United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1990
Designates September 21, 1990, as National POW/MIA Recognition Day. Recognizes the National League of Families POW/MIA flag as the official symbol of the United States' commitment to resolving the fates of Americans still prisoner or missing in action in Southeast Asia.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1990
Authorizes and requests the President to call on the people to observe May 26, 1990, as the bicentennial of "An Act for the government of the territory of the United States, south of the river Ohio" (from which Tennessee was formed).
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1990
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should immediately call for a 1991 White House Conference on Aging and begin planning and implementing such a conference without delay.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1990
Lead Exposure Reduction Act of 1990 - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to prohibit the manufacturing, processing, or distribution in commerce of certain products containing more than a specified percentage of lead. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to modify the allowable lead percentage for such products under certain conditions. Prohibits the manufacture, import, or distribution in commerce of food cans containing more than .1 percent lead by dry weight. Prohibits the sale of leaded gasoline at a price lower than that of unleaded gasoline sold at the same establishment. Directs persons manufacturing, processing, or importing any product containing more than .1 percent lead by dry weight to submit specified information to the Administrator. Requires the Administrator to publish a compilation of such information. Directs owners and operators of primary and secondary lead smelters or refiners and of battery manufacturing facilities to report to the Administrator on lead emissions from their facilities. Requires such facilities to be equipped with emissions monitoring devices meeting the Administrator's requirements. Directs manufacturers or importers of products containing more than .1 percent lead by dry weight to indicate the percentage of lead on such products' labels. Provides for interim labeling requirements until the Administrator promulgates labeling regulations. Prohibits the processing or manufacturing of products with lead contents exceeding .1 percent unless the product is listed in the Administrator's compilation of information or: (1) the manufacturer or processor has submitted a specified notice to the Administrator prior to such manufacturing or processing; (2) such person complies with certain test data requirements; and (3) the Administrator has determined that the product is not likely to contribute to the dispersion of lead in the environment and no comparable product is available in commerce. Prohibits: (1) the placement into landfills and incineration of lead-acid batteries; and (2) the disposal of such batteries other than by recycling in accordance with this Act. Requires persons to dispose of batteries by delivery to: (1) battery retailers or wholesalers; (2) permitted secondary lead smelters; or (3) permitted collection or recycling facilities. Sets forth specified delivery and disposal requirements for battery retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers. Directs battery retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers to accept from customers used batteries of the same type as the batteries sold. Requires battery wholesalers who sell to retailers to provide for removal of batteries from the retailers' place of business. Directs battery retailers to post notices in public areas of retail establishments that: (1) state that it is illegal to throw away motor vehicle or lead-acid batteries and that Federal law requires an exchange of used batteries for new batteries; and (2) encourage recycling of used batteries. Prohibits the sale of any lead-acid battery unless the battery bears a label containing such language. Permits the Administrator to inspect any establishment and to issue warnings and citations for noncompliance. Prescribes civil and criminal penalties for violations of lead-acid battery provisions. Directs the Administrator to undertake a program to promote monitoring, detection, and abatement of lead-based paint and other lead exposure hazards. Requires the Administrator to establish: (1) standards for laboratory analysis of lead in blood and in paint films, soil, and dust; and (2) certification programs to assure the quality and consistency of such analyses, unless voluntary accreditation programs are operating nationwide. Requires the Administrator to develop minimum core curricula for technical training courses for lead-based paint abatement workers, supervisors, designers, inspectors, and building owners. Provides that such courses shall address factors associated with lead testing and abatement in various types of housing units. Directs the Administrator to evaluate such programs and to encourage State certification programs or the development of national proficiency tests. Requires the Administrator to evaluate and develop standards and testing protocols for emerging products and techniques for detecting lead in paint films and dust. Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress on the efficacy and effectiveness of various abatement and management techniques in reducing lead dust levels. Requires the Administrator to establish a program and develop standards for the evaluation of products and procedures for encapsulating or removing lead-based paint. Directs the Administrator to publish a list of products and procedures that meet performance standards. Requires the Administrator to issue guidelines for the management of lead-based paint debris. Prohibits the funding of travel of EPA employees outside the United States unless such guidelines are issued. Requires the Administrator to undertake a research project on lead exposure in children who have elevated blood lead levels or other indicators of elevated lead body burden. Requires the Administrator to sponsor public education and outreach activities to increase awareness of the scope and severity of lead poisoning from household sources and the need for abatement and management action. Directs the Administrator to issue guidelines concerning the levels for lead in soil at which appropriate action must be taken. Directs the Administrator to appoint a Coordinator for Lead Activities. Requires the Administrator to award grants to institutions of higher education for purposes of establishing Centers for the Prevention of Lead Poisoning. Limits the Federal share of Center operation costs. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control, to: (1) encourage State public health officials to report blood-lead measurements to the Director; and (2) report to the Congress on the status of such reporting and the feasibility and desirability of instituting a national requirement for mandatory pre-school blood-lead screening. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary, acting through the Director, to establish a blood-lead laboratory reference project to assist State and local governments in establishing and improving the quality of laboratory measurements performed for childhood lead poisoning prevention programs. Amends the Clean Air Act to set forth a specific revised national ambient air quality standard for lead if the Administrator fails to promulgate such standard. Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to set forth a specific revised national primary drinking water regulation for lead and require quarterly monitoring of lead at end users' taps if the Administrator fails to promulgate such regulation. Requires the Administrator of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry to update a report submitted pursuant to the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 to include information on childhood lead poisoning. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1990
Medigap Simplification Act of 1990 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require that Medicare supplemental policy issuers: (1) cover a core group of basic benefits and, if they offer other benefits, issue a policy covering only such basic benefits; and (2) provide prospective purchasers of a policy with a summary information sheet describing policy benefits and the amount of any premiums attributable to optional benefits. Requires the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) or, upon the NAIC's default, the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate simplification standards which set the core group of basic benefits policies must provide, limit the additional benefit packages that may be provided, and establish a uniform language and format to be used with respect to policy benefits. Prohibits the sale of policies which do not meet such standards, though permits approved waivers of such standards to test new or innovative benefits. Directs the NAIC to educate Medicare beneficiaries on the simplification standards. Prohibits a policy issuer from selling a policy without: (1) obtaining a written statement of the buyer indicating any Medicare supplemental policies or Medicaid (title XIX of the Social Security Act) coverage the buyer may have; and (2) notifying the buyer of the possibility and effect of his or her coverage under the Medicaid program and the address and telephone number of any State Medicare supplemental policy counseling program and the State Medicaid office. Prohibits the issuer from selling a policy to a person who indicates that he or she is eligible for Medicaid coverage which would duplicate coverage under such policy. Penalizes individuals who sell a policy in violation of such requirements. Directs the Administrator of the Health Care Financing Administration to conduct a study and report to the Congress on the use of Medicare supplemental policies by individuals who are entitled to Medicaid benefits. Authorizes appropriations for a grant program to assist States in establishing toll-free consumer hotlines providing information on Medicare supplemental policies issued in States and Medicare and Medicaid benefits available to Medicare-eligible individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1990
Extends the congratulations of the Congress to the National Federation of the Blind on the occasion of its 50th anniversary, November 16, 1990, and notes with appreciation the significant contributions made by it in improving the quality of life, the public image, and increasing public understanding of the blind.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1990
Reclassifies administrative law judge positions currently classified at the GS-15 level at the GS-16 level of the General Schedule. Declares that the conversion and initial basic pay rate adjustment of such positions and employees to a GS-16 under this Act shall not be considered to be transfers or promotions.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1990
Medicare Physician Regulation Relief Amendments of 1990 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require carriers and peer review organizations to release the medical review screen or the associated screening parameter to a physician before notifying such physician that payment for his or her service has been denied. Permits Medicare reimbursement of a patient's regular physician for services provided to such patient by another physician who occasionally covers for the regular physician. Requires Medicare carriers to provide physicians, upon request and without charge, with carrier-generated information which physicians need to submit a payment claim or respond to a carrier inquiry. Allows a medical society or other professional organization representing physicians to represent a group or class of physicians in Medicare payment determinations, reconsiderations, or appeals. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to appoint, based on nominations submitted by national medical organizations representing physicians, a Practicing Physicians Advisory Council with which the Secretary must consult concerning changes in the Medicare program and proposed changes in regulations and carrier operation policies.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1990
Authorizes the appointment of chiropractors as commissioned officers in the Army, Navy, or Air Force Medical Service Corps. Provides special pay to chiropractic officers on active duty for not less than one year. Increases such special pay with service. Authorizes the payment of additional special pay for any 12-month period during which such an officer is not undergoing chiropractic internship training, with appropriate increases for years of service. Requires such an officer, to receive such additional special pay, to execute a written agreement to remain on duty for no less than one year. Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to terminate the payment of such additional special pay at any time, with an appropriate refund required from the officer concerned for any period paid but unserved. Requires an officer who voluntarily terminates service for a period for which a special payment was made to refund the proper amount to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1990
Designates June 25, 1990, as Korean War Remembrance Day. Authorizes and requests the President to urge that the American flag be flown at half staff on such day in honor of the Americans who died as a result of their service in the Korean War.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1990
Congressional Commitment to Long-Term Care Concurrent Resolution - Expresses the sense of the Congress that payments to long-term care providers under titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act be sufficient to maintain the highest quality of patient care in nursing homes.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1990
Directs the Secretary of the Army to convey a parcel of land at the Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, to the Solid Waste Disposal Authority of the city of Huntsville, Alabama.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1990
Federal Food Effort for the Elderly and Disabled Act of 1990 - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to exclude Medicare payments from income for purposes of food stamp eligibility. Provides for food stamp issuance by mail in designated rural areas. Amends the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 to: (1) extend through FY 1995 authority for surplus agricultural reprocessing (into food products) agreements with private companies; and (2) make nutrition programs under the Older Americans Act of 1965 eligible for such processed commodities. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to examine the effectiveness of the program of permitting simplified food stamp applications to be made at Social Security Administration offices.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1990
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits the Supreme Court or any inferior court of the United States from ordering a State or political subdivision, or an official of such State or subdivision, from laying or increasing taxes.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1990
Designates the week of July 22 to 28, 1990, as National Week of Recognition and Remembrance for Those Who Served in the Korean War. Authorizes and requests the President to urge that the American flag be flown at half staff on July 27, 1990, in honor of those Americans who died as a result of their service in Korea.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1990
Solar and Geothermal Power Production Incentives Act of 1990 - Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA) to remove the size limitations placed upon solar and geothermal facilities eligible for PURPA regulatory benefits. Amends the Federal Power Act to direct the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to promulgate proposed modifications to its regulations to implement this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1990
Textile, Apparel, and Footwear Trade Act of 1990 - Limits the 1990 imports of textiles and textile products classified under a category to an amount equal to 101 percent of the total 1989 imports classified under such category. Limits the 1990 imports of nonrubber footwear classified under a nonrubber footwear category to an amount equal to: (1) the total 1989 imports of nonrubber footwear classified under such category; and (2) in the case of high priced nonrubber footwear, the total 1989 imports of high priced nonrubber footwear classified under such category. Provides for a one-percent annual growth in the amount of permitted imports of textiles and textile products after 1990. Exempts from the limitations imposed under this Act imports of textiles and textile products from U.S. possessions if such articles are exempt from duty under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States and are manufactured by U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents of such a possession. Limits the imports of certain sweaters made in Guam to a specified amount during FY 1990 and to such amount increased by one percent per year in subsequent years. Declares that such limitations shall not apply to Canada or Israel. Sets forth limitations on the amount of textile and textile products classified under certain import categories which may be imported from beneficiary countries under the Caribbean Basin Initiative. Authorizes the President to: (1) enter into trade agreements to grant new concessions as compensation to the extent required under U.S. trade agreements for the import limits imposed by this Act; and (2) proclaim such modification or continuance of any existing duty on textiles and textile products and on nonrubber footwear as necessary to carry out such agreements. Prohibits the President from reducing any rate of duty by more than ten percent. Requires the President, before entering into such trade agreements, to consider whether a country has violated trade concessions of benefit to the United States and the violation has not been adequately offset. Sets forth requirements governing staged rate reductions in the tariffs of articles affected by this Act. Prohibits the President, except as authorized by this Act, from entering into trade negotiations with any country with respect to duties on textiles, textile products, and nonrubber footwear. Prohibits the President, except as provided in this Act, from decreasing or proposing a decrease in any such duty by any means, including an implementing bill or a proclamation. Requires the President to report annually to the Congress on the administration of this Act. Requires the Secretary of Commerce, ten years after enactment of this Act, to study and report to the Congress on its operation. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a pilot program for the issuance and sale to U.S. companies at public auction of import licenses applicable to categories of textiles. Terminates such licensing program on December 31, 1991, and requires a report to the Congress on its administration.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1990
Yosemite National Park Centennial Medal Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell medals in commemoration of the centennial of Yosemite National Park, California, in 1990. Requires that all sales of such medals include a surcharge of $2 each. Requires that all surcharges be paid to an endowment fund for the benefit of the Park to be administered by the National Park Foundation. Requires that the net income from the fund be paid to the Secretary of the Interior to fund special supplemental projects relating to back country trail development and rehabilitation and the preservation of Sequoia groves within the boundaries of the Park. Requires the Secretaries to enter into a memorandum of agreement to allow: (1) the Secretary of the Treasury to deliver medals to the Secretary of the Interior; and (2) the Secretary of the Interior to provide for the sale of the medals in National Park facilities. Grants the Comptroller General the right to examine all records of the National Park Foundation which are related to such medals.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1990
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the ten percent penalty tax on early distributions from qualified retirement plans any distribution made to Federal law enforcement officers and firefighters, if retirement occurs after age 50.
![Official portrait of Sen. Shelby, Richard C. [R-AL]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000320_200.jpg)