United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1991
Authorizes the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution to acquire land for watershed protection at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center at Edgewater, Maryland. Authorizes appropriations to the Board to carry out such purposes for FY 1992 and succeeding fiscal years. Requires that such sums be matched equally with funds from non-Federal sources. Amends Federal law which authorizes the Board to plan, design, construct, and equip specified space in the National Museum of Natural History to provide that the appropriation authorized for such purpose: (1) is for FY 1991 and succeeding fiscal years; and (2) is to remain available until expended.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1991
Extends nondiscriminatory treatment (most-favored-nation treatment) to Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania upon conclusion of the Agreement on Trade Relations between the United States and the Soviet Union granting it most-favored-nation status.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1991
Recognizes and grants a Federal charter to the Military Order of the World Wars, a nonprofit corporation organized under the laws of the District of Columbia.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1991
Provides that if a Federal agency releases an employee from a position in the competitive service through a reduction in force (RIF) and, within two years, seeks to fill that position or a position in the same competitive area, it: (1) must offer such employee reemployment in such position before offering it to anyone else; (2) may not replace such employee with a contract or temporary employee; and (3) must offer positions to released employees on a seniority basis before offering the positions to anyone else. Requires an agency that seeks to establish a position in the excepted service within two years after a RIF to provide a written notification and justification to the Office of Personnel Management and the Congress which includes a list of all employees released under the RIF. Outlines similar protections to be afforded to released Senior Executive Service personnel.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1991
National Sea Grant College Program Authorization Act of 1991 - Amends the National Sea Grant College Program Act (Sea Grant Act) to authorize appropriations to carry out the Act. Repeals provisions of the Sea Grant Act authorizing grants and contracts for a sea grant strategic research plan. Amends the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (Aquatic Nuisance Act) to generally authorize appropriations for grants under the Sea Grant Act. (Currently, the provisions of the Aquatic Nuisance Act being amended here authorize appropriations only for grants for the sea grant research plan under the Sea Grant Act.)
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1991
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 receving Canadian compensation; and (2) for any week of unemployment beginning in the individual's eligibility period. Sets forth provisions relating to exhaustion of regular benefits and weekly amount of emergency benefits equal to regular benefits. Requires a State, under such an agreement, to establish an emergency unemployment compensation account with respect to the benefit year of each eligible individual who files an application. Limits benefit payments to not more than the amount in the individual's account. Sets forth formulas for determining the amount in such account. Provides that such amount shall be equal to the lesser of: (1) 100 percent of the total amount of regular compensation (including dependents' allowances) payable to the individual with respect to the most recent regular benefit year; or (2) the applicable limit times the average weekly benefit amount for the benefit year. Sets the applicable limit at: (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. Sets forth transition and reachback provisions for the eligibility of certain individuals for such benefits. 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. 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. Sets forth reachback provisions. Amends the Social Security Act to establish an Advisory Council on Unemployment Compensation. Directs the Secretary of Labor 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 January 1 of the second year following the year in which it is required to be established. Designates as emergency requirements, pursuant to the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, 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 · 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
Benjamin Franklin Memorial Fire Service Bill of Rights Act - Title I: Minting of Benjamin Franklin National Memorial Commemorative Coin - Benjamin Franklin National Memorial Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue: (1) five dollar gold coins emblematic of Benjamin Franklin's contributions to the advancement of science; (2) one dollar silver coins emblematic of Benjamin Franklin's contributions to the American Fire Service. Sets forth sale and issuance guidelines, including a general waiver of procurement regulations and surcharge distributions. Title II: Fire Service Bill of Rights - Fire Service Bill of Rights Act - Amends the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to set forth a fire service bill of rights, including the right of responding fire services to: (1) know the kind of danger presented by hazardous materials they face in emergency responses; and (2) be fully informed of infectious diseases their members face during the course of life safety activities. Declares that the bill of rights does not create any private right of action.
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 · 27 June 1991
United States Law and Business Training Program for Soviet Graduate Students Act - Directs the President, acting through the U.S. Information Agency, to provide scholarships for study at U.S. institutions of higher education, coupled with private and public internships, by nationals of the Soviet Union who have completed their undergraduate education and could not otherwise study in the United States. Provides that such scholarships shall be in the form of loans, with repayment to be forgiven: (1) entirely, upon the student's prompt return to the Soviet Union for a period at least one year longer than that of U.S. study; or (2) by one-half, if the student is granted asylum in or is admitted as a refugee to the United States. Sets forth scholarship program guidelines. Limits scholarship opportunities to fields that are critical to economic and political reforms in the Soviet Union, particularly business administration, economics, law, or public administration. Authorizes appropriations to the U.S. Information Agency for FY 1992 and 1993 to carry out this Act. Provides that any authority provided by this Act shall be effective only to the extent or in such amounts as are provided in advance in appropriations Acts.
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 · 25 June 1991
Shipbuilding and Repair Industry Free Trade Act of 1991 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to annually determine and publish the net shipbuilding and repair subsidy provided, directly and indirectly, to each major shipbuilding and repair company in foreign countries meeting certain requirements. Requires the information submitted to the Secretary in connection with the determinations to be treated as proprietary if it meets certain requirements of the Tariff Act of 1930. Requires each company to repay to its government the total value of the aggregate subsidy provided, plus interest. Directs the Secretary to: (1) require certification from both the company and the foreign government that the payments have occurred; and (2) if requested, verify the repayment. Directs the Secretary, if a company has not complied, to direct the Commandant of the Coast Guard to collect an annual assessment on each vessel constructed or repaired by the company. Sets the amount of the assessment at the amount of the net subsidy, adjusted by partial repayments and increased by any previous unpaid assessment. Prohibits a vessel from entering a U.S. port until the assessment is paid in full. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to provide for the judicial review of subsidy assessment determinations by the U.S. Court of International Trade.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1991
Employee Benefits Simplification and Expansion Act of 1991 - Title I: Nondiscrimination Provisions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to employee benefit plans. Redefines the term "highly compensated employee" for pension, profit sharing, and stock bonus plans, etc., purposes. Makes such employee one who is a five-percent owner or who has compensation from the employer in excess of $50,000. Provides a special rule where no employees are treated as highly compensated. Provides that the cost of living adjustment with respect to any calendar year is based on the increase in the applicable index as of the close of the calendar quarter ending September 30 of the preceding calendar year. Requires the rounding of such amounts to the nearest $1,000, except that elective deferrals and elective contributions to simplified employee pensions are to be rounded to the nearest $100. Allows an employer to determine an employee's compensation solely by reference to such employee's base pay. Provides that the minimum participation rule applies only to defined benefit pension plans. Requires such plans to benefit not less than 25 employees, or the greater of 40 percent of all employees or two employees (or if there is only one employee, such employee). Sets forth alternative methods of meeting nondiscrimination requirements for cash or deferred arrangements, including specified contribution and notice requirements. Sets forth alternative methods of satisfying the nondiscrimination test for matching contributions. Revises the method for distributing excess contributions to highly compensated employees. Title II: Distributions - Allows distributions from qualified pension plans to be rolled over tax-free to an individual retirement account or another qualified plan or annuity. Eliminates five-year forward averaging for lump-sum distributions from qualified plans. Requires certain tax-free distributions to be made in the form of a direct trustee-to-trustee transfer to an eligible individual retirement plan. Sets forth administrative requirements in making such distributions. Requires distributions to be made from qualified plans by April 1 of the calendar year following the later of: (1) the calendar year in which the employee attains age 70; or (2) the calendar year in which the employee retires. (Present law requires such distributions no later than April 1 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the employee attains age 70 1/2.) Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Revises the definition of a leased employee to include one whose services are performed under the control of a service recipient, instead of one whose services are historically performed by employees. Replaces the 59 1/2- and 70 1/2-year age requirement with 59- and 70-year age requirements for specified pension plans. Eliminates the special aggregation rules that apply to plans maintained by owner-employees that do not apply to other qualified plans. Makes the 150 percent current liability limitation on the deduction allowed for employer contributions to qualified pension plans inapplicable to multi-employer plans. Repeals the present law annual valuation requirement for such plans and applies the prior law requirement that valuations be performed at least every three years. Sets forth affiliation requirements for employers jointly maintaining a voluntary employees' beneficiary association. Provides that compensation, in the case of a governmental plan, includes any amount which is contributed by the employer pursuant to a salary reduction agreement and which is not includible in the gross income of an employee under cafeteria plans, cash or deferred arrangements, tax-exempt organization or public school annuities, State or local government plans, or deferred compensation plans of State and local governments and tax-exempt organizations. Makes the following limitations inapplicable to plans maintained by State and local governments and certain tax-exempt organizations: (1) excess benefit limitations; (2) compensation limitation on benefits; and (3) limitations on disability and survivor benefits. Allows government plan employers to revoke the grandfather election on the limitation to equal accrued benefits. Modifies provisions relating to simplified employee pensions. Increases the number of allowable participants for salary reduction arrangements from 25 to 100. Allows participation after one year of service (currently, three years of service is required). Repeals the requirement that at least 50 percent of eligible employees participate in a salary reduction arrangement. Eliminates certain requirements regarding contributions on behalf of disabled employees. Allows rural cooperative plans which include cash or deferred arrangements to make distributions to participants after attainment of age 59. Includes reports of pension and annuity payments in information returns and payee statements. Eliminates reports of designated distributions from the scope of the $25 per day penalty. Provides a $10 reporting threshold for designated distributions. Makes tax-exempt organizations eligible for cash or deferred arrangement pension plans.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1991
United States-China Act of 1991 - Prohibits the extension for a 12-month period beginning July 3, 1992, of nondiscriminatory treatment (most-favored-nation treatment) to China under the Trade Act of 1974, unless the President submits to the Congress a specified report stating that China has: (1) accounted for and released prisoners who have been detained and imprisoned as a result of the nonviolent expression of their political beliefs; (2) ceased exporting to the United States products manufactured by convict or forced labor; (3) ceased the supply of military arms to the Khmer Rouge; and (4) adhered to the Joint Declaration with the United Kingdom on Hong Kong. Requires such report to state whether China has made significant progress in: (1) engaging in high-level discussions on human rights issues; (2) preventing gross violations of such rights (including in Tibet); (3) terminating harassment of Chinese citizens in the United States; (4) ensuring access of international human rights monitoring groups to prisoners; (5) providing protection of U.S. intellectual property rights; (6) providing U.S. exporters access to Chinese markets by lowering tariffs, removing nontariff barriers, and increasing the purchase of U.S. goods and services; and (7) adopting a national policy consistent with specified missile, nuclear, and chemical and biological control agreements. Terminates most-favored-nation trade status for China unless the President certifies to the Congress that it has not transferred ballistic missiles or missile launchers for the M-9 or M-11 weapon systems to Syria, Iran, or Pakistan. Requires the President, if he determines such transfers to have occurrred, to: (1) notify the Congress; and (2) terminate most-favored-nation treatment for Chinese products.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1991
National Critical Technologies Act of 1991 - Title I: Federal Management of National Critical Technologies - Amends the National Science and Technology Policy, Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976 to direct the President, through the Federal Coordinating Council for Science, Engineering, and Technology, to develop and submit to the Congress, at least once every two years, a strategic road map, covering at least four years after the year in which it is issued, for each national critical technology. Specifies the required contents of each map, including: (1) assessing current U.S. strengths and weaknesses in developing and applying the covered technologies; (2) specifying goals and priorities in enhancing development or application; (3) increasing access to foreign technology; and (4) identifying feasible joint actions of Federal departments and agencies. Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to establish one or more critical technologies advisory committees to advise the Federal Coordinating Council for Science, Engineering, and Technology (Coordinating Council) and review each map. Requires that the Coordinating Council: (1) serve as the lead Federal agency for development of the maps and interagency coordination of map-related activities; (2) review the Federal budget prior to submission and submit review results to the Executive Office of the President. Title II: Federal Support for Development of Critical Technologies - Part A: Department of Defense - Directs the Secretary of Defense to enter into cooperative arrangements, each known as a Defense Dual-Use Technology Partnership, to encourage and provide for research and development of dual-use critical technologies identified in the annual defense critical technologies plan mandated by current law. Amends Federal law to authorize the Secretary of Defense, in carrying out advanced research projects through the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) or a military department (currently, through DARPA), to enter into cooperative agreements and other transactions with any entity. Allows the Secretary to authorize the Secretary of the military department concerned to enter into such transactions. Repeals provisions terminating, on a specified date, the Secretary's authority to enter into such agreements. Sets forth special rules for applying existing provisions (relating to payments by the Department of Defense of independent research development costs) to a specified portion of costs attributable to participation in critical technology research and development consortia meeting certain requirements. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the Partnership provisions. Part B: Other Departments and Agencies - Directs the Secretary of Commerce, through the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology acting under the Advanced Technology Program, to continue to support the activities of U.S. industry and joint ventures associated with applications of national critical technologies. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary of Energy to enter into cooperative arrangements, each known as a Department of Energy Critical Technology Partnership, for research and development of critical technologies selected by the Secretary, with each Partnership required to be composed of at least two eligible firms and at least one Department of Energy (DOE) laboratory. Allows other participants. Mandates similar Critical Technology Partnerships within the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Authorizes appropriations separately for DOE, NASA, and HHS. Part C: Administrative Provisions Relating to Critical Technology Partnerships - Requires that the participants in each Partnership designate a lead institution to direct Partnership activities. Requires: (1) non-Federal participants to contribute at least half of the total Partnership cost; and (2) Partnership selection to be made through a competitive process using specified criteria. Allows an agreement establishing a Partnership to include a requirement that a participant make payments to the department or agency establishing the Partnership. Protects trade secrets and information that is privileged or confidential. Part D: Additional Definitions - Sets forth definitions applicable to this title. Title III: Critical Technology Application Centers - Amends Federal law to direct the Secretary of Defense to conduct the Critical Technology Application Centers Assistance Program, to assist regional critical technology application centers. Requires a center to: (1) include eligible firms conducting business in the region; and (2) be sponsored by an agency connected in one of specified ways to State or local governments. Declares the purpose of a center to be to facilitate the use of national critical technologies for commercial purposes to enhance the development and economic sustainability of the capability of an industry of the region to compete internationally and, in the case of military applications, thereby to maintain industrial capabilities vital to national security. Allows center activities to include: (1) joint research and development; (2) proprietary research and development (limited to a specified percentage of center costs); and (3) sharing of information, equipment, personnel, and expertise. Authorizes the Secretary to provide to a center financial assistance (limited to 30 percent of costs) and technical assistance for up to six years. Prohibits financial assistance for construction. Requires the sponsoring agency to pay at least 30 percent and participating firms to pay at least 40 percent of center costs. Requires that non-Federal participants pay the total costs for proprietary research and development. Requires assistance to be awarded under a competitive process according to specified criteria. Directs the Secretary of Defense to appoint a panel to evaluate the activities of each center receiving financial assistance. Prohibits further assistance to a center if the panel determines that the center's activities are not consistent with center purposes as specified in this Act. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Defense and Commerce to carry out the Program. Title IV: Foreign Technology Monitoring and Assessment - Requires the Federal Coordinating Council for Science, Engineering, and Technology to: (1) coordinate Federal monitoring of foreign technology developments; (2) facilitate joint foreign science and technology monitoring and assessment efforts of Federal departments and agencies; and (3) establish strategic goals and priorities for the clearinghouses established by this title. Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to establish in the Office of the Under Secretary of Commerce for Technology the Clearinghouse of Foreign Commercial Technology Monitoring and Assessment (Commerce Clearinghouse) to serve as the lead Federal agency for the compilation and dissemination of unclassified information and assessments on foreign research, development, and application of commercial critical technologies. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a merit-based foreign critical technology monitoring and assessment grant program for the establishment of foreign critical technology monitoring and assessment offices in Europe and on the Pacific Rim Area. Limits support for an office to six years and 50 percent of operating and capital costs. Requires each office to disseminate its assessments to the Commerce Clearinghouse. Authorizes appropriations. Amends Federal law to declare that there is, in the Office of the Director of Defense Research and Engineering, the Clearinghouse of Foreign Defense Technology Monitoring and Assessment (Defense Clearinghouse). Includes among Defense Clearinghouse responsibilities: (1) creating unclassified and classified data bases; and (2) ensuring maximum public availability of information in those data bases through limiting restrictive classification and through disseminating information to the Commerce Clearinghouse. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes making available to the National Science Foundation, for support of the assessment of foreign capabilities in critical technologies, specified sums from the amounts authorized by this Act for the Commerce and Defense Clearinghouses.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1991
Unemployment Insurance Reform Act of 1991 - Title I: Optional Supplemental Unemployment Benefits Program - Allows States to enter into and participate in an agreement with the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary) to provide optional supplemental unemployment compensation under this Act in lieu of extended unemployment compensation under the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Act of 1970 (if the State has a State unemployment compensation law approved by the Secretary under which such extended compensation is payable). Allows a State to terminate such agreement upon 30 days written notice to the Secretary. States that supplemental benefits are for unemployed workers who have exhausted their basic 26 weeks of regular benefits in States experiencing specified elevated levels of employment. Provides for up to 26 weeks of such supplemental benefits for an eligible individual. Requires that the supplemental benefit period in a State last at least 26 weeks, but that no other such period shall begin until five weeks after the close of a prior such period. Bases the State "on" indicator or trigger for a week of such supplemental benefits on whether, for the most recent three calendar month period for which data are available, the seasonaly adjusted average rate of total unemployment (TUR) in the State equals or exceeds: (1) seven percent; and (2) 120 percent of the average of such rates for the corresponding three-month period ending in each of the preceding two calendar years. Establishes a special rule to declare there is a State "on" indicator if: (1) the State TUR for such period is at least six percent but less than seven percent; and (2) the national TUR for such period is seven percent or more. Declares there is a State "off" indicator for a week when the most recent three-month period does not satisfy such requirements. Sets forth a formula for determining the amount of any optional supplemental benefits account, with a variable limit based on the State's average unemployment rate. Provides for payments to States having agreements for the payment of optional supplemental compensation benefits. Authorizes appropriations to the extended unemployment compensation account in amounts necessary to carry out this Act. Sets forth sanctions for fraud and overpayments. Makes conforming amendments to the Social Security Act. Title II: Extended Unemployment Compensation Reform - Amends the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 to revise the State "on" and "off" indicators or triggers for a week. Declares that there is State "on" indicator for a week if there is: (1) a State TUR, for the most recent three-month period for which data are available, which is seven percent or more and which is 120 percent or more of average of certain earlier rates; or (2) a national TUR for the most recent such period of eight percent or more. Declares there is on "off" indicator for a week when such "on" requirements are met. Amends the Social Security Act to establish a contingency fund for costs of unemployment compensation administration during periods of high unemployment. Provides for an additional specified amount to be appropriated for every increase of 100,000 persons (with pro rata amounts for smaller increases above the first 100,000 increase) in the insured unemployment level above that assured in the President's budget proposal for that fiscal year. Designates such appropriations emergency direct spending and an emergency requirement in reports required under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Reduction Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act), as amended by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990. Repeals specified provisions of Federal law which limit ex-military service personnel's eligibility for regular unemployment benefits to the 13 weeks after a four-week waiting period (thus making such individuals eligible for such benefits on the same basis as other unemployed workers, that is, for 26 weeks after a one-week waiting period). Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to approval of State unemployment compensation laws to: (1) allow States (by making benefit denial discretionary rather than mandatory) to pay unemployment benefits to nonprofessional employees (i.e. support staff) of educational institutions between academic years or terms if they are otherwise eligible; and (2) require States to determine eligibility for compensation on an individual's work history, which includes such history for the most recent calendar quarter (setting specified deadlines for a State to meet such requirement).
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1991
Amends Federal law to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to increase the acreage limit from 16 to 112 for an administrative site on the Maryland mainland for the Assateague Island National Seashore in Maryland and Virginia.
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 · 3 June 1991
Family Planning Amendments of 1991 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require family planning projects under existing provisions to offer adoption referral services. Removes provisions authorizing a reduction in grant amounts by the value of supplies or equipment furnished. Authorizes appropriations for the projects. Repeals provisions authorizing formula grants to States for family planning services. Replaces provisions authorizing grants and contracts for training personnel to carry out the family planning projects with provisions authorizing grants and contracts for technical assistance, clinical training for personnel, training for educators and counselors, and training of other personnel to carry out the family planning projects and information and education programs. Authorizes appropriations. Allows grants and contracts for research on contraceptive development to be used: (1) for contraceptive evaluation; and (2) to improve the clinical management and direct delivery of family planning services. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct, and make grants and contracts for the conduct of: (1) applied research into the development of new or improved contraceptive devices, drugs, and methods; and (2) evaluations of the acceptance, convenience, safety, efficacy, and cost of contraceptive devices, drugs, and methods. Authorizes appropriations. Replaces provisions authorizing grants and contracts for developing and making available family planning and population growth information to all persons desiring such information with provisions authorizing grants or contracts to establish community-based information and education programs to assist individuals in making responsible choices concerning human sexuality, pregnancy, and parenthood, and to enable individuals to prevent unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct, or make grants and contracts for the conduct of, training and technical assistance activities to assist in carrying out the information and education programs; and (2) make grants and contracts for the development, evaluation, and dissemination of educational and informational materials. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to annually collect data on: (1) the numbers of low- and moderate-income individuals and adolescents at risk of unintended pregnancies; (2) the sources of funding for family planning services; and (3) the number of individuals who receive family planning services from grantees and contractees under certain provisions amended by this Act and the types of services chosen by those individuals. Authorizes grants and contracts for the collection of the data. Requires the data to be: (1) made public; and (2) included in an annual report to the Congress, mandated by current law, on family planning and population research. Requires that all grantees under the title of the Public Health Service Act relating to population research and family planning provide education to patients concerning self breast examinations. Requires that projects receiving assistance under such title offer pregnant women information and counseling concerning all legal and medical options regarding their pregnancies. Requires that women requesting such information be provided with nondirective counseling, and referral on request, concerning alternative courses of action, including: (1) prenatal care and delivery; (2) infant care, foster care, or adoption services; and (3) pregnancy termination.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1991
Authorizes the Peace Corps Volunteers Memorial Commission to establish a memorial on Federal land in the District of Columbia or its environs to honor service in the Peace Corps. Establishes the Peace Corps Volunteers Memorial Commission to provide for solicitation and acceptance of private contributions for the memorial and conduct such other activities necessary for its establishment. Terminates the Commission 30 days after the completion of the Memorial. Prohibits the use of Federal funds for the construction of the memorial, except for a fund hereby established in the Treasury for the sole purpose of carrying out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1991
National Advanced Technician Training Act - Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to carry out a national advanced technician training program of: (1) awarding competitive grants to accredited associate-degree-granting colleges which can provide competency-based technical training in designated advanced-technology occupational fields; and (2) establishing and maintaining a readily accessible inventory of advanced technician training programs. Requires the Director to appoint a National Advisory Council on Advanced Technician Training. Requires the Director and the Council to report annually on the national advanced technician training program. Requires program coordination with programs of the Department of Commerce and other relevant Federal agencies including the Departments of Labor, Education, and Defense. Requires such program to emphasize advanced technology training programs which: (1) include flexibility in scheduling to accommodate working people and parents; and (2) take steps to meet the adaptive and training needs of handicapped young people and adults. Requires the Director to designate ten centers of excellence among associate-degree-granting colleges, geographically distributed and competitively chosen, as follows: (1) five with exceptional programs of advanced technician training, to serve as national and regional technical education clearinghouses for other colleges; and (2) five that excel in undergraduate education in mathematics and science, to serve as national and regional mathematics and science education clearinghouses for both colleges and secondary schools. Requires the Director to make at least 20 competitive matching grants annually to associate-degree-granting colleges for partnerships in mathematics and science education with secondary schools in the community served by the college. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1991
Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Act - Establishes the Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Foundation (the Foundation), as an independent entity of the executive branch, to be located in Tucson, Arizona. Sets forth provisions for a Board of Trustees and an Executive Director of the Foundation. Provides that the Foundation, among its other specified purposes, is to establish, and assist in developing and implementing, a Program for Environmental Policy Research and Environmental Conflict Resolution at the Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy (the Center) at the University of Arizona. Authorizes the Foundation, in consultation with the Center, to identify and conduct appropriate programs, activities, and services to carry out its specified purposes, including increasing awareness of the importance of natural resources, public lands, and environment, identifying critical environmental issues, developing resources to train professionals in environmental and related fields, and providing educational outreach regarding environmental policy. Authorizes the Foundation to conduct a national competition and to award undergraduate scholarships, graduate and faculty fellowships, internships in governmental agencies or environmental organizations, and grants for individuals (Morris K. Udall Scholars) to study in fields related to the environment. Directs the Foundation to award grants to the Center for: (1) annual expert panel discussions; (2) research; and (3) sharing practical experiences of visiting policymakers. Directs the Foundation to provide assistance from the Fund established under this Act to the Center to maintain a repository, and assure public availability, for Morris K. Udall's papers and other appropriate public papers. Directs the Foundation to determine program priorities, but requires that certain minimum or maximum amounts be used for specified activities. Establishes the Morris K. Udall Scholarships and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Trust Fund, in the Treasury, to be administered by the Foundation. Provides for investment of Fund assets, and for Fund expenditures and audits. Sets forth administrative provisions for the Foundation. Authorizes appropriations to the Fund to carry out this Act.
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
Radiation Protection Act of 1991 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to require Federal agencies to comply with all Federal, State, and local requirements concerning the imposition of fees for the storage or disposal of low-level radioactive waste in the same manner as nongovernmental entities. Amends the Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act Amendments of 1985 to apply requirements concerning the disposal of Federal low-level radioactive waste at non-Federal facilities to the storage of such waste at such facilities. Declares that no Federal law may be construed to prohibit or otherwise restrict the authority of a State to regulate, on the basis of radiological hazard, the disposal of low-level radioactive waste designated a State responsibility for which the Nuclear Regulatory Commission does not require disposal in a low-level radioactive waste disposal facility licensed by the Commission or by an Agreement State. Provides that no Federal law may be construed to preclude or otherwise restrict the authority of any State to impose standards for the protection from radiological hazards more stringent than the Commission's for such disposal. Revokes certain policy statements of the Commission relating to radioactive waste below regulatory concern. Prohibits the Commission or the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from issuing policies exempting radioactive materials or practices from regulation unless there is advance notice of the proposed regulatory action in the Federal Register and the public is provided an opportunity to comment or to participate in an adjudicatory hearing.
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 · 21 May 1991
Expresses the sense of the Congress that Tibet is an occupied country under established principles of international law and that its true representatives are the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government in Exile.
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 · 16 May 1991
Broadcasting to China Act - Establishes a Commission on Broadcasting to the People's Republic of China to examine the feasibility, effect, and implications for U.S. foreign policy of instituting a radio broadcasting service to China to promote the dissemination of information and ideas.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1991
Support for Democracy, Human Rights, and Fair Trade in China Act of 1991 - Prohibits most-favored-nation treatment for Chinese products. Terminates such prohibition upon the President's certification to the Congress that China: (1) has ceased committing violations of internationally recognized human rights; (2) has ceased persecution of pro-democracy movement members; (3) permits unrestricted emigration; (4) has ceased religious persecution in China and Tibet; (5) has provided adequate protection of U.S. intellectual property rights, opened access to markets, increased purchases of U.S. goods and services, and has not attempted to hide the origin of goods manufactured in China; (6) has demonstrated its good faith participation in international efforts to control the proliferation of sophisticated military weapons and chemical, biological, and nuclear technologies; and (7) has ceased exporting products manufactured by forced or convict labor.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1991
Pledge of Allegiance Commemorative Coin Act - Establishes the Pledge of Allegiance Commemorative Coin Advisory Board to: (1) consult with the Secretary of the Treasury (the Secretary) regarding coin design; (2) oversee the expenditure of funds provided to the U.S. Capitol Historical Society for assisting its educational programs and providing non-operating improvements to the Capitol; and (3) establish rules and operating procedures to implement this Act. Directs the Secretary to issue five-dollar gold coins, one-dollar silver coins, and half dollar clad coins emblematic of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Declares a general waiver of public contract procurement regulations governing coin mintage under this Act. Mandates that surcharges be distributed equally between the Treasury and the U.S. Capitol Historical Society. Provides for audits by the Comptroller General. Requires that: (1) all amounts received from the sale of coins be deposited in the coinage profit fund; and (2) the Secretary take actions to ensure that coin mintage and issuance under this Act will not result in any net cost to the Federal Government.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1991
Title I: Federal Agency Energy Efficiency and Management - Government Energy Efficiency Act of 1991 - Requires the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to ensure reliable accounting of Federal building energy consumption costs. Requires the President's budget to identify each agency's requested amount for energy operating costs, energy conservation, and efficiency expenditures. Requires an audit survey by the President's Council on Efficiency and Integrity of agency energy use to determine compliance with energy management goals for Federal buildings set forth under the National Energy Conservation Policy Act. Requires a report to the Congress on survey results. Requires the General Services Administration (GSA) to hold regional workshops for State and local officials to coordinate energy management and conservation planning. Requires GSA to undertake a program to include energy efficient products on the Federal Supply schedule and the New Item Inventory Schedule. Establishes a GSA demonstration program to identify those products with significant energy-saving potential and encourage their use by Federal agencies. Requires GSA to determine the feasibility of labeling such products on the Supply and Inventory schedule. Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to authorize the deposit of amounts from rebates or other cash incentives related to energy savings into the Federal Buildings Fund. Authorizes the GSA Administrator, in the administration of any real property which the Administrator leases and pays utility costs for, to assign energy rebates to the lessor for purposes of installing energy conserving equipment. Permits the Administrator to obligate certain funds for energy management improvement and programs to promote source reduction and recycling. Requires agency programs for the training of Federal building managers in energy management according to prescribed guidelines. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary of Energy to establish a financial bonus program to reward outstanding building managers and others making outstanding contributions toward the reduction of building energy costs or use. Authorizes appropriations. Requires OMB and the Interagency Energy Management Task Force to submit to the Congress a report on agency attainment of energy management goals set forth under the National Energy Conservation Policy Act. Establishes Federal building energy consumption targets. Authorizes Federal agencies to participate in utility incentive programs. Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to require the Secretary to establish a demonstration program to install commercial energy efficiency technologies in Federal buildings. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technology Competitiveness Act of 1989 to revise the management plan required to conduct activities under that Act. Requires the Architect of the Capitol to undertake a study to determine the feasibility and costs of congressional office building compliance with all applicable Federal energy reduction requirements. Title II: Federal Alternative Vehicle Procurement and Management - Federal Alternative Vehicle Procurement and Management Act of 1991 - Requires the GSA Administrator to ensure that alternative fuel vehicles are procured for Federal agency use. Requires Federal agency refueling facilities for alternative fuel vehicles to serve the public unless national security considerations prevent public access. Requires the GSA Administrator to: (1) institute a program to promote and educate Federal agencies and employees on such vehicles; and (2) coordinate with State and local governments in the purchase, refueling, and maintenance of such vehicles. Provides for exempting the Department of Defense from this title for reasons of national security. Authorizes an incentive program for agencies to use such vehicles. Establishes an awards program for Federal employees who demonstrate a strong commitment, through the use of such vehicles, to a cleaner environment and energy secure country. Authorizes appropriations. Requires an annual GSA report to the Congress on its alternative fuel vehicle program. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this title.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1991
Flight Attendant Duty Time Act - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to initiate a rulemaking proceeding to establish limitations on duty time for flight attendants. Requires the Secretary to issue final regulations by a specified deadline. Prohibits any air carrier from operating an aircraft using a flight attendant who has been on duty in excess of specified hours or who has had less than a specified number of hours of rest if such regulations have not been promulgated by a certain time. Permits modification of the specified hours of duty if the Secretary determines such modification is in the public interest and submits a copy of the modifying regulations to certain congressional committees. Treats a duty period with both domestic and international flight segments as international flying for purposes of calculating duty and rest requirements if the majority of the flight time during such period is on an international or domestic segment.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1991
Horn of Africa Recovery and Food Security Act of 1991 - Sets forth U.S. policy with respect to the Horn of Africa (Ethiopia, Somalia, and Sudan). Requires the President to consult with other nations, armed and unarmed parties in the Horn of Africa, and the United Nations Secretary General to bring about negotiated settlements of the wars in the region. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) direct the U.S. representative to the United Nations to take specified steps with respect to peace and the implementation of an arms embargo in the region; (2) play an active role in other fora in pressing for settlements to such wars; and (3) participate in regional and international peace consultations. Sets forth U.S. policy with respect to the equitable distribution of relief and rehabilitation aid in the Horn of Africa. Declares that development assistance in the Horn of Africa should be targeted to aid the poor. States that U.S. Government aid institutions should seek to: (1) build upon the capabilities and experiences of organizations active in local grassroots relief, rehabilitation, and development efforts; (2) consult with such organizations and incorporate their views into the policymaking process; and (3) support the expansion of their activities without compromising their private nature. Declares that current legislative provisions that restrict assistance to Ethiopia, Somalia, and Sudan should be retained until concrete steps toward peace, democracy, and human rights are achieved. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize emergency assistance for relief and rehabilitation in the Horn of Africa. Makes available a percentage of assistance for management support activities of the Agency for International Development. Authorizes the President to transfer funds from unobligated economic support fund and military assistance to carry out this Act.
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