United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1991
900 Services Consumer Protection Act of 1991 - Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to initiate coordinated rulemaking proceedings to establish a consistent system for oversight and regulation of pay-per-call services in order to provide for the protection of consumers in accordance with this Act. Requires that the rules or regulations issued by the FTC require that a pay-per-call service: (1) describe the service and all charges in an introductory disclosure message; (2) enable the caller to hang up before the end of the introductory message without incurring any charge; (3) give repeat callers notice of any rate increases during the introductory message; (4) not be aimed at children under 12, unless it is an educational service; and (5) prohibit the use of a toll-free number under which a caller would be automatically connected to an access number for a pay-per-call service. Requires that the rules or regulations issued by the FCC include the following requirements for common carriers: (1) a common carrier which contracts with a provider of a pay-per-call service must make available on request a list of access numbers for each pay-per-call service it carries, a description of each service, a statement of charges, and other applicable information the FCC considers necessary; (2) a common carrier shall not disconnect a subscriber's local or long distance service because of nonpayment for any pay-per-call service; (3) a common carrier that provides local exchange service shall offer subscribers the option of blocking access to pay-per-call services; and (4) a common carrier that engages in billing and collection of charges for pay-per-call services shall offer subscribers the option of canceling charges for pay-per-call service in instances of unauthorized use or misunderstanding of such charges at the time of use, annually send to subscribers a specified disclosure statement, clearly separate pay-per-call services in any billing, have the right to recover the carrier's compliance costs, and stop the assessment of time-based charges upon disconnection by the caller. Requires the rules issued by the FTC to: (1) require any provider of a pay-per-call service to include in any advertisement specified information concerning charges; (2) require that whenever the number to be called is shown on television and print media advertisements the charges will be displayed clearly and conspicuously for the same duration that the number is displayed; (3) prohibit any pay-per-call service to emit tones during an advertisement that can automatically dial an access number; (4) require any telephone message soliciting calls to a pay-per-call service to clearly specify the charges; and (5) prohibit any person from advertising a toll-free telephone number from which a caller can or will be automatically connected to an access number for a pay-per-call number. Requires the FCC to consider adopting certain rules, including that a pay-per-call service: (1) automatically disconnect a caller after one full cycle of program; and (2) include a beep tone or other clear signal marking the passage of time. Specifies that nothing in this Act shall affect provisions of the Communications Act of 1934 concerning obscene or harassing phone calls. Sets forth provisions providing for enforcement of this Act, including: (1) criminal penalties and forfeiture penalties of the Communications Act of 1934; (2) penalties under the Federal Trade Commission Act; and (3) enforcement by States. Directs the FTC to conduct a study of and report to the Congress concerning the acquisition and use by pay-per-call providers of callers' telephone numbers.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1991
Medicare Enrollment Improvement and Protection Act of 1991 - Title I: Improving Enrollment - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services' annual notice to Medicare beneficiaries to inform certain low-income Medicare beneficiaries of the requirements to qualify for Medicaid (title XIX of the Social Security Act) payment of their premiums, deductibles, and copayments under Medicare and how to apply for such benefit. Requires the notice described above to be prepared in a manner suitable for posting and distributed to physicians, hospital offices, and other medical facilities. Requires the Secretary to establish a toll-free telephone number for information about such benefit. Amends the Medicaid program to require the Secretary to develop a simplified form for applying for such benefit for processing at social security offices. Amends the Medicare program to provide for mandating direct enrollment of part A (Hospital Insurance) eligibles. Directs the Secretary to make grants to State agencies and approved organizations for the provision of outreach assistance to older individuals who may be eligible for such benefit. Authorizes appropriations to fund such grant program. Title II: Retroactivity - Amends the Medicaid program to permit retroactive payments of medical costs incurred by certain low-income Medicare beneficiaries in or after the third month before the month in which such an individual applied to have Medicaid cover such costs. Title III: Refunds - Allows those individuals whose incomes would have qualified them for Medicaid payment of Medicare costs, but who were not eligible for such benefit because they did not apply, to apply to have such costs refunded. Title IV: Report - Directs the Secretary to submit reports to the Congress on Department activities to ensure enrollment and full implementation of the program under the Social Security Act for Medicaid payment of Medicare costs and the effectiveness of each such activity, along with any recommendations for appropriate legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1991
Constitutional Amendment - Requires the Congress, prior to each fiscal year, to adopt a statement in which total Federal outlays (except those for repayment of debt principal) do not exceed total receipts (except those derived from borrowing), unless a three-fifths vote of both Houses authorizes a specific excess. Limits the rate of increase in receipts in the statement to that of the increase in national income in the previous calendar year, unless law is enacted solely to approve specific additional receipts by a three-fifths majority vote of both Houses. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget. Authorizes waiver of these provisions in time of war. Sets a permanent limit on the amount of Federal public debt, prohibiting any increase unless legislation enacted by a three-fifths majority of both Houses becomes law.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow farmers' cooperatives to elect to treat as ordinary income or loss certain capital gains and losses from the disposition of assets used in conducting business with or for patrons.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1991
Amends Federal law relating to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal Holiday Commission to: (1) increase its membership from 23 to 30 and its staff membership from five to eight; (2) increase the potential salary of a staff member from a GS-13 to a GS-15; and (3) authorize appropriations for FY 1992 through 1993.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1991
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the 1981 Israeli preemptive strike against the Iraqi nuclear reactor at Osirak was a legitimate and justifiable exercise of self-defense which also reduced the threat of Iraqi nuclear aggression against countries bordering Iraq; and (2) the United States should seek the repeal of United Nations Security Council Resolution 487 which condemned the strike.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1991
Comprehensive Wetlands Conservation and Management Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to revise provisions concerning permits for dredged or fill material. Prohibits, unless such activity is undertaken pursuant to a permit issued by the Secretary of the Army: (1) the discharge of dredged or fill material into U.S. waters; or (2) the draining, channelization, or excavation of wetlands. Authorizes the Secretary to issue permits for such activities. Sets forth permit application procedures. Requires the Secretary, upon receiving applications, to: (1) classify as Type A wetlands wetlands that are of critical significance to the long-term conservation of the ecosystem of which they are a part and which meet specified requirements; (2) classify as Type B wetlands wetlands that provide habitat for a significant population of avian, aquatic, or wetland dependent wildlife or provide other significant wetlands functions; and (3) classify as Type C wetlands wetlands that serve marginal functions but exist in such abundance that regulation of activities is not necessary to conserve wetlands values and functions, or are prior converted cropland, fastlands, or wetlands within intensely developed areas that do not serve significant wetlands functions. Directs the Secretary to notify a permit applicant of the classification. Permits owners of interests in Type A wetlands to seek compensation for the fair market value of such lands. Provides that title for such lands shall pass to the United States upon acceptance of an offer for compensation. Deems such takings to be takings of surface interests in lands only or water rights allocated under State law unless the Secretary determines that the exploration for, or development of, oil and gas or mineral interests is not compatible with conservation of the surface interests in lands that have been classified as Type A wetlands. Authorizes the Secretary to classify such interests as Type A wetlands and to notify the owner that he may receive compensation. Sets forth provisions concerning court jurisdiction and remedies for taking of interests. Requires the Secretary to deny a permit authorizing activities in Type A wetlands unless: (1) such activities can be undertaken with minimal alteration or surface disturbance; (2) there are overriding public interest concerns that require use of the lands for purposes other than conservation; or (3) the proposed use of the land will result in overall environmental benefits. Authorizes the Secretary to issue a permit for activities in Type B wetlands subject to conditions that ensure that the watershed or aquatic ecosystem of which such wetlands are a part does not suffer loss or degradation of wetlands values or functions. Imposes requirements for mitigation when such activities result in the permanent loss or degradation of Type B wetlands where such loss or degradation is not a temporary or incidental impact. Directs the Secretary to establish a mitigation banking program in each State to ensure compensation for loss and degradation of wetlands. Requires the primary objective of such programs to be to provide for the restoration, enhancement, or creation of ecologically significant wetlands on an ecosystem basis. Sets forth requirements of such programs. Permits activities in Type C wetlands to be undertaken without specified authorization. Authorizes the Secretary to issue general permits on a State, regional, or nationwide basis for activities in wetlands if such activities are similar in nature and will not result in the significant loss of ecologically significant wetlands values and functions. Exempts specified activities from this Act's requirements. Permits States or political subdivisions to submit land management plans for identified wetlands for the Secretary's approval. Authorizes and directs the Secretary to establish standards that govern the delineation of lands as wetlands. Prohibits more than 20 percent of any county, parish, or borough from being classified as Type A wetlands. Requires the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to undertake a project to identify and classify U.S. wetlands. Provides for public participation in such project and makes information concerning identification and classification available to the public. Authorizes the Secretary to commence civil actions for permit violations. Prescribes civil penalties for such violations. Authorizes States to administer permit programs for activities covered by this Act, subject to the Secretary's approval.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1991
Supports the principles of democratization and self-determination for the six republics and two provinces of Yugoslavia. Condemns the use of force by the Yugoslav authorities against civilians. Calls for: (1) the United States to use its leadership to ensure that concerns regarding the restoration of political stability in Yugoslavia will not preclude promoting and securing democracy and self-determination; (2) the peaceful resolution of political differences in Yugoslavia and the inclusion of Kosovo and Vojvodina in that process; (3) the President to explore means of increasing direct diplomatic, political, and economic ties with the democratic governments of the republics of Croatia and Slovenia; and (4) the State Department to expand direct contacts with the leaders of the democratic opposition of Kosovo and Vojvodina. Calls: (1) upon the Yugoslav Army to refrain from obstructing the functioning of the democratic Governments of Slovenia and Croatia and the Government of Serbia to cease using force against the Albanian population of Kosovo; and (2) for free and fair elections in the provinces of Kosovo and Vojvodina. Recommends that the Administration shape its foreign assistance, trade, and technical assistance programs to support the republics of Croatia and Slovenia and the other democratic republics in Yugoslavia and to encourage democracy in the rest of Yugoslavia.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1991
Agriculture Disaster Assistance Act of 1991 - Title I: Emergency Livestock Assistance - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to prohibit a person from receiving emergency feed assistance under this title and disaster assistance for the same 1991 weather damaged crops. Subjects eligible recipients to specified combined payments and benefits limitations. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to implement an emergency forage program to reseed 1991 weather damaged forage crops. Limits: (1) Federal cost-sharing to 50 percent; and (2) individual payments to $3,500. Funds such program through the Commodity Credit Corporation (with a $50,000,000 limit). Directs the Secretary to implement an emergency freshwater aquaculture assistance program to restore 1991 weather damaged structures. Limits: (1) Federal cost sharing to 50 percent; and (2) program costs to $5,000,000. Title II: Emergency Crop Loss Assistance - Subtitle A: Annual Crops - Directs the Secretary to make 1991 disaster payments to producers of wheat, feed grains, upland cotton, extra long staple cotton, rice, peanuts, sugar, tobacco, oilseeds, and other nonprogram crops. Extends crop quality reduction disaster assistance through the 1991 crop year. Reduces disaster assistance payments in relation to Federal crop insurance payments. Requires producers to obtain Federal crop insurance for 1992 in order to be eligible for disaster payments and other specified assistance for 1991 crop losses. Sets forth exempted circumstances. Requires the Secretary to announce within a specified time the conditions for establishing a 1991 farm yield for forage-use-crops. Limits assistance under this subtitle to $100,000. Prohibits double payments on replanted acreage. Authorizes: (1) the substitution of crop insurance program yields for 1991 disaster assistance eligibility purposes; and (2) the Secretary to determine a de minimis yield for each crop eligible for reduced yield disaster payments. Subtitle B: Administrative Provisions - Directs the Secretary to make full disaster assistance available as soon as possible. Subtitle C: Sense of Congress - Expresses the sense of the Congress regarding disaster payments' purposes of preserving farm livelihoods and the financial health of rural communities. Title III: Other Emergency Provisions - Directs the Secretary to provide loan guarantees through the Rural Development Insurance Fund to rural businesses (including Indian tribes) who have suffered 1991 disaster damage. Limits: (1) individual guarantees to 90 percent of $500,000; and (2) aggregate guarantees to $200,000,000. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to authorize temporary crop acreage base shifting.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1991
Telephone Advertising Consumer Rights Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit any person within the United States from: (1) making any telephone solicitation in violation of regulations prescribed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) pursuant to this Act; (2) using any telephone facsimile (fax) machine or automatic telephone dialing system that does not comply with prescribed technical and procedural standards, or in a manner that does not comply with such standards, to make any telephone solicitation; (3) using any fax machine, computer, or other device to send an unsolicited advertisement in violation of any such regulations; (4) using any automatic telephone dialing system to make unsolicited calls to an emergency telephone line or pager of any hospital, medical physician or service office, health care facility, or fire protection or law enforcement agency, to any telephone number assigned to paging, specialized mobile radio, or cellular telephone service; or (5) using a computer or other electronic device to send an unsolicited advertisement via a fax machine unless such person clearly marks the date and time it is sent, an identification of the business sending the advertisement, and the telephone number of the sending machine or business. Directs the FCC to initiate a rulemaking proceeding concerning the need to protect residential telephone subscribers' privacy rights and to compare and evaluate alternative methods and procedures for protecting such rights. Requires the FCC to implement the most cost-effective methods and procedures for protecting such rights, which may entail establishing and operating a single national data base to compile and make available for purchase a list of the telephone numbers of such subscribers who object to receiving telephone solicitations. Directs the FCC to: (1) revise the regulations setting technical and procedural standards for fax machines to require that any fax machine manufactured after six months after the enactment of this Act clearly marks the date and time sent, an identification of the business or other entity sending the advertisement, and the telephone number of the sending machine or business. (Exempts for 12 months fax machines that do not have the capacity for automatic dialing and transmission and that are not capable of operation through an interface with a computer.) Requires the FCC to prescribe standards for automatic telephone dialing systems used to transmit any prerecorded telephone solicitation, including the requirements that: (1) all prerecorded telephone messages clearly state the identity and telephone number or address of the business or other entity initiating the call; and (2) such systems will, as soon as is technically practicable after the called party hangs up, automatically create a disconnect signal or on-hook condition which allows the called party's line to be released. Requires the FCC to prescribe rules to restrict the use of any fax machine, computer, or other electronic device to send any unsolicited advertisement to the fax machine of any person.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1991
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, during the five-year period beginning on October 1, 1991, to conduct a rural mobile health care clinic program in States in which significant numbers of veterans reside in rural areas. Makes eligible for such mobile health care veterans otherwise eligible for veterans' health care who reside at least 100 miles from the nearest Department of Veterans Affairs health-care facility. Requires the Secretary to begin operation of at least three mobile health care clinics in each fiscal year of the program. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress an evaluation of the program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1996.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1991
Limited Partnership Rollup Reform Act of 1991 - Amends the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 to revise proxy solicitation rules with respect to partnership rollup transactions (in which general partners combine several limited partnerships into one unit that trades on a stock exchange). Requires any proxy rules prescribed by the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) to: (1) permit dissenting shareholders in a proposed rollup to contact other limited partners before the transaction date without first having to file a written proxy statement with the SEC; (2) prohibit any general partner from paying directly or indirectly any person providing solicitation services (a broker-dealer) on the basis of whether the solicitations either approve or disapprove the proposed transaction, or the compensation is contingent on the transaction's approval or completion; (3) require the issuer to provide to a shareholder (limited partner) a list of all limited and general partners involved in the proposed rollup; (4) require the rollup prospectus to be clear, concise, and understandable and summarize all effects of the proposed transaction, conflicts of interest, changes in voting rights and ownership interests, dissenters' rights, and other pertinent information; (5) provide that the soliciting material describe in reasonable detail any opinion, appraisal, or report that is prepared by a person, unaffiliated with the general partner or sponsor and received by the entity subject to the transaction or its affiliates and that is related to the proposed transition; (6) require that each prospectus be accompanied by an independent opinion on the rollup's fairness; and (7) give each shareholder at least 60 days to review the prospectus; and (8) contain such other provisions as the SEC determines necessary. Requires the rules of a national securities association to prevent association members from participating in any rollup transaction unless it protects the rights of dissenting limited partners, including: (1) the right to an appraisal and compensation, or to retain a security under the same terms as the original issue; (2) the right not to have dissenters' voting power unfairly reduced or abridged; (3) the right not to bear the costs of a rejected rollup; and (4) restrictions on the conversion of management profit-sharing interests and incentive fees into asset-based management fees. Requires a national securities exchange to prohibit the listing of any security resulting from a rollup transaction unless it provided for such dissenters' rights. Requires SEC rules to prohibit any national market system from trading any security resulting from a rollup transaction unless it provided for such dissenters' rights.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an itemized deduction for personal interest paid on an education loan by a health care professional (medical doctor, registered nurse, nurse-practitioner, or physician's assistant) performing services in a rural community or on certain Indian reservations for at least 24 consecutive months under a written agreement. Limits such deduction to $5,000. Allows the computation of such deduction in determining adjusted gross income.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1991
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the U.S. Government should support: (1) the right of self-determination of the people of Soviet-occupied Moldavia (a.k.a. Moldova) and Northern Bucovina and issue a statement to and Northern Bucovina and that effect; and (2) any future efforts by the Government of Moldavia to peacefully negotiate the reunification of Romania with Moldavia and Northern Bucovina.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1991
Condemns the use of force to resolve political differences within Yugoslavia. Calls on: (1) the Yugoslav Central Government to cease using the Yugoslav Army to address the current crisis (and instead respond positively and immediately to calls for negotiations leading to a peaceful settlement); and (2) the Government of the Republic of Serbia to stop blocking the rotation of the Yugoslav presidency.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1991
Telephone Advertising Consumer Rights Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit any person within the United States from: (1) making any telephone solicitation in violation of regulations prescribed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) pursuant to this Act; (2) using any telephone facsimile (fax) machine or automatic telephone dialing system that does not comply with prescribed technical and procedural standards, or in a manner that does not comply with such standards, to make any telephone solicitation; (3) using any fax machine, computer, or other device to send an unsolicited advertisement in violation of any such regulations; (4) using any automatic telephone dialing system to make unsolicited calls to an emergency telephone line or pager of any hospital, medical physician or service office, health care facility, or fire protection or law enforcement agency, to any telephone number assigned to paging, specialized mobile radio, or cellular telephone service; or (5) using a computer or other electronic device to send an unsolicited advertisement via a fax machine unless such person clearly marks the date and time it is sent, an identification of the business sending the advertisement, and the telephone number of the sending machine or business. Directs the FCC to initiate a rulemaking proceeding concerning the need to protect residential telephone subscribers' privacy rights and to compare and evaluate alternative methods and procedures for protecting such rights. Requires the FCC to implement the most cost-effective methods and procedures for protecting such rights, which may entail establishing and operating a single national data base to compile and make available for purchase a list of the telephone numbers of such subscribers who object to receiving telephone solicitations. Directs the FCC to: (1) revise the regulations setting technical and procedural standards for fax machines to require that any fax machine manufactured after six months after the enactment of this Act clearly marks the date and time sent, an identification of the business or other entity sending the advertisement, and the telephone number of the sending machine or business. (Exempts for 12 months fax machines that do not have the capacity for automatic dialing and transmission and that are not capable of operation through an interface with a computer.) Requires the FCC to prescribe standards for automatic telephone dialing systems used to transmit any prerecorded telephone solicitation, including the requirements that: (1) all prerecorded telephone messages clearly state the identity and telephone number or address of the business or other entity initiating the call; and (2) such systems will, as soon as is technically practicable after the called party hangs up, automatically create a disconnect signal or on-hook condition which allows the called party's line to be released. Requires the FCC to prescribe rules to restrict the use of any fax machine, computer, or other electronic device to send any unsolicited advertisement to the fax machine of any person.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an itemized deduction for personal interest paid on an education loan by a health care professional (medical doctor, registered nurse, nurse-practitioner, or physician's assistant) performing services in a rural community or on certain Indian reservations for at least 24 consecutive months under a written agreement. Limits such deduction to $5,000. Allows the computation of such deduction in determining adjusted gross income.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1991
Designates September 20, 1991, as National POW/MIA Recognition Day. Authorizes the POW/MIA flag to be flown on a flagstaff of the White House, the Departments of State, Defense, and Veterans Affairs, the Selective Service Commission, each national cemetery, and the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial on such day. Provides that the flag may be flown on a flagstaff of each national cemetery and the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial on May 30, 1991 (Memorial Day), and on September 2, 1991 (Labor Day). States that it is the sense of the Congress that the POW/MIA flag be displayed under this Act as an expression and symbol of the concern and commitment of the people and the U.S. Government to resolving the uncertainty relating to members of the U.S. armed forces who are missing in action or whose locations are unknown as result of United States foreign wars (including those members who may still be prisoners of war).
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1991
Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the corporate income tax exclusion of contributions to the capital of the taxpayer. Includes as a qualifying contribution any amount of money or property received by a regulated public utility (a utility required to provide electric energy, gas, water, or sewage disposal services) that: (1) is a contribution in aid of construction (as defined by regulations to be promulgated by the Secretary of the Treasury); (2) meets certain expenditure requirements; and (3) is not included in the taxpayer's rate base. Excludes amounts paid as customer connection fees.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1991
Military Retirement Equity Act of 1991 - Permits retired veterans with service-connected disabilities to receive reduced retired pay concurrently with veterans' disability compensation, as long as the person's entitlement to such retired pay is based solely on age, length of service, or both. Provides that the amount of the retired pay reduction shall be 100 percent of the veterans' disability compensation paid less the percentage of the veteran's disability rating.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1991
Prohibits the importation of Chinese products unless: (1) the Secretary of the Treasury determines that they are not manufactured with the use of forced labor; and (2) such determination is based on certain consultations with international organizations conducting inspections, and a certification to the Secretary that a product was not manufactured with the use of forced labor. Requires the United States to use all diplomatic efforts to persuade China to permit representatives of certain international organizations to inspect all facilities holding detainees to assure that products for export are not being produced with the use of forced labor. Sets forth civil penalties for violations of such prohibition and the making of a false certification.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1991
Anti-Forced Labor Act of 1991 - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to prohibit the importation, or the transportation in interstate commerce, of products manufactured by forced labor. Declares that such prohibition shall not apply to products vital to U.S. national security. Prohibits U.S. nationals from investing in, or making loans to, a foreign joint venture involving the use of forced labor. Sets forth civil penalties for violating such prohibitions. Provides for the administrative review of orders imposing such penalties. Authorizes private persons to: (1) bring civil actions to enforce such prohibitions in an appropriate U.S. district court; and (2) sue for treble damages business competitors which violate such prohibitions if the plaintiff is injured as a result of such violation.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1991
Amateur Radio Spectrum Protection Act of 1991 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from diminishing existing allocations of spectrum (available radio frequencies) to the amateur radio service after January 1, 1991. Requires the FCC to provide replacement spectrum to the service for any frequency reallocation after such date.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1991
Federal Used Property for Humanitarian Relief Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to authorize the Administrator of the General Services Administration to make available to foreign governments or international relief agencies for humanitarian relief purposes nonlethal surplus personal property not needed for State disaster relief or by the American Red Cross or by States or territories for educational or public health purposes. Requires transfer of such property to the Secretary of State for distribution. Makes the Secretary responsible for the reacquisition of such property from the donee government or agency upon determining that its need for such property ceases to exist. Requires the Secretary to retransfer such property to the Administrator for further disposition. Authorizes executive agencies having any such property in a foreign country that has not been returned to the United States to make such a transfer. Repeals provisions authorizing the Secretary of Defense to make available for humanitarian relief purposes any nonlethal excess supplies of the Department of Defense.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1991
Medicare Physician Regulatory Relief Amendments of 1991 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) prohibit the denial of physician claims because of patient failure to complete Medicare secondary payer questionnaires; (2) prohibit carriers from using extrapolation to recover the amounts they reimbursed physicians for claims for which Medicare disallows payment if the physician requests that each such claim be individually identified; (3) prohibit the imposition of specified user fees on physicians; (4) require consideration of physician comments in annual carrier performance reviews; (5) allow individuals (including physicians) to file administrative appeals when they have suffered damages as a result of the failure of a carrier to carry out Medicare policies; and (6) require review of medical necessity denials by physicians in the same medical specialty as the physician providing the service. Amends the Medicare and Medicaid (title XIX of the Social Security Act) programs to permit the reimbursement of a patient's regular physician for services provided by another physician who covers for the regular physician under contractual arrangements. Amends title XI of the Social Security Act to repeal the peer review requirement for certain surgical procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1991
Sets forth U.S. policy with respect to Central and Eastern Europe. Requires the United States to provide assistance for eligible Central and East European countries to the extent that such countries are taking steps toward: (1) constitutional democracy and political pluralism; (2) economic reform; (3) respect for human rights and the protection of civil liberties; and (4) a willingness to build a relationship with the United States. Defines an "eligible country" as: (1) any Central or East European country taking such steps; and (2) democratic governments at the republic level that exist within countries which include a ruling communist majority in other republic governments or at the Federal level as well as states which the U.S. Government has never recognized as part of the Soviet Union. Authorizes ineligible Central or East European countries to receive urgent humanitarian assistance if the President notifies the Congress. Provides that assistance programs should address the promotion of democracy and encouragement of free market systems. Lists authorized types of assistance. Permits assistance to include actions listed under the Support for East European Democracy (SEED) Act of 1989. Makes any authority under such Act to provide assistance or take action with respect to Poland or Hungary applicable to assistance or actions with respect to any eligible Central or East European country. Authorizes the President to use funds made available for assistance for Eastern Europe under the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1991 to provide balance of payments support with respect to eligible countries. Authorizes appropriations. Permits the President to provide support to Enterprise Funds for eligible East European countries, subject to the same authorities applicable to Enterprise Funds for Poland and Hungary established under SEED. Permits Federal agencies authorized to provide assistance or conduct programs pursuant to SEED for Poland or Hungary to provide assistance or conduct programs for eligible Central and East European countries. Authorizes the President to designate agencies to implement programs for management and technical assistance to governments and private enterprises in Central and East European countries.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1991
Amortization of Intangibles Clarification Act of 1991 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the amortization of customer based, market share, and similar intangible items for purposes of the depreciation deduction.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1991
Rural Tourism Development Foundation Act of 1991 - Establishes the Rural Tourism Development Foundation to promote travel and tourism by foreign visitors to rural America. Amends the International Travel Act of 1961 to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to assist the Foundation in the development and promotion of rural tourism. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1991
Small Town Environmental Planning Act of 1991 - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a small community environmental compliance planning program for facilities that are owned or operated by, or under contract with, a small community, or with respect to which an environmental compliance activity is dependent. Provides for voluntary participation in such program. Requires the Administrator to publish a list of requirements under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Clean Air Act, and the Toxic Substances Control Act to be addressed in small community environmental compliance plans. Provides for the annual review of such list. Directs the Administrator to: (1) publish guidelines for small communities or States responsible for the development of such plans; and (2) promulgate regulations setting forth the requirements for submission of such plans. Sets forth plan format requirements. Requires regulations, at a minimum, to: (1) identify areas of environmental regulation where there are significant problems in achieving compliance or noncompliance with implementation schedules under such Acts; and (2) estimate the amount of user fees necessary for the financing of environmental compliance activities at treatment or disposal facilities owned, operated, or under contract with small communities and assess the ability of residents to pay such fees. Directs small communities participating in the program to prepare plans. Authorizes State agencies to prepare plans for small communities without sufficient resources to do so. Sets forth provisions concerning plan approvals and modifications. Requires the Administrator to provide for a mechanism under which a small community may apply for a waiver with respect to regulations issued under the Acts identified by this Act. Permits the Administrator to waive requirements where the small community demonstrates that compliance with regulations is not necessary to protect human health and the environment. Requires the Administrator, as part of the program, to: (1) notify small communities of the regulations through methods providing information to the greatest number of small communities; and (2) implement a technical assistance program to aid small communities in the preparation of plans. Provides for waivers to plan requirements, as necessary, and for the assessment of administrative penalties against facilities failing to meet requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1991
Designates August 1, 1991, as Helsinki Human Rights Day. Authorizes and requests the President to: (1) reassert American commitment to the Helsinki Accords; (2) raise the issue of noncompliance with such Accords with any signatory nation which may be in violation; (3) convey to all signatories of such Accords that respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms is vital to progress in the ongoing Helsinki process; and (4) develop new proposals to advance the human rights objectives of the Helsinki process, including the self-determination of peoples.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1991
Urges the Government of Iran to extend to the Baha'i community the rights guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international agreements to which Iran is a party. Calls upon the President to continue to: (1) urge the Government of Iran to emancipate the Baha'i community by granting such rights; (2) emphasize that the United States regards the human rights practices of such Government, particularly its treatment of the Baha'is and other religious minorities, as a significant element in the development of U.S.-Iranian relations; and (3) cooperate with other governments and international organizations in efforts to protect the religious rights of the Baha'is and other minorities in Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1991
Condemns the murder of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and others in the bomb explosion on May 21, 1991. Expresses regret over the deaths of Gandhi and other victims of election violence in India. Offers condolences to Gandhi's widow and children and to the people of India. Stands in solidarity with the Indian people in their effort to sustain the most successful democratic tradition in the developing world.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1991
AM Radio Improvement Act of 1991 - Directs the Federal Communications Commission: (1) within 60 days, to initiate a rulemaking to adopt a single AM radio stereophonic transmitting equipment standard that specifies the composition of the transmitted stereophonic signal; and (2) within 180 days, to adopt such standard.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1991
Mental Health Care Amendment Act of 1991 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide coverage of the services of marriage and family therapists, psychiatric nurses, and clinical mental health counselors and supplies furnished incident to such services.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1991
Condemns: (1) the attacks on innocent children, women, and men in Armenian areas and communities in and around Nagorno-Karabakh; and (2) the indiscriminate use of force, including the shelling of civilian areas, on Armenia's eastern and southern borders. Calls for: (1) the end to the blockades and use of force and intimidation directed against Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh; (2) the withdrawal of Soviet forces newly deployed for the purpose of intimidation; and (3) dialogue among all parties involved as the only acceptable route to achieving a lasting resolution of the conflict. Reconfirms the U.S. commitment to the success of democracy and self-determination in the Soviet Union and its republics by expressing its deep concern about any Soviet retribution, intimidation, or leverage against such republics.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1991
College Honors Program Act of 1991 - Directs the Secretary of Education to allot funds under this Act among institutions of higher education to establish revolving loan funds. Makes an institution ineligible for such an allotment if: (1) its student default rate for loans under this Act is 20 percent or more; or (2) it is ineligible for participation in the Robert T. Stafford Student Loan Program. Allows such education loans to be made for up to four years, at up to $4,000 per year for any student, or at up to $5,000 per year for a student who: (1) has an academic concentration in science or mathematics and agrees to teach such subjects upon graduation; or (2) agrees to teach on an Indian reservation or in an Alaskan native village or in an area with a high concentration of Native Hawaiians, upon graduation. Sets forth student eligibility requirements for such assistance, including maintaining a certain grade level in high school and college, not defaulting on any student loan, and agreeing to pursue a teaching career in a public school. Sets forth loan terms, including cancellation of a portion of principal and interest for each year of full-time employment as a public school teacher. Directs the Secretary to reimburse institutions for the amounts cancelled under such loan program. Sets forth institutional responsibilities. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1991
Designates the week beginning July 21, 1991, as Korean War Veterans Remembrance Week. Requires the President to urge that the American flag be flown at half staff on July 27, 1991, in honor of those Americans who died as a result of their service in Korea.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1991
Heinz Elder Life Program Act - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to modify the definition of "information and referral" to include services for older individuals that: (1) assess their problems and capacities; (2) link older individuals to available opportunities and needed services; and (3) benefit the entire older community. Elevates the status of the Commissioner on Aging to Assistant Secretary. Directs the Assistant Secretary to establish a Commission to study existing reporting requirements and related programs and make legislative and regulatory recommendations to achieve specified objectives. Includes as functions of the Assistant Secretary the: (1) establishment of information and assistance services as priority services for the aged and aging; and (2) development of guidelines for choosing legal assistance providers and developers. Requires area agencies on aging: (1) to establish an informal grievance procedure for older individuals who are dissatisfied with, or denied, services with further appeal to the appropriate area agency on aging; and (2) in providing legal assistance, to give priority to legal problems related to income, health care, long-term care, nutrition, housing and utilities, defense of guardianship, abuse and neglect, and age discrimination. Requires State plans to also provide priority legal assistance in such areas. Requires technical assistance and training to State long-term care ombudsman programs to include assistance in recruiting and retaining volunteers for ombudsman programs by establishing a national program for recruitment efforts. Requires State agencies on aging to encourage adoption of memoranda of understanding between legal assistance providers and long-term care ombudsman providers that will ensure that the providers will coordinate services to the greatest extent possible. Requires the program for the prevention of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older individuals to require that State agencies make all reasonable efforts to resolve any conflicts with other public agencies with respect to the confidentiality of information in complaints and other reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of older individuals by entering into memoranda of understanding that limit information disclosure according to current guidelines. Establishes a program to provide transportation services to older individuals. Authorizes appropriations. Makes legal assistance agencies eligible to participate in demonstration projects for developmental disabilities and mental illness established under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act and under the Protection and Advocacy for Mentally Ill Individuals Act of 1986. Reauthorizes and extends such demonstration projects through FY 1993. Adds a new section to provide for demonstration projects to determine the feasibility of using the aging network as the infrastructure for a comprehensive long-term care system. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Assistant Secretary to establish a program of grants to State agencies to support and assist older individuals by providing legal assistance in areas such as living wills, durable powers of attorney, and other life planning areas. Authorizes appropriations.
![Official portrait of Sen. Pressler, Larry [R-SD]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/p000513_200.jpg)