations: (1) excess benefit limitations; (2) compensation limitation on benefits; (3) limitations on disability and survivor benefits; and (4) the limitation on benefits exceeding 100 percent of the participant's average compensation. Modifies provisions relating to simplified employee pensions. Increases the number of allowable participants for salary reduction arrangements from 25 to 100. Allows participation after one year of service (currently, three years of service is required). Repeals the requirement that at least 50 percent of eligible employees participate in a salary reduction arrangement. Eliminates certain requirements regarding contributions on behalf of disabled employees. Allows rural cooperative plans which include cash or deferred arrangements to make distributions to participants after attainment of age 59. Includes reports of pension and annuity payments in information returns and payee statements. Eliminates reports of designated distributions from the scope of the $25 per day penalty. Provides a $10 reporting threshold for designated distributions.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1990
Amends part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of title IV of the Social Security Act to make Foster Care maintenance payments and adoption assistance available for abandoned children. Defines children with handicaps due to drug exposure before birth as "children with special needs," thereby qualifying their adoptive parents for adoption assistance. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to up to ten States for the conduct of demonstration projects for at least five years designed to: (1) provide preventive services and assistance to families which have problems that may lead to the removal of a child from the family; (2) promote the treatment of family problems so that children may be reunified with their family within two years after it became necessary to remove the child from the family; (3) facilitate the timely and permanent placement of children who are in foster care, are boarder babies, have been abandoned at or shortly after birth, have parents addicted to drugs, or were severely abused; or (4) test an innovative approach to any number of other significant child welfare issues. Requires that at least 50 percent of the approved projects address the second objective listed above. Details the information and assurances required to be included in State applications to conduct such project. Authorizes each State which receives project grants to such funds to improve the provision of child welfare, foster care, and adoption assistance services in any manner it deems appropriate. Provides for the evaluation of such demonstration projects. Waives the application of part B (Child-Welfare Services) of title IV of the Social Security Act and other provisions of the Foster Care and Adoption Assistance program to States which are conducting such demonstration projects.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1990
Seneca Nation Settlement Act of 1990 - Provides for payments from the United States and New York State to settle lease payment claims of the Seneca Nation of Indians of the Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Oil Spring Reservations, provided the Nation offers new leases to the city of Salamanca, New York, in accordance with a specified agreement. Provides that such new leases shall not be subject to approval by the United States or New York State. Earmarks specified amounts of such payments for economic and community development of the Nation. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1990
Declares that it is the sense of the Senate that: (1) the unchecked zebra mussel may devastate Great Lakes fisheries; and (2) the President should direct the Secretary of State to negotiate with Canada to establish a program of zebra mussel research and control through the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, to be coordinated with other research and control in and outside the Great Lakes Basin.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1990
Condemns: (1) the arrest and detention of Kenyan citizens for the peaceful expression of political views and the recent violence against Kenyan citizens by security forces; and (2) the Kenyan Government's disregard of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Calls upon the Kenyan Government to: (1) end intimidation and harassment of those critical of government policies; and (2) implement safeguards to ensure freedom of the press and independence of the judiciary and to guarantee civil and human rights for individuals detained by the government. Expresses the sense of the Congress that all military and economic support fund assistance to Kenya should be suspended until the Kenyan Government: (1) restores basic human rights and fundamental freedoms; (2) releases persons arrested for the peaceful expression of their views and ends harassment and detention of political opponents and human rights lawyers; and (3) enables the Kenyan people to determine whether they want to pursue a multi-party democratic system.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1990
Amends the John F. Kennedy Center Act to require the Secretary of the Interior to provide for maintenance, repair, and alteration of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. (Current law requires the Secretary to provide for maintenance, security, information, interpretation, janitorial, and other necessary services for the nonperforming arts functions of the Center.) Requires the Secretary and the Board of Trustees for the Center to enter into an agreement setting forth mutual responsibilities for the provision of such services. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 and FY 1992 for annual and deferred maintenance, repairs, and alterations of the Center.
![Official portrait of Sen. Moynihan, Daniel Patrick [D-NY]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m001054_200.jpg)