United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1992
State and Local Anti-Recession Fiscal Assistance Act of 1992 - Establishes a program for the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make anti-recession grants to State and local governments. Authorizes decreasing appropriations for FY 1992 and 1993 for such grants. Requires the return of any funds not expended by January 31, 1993, to the general fund of the Treasury. Sets forth requirements for State and local governments to qualify for such payments. Establishes a general formula for the allocation of payments based upon the need factor of States. Provides for making allocations to State, county, and other local governments. Requires the Secretary, in determining allocations, to use the most recent available information from the Secretaries of Commerce and Labor provided before the beginning of a payment period. Requires hearings at which the public is given an opportunity to present views on the possible uses of the payments. Requires a State or local government to notify the public at least ten days in advance of such hearings on the proposed use of the payments. Waives such requirements for unreasonably burdensome cost considerations and provides exceptions to the ten-day limitation. Prohibits discrimination by a State or local government in the use of payments because of race, color, national origin, sex, age, handicap, or religion. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to try to make agreements with heads of Federal and State agencies to investigate noncompliance with such prohibition. Provides procedures for a finding or holding of discrimination. Provides for: (1) suspension and termination of payments in discrimination proceedings; (2) compliance agreements; (3) enforcement by the Attorney General of prohibitions on discrimination; (4) civil actions by persons adversely affected by discrimination practices; and (5) judicial review by affected States or local governments. Requires a State or local government grant recipient to have an independent audit made of financial statements by January 1, 1994. Grants a waiver to governments receiving less than $25,000 and certain local governments. Requires the Secretary to investigate administrative complaints of persons claiming to be adversely affected by discrimination practices. Requires the Comptroller General to carry out reviews of the activities of the Secretary, State governments, and local governments necessary for the Congress to evaluate compliance and operations under this Act. Requires a report by the Secretary to the Congress by March 31, 1993, on the status, operation, and administration of the anti-recession grant program. Requires reports by States and local governments to the Secretary by June 30, 1993. Prohibits the making of anti-recession grants for any payment period beginning after December 31, 1992.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1992
Appropriations Category Reform Act of 1992 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to revise the discretionary spending limit for FY 1993 by merging the defense and domestic categories into a national category. Makes conforming changes to the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act).
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1992
Taxpayer Bill of Rights 2 - Title I: Taxpayers Advocate - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish in the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) the Office of Taxpayer Advocate, headed by the Taxpayer Advocate, appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Requires the Office to: (1) assist taxpayers in resolving problems with the IRS; (2) identify areas in which taxpayers have problems in dealings with the IRS; (3) propose changes in the administrative practices of the IRS to mitigate such problems; and (4) identify potential legislative changes which may be appropriate to mitigate such problems. Requires the Taxpayer Advocate to annually report to specified congressional committees on Office activities. Requires the Commissioner of Internal Revenue to establish procedures requiring a formal response to all recommendations submitted to the Commissioner by the Taxpayer Advocate. Replaces the Office of the Ombudsman with the Office of the Taxpayer Advocate. Revises the terms of a Taxpayer Assistance Order to: (1) assist a taxpayer suffering a hardship (currently, a significant hardship); (2) allow the Order to require the Secretary of the Treasury to act within a specified time period; and (3) require the Secretary to take certain actions (currently, only to cease or refrain from taking certain actions). Title II: Modifications to Installment Agreement Provisions - Grants certain taxpayers the right to an installment agreement for the payment of tax liability less than $10,000. Requires prior notification to taxpayers under an installment agreement to pay tax liability before altering, modifying, or terminating such an agreement. Provides for administrative review of denials of requests for installment agreements. Suspends the failure to pay penalty during any period an installment agreement is in effect. Title III: Interest - Requires the abatement of interest in the case of an assessment due to the unreasonable error or delay of an IRS act. Extends from ten to 21 days the period for which interest will not be imposed after notice and demand for payment, if such payment is less than $100,000. Increases the interest rate for overpayment of tax from two percent to three percent (making such rate equal to the interest rate for underpayment of tax). Title IV: Joint Returns - Requires separate deficiency notices in the case of a joint income tax return if the most recent data available to the IRS shows that such spouses did not file a joint return with each other. Allows the disclosure of collection activities to an individual requesting such information in the case of a joint return where such individual is no longer married to or resides in the same household as the other joint filer. Removes limitation on filing a joint return after filing separate returns. Provides that in the case of an examination of an individual with respect to a joint income tax return, the absent divorced or separated spouse cannot be represented by the individual without such acknowledgement in writing. Title V: Collection Activities - Requires the Secretary to send notices of a proposed tax deficiency. Authorizes the Secretary, in certain cases, to: (1) withdraw a notice of a lien; (2) return property that has been levied upon; and (3) offer compromises in civil or criminal cases. Requires the Secretary, at the request of the taxpayer, to make reasonable efforts to notify credit reporting agencies and financial institutions of such withdrawal notice. Requires prior notification to the taxpayer that the taxpayer is under examination and an explanation of the process. Removes certain limits on the standard of conduct and the dollar limit on the recovery of civil damages for unauthorized collection actions. Revises provisions with respect to a designated summons concerning the standard of review, requirements for issuance, and quash proceedings. Title VI: Information Returns - Requires payee statements to provide the phone number of the person providing payment. Establishes civil damages for the fraudulent filing of information returns. Requires the Secretary to make reasonable investigations to corroborate the accuracy of an information return when making a determination of a deficiency by a third party, when such return is disputed by the taxpayer. Title VII: Modifications to Penalty for Failure to Collect and Pay Over Tax - Establishes requirements for preliminary notice and declaratory judgment proceedings for failure to pay tax. Authorizes the Secretary to disclose certain information where more than one person is liable for a penalty. Declares that a person shall not be liable for any penalty for failure to collect and pay over tax if such person: (1) is not a significant owner or highly compensated employee of the trade or business; (2) notifies the Secretary within ten days after such failure; and (3) such notification was before any notice by the Secretary with respect to such failure. Directs the Secretary to ensure that IRS employees are aware of their responsibilities under the tax depository system, the circumstances under which they may be liable for penalties, and reporting responsibilities. Exempts unpaid, volunteer board members of tax-exempt organizations from collection penalties. Title VIII: Awarding of Costs and Certain Fees - Repeals the "substantially justified" test for determining whether a taxpayer may recover costs and fees incurred as part of an administrative or court proceeding. Denies such costs where the position of the United States is substantially justified. Revises the commencement date of reasonable administrative costs. Increases the limit on attorney fees. Provides that any failure to agree to an extension of time for the assessment of any tax shall not be taken into account in determining whether a prevailing party has exhausted all administrative remedies. Title IX: Other Provisions - Revises provisions on the required content of tax due, deficiency, and other notices. Provides protection for noncorporate taxpayers who rely on certain guidance published by the IRS. Requires any final, temporary, or proposed regulation issued by the Secretary to be applied prospectively from the date of publication in the Federal Register. Requires notice to the taxpayer of the inability to associate any payment with any outstanding tax liability. Makes the costs of preparing certain tax returns fully deductible.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1992
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay a specified sum to a named individual in full settlement of all claims against the United States arising out of improper disclosure of certain grievance proceeding records regarding a complaint against such individual (as supervisor) by an employee of the Laboratory Division of the Department of State.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1992
Suspends the nonvoluntary repatriation of Haitian nationals until a specified date or until certain conditions are met and so certified by the President (international monitoring, reduction of violence in Haiti, danger to repatriated Haitians, and a specific U.S. refugee and asylum administrative system).
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1992
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) play a strong and active role in cooperating with other governments to prepare for a successful United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (set to convene in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in June 1992); (2) seek to develop specific and effective international agreements to enhance global environmental protection and encourage the use of sustainable development practices for signature at the Conference; and (3) support specified global environmental conservation efforts, including an international convention to reduce the threat of global climatic change, acceleration of international efforts to reduce (and ultimately phase out) the emission of chemicals that deplete the ozone layer, and development of a schedule for the adoption of a reform system of national accounting that reflects full environmental costs.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1992
Restrictions on Azerbaijan Act - Requires the United States to continue to deny the following trade and economic benefits to the Republic of Azerbaijan: (1) most-favored-nation status (nondiscriminatory treatment); (2) loans, guarantees, or insurance with respect to U.S. exports to it; (3) beneficiary status under the Generalized System of Preferences; (4) treatment as a country subject to provisions of the Trade Act of 1974 relating to market disruption; (5) treatment as a member of Country Group Y (countries with which the United States has diplomatic or trading relations); (6) any benefit bestowed under the Agreement on Trade Relations Between the United States and the Soviet Union, signed on June 1, 1990; and (7) U.S. assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Requires the United States to impose as a condition to making contributions to any international organizations providing activities in the former Soviet Union that none of the funds be available for such activities in Azerbaijan. Authorizes the President to waive such restrictions. Terminates such restrictions if the President determines and reports to the Congress that Azerbaijan: (1) has ceased all blockades and uses of force against Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh; (2) improves the human rights of Armenians, Russians, Jews, and other minorities; and (3) has committed to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict peacefully.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1992
Declares that the Senate congratulates Jack Kent Cooke, Coach Joe Gibbs, and the entire Redskins organization for their outstanding season, flawless playoff record, and magnificent victory in Super Bowl XXVI.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1992
Amends the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act of 1991 (EUCA) (Public Law 102-164) to add 13 weeks to the number of weeks of benefits payable under the emergency unemployment compensation program. Provides for a total number of weeks of such emergency benefits as follows: (1) 33 weeks (currently 20) in higher unemployment States (with a total unemployment rate of nine percent or higher or an adjusted insured unemployment rate of five percent or higher, for specified periods); and (2) 26 weeks (currently 13) for all other States. (Increases also the number of weeks of unemployment benefits payable to certain railroad workers under EUCA.) Extends to October 3, 1992, the expiration date of the emergency unemployment program (currently June 13, 1992). Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer to the extended unemployment account of the Unemployment Trust Fund an amount equal to the amount of deficit reduction resulting from specified provisions of EUCA. Requires that the provisions of (and amendments made by) this Act be treated as emergency requirements designated by the President and the Congress under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). Requires that any amount of new budget authority, outlays, or receipts resulting from the provisions of (and amendments made by) this Act not be considered for any purpose under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1992
Expresses the sense of the Senate: (1) acknowledging the cooperation of the Soviet and now Russian authorities in providing records and personal effects of Raoul Wallenberg to his family; (2) requesting that the President, through diplomatic discussions with the Government of the Russian Federation, pursue an investigation into the whereabouts and fate of Raoul Wallenberg; and (3) requesting that the results of such investigation be made public.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991
Social Security Service Preservation Act of 1991 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act), and the Budget Enforcement Act of 1991 to exclude social security administrative expenses from the budget. Exempts such expenses from sequester. Sets forth baseline amounts for FY 1992 through 1996 for such expenses. Provides for decreasing the discretionary spending limit for the domestic category for FY 1992 through 1995.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991
Nuclear Testing Moratorium Act - Prohibits any funds made available under any law from being used to conduct any explosive nuclear weapons test during the one-year period following the enactment of this Act unless the President certifies to the Congress that the Soviet Union or a successor state has conducted such a test during such period.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991
Equal Remedies Act of 1991 - Amends Federal law relating to damages in cases of intentional employment discrimination to remove provisions limiting the dollar amount of damages awarded for pecuniary and nonpecuniary losses and punitive damages.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991
Temporary Protected Status for Haitians Act of 1991 - Provides for temporary protected status for certain Haitian nationals. States that it is U.S. policy to strongly encourage members of the Organization of American States to protect Haitians who have fled their country.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1991
Expresses the sense of the Congress regarding: (1) visionary art as a national treasure; and (2) the American Visionary Art Museum as a national repository and educational center for such art.
United States · United States Congress · 25 November 1991
Establishes a Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States' Democratic Party to coordinate ceremonial events and related activities during 1992. Requires the Commission to submit periodic reports and a final one to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro tempore of the Senate on its activities. Terminates the Commission on February 13, 1993, unless otherwise provided by law.
United States · United States Congress · 22 November 1991
New Columbia Admission Act - Declares the State of New Columbia (presently, the District of Columbia) to be a State of the United States of America. Admits New Columbia into the Union on an equal footing with the other States in all respects. Reserves Federal title to certain lands and property, the National Capital Service Area. Directs the Governor to submit the Governor's request regarding the amount of an annual Federal payment to the Congress not less than seven months before the beginning of a fiscal year for which a request is made. Requires the request to contain a report on services rendered to the Federal Government, potential revenues lost because of the presence of the Federal Government, and potential revenues gained because of the presence of the Federal Government. Sets forth election protocol for popular ratification of statehood. Provides for election of one member of the House of Representatives as well as two Senators. Maintains the laws that were territorially in effect. Continues any law suits already pending in District of Columbia courts. Establishes a Statehood Transition Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1991
Condemns the arrest of certain Kenyan opposition leaders for the peaceful expression of their political views and the Government of Kenya's suppression of a specified rally sponsored by the Forum for the Restoration of Democracy. Urges the Kenyan Government to release those arrested and to permit the free expression of political views. Commends the actions of the U.S. Government in support of freedom of expression, democracy, and human rights in Kenya. Calls upon the President to ensure that U.S. development assistance bears a relation to the Kenyan Government's progress toward an open political system and respect for human rights. Urges the President to reassess whether to continue the International Military Educational Training program for Kenya. Suspends economic and military assistance to Kenya. Waives such suspension if the President reports to the appropriate congressional committees that the Kenyan Government has: (1) released political detainees and ended the prosecution of individuals for the expression of their political beliefs; (2) ceased mistreatment of prisoners; and (3) restored judicial independence and freedom of expression.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1991
Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act of 1991 - Title I: Emergency Unemployment Compensation Program - Establishes an emergency unemployment compensation program. Allows any State to enter into and participate in an agreement with the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary) under which the State agency which administers the State unemployment compensation law will make payments of emergency unemployment compensation: (1) to individuals who have exhausted all rights to regular compensation under State law, have no rights to such regular compensation or any additional State or Federal compensation, and are not receiving Canadian compensation; and (2) for any week of unemployment beginning in the individual's eligibility period. Sets forth provisions relating to exhaustion of regular benefits and weekly amount of emergency benefits equal to regular benefits. Authorizes a State Governor, in a period of a seven or eight percent total unemployment rate in that State (as defined under this Act), to elect to trigger an extended compensation period to provide emergency unemployment compensation to individuals who have exhausted their rights to regular compensation under State law. Requires a State, under such an agreement, to establish an emergency unemployment compensation account with respect to the benefit year of each eligible individual who files an application. Limits benefit payments to not more than the amount in the individual's account. Sets forth formulas for determining the amount in such account. Provides that the applicable limit in such account shall be equal to: (1) 20 for an eight-percent period, i.e. one triggered by a total unemployment rate (TUR) of eight percent or more in the State, seasonally adjusted, for the most recent six calendar months with available data; (2) 13 for a seven-percent period; and (3) seven for a six-percent period or for any other period. Sets forth special rules relating to such applicable limits. Requires reduction in such account by the amount of extended benefits received by the individual relating to the same benefit year under the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970. Sets the weekly benefit amount at the amount of regular compensation (including dependents' allowances) payable under the State law to the individual for such week for total unemployment. Provides for determination of periods and applicable triggers. Provides for a minimum period of at least 13 weeks. Provides, in general, that no emergency unemployment compensation shall be payable to any individual under this Act for any week beginning: (1) before the later of November 17, 1991, or the first week following the week in which an agreement under this Act is entered into; or (2) after August 1, 1992. Sets forth transition and reachback provisions for the eligibility of certain individuals for such benefits, as exceptions to such general rule. Provides for payments to States having such agreements for emergency unemployment compensation. Sets forth financing provisions. Requires that funds in the extended unemployment compensation account of the Unemployment Trust Fund be used to make payments to States having agreements under this Act. Sets forth provisions relating to fraud and overpayments. Defines the eligible period under this Act. Provides that in no event shall an individual's period of eligibility include any weeks after the 39th week after the end of the benefit year for which the individual exhausted rights to regular compensation or extended compensation. Title II: Demonstration Program to Provide Job Search Assistance - Directs the Secretary to carry out a demonstration program to determine the feasibility of implementing job search assistance programs. Requires selection of three States to participate in such program, based on specified criteria. Requires that at least one of these States will replicate a prior successful demonstration project for job search assistance. Sets forth requirements for the program agreement with these States. Requires a job search assistance program, for purposes of this title, to: (1) require certain unemployment compensation recipients to participate in a qualified intensive job search program (the program) after receiving such compensation for at least six but not more than ten weeks during any benefit year; (2) entitle such individuals to an intensive job search program voucher; and (3) disqualify those who do not satisfactorily participate in such program from receiving such compensation for a specified period of not more than ten weeks. Makes such program requirements applicable to such recipients if, during a specified three-year period, they had at least 126 weeks of employment at wages of $30 or more a week with their last employer (or an equivalent amount computed under prescribed regulations). Sets forth exceptions to such program requirements and program qualifications. Provides that such vouchers entitle the organization (including the State employment service) providing the program to a payment from the State agency equal to the lesser of: (1) the reasonable costs of providing the program; or (2) the average weekly benefit amount in the State. Requires Federal payments from the extended unemployment compensation account to each participating State's account in the Unemployment Trust Fund in an amount equal to the payments made by the State agency for such program vouchers. Provides for payments on a calendar month basis, and for certification by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to submit two interim reports and a final report to the Congress on the demonstration program under this title. Title III: Other Provisions - Amends specified Federal law to repeal certain limitations on payment of unemployment compensation to former members of the armed forces. Reduces the length of required active duty by reserves for purposes of such payment. Amends the Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) provisions of the Internal Revenue Code to allow optional unemployment benefits for certain school employees, by making denial of such benefits discretionary rather than mandatory. Amends the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act to provide temporary extended railroad unemployment insurance benefits, to railroad employees who have less than ten years of service, for certain periods of high national unemployment. Provides for such extended benefits for up to 13 weeks (65 days of unemployment), through July 4, 1992. Sets forth transition and reachback provisions. Amends the Social Security Act to establish an Advisory Council on Unemployment Compensation. Directs the Secretary to establish such a council by February 1, 1992, and every fourth year thereafter. Requires each such council to evaluate the unemployment compensation program. Sets forth membership and staff provisions. Requires each council to report to the President and the Congress by February 1 of the second year following the year in which it is required to be established. Requires the first Council report to include findings and recommendations on determining eligibility for extended unemployment benefits on the basis of unemployment statistics for regions, States, or subdivisions of States. Directs the Secretary, within 12 months, to report to the Congress a proposal for revising the method of allocating grants among the States for administration of the unemployment insurance program. Prohibits the Secretary from revising such method until 12 months after such report is submitted to the Congress. Directs the Secretary to give special consideration to providing services to dislocated workers in the Washington and Oregon timber industries in determining specified programs and activities to be funded under the Job Training Partnership Act in FY 1991 and 1992. Title IV: Budgetary Provisions - Subtitle A: Emergency Treatment - Provides that the following emergency designation provisions shall take effect only if, on or before the enactment date of this Act, the President: (1) has not submitted to the Congress either of the two written declarations described under specified effectiveness provisions of subtitles B and C; or (2) has submitted to the Congress both of such declarations. Provides that all direct spending amounts provided, and all appropriations authorized, by this Act shall be treated as emergency requirements designated by the President and the Congress under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). Subtitle B: Reductions in Foreign Aid and Other Spending - Provides that this subtitle shall take effect only if the President: (1) submits to the Congress, not later than the enactment date of this Act, a written declaration of need for reductions in foreign aid and other spending; and (2) has not submitted, on or before such date, the written declaration described in subtitle C. Part I: Foreign Aid Reductions - Provides for reductions in foreign aid. Decreases certain discretionary spending limits in new budget authority, and outlays (under the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, as amended by the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985) for specified international categories and discretionary categories. Prohibits any such reductions from being achieved through reduction of: (1) domestic discretionary spending; or (2) assistance to the Camp David countries. Part II: Collection of Nontax Debts - Amends the Deficit Reduction Act to 1984 to provide for permanent extension of provisions relating to collection of nontax debts owed to Federal agencies. Part III: Guaranteed Student Loans - Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education of 1965 (HEA) to revise provisions relating to the Stafford student loan program (including guaranteed student loans and federally-insured student loans). Requires, in the case of such student loan applicants over age 21, that the lender: (1) obtain a credit report; and (2) require a cosigner for such applicants who have adverse credit histories. Allows the lender to charge such applicants for the actual cost of such credit reports, up to $25. Requires the lender to obtain the borrower's driver's license number, if any, at the time of application for such a student loan. Directs eligible institutions to require borrowers of any student loan under HEA to supply the following exit interview information: (1) their expected permanent address after leaving the institution; (2) the name and address of their expected employer; and (3) the name and address of their next of kin. Requires student loan interest-subsidy insurance program agreements to require the lender to obtain the borrower's authorization for entry of judgment against the borrower in the event of default. Provides for wage garnishment for student loan collection. Authorizes a guaranty agency, or the Secretary where appropriate, to garnish the disposable pay of an individual to collect the amount owed or the required repayment, subject to certain conditions. Provides for data matching. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to obtain from Federal agencies specified information relating to an individual for student loan collection purposes. Amends the Higher Education Technical Amendments of 1991 (P.L. 102-26) to revise provisions relating to limitation of actions for collection of student loan repayments and grant overpayments. Subtitle C: Alternative Financing Provisions - Provides that this subtitle and parts II and III of subtitle B shall take effect only if the President: (1) submits to the Congress, not later than the enactment date of this Act, a written declaration of the need for the financing provisions under this subtitle; and (2) has not submitted, on or before such date, the written declaration described in subtitle B. Amends the Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) provisions of the Internal Revenue Code to extend the surtax imposed on employers through 1996. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to limit the use of the preceding year's tax for purposes of determining individual estimated tax payments. Subtitle D: General Budgetary Provisions - Exempts payments (including budget authority and outlays for administrative expenses incurred in connection with this Act) relating to emergency unemployment compensation under titles I, II, and III of this Act from any order issued under specified sequestration provisions of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. Provides that all receipts and direct spending amounts provided, and all appropriations authorized, by this Act shall be counted as zero for all purposes under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 and for purposes of all points of order under the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, with specified exceptions for considering such amounts for: (1) construction of the baseline for the President's budget and the congressional budget; and (2) adjustment of the maximum deficit amount to reflect up-to-date reestimates of the effects of this Act on the deficit.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1991
National Wildlife Refuge System Management and Policy Act of 1991 - Amends the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) (except as the context implies otherwise) from initiating or permitting a new use of a refuge or expanding, renewing, or extending an existing use unless it is determined that it is compatible with the purposes of the System and the refuge. Allows existing uses of such refuge system lands that have been determined to be compatible under this Act or the Refuge Recreation Act to continue under specified conditions. Ceases such use and revokes permits for it within five years after the enactment of this Act unless the Secretary determines that such use is compatible. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to establish and maintain a formal process for governing determinations of whether an existing or proposed new use in a refuge is compatible or incompatible with the purposes of the System and the refuge. Sets forth requirements for such determinations. Requires the head of each Federal agency that has, with respect to a refuge, an equivalent or secondary jurisdiction with the Department of the Interior, or conducts activities within any refuge to ensure that any actions authorized, funded, or carried out in whole or in part by such agency will not impair the resources of the refuge or be incompatible with the purposes of either the System or refuge, unless such action is specifically authorized by law or necessary for national security. Directs the Secretary to: (1) prepare by September 30, 1994, and revise not less that every ten years thereafter, a comprehensive plan for the System; and (2) prepare and revise at least every 15 years, a comprehensive conservation plan for each refuge or ecologically related complex of refuges in the System, except those in Alaska. Authorizes appropriations. Grants the Secretary emergency power to suspend any activity in any refuge in the National Wildlife Refuge System if such activity constitutes an imminent danger to the health and safety of any wildlife population, refuge, or to public health and safety.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1991
Pay Equity Technical Assistance Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to develop and implement a continuing program of information dissemination, research, and technical assistance to public and private entities with respect to correction of wage-setting practices, and reduction or elimination of wage disparities, to the extent that they are based on the sex, race, or national origin of the employee, rather than on the work performed and other appropriate factors.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1991
Management Corps Act of 1991 - Requires the President to designate a private nonprofit organization which has demonstrated expertise in providing assistance to business enterprises in the republics of the Soviet Union and the Baltic States through United States citizens with expertise in the management of business enterprises who voluntarily donate their time and services to such enterprises in those countries. Designates such organization as the Management Corps. Sets forth administrative provisions for such Corps. Provides for grants to the Corps to be made by the Secretary of State through the Agency for International Development. Requires the Corps to publish an annual report which shall be submitted to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 through 1995.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 1991
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should continue to support the full protection of the African elephant through an unqualified listing of all populations of the African elephant on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1991
Amends the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act to provide temporary extended railroad unemployment insurance benefits, to railroad employees who have less than ten years of service, for periods of high national unemployment of six percent or greater. Provides for such extended benefits for up to 13 weeks, through July 4, 1992. Sets forth transition and reachback provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1991
Condemns Syria's denial of Syrian Jews' right to travel freely and calls upon the Syrian Government to: (1) immediately grant Syrian Jews the right to travel freely without imposing a fee; and (2) release all Jewish prisoners who were charged or suspected of traveling illegally. Urges the President to encourage U.S. allies and trading partners to make similar pleas to the Syrian Government. Calls upon the United Nations to send an official delegation to Syria to investigate the present condition of Syrian Jews.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1991
Medicare Physician Payment Reform Implementation Act of 1991 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to increase the conversion factor for physicians' services for each of the years after 1993 through 1996 by one-fourth of the percentage by which the conversion factor may have been decreased due to an adjustment for asymmetry in 1992; (2) prohibit the Secretary, in determining the conversion factor for 1992, from assuming that changes in the volume and intensity of physician services in response to the implementation of the new payment system for such services would increase the estimated aggregate physician expenditures by more than one percent; (3) make any reduction to the conversion factor due to assumed volume and intensity changes equally applicable to the adjusted historical payment base; (4) permit separate payment to physicians for interpretation of electrocardiograms (EKGs) provided during office vists; (5) direct the Secretary to: (a) establish separate fee schedule amounts for the interpretation of EKGs; (b) adjust the relative values in the fee schedule for physician visits to reflect separate payments for EKG interpretation; (c) establish EKG practice guidelines for dissemination to physicians along with other educational information relating to EKG use; (d) develop a profile for EKG use by physicians; and (e) study EKG utilization and costs for a report to the Congress; and (6) make the new payment system for physicians nonapplicable to services furnished on or after January 1, 1992, by a physician who was in his or her first, second, or third year of practice in 1991 and to whom the payment rules under the new system did not apply in that year. Prohibits the Secretary from issuing final regulations before July 1, 1993, which change the methodology for determining: (1) the amount of time that may be billed for anesthesia services; and (2) the amount paid for drugs and biologicals furnished incident to physicians' services. Requires the Director of the Office of Technology Assessment to conduct a study and report to the Congress on whether payments for anesthesia services should be based on a particular unit of time according to the medical procedure with respect to which the service is furnished. Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct a study and report to the Congress with respect to payment for drugs and biologicals furnished incident to physicians' services and payment for multiple surgical procedures; and (2) provide for pilot projects for developing Medicare volume performance standards other than at the national level. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the pilot projects.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1991
Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from taking any action to recover amounts that were paid by the United States under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to the hospitals in Boston, Massachusetts, Baltimore, Maryland, and Seattle, Washington, that, during the period from October 1, 1986, to December 31, 1989, were deemed to be facilities of the uniformed services under the Military Construction Authorization Act, 1982, for items or services provided during that period.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1991
Breast Cancer Screening Safety Act of 1991 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require certification in order for a facility to perform or interpret mammograms, inspect equipment, perform needle localizations or other procedures using mammography equipment, or conduct quality assurance oversight related to mammography. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue and renew certificates for up to two years. Allows the Secretary to approve a private nonprofit organization to be an accreditation body which meets certain requirements, including inspecting facilities. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish standards for facilities to assure the safety and accuracy of mammography; (2) specify organizations eligible to certify individuals to perform radiological procedures; (3) specify boards eligible to certify individuals to interpret screening mammograms; (4) establish standards regarding the qualifications for individuals to interpret screening mammograms; and (5) specify boards eligible to certify individuals to inspect screening mammography equipment and oversee quality assurance practices. Directs the Secretary to conduct annual announced and unannounced inspections of certified facilities. Provides for: (1) intermediate sanctions for certain violations; (2) suspension, revocation, and limitation of certificates; and (3) injunctions. Requires fees for certificate issuance and renewal, and for inspections, sufficient to cover costs. Requires annual publication of a list of facilities convicted of fraud and abuse, false billings, or kickbacks, facilities that have had certificates revoked, suspended, or limited, and facilities that have been the subject of a sanction or other similar matters. Allows the Secretary to exempt facilities in a State or locality with more stringent requirements from compliance with this Act. Directs the Secretary to: (1) make grants for research on new methods of establishing a Mammography Registry; and (2) based on the research, establish the Registry. Authorizes grants to enhance the capacity of health personnel in the area of breast cancer mortality prevention. Allows grant funds to be used to establish a breast cancer mortality prevention regional training center and develop a training curriculum. Authorizes appropriations. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require that screening mammographies paid for under Medicare be performed by a facility: (1) certified under this Act; and (2) in compliance with specified provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1991
National Air and Space Museum Expansion Site Selection Act of 1991 - Establishes the National Air and Space Museum Expansion Site Advisory Panel to conduct a national competition for the evaluation of possible expansion sites for the National Air and Space Museum. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution to select the site after considering the recommendation of the Panel. Terminates the Panel 30 days after such selection. Requires the General Accounting Office to review and evaluate the selection by the Board of Regents and report to the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1991
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to design and strike a silver commemorative medal for members of the U.S. armed forces who serve in a combat zone in connection with the Persian Gulf conflict.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1991
National Park Service Concessions Policy Reform Act of 1991 - Repeals the Concessions Policy Act of 1965. Provides that such repeal shall not affect the validity of any contract entered into under such Act. Applies the provisions of this Act to such contract to the extent such provisions are inconsistent with the express terms and conditions of it. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to authorize, under specified conditions, private persons, corporations, or other entities to provide and operate such facilities and services in the National Park System. Requires a concessions contract to be awarded only through competitive bid procedures. Allows the Secretary to waive such procedures and award a temporary one in order to avoid interruption of services to the public at a park area. Establishes procedures with respect to processing such competitive bids. Prohibits the Secretary from granting a preferential right to a concessioner to: (1) provide new or additional services at a park area; or (2) renew concessions contracts under this Act. Sets forth a formula for determining franchise fees. Requires the Secretary to review and possibly to readjust the franchise fee at least every five years for concessions contracts with a duration in excess of seven years. Requires all franchise fees to be deposited in a special account in the Treasury for specified uses. Establishes a maximum: (1) ten-year duration for a concessions contract, with exceptions; and (2) two-year duration for a temporary one. Requires the approval of the Secretary before a concessions contract can be transferred, assigned, sold, or conveyed. Protects the possessory interest of concessioners: (1) who have commenced acquisition or construction of any structure on Federal land within a park area before the enactment of this Act, under certain circumstances; and (2) whose contract was entered into on or after the enactment of this Act, except that the actual value of such structure shall be that of the possessory interests as of the termination date of the previous concessions contract. Requires all concessions contracts entered into under this Act to make concessioners responsible for all utility costs incurred by them. Amends Federal law that authorizes the Secretary to provide utility services to concessioners on a reimbursement of appropriation basis. Places limitations on a concessioner's rates and charges to the public. Directs the Secretary to publish in the Federal Register regulations establishing standards and criteria for evaluating the performance of concessioners operating within park areas. Requires the Secretary to evaluate annually each concessioner operating under such contract to determine whether such concessioner has performed satisfactorily. Exempts contracts awarded by the Secretary under this Act from certain provisions of Federal law with respect to leasing of U.S. buildings and properties. Amends the Historical Sites, Buildings and Antiquities Act to repeal provisions authorizing the Secretary to grant concessioner contracts, leases, or permits without advertising and securing competitive bids.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1991
Designates December 4, 1991, as Hawaii Remembrance Day, to recognize contributions provided by Federal civilian employees during the attack on Pearl Harbor and during World War II.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1991
Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act of 1991 - Establishes an emergency unemployment compensation program. Allows any State to enter into and participate in an agreement with the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary) under which the State agency which administers the State unemployment compensation law will make payments of emergency unemployment compensation: (1) to individuals who have exhausted all rights to regular compensation under State law, have no rights to such regular compensation or any additional State or Federal compensation, and are not receiving Canadian compensation; and (2) for any week of unemployment beginning in the individual's eligibility period. Sets forth provisions relating to exhaustion of regular benefits and weekly amount of emergency benefits equal to regular benefits. Authorizes a State Governor, in a period of a seven or eight percent total unemployment rate in that State (as defined under this Act), to elect to trigger off an extended compensation period to provide emergency unemployment compensation to individuals who have exhausted their rights to regular compensation under State law. Requires a State, under such an agreement, to establish an emergency unemployment compensation account with respect to the benefit year of each eligible individual who files an application. Limits benefit payments to not more than the amount in the individual's account. Sets forth formulas for determining the amount in such account. Provides that the applicable limit in such account shall be equal to: (1) 20 for an eight-percent period, i.e. one triggered by a total unemployment rate (TUR) of eight percent or more in the State, seasonally adjusted, for the most recent six calendar months with available data; (2) 13 for a seven-percent period; (3) seven for a six-percent period; and (4) four for any other period. Sets forth special rules relating to such applicable limits. Requires reduction in such account by the amount of extended benefits received by the individual relating to the same benefit year under the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970. Sets the weekly benefit amount at the amount of regular compensation (including dependents' allowances) payable under the State law to the individual for such week for total unemployment. Provides for determination of periods and applicable triggers. Provides for a minimum period of at least 13 weeks. Provides, in general, that no emergency unemployment compensation shall be payable to any individual under this Act for any week beginning: (1) before the later of October 6, 1991, or the first week following the week in which an agreement under this Act is entered into; or (2) after July 4, 1992. Sets forth transition and reachback provisions for the eligibility of certain individuals for such benefits, as exceptions to such general rule. Provides for payments to States having such agreements for emergency unemployment compensation. Sets forth financing provisions. Requires that funds in the extended unemployment compensation account of the Unemployment Trust Fund be used to make payments to States having agreements under this Act. Sets forth provisions relating to fraud and overpayments. Defines the eligible period under this Act. Provides that in no event shall an individual's period of eligibility include any weeks after the 39th week after the end of the benefit year for which the individual exhausted rights to regular compensation or extended compensation. Amends specified Federal law to repeal certain limitations on payment of unemployment compensation to former members of the armed forces. Reduces the length of required active duty by reserves for purposes of such payment. Amends the Social Security Act to establish an Advisory Council on Unemployment Compensation. Directs the Secretary to establish such a council by February 1, 1992, and every fourth year thereafter. Requires each such council to evaluate the unemployment compensation program. Sets forth membership and staff provisions. Requires each council to report to the President and the Congress by Feburuary 1 of the second year following the year in which it is required to be established. Requires the first Council report to include findings and recommendations on determining eligibility for extended unemployment benefits on the basis of unemployment statistics for regions, States, or subdivisions of States. Designates as emergency requirements, pursuant to the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act), all direct spending amounts provided, and all appropriations authorized by this Act (for all fiscal years). Provides that this Act shall not take effect unless, by its enactment date, the President submits to the Congress a written designation of all such direct spending amounts and authorized appropriations as such emergency requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1991
Disability Determination Fairness Act - Amends titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) and XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate regulations which provide for the State Disability Determination Service to conduct personal appearance interviews of applicants with a mental, cardiovascular, or musculoskeletal disability who, on the basis of an initial examination, are subject to potentially unfavorable determinations of benefit eligibility. Grants an applicant who is denied benefits on the basis of such an interview an immediate right to appeal directly to an administrative law judge without going through the reconsideration stage.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1991
Establishes a Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States' Democratic Party (Commission) to coordinate ceremonial events and related activities during the calendar year of 1992. Directs the Commission to report on its activities to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate at the time of its termination on February 13, 1993.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1991
Urges the President to: (1) communicate to the leadership of the Government of the People's Republic of China the concern of the Congress and the American people for Wang Juntao and Chen Ziming and to call for their immediate release from prison; and (2) request the Secretary General of the United Nations (UN) to urge Beijing officials to provide quality medical care for them and for all political prisoners and to dispatch representatives of the UN Human Rights Commission to China to assess and report on the treatment of political prisoners and the condition of Chinese prisons.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1991
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Act - Establishes the National Fallen Firefighters' Foundation. Declares that the Foundation is: (1) a charitable and nonprofit corporation to be organized under the laws of the State of Maryland; and (2) not an agency or establishment of the United States. Provides that the Foundation is to: (1) primarily encourage, accept, and administer private gifts of property for the benefit of the National Fallen Firefighters' Memorial and its annual memorial service; (2) provide financial assistance to the families of firefighers who die in the line of duty; and (3) assist in the recognition of such firefighters. Sets forth provisions for establishment and membership of a Board of Directors of the Foundation. Makes the Administator of the U.S. Fire Administration of the Federal Emergency Management Agency an ex officio nonvoting member of the Board, who shall appoint Directors of the Board. Sets forth rights and obligations of the Foundation, including having its principal offices in the State of Maryland. Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) provide, and accept reimbursements for, personnel, facilities, and other administrative services to the Foundation; and (2) accept the services of the Foundation, the Board, and the Board's officers and employees as volunteers in performing functions authorized under this Act. Sets forth requirements relating to audits and annual reports. Provides for relief for certain Foundation acts or failures to act. Provides that the United States is not liable for any debts, defaults, acts, or omissions of the Foundation. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1991
Judicial Survivors' Annuities Improvements Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal judicial code to authorize judicial officials of the United States (officials) to elect to contribute one percent of their salary and 3.5 percent of their retirement salary (under current law, five percent of their salary) to the Judicial Survivors' Annuities Fund. Requires an official who is not entitled to receive an immediate retirement salary upon leaving office but who is eligible to receive a deferred retirement salary at a later date to file, within 90 days before leaving office, a written notification of intent to remain within the purview of provisions with respect to the Fund (which shall constitute consent to contribute the 3.5 percent of deferred retirement salary) or be deemed to have revoked the election to participate under such provisions. Provides for the refund of deposits into the Fund for officials who leave office and are ineligible to receive a retirement salary, or who leave office and are entitled to a deferred retirement salary but fail to make an election. Counts as creditable service those years during which an official had deductions withheld from his or her retirement salary. Revises the formula with respect to the computation of the annuity to take into account the number of years during which the official had deductions withheld from his or her retirement salary. Authorizes an official who ceases to be married after making the election, to revoke such election in writing by notifying the Director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. Provides a credit for prior contributions made to the Fund by officials at the higher rate. Puts officials, including judges of the U.S. Claims Court, the District Courts of Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, or the Virgin Islands, and bankruptcy judges and magistrate judges on a par with any other "justice or judge of the United States" (those covered under current law) with respect to eligibility for Government life insurance, termination of insurance, and conversion rights. Makes any member of a family who is a survivor of a justice or judge of the United States, a judge of the U.S. Claims Court, the District of Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, or the Virgin Islands, a bankruptcy judge, or a full-time magistrate judge, eligible for Government health insurance.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1991
National Flood Insurance, Mitigation, and Erosion Management Act of 1991 - Title I: Definitions - Defines specified terms under the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 and the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968. Title II: Compliance and Increased Participation - Amends the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 to prohibit the waiver of current mandatory flood purchase insurance requirements with respect to financial assistance for property in a flood hazard area. Expands flood insurance purchase requirements. Requires lenders to review outstanding loans to determine whether they are in compliance with mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements. Authorizes lenders to charge borrowers a fee for such service. Exempts lenders from such requirement who have a specified accuracy for flood hazard determinations for outstanding loans, or who have conducted satisfactory loan reviews, or have regularly provided for escrow of flood insurance premiums. Requires residential real estate lenders to establish flood insurance premium escrow accounts. Imposes a fine for lenders failing to require flood insurance or to give proper notice under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968. Requires the seller-transferor of a residential-secured loan in a flood hazard area to so notify the purchaser-transferee unless a flood hazard determination has been made within the previous five years. Revises flood insurance notice requirements. Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to require the development of a standard hazard determination form. Amends the Federal Financial Institutions Examinations Council Act of 1978 to direct the Financial Examinations Council to coordinate with Federal entities for lending regulation to develop uniform lender standards. Title III: Ratings and Incentives for Community Floodplain Management Programs - Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to provide for a community rating system and incentives for community floodplain management. Provides program funding. Title IV: Mitigation of Flood and Erosion Risks - Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 to establish an Office of Mitigation Assistance to carry out flood and coastal erosion mitigation activities under the Federal Insurance Administrator. Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to make mitigation assistance grants available to eligible States, communities, and individuals. Includes among eligible grant activities property elevation, relocation, flood-proofing, and acquisition. Prohibits assistance for activities within a designated erosion-prone area in a community that has not adopted specified land management measures. Authorizes mitigation activity technical assistance. Establishes in the Treasury the National Flood Mitigation Fund to be available for such mitigation assistance grants. Provides for an insurance premium mitigation surcharge to be paid into such Fund. Authorizes a mitigation transition pilot program to be carried out through the Office of Mitigation Assistance. Repeals (with a transition period) the current program for the purchase of certain insured properties. Establishes a program to reduce coastal erosion hazards. Makes: (1) assistance available only to specified structures; and (2) structure relocation or demolition eligible as erosion mitigation activities. Limits flood insurance payments and prohibits future insurance coverage for failure to relocate or demolish a structure. Authorizes specified annual amounts from the National Flood Insurance Fund for erosion mitigation assistance. Repeals (with transition periods) current provisions for claims for imminent collapse and subsidence through flood insurance claims. Sets forth erosion setback limitations on flood insurance availability and rates. Requires the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to conduct a riverine erosion study. Title V: Flood Insurance Task Force - Establishes a two-year interagency Flood Insurance Task Force which shall: (1) develop standardized flood insurance enforcement procedures and guidelines; and (2) conduct a study of the extent to which the secondary mortgage market can assist enforcement. Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to: (1) increase flood insurance coverage amounts for nonresidential, single family, and multifamily structures; (2) permit flood insurance private sector participation; and (3) require at least every five years an assessment (and revision if necessary) of flood insurance maps.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1991
James Madison - Bill of Rights Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue: (1) five-dollar and half-dollar coins emblematic of the Bill of Rights; and (2) one-dollar silver coins emblematic of James Madison. Sets forth guidelines for their sale and issuance, and for financial assurances. Mandates that the surcharges received by the Secretary be transmitted to the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Trust Fund. Authorizes audits by the Comptroller General. Provides a general waiver of procurement regulations when implementing this Act. Requires the Secretary to submit monthly financial status reports to certain congressional committees.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1991
Monetary Policy Reform Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal Reserve Act to establish the Federal Open Market Advisory Committee to advise the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System on the conduct of open-market operations.
![Official portrait of Sen. Sarbanes, Paul S. [D-MD]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000064_200.jpg)