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201 records in US in 1991

Records

Bill· HRH.R. 2596 (102nd)referred

To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to define light butter.

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1991

Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to define "light butter" as being a product with the same appearance as butter, made from pasteurized milk or cream, with 35 to 40 percent milk fat, and meeting other requirements.

Bill· SS. 1251 (102nd)referred

Disaster Assistance Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1991

Disaster Assistance Act of 1991 - Title I: Emergency Livestock Assistance - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to prohibit a person from receiving emergency feed assistance under this title and disaster assistance for the same 1991 weather damaged crops. Subjects eligible recipients to specified combined payments and benefits limitations. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to implement an emergency forage program to reseed 1991 weather damaged forage crops. Limits: (1) Federal cost-sharing to 50 percent; and (2) individual payments to $3,500. Funds such program through the Commodity Credit Corporation (with a $50,000,000 limit). Title II: Emergency Crop Loss Assistance - Subtitle A: Annual Crops - Directs the Secretary to make 1991 disaster payments to producers of wheat, feed grains, upland cotton, extra long staple cotton, rice, peanuts, sugar, tobacco, oilseeds, and other nonprogram crops. Extends crop quality reduction disaster assistance through the 1991 crop year. Reduces disaster assistance payments in relation to Federal crop insurance payments. Requires producers to obtain Federal crop insurance for 1992 in order to be eligible for disaster payments and other specified assistance for 1991 crop losses. Sets forth exempted circumstances. Requires the Secretary to announce within a specified time the conditions for establishing a 1990 farm yield for forage-use-crops. Limits assistance under this subtitle to $100,000. Prohibits double payments on replanted acreage. Authorizes: (1) the substitution of crop insurance program yields for 1991 disaster assistance eligibility purposes; and (2) the Secretary to determine a de minimis yield for each crop eligible for reduced yield disaster payments. Subtitle B: Administrative Provisions - Makes a person with qualifying annual gross income (as defined by this Act) in excess of $2,000,000 ineligible for assistance under this title. Places a specified pro rata cap on 1991 wheat, feed grain, upland cotton, extra long staple cotton, and rice deficiency payments if corn planted in 1991 exceeds a specified acreage. Subtitle C: Sense of Congress - Expresses the sense of the Congress regarding disaster payments' purposes of preserving farm livelihoods and the financial health of rural communities. Title III: Other Emergency Provisions - Directs the Secretary to provide loan guarantees through the Rural Development Insurance Fund to rural businesses (including Indian tribes) who have suffered 1991 disaster damage. Limits: (1) individual gurantees to 90 cents of $500,000; and (2) aggregate guarantees to $200,000,000.

Bill· HRH.R. 2566 (102nd)referred

Federal Aid Surface Transportation Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1991

Federal Aid Surface Transportation Act of 1991 - Title I: Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1991 - Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1991 - Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Account of the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) for: (1) the National Highway and Bridge System; (2) the Urban and Rural Highway and Bridge Program; (3) emergency relief; (4) the Federal Lands Highway Program; (5) the University Transportation Centers Program; (6) the Right-of-Way Revolving Fund; and (7) the Territorial Highway Program. Specifies that unobligated balances of funds apportioned or allocated to a State under Federal highway provisions before October 1, 1991, shall be available for obligation in such State under the law, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to the obligation and expenditure of those funds in effect on September 30, 1991. Repeals the FY 1993 authorization under the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956. Authorizes appropriations for Interstate construction to complete the Interstate System out of the Highway Account of the HTF for each of FY 1992 through 1995. Provides for certain allocations for Massachusetts for such fiscal years. Sets forth a formula for the apportionment of authorized funds for such fiscal years among the States. Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Account of the HTF for highway projects for the Interstate Substitution Program. Sets forth provisions with respect to obligation ceilings for Federal-aid highway programs, distribution of and limitations on obligation authority, and redistribution of unused obligation authority. Declares that national resources should be focused upon preserving the nation's investment in its Interstate systems, that broad national defense, economic, safety, and international policy goals are advanced by efficient transportation systems, that national transportation investments should increasingly encourage domestic and international commerce and trade, and that, based on congressionally established national transportation policy and objectives, a new Federal high priority highway network should be designated. Establishes the National Highway and Bridge System, to consist of all currently designated Interstate highways, an appropriate portion of the rural and urban principal arterial routes, including toll facilities, and national defense highways, and routes which meet specified criteria (including nationally significant truck routes, routes that provide nationally significant commodities with access to markets, access points to significant national parks, facilities that will provide logical connection between major population centers and the National Highway and Bridge System, and major urban corridors). Specifies that the National Highway System shall be based on a functional reclassification of roads and streets in each State which shall be designated not later than September 30, 1993, in accordance with guidelines issued by the Secretary of Transportation, and that the Secretary may add segments to the National Highway System as necessary to meet National Highway Program objectives. Directs the Secretary to establish criteria for reviewing projects to be funded as part of the National Highway and Bridge System which: (1) define eligible projects to include rehabilitation, resurfacing, restoration, capacity expansion, operational improvement, safety, and new highway construction; (2) ensure as a first priority for the use of available funds the protection of investments made in the Interstate highways in each State and the provision of suitable traveling quality by such highways; (3) permit funding in urbanized areas to be used to improve highway and transit systems, where it can be shown that the improvement will increase the level of service within the corridor of the National Highway and Bridge System; and (4) permit the use of such funds for intercity rail projects and projects for access to ports, airports, and related facilities. Sets forth additional provisions with respect to the discharge of responsibilities by the Secretary for National Highway and Bridge System projects. Directs the Secretary to establish an Urban and Rural Highway and Bridge Program to provide a category of funds that minimizes Federal requirements and provides flexibility in the use of available funds for either highway or transit projects. Specifies: (1) that the Urban and Rural Highway and Bridge Program shall consist of all public highways (including bridges) functionally classified as arterials, urban collectors, and rural collectors other than those designated as part of the National Highway and Bridge System; (2) that each State shall establish guidelines for implementing this program; and (3) eligible highways and projects. Sets forth provisions with respect to the obligation of funds, and the Federal share of projects, for the construction of toll roads, bridges, tunnels, and ferries. Requires the Secretary, in each fiscal year, to allocate among the States amounts sufficient to ensure that: (1) the total of apportionments and minimum allocation for each State in each such fiscal year shall not be less than 90 percent (currently, 85 percent) of the percentage of estimated tax payments into the Highway Account of the HTF attributable to highway users in the State of total apportionments in each such fiscal year and allocations for the prior year; and (2) each State's total apportionment from the Highway Account of the HTF for the year is not less than that made during FY 1991 (excluding any Interstate construction funds in excess of FY 1992 one-half percent minimum, Interstate substitution, and amounts for demonstration or discretionary funding programs or projects). Directs the Secretary to cooperate with State and local officials in urbanized areas in the development of transportation plans and programs which are formulated with due consideration to comprehensive long-range land use plans, development objectives, innovative financing mechanisms, overall social, economic, environmental, and system performance, energy conservation goals and objectives and with due consideration to their probable effect on the future development of the area. Specifies that the transportation planning process, at a minimum, shall cover the existing urbanized area and the area expected to become urbanized within the forecast period, and that it may encompass the entire Metropolitan Statistical Area/Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Area at the discretion of the Governor and the affected units of local government. Requires that transportation plans and programs in urbanized areas of more than 200,000 population be based on a continuing transportation planning process which: (1) is carried out by a metropolitan planning organization and is comprehensive to the degree appropriate based on the complexity of transportation problems in the area, including transportation-related air quality problems; and (2) considers all modes of transportation, including intermodal connectivity, the balance between future development and transportation needs, and an areawide multimodal congestion management system. Specifies that in nonattainment areas for transportation-related pollutants the multimodal congestion management system shall address air quality considerations and be coordinated with the process for development of the transportation element of the State Implementation Plan required by the Clean Air Act. Requires that the costs and impacts of proposed action on both mobility and air quality be evaluated. Bars the Secretary from approving any highway project in urbanized areas of more than 200,000 population that by reconstruction or new construction significantly increases the vehicle carrying capacity of a transportation corridor unless the project is consistent with the congestion management system. Directs the metropolitan planning organization to cooperate with the State in the development of a congestion management, bridge management, pavement management, safety management, and traffic monitoring system. Requires that: (1) a metropolitan planning organization be designated in each urbanized area by agreement among the units of general purpose local government and the Governor to carry out such transportation planning process; (2) such organization develop a transportation improvement program that includes all projects proposed for funding within the study area under the National Highway and Bridge Program, the Urban and Rural Highway and Bridge Program, and the Bridge Program; and (3) in urbanized areas of 200,000 population or less, such organization, the State, and transit operators, at a minimum, meet the requirements of this Act by the development of such a transportation improvement program (including consideration of transportation-related air quality problems.) Requires the Federal highway research program to include coordinated long-term programs of research: (1) on Intelligent Vehicle Highway Systems; and (2) for the development, use, and dissemination of performance indicators to measure the performance of the surface transportation system. Requires such program to continue those portions of the Strategic Highway Research Program that the Secretary deems important. Directs the Secretary to create and administer the Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship Program, a program to attract qualified students to the field of transportation engineering and research. Provides for the funding of such program. Directs the Secretary to cooperate with the States in carrying out: (1) statewide transportation planning; and (2) State highway research. Sets forth provisions regarding State matching fund requirements and waiver of such requirements. Directs the Secretary: (1) in the Secretary's reports regarding future highway needs of the nation, to report as well on the condition and performance of the existing system and on the bridge needs of the nation; and (2) beginning with the report due in January 1995, to include the results of studies of the air quality impacts of transportation programs including the air quality benefits realized from transportation control measures required under the Clear Air Act. Establishes within the Department of Transportation a Bureau of Transportation Statistics, which shall pursue a comprehensive, long-term program for the collection and analysis of data relating to the performance of the national transportation system. Requires the Director of such Bureau to: (1) produce annually unbiased and comparable estimates of factors including productivity in the various portions of the transportation sector, traffic flow, travel times, travel costs of intracity commuting and intercity trips, frequency of vehicle and transportation facility repairs, accidents, and collateral damage to the human and natural environment; and (2) submit reports beginning on October 1, 1992, and every 12 months thereafter, to specified congressional committees describing the status of the U.S. transportation system. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) undertake, on a cost-shared basis, collaborative research and development with non-Federal entities, including State, local, and foreign governments; and (2) enter into cooperative research and development agreements, except that the average Federal share in such agreements shall not exceed 50 percent (but allows the Secretary to approve a higher Federal level of participation where there is substantial public interest or benefit). Authorizes the Secretary to withhold project approvals on National Highway and Bridge Program projects for failure of a State to have a bridge management, pavement management, safety management, and congestion management system. Requires each State to have a traffic monitoring system to provide statistically-based traffic data. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) acquisition of rights-of-way; (2) private, State, and local donations; (3) access to rights-of-way to accommodate needed passenger or commuter rail, high speed ground transportation systems (including magnetic levitation systems), and highway and nonhighway public mass transit facilities; and (4) the definition and scope of the Interstate System. Declares that: (1) the nation must redirect its efforts toward moving people, information, and goods rather than moving vehicles; (2) the new Federal program shall refocus national policies to respond to increasing inter-regional travel, relieving urban congestion, improving rural access, fostering intermodalism, enhancing air quality, conserving energy, and giving priority to projects that offer the best solutions to the transportation problems and environmental considerations of each region; and (3) the essential element for an effective future program is a new Federal, State, and local partnership that provides more funding, greater program flexibility, and greater program management and resource contribution responsibilities at the State and local levels. Sets forth provisions with respect to the apportionment of funds, including apportionment formulas under the: (1) National Highway and Bridge Program, based on the State's rural and urban lane miles, rural vehicle miles traveled, and diesel fuel consumption; and (2) Urban and Rural Highway and Bridge Program, in the ratio of tax payments of the Highway Account of the HTF attributable to the highway users of each State. Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) project agreements and obligations of funds; (2) availability of funds; (3) the Federal share payable with respect to certain projects; (4) project litigation expenses; and (5) the allocation and administration of Federal lands highways funds, and the establishment of a coordinated Federal Lands Highways Program. Authorizes (subject to specified limitations): (1) States to use Federal highway funds to construct improved lanes, paths, or shoulders, traffic control devices, shelters, and parking facilities for bicycles and pedestrians, and carry out nonconstruction projects related to safe bicycle and pedestrian use; (2) the Secretary, where a highway bridge deck being replaced or rehabilitated with Federal financial participation is located on a highway on which bicycles or pedestrians are permitted to operate at each end of the bridge and the Secretary determines that the safe accommodation of bicycles or pedestrians can be provided at reasonable cost, to replace or rehabilitate such bridge, making such accommodations; (3) Federal lands highways funds to be used for the construction of pedestrian walkways and bicycle routes; and (4) a State to expend Urban and Rural Highway and Bridge Program funds for such construction. Provides for: (1) a functional reclassification of all public roads; (2) the transfer of funds for transit projects to, for administration by, the Urban Mass Transportation Administration; and (3) a recodification of Federal highway-related provisions. Requires that construction standards adopted for the National Highway and Bridge System be those approved by the Secretary in cooperation with the State highway departments and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (currently, with respect to construction standards for the Interstate System, cooperation with such Association is not required). Directs the Secretary to issue guidelines for minimizing soil erosion from highway construction. Bars the Secretary from approving projects that will result in the severance or destruction of an existing major route for nonmotorized transportation traffic and light motorcycles, unless the project provides a reasonable alternative route or an alternative route exists. Requires: (1) projects for resurfacing, restoring, or rehabilitating specified highways to be constructed in accordance with standards to preserve and extend highway service life and enhance highway safety; and (2) States to charge, at a minimum, fair market value for the sale, use, lease, or lease renewals of right-of-way airspace acquired as a result of a project funded in whole or in part with Federal assistance made available from the Highway Account of the HTF, with exceptions. Provides that: (1) Indian contractors certified by State transportation or highway departments shall receive preference in the award of contracts on Indian reservations to the maximum extent practicable; and (2) contracts for Urban and Rural Highway and Bridge Program projects may be entered into with the prior concurrence of the Secretary in the award. Authorizes: (1) the State transportation or highway department to include warranty or guarantee provisions in construction contracts which, if used, shall be for a specified construction product or feature and may not include routine maintenance; and (2) projects (currently, requires projects) approved to include the amount of any interest earned and payable on bonds issued by the State to the extent that the proceeds of the bonds have actually been expended in the construction of the project. Authorizes the Secretary, except for projects administered under the Urban and Rural Highway and Bridge Program, to make payments to a State for costs incurred on a project. (Current law authorizes payment to States for construction.) Specifies that total payments shall not exceed total costs incurred by the State for the project. Requires any State transportation or highway (currently, highway) department which submits plans for a National Highway and Bridge Program or Interstate System project (currently, Interstate System project) to make its certification and report, indicating that consideration was given to the economic, social, environmental, and other effects of the plan, highway location or design, and various alternatives which were raised during the hearing or which were otherwise considered (current law does not mention the latter requirement). Authorizes the Secretary to approve for Federal financial assistance from National Highway and Bridge Program funds: (1) projects designed to encourage the use of carpools, subject to specified limitations; and (2) the construction of exclusive or preferential high occupacy vehicle (HOV) lanes, highway traffic control devices, intercity and urban bus passenger loading areas and facilities, and fringe and transportation corridor parking to serve HOV, intercity bus, and public transportation passengers. Specifies that if fees are charged for the use of any carpool or other publicly owned parking facility constructed pursuant to Federal highway provisions, the revenue in excess of that required for maintenance and operation of the facility and the cost of providing shuttle service to and from the facility including compensation to any person for operating the facility and for providing shuttle service shall be used for purposes authorized under Federal highway provisions. Requires that National Highway and Bridge System funds be made available to finance the Federal share of projects for exclusive or preferential HOV, truck, and emergency vehicle routes or lanes. Permits such routes on the Interstate System to have less than four lanes of traffic. Prohibits the approval of HOV projects unless the Secretary has received assurances from the owner or operator of the facility that HOV vehicles will fully utilize the proposed project and that essential operations and enforcement support of the facility will be provided. Specifies that, in any case where sufficient land exists within the publicly acquired rights-of-way of the National Highway System to accommodate needed nonhighway public mass transit facilities and where the accommodation can be accomplished without impairing automotive safety or future highway improvements, the Secretary may authorize a State to make those lands and rights-of-way available without charge to a publicly owned mass transit authority for such purposes wherever the public interest will be served. Directs the Secretary to require assurance from any State desiring to avail itself of benefits under Federal highway provisions that employment in connection with proposed projects be provided without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, or sex (currently, specifies "without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, or sex"). Requires that not to exceed one fourth of one percent of the funds apportioned to a State be available for highway construction training. Prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex under programs or activities receiving Federal assistance. Repeals a requirement that each State certify that it is enforcing all speed limits on public highways and that the Secretary not approve projects in States failing to make such certification. Requires each State to establish a procedure to certify that highway bridge inspectors meet national qualifications. (Current law requires that standards established by the Secretary include a procedure for national certification of such inspectors.) Directs the Secretary to withhold ten percent of the amount to be appropriated to any State on the first day of each fiscal year in which the purchase or public possession in that State of any alcoholic beverage by a person who is less than 21 years of age is lawful (current law specifies five percent on the first day of the fiscal year succeeding the first fiscal year beginning after September 30, 1985, and ten percent after the second fiscal year beginning after such date). Specifies that funds withheld from apportionment shall be apportioned to the other States in compliance and remain available for the period of time applicable to the category of funds withheld (currently, treatment of such funds varies based on whether funds were withheld on or before September 30, 1988). Directs that construction estimated to cost $50,000 (currently, $15,000) or more per mile or per project for projects with a length of less than one mile on forest development roads and trails be advertised and let to contract, and allows projects with less than such cost, if no acceptable bid is received, to be done by the Secretary of Agriculture. Repeals provisions under the Territorial Highway Program: (1) that Federal financial assistance be granted on the basis of a Federal contribution of 100 percent of the cost of any project; and (2) under which the Governor must agree not to impose any toll, or permit any such toll to be charged, for use by vehicles or persons of any portion of the facilities constructed or operated to qualify for funding. Provides that, in addition to a specified percentage, sums provided (currently, two percent) for each fiscal year may be expended upon request of the Governor with the Secretary's approval under such Program. Requires (currently, authorizes the Secretary to make) expenditures with respect to the reconstruction of the Alaska-Canada international highway. Authorizes the Secretary to give priority of approval to, and expedite the construction of, projects that are recommended as important to the national defense. Modifies provisions regarding the National Highway Institute to: (1) require that private agencies and individuals pay the full cost of any education and training received by them; and (2) authorize the Institute to engage in all phases of contract authority for training purposes authorized under Federal highway provisions and to carry out its authority independently or in cooperation with any other branch of Government, authority, association, or person. Authorizes the Institute to establish and collect fees from any entity and place them in a special account.

Bill· HRH.R. 2576 (102nd)referred

Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1991

Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Act of 1991 - Amends the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 to authorize additional appropriations for each of FY 1992 through 1996 for the purchase and distribution of milk and milk products.

Bill· SS. 1225 (102nd)open

A bill to designate certain lands in California as wilderness, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1991

Designates specified lands in the Los Padres and the Angeles National Forests, California, as the Sespe, Matilija, San Rafael, Garcia, Chumash, Ventana, and Silver Peak Wilderness Areas, which shall be components of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to take necessary actions for fire prevention and watershed protection in such areas. Declares that the Congress reserves a quantity of water sufficient to fulfill the purposes of the wilderness areas created by this Act. Releases all wilderness areas in the Los Padres National Forest from further statewide roadless area review and evaluation for purposes of determining their suitability for inclusion in the System. Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate segments of the Sespe Creek and the Sisquoc and Big Sur Rivers, California, as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Designates segments of the Piru, Matilija, and Lopez Creeks, and the Little Sur River, California, as potential additions to the System. Authorizes appropriations.

Law· HRH.R. 2556 (102nd)enacted

Entitled "Los Padres Condor Range and River Protection Act".

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1991

Designates specified lands in the Los Padres and the Angeles National Forests, California, as the Sespe, Matilija, San Rafael, Garcia, Chumash, Ventana, and Silver Peak Wilderness Areas, which shall be components of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) take necessary actions for fire prevention and watershed protection in such areas; and (2) manage activities that maintain and restore fish and wildlife populations and their habitats (including the California condor) inside them. Reserves Federal water rights for wilderness areas designated by this Act. Releases all wilderness areas in the Los Padres National Forest from further statewide roadless area review and evaluation for purposes of determining their suitability for inclusion in the System. Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate segments of the Sespe Creek and the Sisquoc and Big Sur Rivers, California, as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Designates segments of the Piru, Matilija, Lopez, and Sespe Creeks and the Little Sur River, California, as potential additions to the System. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· HRH.R. 2555 (102nd)referred

Youth Summer Camp and Conservation Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1991

Youth Summer Camp and Conservation Act of 1991 - Directs the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture (the Secretaries) to jointly establish a summer camp program for children from low-income families in areas eligible for assistance under the urban park and recreation recovery program under the Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Act of 1978 (which is title X of the National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978). Requires such program to provide for contracts with private, nonprofit youth-oriented organizations under which funding will be provided to assist eligible children to attend summer camps, operated by such organizations, for recreational enjoyment and environmental education. Directs the Secretaries to expand the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) program to offer youth opportunities for summer employment in a healthful outdoor atmosphere of the National Park System, the National Forest System, or other public land and water areas. Allows such program expansion to include both residential and non-residential camp opportunities. Requires allocation of such program expansion funding: (1) by the Secretary of the Interior among agencies of the Department of the Interior operating a YCC program, giving priority to those with existing programs; and (2) by the Secretary of Agriculture to the Forest Service to expand its existing YCC program. Provides for funding of programs under this Act by requiring additional fees to be paid by concession contractors of the National Park Service and special use permittees of the Forest Service, if their annual gross receipts or sales to the recreating public exceed $2,000,000. Sets such additional fees at two percent of the annual gross receipts or sales. Divides such funds as follows: (1) two-thirds for the summer camp program; and (2) one-third for the YCC program expansion for summer employment.

Bill· HRH.R. 2536 (102nd)open

Disaster Assistance Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1991

Disaster Assistance Act of 1991 - Title I: Emergency Livestock Assistance - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to prohibit a person from receiving emergency feed assistance under this title and disaster assistance for the same 1991 weather damaged crops. Subjects eligible recipients to specified combined payments and benefits limitations. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to implement an emergency forage program to reseed 1991 weather damaged forage crops. Limits: (1) Federal cost-sharing to 50 percent; and (2) individual payments to $3,500. Funds such program through the Commodity Credit Corporation (with a $50,000,000 limit). Title II: Emergency Crop Loss Assistance - Subtitle A: Annual Crops - Directs the Secretary to make 1991 disaster payments to producers of wheat, feed grains, upland cotton, extra long staple cotton, rice, peanuts, sugar, tobacco, oilseeds, and other nonprogram crops. Extends crop quality reduction disaster assistance through the 1991 crop year. Reduces disaster assistance payments in relation to Federal crop insurance payments. Requires producers to obtain Federal crop insurance for 1992 in order to be eligible for disaster payments and other specified assistance for 1991 crop losses. Sets forth exempted circumstances. Requires the Secretary to announce within a specified time the conditions for establishing a 1990 farm yield for forage-use-crops. Limits assistance under this subtitle to $100,000. Prohibits double payments on replanted acreage. Authorizes: (1) the substitution of crop insurance program yields for 1991 disaster assistance eligibility purposes; and (2) the Secretary to determine a de minimis yield for each crop eligible for reduced yield disaster payments. Subtitle B: Administrative Provisions - Makes a person with qualifying annual gross income (as defined by this Act) in excess of $2,000,000 ineligible for assistance under this title. Places a specified pro rata cap on 1991 wheat, feed grain, upland cotton, extra long staple cotton, and rice deficiency payments if corn planted in 1991 exceeds a specified acreage. Subtitle C: Sense of Congress - Expresses the sense of the Congress regarding disaster payments' purposes of preserving farm livelihoods and the financial health of rural communities. Title III: Other Emergency Provisions - Directs the Secretary to provide loan guarantees through the Rural Development Insurance Fund to rural businesses (including Indian tribes) who have suffered 1991 disaster damage. Limits: (1) individual guarantees to 90 percent of $500,000; and (2) aggregate guarantees to $200,000,000.

Bill· HRH.R. 2508 (102nd)failed

International Cooperation Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1991

International Cooperation Act of 1991 - Title I: Economic Assistance - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to revise policy provisions concerning economic assistance. Sets forth the objectives of U.S. development cooperation policy and economic assistance programs as the: (1) promotion of broad based economic growth; (2) improvement of resource management to bring about environmentally and economically sustainable patterns of development; (3) alleviation of poverty through the development of human resources; and (4) promotion of democracy, respect for human rights, and social and economic pluralism. Requires the President to use the authorities of this Act to provide assistance to meet long-term development needs in developing countries. Authorizes the President to provide such assistance to promote specified activities contributing to broad based, sustainable, and participatory development and economic growth. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 and 1993 for development assistance. Earmarks specified amounts for health improvement, child survival activities, prevention and control of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), and reducing vitamin A deficiency. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 and 1993 for population planning assistance. Earmarks a specified amount for the United Nations Population Fund if: (1) the Fund maintains such funds in a separate account, without commingling; (2) none of the funds are made available for China; and (3) any agreement to obligate such funds expressly states that funds will be refunded to the United States if used for family planning in China or abortions in any country. Prohibits the denial of funds for population activities to nongovernmental or multilateral organizations on the basis of any criterion that is not applicable to foreign governments. Authorizes the President to use development and economic support assistance and assistance from the Development Fund for Africa to support human rights and activities to improve the performance of democratic institutions and to promote democracy. Requires a substantial portion of such assistance to be provided to nongovernmental organizations. Prohibits such assistance from being used to influence the outcome of an election in any country. Permits Development Fund for Africa assistance to be used only for countries in Subsaharan Africa. Authorizes the use of such assistance for: (1) development education programs to educate U.S. citizens about developing countries; and (2) nongovernmental organizations to carry out programs concerned with the economic and social development of such countries. Authorizes the President, acting through the administrator of the agency responsible for administering this title (administering agency), to provide assistance for microenterprises in developing countries. Directs the agency to establish specified criteria for determining the financial intermediaries that will receive such assistance. Requires a significant portion of such assistance to be used to support direct credit assistance by, and the institutional development of, financial intermediaries with a primary emphasis on assisting people living in absolute poverty, especially women. Outlines funding sources for such assistance. Permits the President, in order to generate local currencies for providing such assistance, to use development and economic support assistance or assistance from the Development Fund for Africa to provide assistance to developing countries on a loan basis repayable in local currencies. Sets forth minimum levels of assistance to be provided under this Act. Requires the administrator to develop a monitoring system to evaluate the administering agency's microenterprise development activities. Earmarks amounts out of funds for development assistance and assistance for the Development Fund for Africa for private voluntary organizations for FY 1992 and 1993. Requires agencies responsible for environmental programs in developing countries to prepare initial examinations to ensure that such programs are environmentally sustainable. Declares that beneficiary countries should bear a share of the costs of development assistance programs under this Act. Prohibits funds made available under this title from being used for military or paramilitary purposes. Authorizes the President to furnish economic support assistance to countries and organizations to promote economic or political stability. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 and 1993 for such assistance. Declares that economic support assistance should be provided through commodity import programs, project assistance, sector programs, or the provision of U.S. goods and services. Permits such assistance to be provided as a cash transfer only pursuant to an agreement requiring that the country spend an amount equal to such transfer to purchase U.S. goods and services. Requires such agreements to include provisions to ensure that representatives of the U.S. Comptroller General have access to necessary records and personnel for monitoring and auditing purposes. Exempts from such requirements countries which: (1) receive less than $25,000,000 cash transfer assistance annually; or (2) have certain agreements with the United States. Authorizes the President to waive the requirements of this section when it is in the national interest. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 and 1993 for contributions to international organizations. Earmarks specified amounts of such funds for: (1) the United Nations Development Program; (2) the United Nations Children's Fund; (3) the United Nations Environmental Program; (4) the International Fund for Agricultural Development; (5) the Special Program for Africa of the International Fund for Agricultural Development; (6) the United Nations University; and (7) the Organization of American States (OAS) for purposes of establishing an electronic network for the exchange of science and technology information among universities in OAS member countries. Authorizes funds to be earmarked for the International Atomic Energy Agency only if the Secretary of State reports to the appropriate congressional committees that Israel is not being denied the right to participate in the Agency. Applies evaluation and auditing procedures for the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the Asian Development Bank to the International Development Association, the International Finance Corporation, the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, the Inter-American Development Bank, the Inter-American Investment Corporation, the African Development Bank, the African Development Fund, and the Asian Development Fund. Revises provisions concerning the housing and urban development guarantee program. Raises the limit on: (1) the face value of guarantees with respect to any country; (2) the average face value of guarantees; and (3) the total principal amount of guarantees issued. Authorizes appropriations for the program for FY 1992 and 1993. Terminates authorities with respect to housing guarantees after FY 1993. Authorizes assistance to be provided to developing countries to support private sector activities meeting specified criteria. Permits the President to issue guarantees assuring against losses incurred in connection with loans made for such activities. Sets forth terms and conditions for such guarantees. Authorizes the President to make direct loans for such activities, subject to certain conditions. Establishes ceilings for direct loans and for contingent liability for guarantees. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 and 1993. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 and 1993 for: (1) international disaster assistance; and (2) American schools, libraries, and hospital centers abroad. Permits the President to use development or economic support assistance or assistance from the Development Fund for Africa for grants to, or contracts with, nongovernmental organizations to enable such organizations to: (1) purchase debt obligations owned by developing countries to commercial lending institutions or other private parties; and (2) cancel such obligations subject to the President's approval, to the extent that such countries make available assets or policy commitments to promote the objectives of this title. Authorizes grantees or contractees to retain interest earned on the proceeds of debt-for-development or debt-for-environment purchases or exchanges pending the disbursement of such proceeds and interest for the purposes for which assistance was provided. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 and 1993 for operating expenses of the administering agency and of the Office of the Inspector General of such agency. Permits development or economic support assistance or assistance from the Development Fund for Africa to be used for such expenses, subject to a specified limitation. Requires the President to establish a program performance evaluation capacity to: (1) develop a program performance information system to afford the administering agency's managers a means for monitoring achievement of impact and interim performance of the agency's major programs; (2) prepare and disseminate reports on the agency's progress in meeting development objectives for major assistance categories and recipient countries; (3) strengthen the implementation of foreign assistance projects; and (4) coordinate with the Inspector General of such agency to ensure complementarity of efforts. Directs the President to report annually to the Congress on: (1) progress toward achieving the four basic objectives set forth under this title; and (2) a country-by-country analysis of the impact on economic development in each country during the preceding three to five years of U.S. economic assistance programs, with a discussion of U.S. interests that were served by such assistance. Requires the President to maintain within the administering agency a Center for University Cooperation in Development and a Center for Voluntary Cooperation in Development. Provides that the respective purposes of such centers shall be to strengthen the partnership for development between the U.S. Government and: (1) U.S. and developing country institutions of higher education engaged in education, research, and public service programs relevant to developing countries; and (2) U.S. private voluntary organizations, cooperatives, and credit unions engaged in activities relevant to such countries. Authorizes funds from development assistance and assistance from the Development Fund for Africa to be made available for the Centers. Requires the agency administrator to establish a permanent Advisory Committee on Voluntary Cooperation in Development. Title II: Military Assistance, Related Assistance, and Military Sales Programs - Chapter 1: Consolidation and Revision of Assistance Authorities - Revises policy provisions concerning military assistance. Revises the President's authority to furnish military assistance to friendly countries to permit the President to: (1) finance the sale of defense articles or services; or (2) finance the procurement of such articles (under certain circumstances) by any member country of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) or any major non-NATO ally through leases from U.S. commercial suppliers. Requires sales under the Defense Trade and Export Control Act (formerly, the Arms Export Control Act) which are wholly paid from funds made available on a grant basis under this Act or were transferred or made available under former authorities prior to this Act's enactment to be priced to exclude the costs of salaries of members of the U.S. armed forces (other than members of the Coast Guard) and unfunded estimated costs of civilian retirement and other benefits. Prohibits assistance from being furnished under this chapter in any case involving coproduction or licensed production outside the United States of any defense article of U.S. origin unless the President furnishes full information on the proposed transaction to the appropriate congressional committees. Prohibits the obligation of certain assistance for the procurement of: (1) any vessel of war built pursuant to a prime contract awarded to a foreign shipyard; or (2) any weapons system or other major system for a vessel of war built pursuant to such a contract awarded to a foreign rather than a U.S. shipyard because of unfair foreign competition. Exempts from such prohibition vessels of war built in the foreign country which is the recipient of such assistance or built pursuant to a prime contract signed before the effective date of this Act. Permits military assistance to be provided for civic action in Africa. Authorizes assistance provided under this chapter to be on a grant, credit, or guarantee basis. Outlines criteria to be considered by the President in determining the terms of assistance. Requires repayment in U.S. dollars within 12 years of the signature of a loan agreement for credit assistance. Provides that the interest rate on such loans shall be at least five percent annually. Outlines disbursement procedures for funds used to finance the procurement of defense articles and services. Makes such assistance available to a foreign country to make payments to the United States for credits or loans for defense articles or services granted under predecessor military sales or assistance legislation. Revises provisions concerning eligibility for the receipt of defense articles or services and makes them applicable to the financing of such articles or services. Makes defense articles sold or leased under the Defense Trade and Export Control Act or furnished under predecessor foreign assistance or military sales legislation subject to the eligibility provisions of this title. Directs the President to establish controls to make financed commercial arms sales subject to monitoring and auditing requirements no less stringent in accountability than requirements of Federal Acquisition Regulation applicable to sales under the Defense Trade and Export Control Act relating to improper business practices and personal conflict of interest. Incorporates provisions of the Arms Export Control Act concerning the opinion of the U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency with respect to furnishing assistance. Authorizes appropriations for military assistance and sales for FY 1992 and 1993. Sets aside two percent of appropriations for military financing for assistance to eligible countries for which the Congress has not specified an amount of assistance. Revises provisions concerning transfers of excess defense articles for the modernization of defense capabilities. Requires excess defense articles to be made available to maintain the military balance in the Eastern Mediterranean. Requires the President to ensure, over a three-year period beginning in FY 1992, that the ratio of the value of such articles made available for Turkey to those made available for Greece closely approximates the ratio of the amount of foreign military financing provided for Turkey to the amount provided for Greece. Revises provisions concerning the transfer of excess defense articles to: (1) eligible major drug producing or transit countries (currently, major drug producing countries in Latin America and the Caribbean); and (2) eligible countries, international organizations, or private voluntary organizations for natural resources and wildlife management. Makes provisions concerning transportation and related costs of such articles under provisions governing transfers for the modernization of military capabilities applicable to transfers for counternarcotics or natural resource and wildlife management purposes. Adds to the list of conditions for such transfers that the transfer of articles is preferable to selling them. Sets forth congressional notification requirements. Permits transfers for natural resource and wildlife management purposes to be made available without cost to the recipient. Excludes certain excess defense articles from the annual ceiling on transfers. Revises provisions concerning military personnel detailed overseas for management of military assistance programs. Requires at least one person assigned to each country to be responsible for monitoring international security assistance. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 and 1993 for: (1) international military education and training; and (2) peacekeeping operations. Revises provisions concerning the location of stockpiles. Places a ceiling on the value of additions to stockpiles during FY 1992 and 1993. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 and 1993 for antiterrorism assistance. Revises provisions concerning special drawdown authorities. Authorizes the President to direct the drawdown of Department of Defense commodities or services for: (1) international narcotics control assistance; (2) international disaster assistance; or (3) assistance under the Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1962. Places a ceiling on articles and services provided for such assistance. Raises the ceiling on the value of defense articles and services authorized to be provided under existing emergency authorities. Makes the Secretary of Defense responsible for establishing priorities in the procurement, delivery, and allocation of defense articles and services. Requires the President to appoint one officer to coordinate security assistance programs. Prohibits personnel overseeing the management of assistance programs or providing defense services or military education and training overseas from performing combatant duties. Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Arms Export Control Act. Revises a provision regarding the Guaranty Reserve Fund and redesignates the Fund as the Foreign Military Loan Liquidating Account. Repeals a provision concerning the availability of funds for procurement of defense articles and services outside the United States. Permits the President to waive requirements under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 concerning the disposition of defense articles and services furnished before the effective date of this title. Chapter 2: Foreign Military Sales Program - Amends the Arms Export Control Act to rename such Act as the Defense Trade and Export Control Act. Repeals a provision concerning purposes for military sales or leases. Deems references to the Arms Export Control Act to be references to the Defense Trade and Export Control Act. Requires the President to take the following steps to address financial management problems with respect to payments on account of foreign military sales: (1) establish a new account for the deposit of funds for sales entered into after September 30, 1992, to isolate such financial transactions from previous sales; (2) establish a centralized accounting system; (3) improve coordination and conformity among the accounting and billing systems of each of the military services; and (4) reconcile the discrepancies between reported disbursements and reported performance with respect to such sales. Directs the President to notify the Congress before: (1) designating a country as a major non-NATO ally; or (2) terminating such a designation. Deems Australia, Egypt, Israel, Japan, and the Republic of Korea to have been so designated by the President. Raises the threshold on the dollar amount of defense equipment or services on which the President is required to submit specified certifications. Revises provisions concerning presidential certifications and congressional procedures for certain arms transfers. Sets forth conditions under which New Zealand is eligible for shorter congressional review procedures. Adds to the list of information required in the President's quarterly report on military exports information on all concluded defense coproduction agreements. Imposes sanctions on foreign parties to coproduction agreements that violate restrictions concerning unauthorized third party transfers or unauthorized dispositions of defense articles or services or technical data if the President so notifies the Congress or the Congress so determines by joint resolution. Lists such sanctions as: (1) the suspension of authority to produce defense articles abroad pursuant to such agreements; and (2) a prohibition on the issuance and approval of licenses with respect to the foreign party. Disqualifies for financing under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 for 12 months any contracts of a person convicted or debarred for a violation of international traffic in arms regulations under the Defense Trade and Export Control Act. Exempts international organizations from a prohibition on the issuance of export licenses for items on the U.S. Munitions List to foreign persons. Requires the President to review biennially and revise, as necessary, international traffic in arms regulations. Provides that charges for defense articles that are not major defense equipment sold or licensed for export under the Defense Trade and Export Control Act shall exclude nonrecurring costs of research on or development or production of such articles. Repeals provisions concerning: (1) discrimination; (2) restraint in arms sales to Subsaharan Africa; (3) foreign military sales credit standards; (4) foreign military sales to less developed countries; and (5) the crediting of registration fees. Chapter 3: Other Provisions - Prohibits funds authorized by any Act from being made available to facilitate the sale of M-833 antitank shells or comparable shells containing a depleted uranium penetrating component to any country other than a NATO member or major non-NATO ally. Sets forth U.S. policy with respect to arms transfers to the Middle East and Persian Gulf region. Requires the President to seek negotiations among, and undertake efforts to convene a conference of, the five members of the United Nations Security Council and other nations, as appropriate, to establish a multilateral arms transfer and control regime with respect to the Middle East and Persian Gulf region. Declares that the purpose of such regime should be to: (1) limit the proliferation of conventional weapons and ballistic missile technologies and systems and halt the proliferation of unconventional weapons; (2) maintain the military balance in the region through the reduction of conventional weapons and the elimination of unconventional weapons; and (3) promote regional arms control in such region. Directs the President to submit to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs: (1) a U.S. plan for establishing a multilateral regime to restrict transfers of arms to the Middle East; and (2) an analysis of the feasibility and potential elements of such regime. Prohibits the United States from agreeing to any transfers of major military equipment to the Middle East and Persian Gulf region unless the President submits such plan and analysis and reports that there has been agreement by another major arms supplier on or after May 21, 1991, to transfer such equipment to any nation in the region. Exempts from such prohibition emergency or replacement transfers or transfers pursuant to agreements entered into before May 21, 1991. Requires the President to report to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee on: (1) all transfers of conventional and unconventional arms to the Middle East; (2) the current military balance in the region; (3) the operation of any agreements comprising the arms transfer and control regime; and (4) supplier nations that have refused to participate in such a regime or that have engaged in conduct that violates or undermines the regime. Title III: Trade and Development Agency and Overseas Private Investment Corporation - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to revise the authorities of the Director of the Trade and Development Agency (replaces the Trade and Development Program). Requires the Agency to disseminate information about its activities to the private sector. Sets forth the duties of the Inspector General of the Agency for International Development (AID) with respect to the Agency. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 and 1993. Revises provisions concerning the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC). Requires OPIC, in determining whether to provide insurance, reinsurance, guarantees, or financing for a project, to ensure that the project is consistent with objectives concerning resource sustainable development. Prohibits OPIC payments from being issued in connection with losses resulting from violations of foreign trade practices under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Raises the ceiling on the maximum contingent liability for outstanding OPIC guarantees. Authorizes OPIC to draw specified amounts from a noncredit account revolving fund to pay estimated subsidy costs of program levels for the loan guarantee and direct loan programs. Permits OPIC to: (1) establish a revolving fund to be available solely for the equity finance program; and (2) make a one-time transfer to such fund from the noncredit account revolving fund. Revises provisions concerning OPIC's insurance reserves. Authorizes OPIC to draw a specified amount from the noncredit account revolving fund for administrative expenses of the direct loan and loan guarantee programs. Makes provisions concerning income and revenues applicable to income and revenues from OPIC's noncredit activities (currently, revenues and income from any source). Authorizes (currently, requires) OPIC to charge fees for its services. Provides for annual (currently, triennial) audits of OPIC. Removes OPIC's exemption from Federal taxation. Title IV: International Narcotics Control - Revises provisions concerning international narcotics control. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 and 1993 for international narcotics control. Makes a prohibition on the use of narcotics control funds for the procurement of weapons or ammunition inapplicable (subject to congressional notification requirements) to: (1) weapons or ammunition for the defensive arming of aircraft used for narcotics control purposes; or (2) firearms and related ammunition provided to Department of State employees for narcotics control activities. Requires the President (currently, the Secretary of State) to maintain records on aircraft use under this title. Authorizes foreign military financing assistance under the Defense Trade and Export Control Act to be made available to finance the leasing of aircraft. Removes a prohibition on the use of narcotics control funds by foreign countries to acquire real property for military or law enforcement forces if the President notifies the appropriate congressional committees. Permits funds for economic support assistance, foreign military financing, or international military education and training to be transferred and consolidated with funds for international narcotics control if: (1) such assistance is withheld from the country for which it was allocated because of laws that require the withholding of assistance from countries that have not cooperated with the United States or taken steps to halt illicit drug production and trafficking; and (2) such funds are used for assistance to countries that have taken significant steps to halt illicit drug production or trafficking. Makes provisions of law that restrict assistance to countries inapplicable with respect to narcotics-related assistance, provided that the President notifies the appropriate congressional committees. Revises congressional reporting and certification requirements with respect to international narcotics control. Requires the President to notify the appropriate congressional committees annually of countries determined to be major drug transit or illicit drug producing countries. Makes prohibitions on the provision of assistance to foreign law enforcement agencies inapplicable, during FY 1992 and 1993, to: (1) transfers of defense articles and services for counternarcotics purposes; and (2) foreign military financing and international military education and training for narcotics-related purposes. Title V: Special Assistance Initiatives and Other Region or Country Specific Provisions - Authorizes the President to provide project and program assistance for long-term development in Subsaharan Africa. Designates such assistance as the Development Fund for Africa. Requires the purpose of such assistance to be to help the poor majority of men and women in Subsaharan Africa to participate in a process of long-term development through economic growth that is equitable, participatory, environmentally sustainable, and self-reliant. Provides that such assistance should also promote sustained economic growth, encourage private sector development, promote individual initiatives, and help to reduce the role of central governments in areas more appropriate for the private sector. Requires the local-level perspective of the rural and urban poor in Subsaharan Africa to be taken into account during the planning process for project assistance. Declares that consultations should be undertaken with private and voluntary organizations which have demonstrated effectiveness in or commitment to the promotion of local grassroots activities on behalf of development in Subsaharan Africa. Requires: (1) local people to be consulted and involved in projects that have a local focus; and (2) development activities to expand the participation and integration of African women in certain critical sectors. Requires assistance provided by this Act to emphasize projects to address critical sectoral priorities for development. Authorizes assistance to promote economic policy reforms. Requires such reforms to include provisions to protect vulnerable groups from possible negative consequences of such reforms. Designates as the critical sectoral priorities for long-term development: (1) increased agricultural production and the maintenance and restoration of renewable natural resources; (2) improved health conditions and the prevention and control of AIDS; (3) voluntary family planning services; (4) improved relevance, equity, and efficiency of education; and (5) development of income generating opportunities for the unemployed and underemployed. Imposes minimum levels of assistance for certain critical sectors. Requires assistance provided under this Act to be concentrated in countries that will make the most effective use of such assistance. Allows assistance to be made available to: (1) assist Subsaharan African countries to increase their capacity to participate in donor coordination mechanisms at the country, regional, and sector levels; and (2) assist sector projects supported by the Southern African Development Coordination Conference (SADCC). Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) there should be periodic evaluations of the progress of the administering agency in achieving assistance goals in Subsaharan Africa; and (2) the period of availability of funds appropriated for such assistance should be extended whenever appropriate. Authorizes appropriations. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the United States should participate with multilateral financial institutions and other bilateral donors in an economic reform and development program in the Philippines; and (2) a commitment of resources by the United States, donors, and such institutions and a reform effort and leadership role by the Government of the Philippines will be necessary to ensure economic growth in the Philippines and enhanced participation of the Filipino people in the democratic process. Authorizes the President to provide assistance to promote the goals of this Act. Links such assistance to progress by the Government of the Philippines in implementing its economic, structural, judicial, and administrative reform program. Authorizes appropriations. Limits the amount of appropriations for FY 1992. Expresses the sense of the Congress that prior to requesting additional amounts to carry out this Act, the President should take into account: (1) the progress being made by the Philippines toward achieving reform objectives; (2) the extent of participation by the bilateral donors and multilateral financial institutions; and (3) the efforts to coordinate the assistance program. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the coordination of objectives and programs by donors, institutions, and the Government of the Philippines is critical to the success of the multilateral assistance program; (2) all donors should simplify procurement and disbursement procedures to ensure that conditions on the provision or use of assistance are complementary; and (3) the Philippines should establish internal procedures that will ensure the most effective use of such assistance. Sets forth the Caribbean Regional Development Act of 1991. Sets forth U.S. policy with respect to development and economic assistance for the Caribbean. Provides that priority in providing development assistance should be given to supporting indigenous democratic Caribbean institutions that represent and benefit the poor. Requires priority in the allocation of assistance to the Caribbean to be given to: (1) increased food production; (2) rural development; (3) community-based agro-industries; (4) small- and medium-sized farm and manufacturing enterprises; (5) the expansion of tourism; (6) regional integration; (7) the upgrading of technical and managerial skills; (8) support for renewable natural resources; (9) private sector development; (10) democratic development and the administration of justice; and (11) human services and human resources development. Directs the President, in providing assistance to a Caribbean country, to take into account whether the government of such country has failed to protect worker rights and is taking steps to implement laws that demonstrate advancement in providing such rights. Prohibits the administering agency from providing assistance for the use of any substance in a Caribbean country if such use is prohibited under the country's or U.S. public health laws. Declares that the agency should: (1) ensure the active participation of women in the development process; and (2) take into account the perspectives of the poor in the development process. Establishes in the Department of the Treasury the Enterprise for the Americas Facility to support improvement in the lives of the people of Latin America and the Caribbean through market-oriented reforms and economic growth with actions to promote debt reduction, investment reforms, and community based conservation and sustainable use of the environment. Makes eligible for Facility benefits Latin American or Caribbean countries that: (1) have in effect, received approval for, or are making progress toward, specified International Monetary Fund arrangements and structural or sectoral adjustment loans from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development or the International Development Association; (2) have put in place major investment reforms in conjunction with an Inter-American Development Bank loan or are implementing or making progress toward an open investment regime; and (3) have agreed with commercial bank lenders on a financing program for debt or debt service reduction. Authorizes the President to reduce the amount owed to the United States (as a result of concessional loans made pursuant to the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 or predecessor foreign economic assistance legislation) by any country eligible for Facility benefits. Sets forth requirements with respect to the exchange of obligations, repayment of principal, and interest on new obligations issued by beneficiary countries. Requires beneficiary countries that enter into Environmental Framework Agreements to establish Enterprise for the Americas Environmental Funds. Authorizes the Secretary of State to enter into Environmental Framework Agreements concerning the operation and use of Environmental Funds with countries eligible for Facility benefits. Directs administering bodies in each beneficiary country to administer the Environmental Funds and to make grants for environmental activities. Requires grants from the Funds to be used for activities that link the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources with local community development. Subjects grants of more than $100,000 to veto by the U.S. Government or the government of the beneficiary country. Establishes an Environment for the Americas Board to: (1) advise the Secretary on the negotiations of Environmental Framework Agreements; (2) ensure that a suitable administering body is identified for each Environmental Fund; and (3) review the programs, operations, and fiscal audits of administering bodies. Declares that the President should encourage other official creditors of beneficiary countries whose debt is reduced under this Act to provide debt reduction to such countries. Requires the President to ensure that Environmental Funds are able to receive donations from private and public entities and private creditors of beneficiary countries. Permits military assistance and sales to be delivered to the armed forces of any Latin American or Caribbean country only with the prior approval of such a country's civilian government. Earmarks a specified amount of funds from economic support and development assistance and assistance from the Development Fund for Africa for assistance for disadvantaged South Africans. Prohibits support to organizations financed or controlled by the Government of South Africa. Requires priority in providing such assistance to be given to South African nongovernmental organizations whose staff are selected on a nonracial basis and which have the support of the disadvantaged communities being served. Extends a certain waiver of a prohibition on assistance to Pakistan if the President certifies that Pakistan does not possess a nuclear explosive device and that the proposed U.S. assistance program will reduce the risk that Pakistan will possess such device. Prohibits the allocation of assistance or the sale or transfer of defense articles or services for Pakistan for FY 1992 and 1993 unless such certification is made. Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to increase the number of representatives on the Environment for the Americas Board. Title VI: Special Authorities, Restrictions, Reports, General Provisions, and Technical and Conforming Amendments - Chapter 1: Special Authorities, Restrictions, and Reports - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to revise provisions concerning the transfer of funds between accounts. Prohibits: (1) transfers to increase amounts for foreign military financing; and (2) the transfer of funds for the housing and urban development guarantee program and funds for development assistance or assistance under the Development Fund for Africa. Raises the ceilings on the amounts of assistance provided under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 that may be provided to any one country. Exempts from such limitation assistance for countries that are the victims of active (currently, Communist or Communist-supported) aggression. Revises provisions concerning assistance for unanticipated contingencies. Prohibits such assistance from being provided for foreign military financing or international military education and training. Raises the annual ceiling on such assistance. Authorizes the President to transfer unobligated funds (without regard to the 20 percent increase limitation) to provide assistance to a country that has recently emerged or is in the process of emerging: (1) as a democracy; or (2) from civil strife and has a democratically elected government or is making progress toward a democratic form of government. Authorizes the President to adopt as a U.S. contract or obligation any contract with a U.S. or third-country contractor that had been funded with assistance prior to the termination of such assistance. Applies assistance termination provisions to any provision of law concerning such terminations. Exempts from restrictions on foreign assistance (except for countries that support terrorism) assistance for: (1) child survival activities; (2) the prevention and control of AIDS; (3) the needs of displaced children; (4) environmentally sound, sustainable resource management; and (5) efficient energy systems. Revises prohibitions concerning restrictions on assistance. Adds to the list of restrictions prohibitions on assistance for: (1) a country whose government engages in a consistent pattern of human rights violations; (2) a country whose elected head of government is deposed by a military coup; (3) projects designed to increase exports of agricultural, textile, or apparel commodities from developing countries if such exports would be in competition with U.S. exports or be expected to cause injury to U.S. exporters of the same or a similar commodity; and (4) a country that provides lethal military equipment to a terrorist government. Exempts from such prohibition assistance: (1) that is important to U.S. national interests, provided that such assistance will further U.S. nonproliferation objectives; (2) for the alleviation of suffering resulting from a natural or manmade disaster; (3) that benefits poor people; and (4) that will be furnished through nongovernmental organizations to promote respect for human rights and democracy. Prohibits the provision of such assistance until the President reports to the appropriate congressional committees. Requires the President to maintain a list of Communist countries for purposes of restricting assistance. Authorizes the President to remove or exempt a country from the list or prohibitions on assistance, provided that such removal or exemption is reported to the appropriate congressional committees. Prohibits assistance to any country which is more than one year in arrears to the U.S. Government on loan payments under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 or former authorities of the Arms Export Control Act. Applies prohibitions on the use of development assistance for abortions or involuntary sterilizations to the use of assistance for Subsaharan Africa or the Philippines for such purposes. Requires funds for voluntary family planning services to be available only for projects which offer a broad range of family planning methods and services. Consolidates and revises provisions concerning prohibitions on assistance to countries engaged in transfers of nuclear materials. Outlines required elements of annual congressional presentation documents on foreign assistance. Revises provisions regarding: (1) U.S. assistance policies and human rights; and (2) congressional notification for program changes. Requires the President to submit quarterly reports to the appropriate congressional committees on the funds obligated for development and economic support assistance. Directs the President to report triennially to the Speaker of the House and the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on: (1) the percentage of the budget of each country receiving development or economic assistance that is devoted to military purposes; and (2) the degree to which such country is using its foreign exchange or other resources to acquire military equipment. Chapter 2: Administrative and General Provisions - Revises provisions regarding presidential authorities under this Act. Authorizes the President to designate an agency to administer foreign assistance programs. Revises provisions concerning the allocation of funds and reimbursement among agencies. Permits funds to be used for programs under the Agricultural Act of 1949 and the Food for Progress Act of 1985. Removes funding limitations on assistance for the construction of living quarters, offices, schools, and hospitals abroad and for assistance to schools educating dependents of personnel abroad. Permits economic and development assistance funds to be used to reimburse Federal or State agencies or institutions of higher education that detail employees for economic or development assistance programs that require special technical skills. Excludes such employees from applicable personnel ceilings during the detail period. Provides that if an amount appropriated for any fiscal year pursuant to this Act is less than the authorization amount and the provision calls for earmarked funds, such funds shall be deemed to be reduced to an amount bearing the same ratio to such funds as the amount appropriated bears to the authorization amount. Exempts funds for Israel and Egypt from such reduction. Sets forth provisions concerning the generation and use of local currencies. Revises provisions concerning the use of local currencies owned by the United States. Authorizes nongovernmental organizations to invest local currencies accrued as a result of economic assistance provided by this Act and other specified Acts and to use interest earned on investments for assistance purposes. Revises provisions concerning the use of private enterprise for the procurement of commodities and defense articles. Authorizes the use of Federal facilities for technical assistance purposes when such facilities are not competitive with private enterprise. Revises provisions concerning procurement standards and procedures. Allows (currently, requires) the use of excess personal property or property already owned by a Federal agency (if a substantial savings would occur) in lieu of, or supplementary to, the procurement of new items for U.S.-assisted programs. Revises provisions concerning the use of excess property. Removes a ceiling on the amount of domestic excess property that may be held. Prohibits excess property from being used for economic assistance purposes unless approval is given and the President makes specified determinations regarding such property. Authorizes the use of economic assistance funds to pay transportation charges on shipments by the American National Red Cross and by registered U.S. private voluntary organizations. Revises provisions concerning personnel. Permits personnel detailed to foreign governments or international organizations to be assigned on a leave without pay status. Authorizes the detailing of Department of Defense personnel to any civil office to carry out this Act. Revises provisions concerning discrimination against U.S. personnel. Chapter 3: Technical and Conforming Provisions - Incorporates provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 concerning the Assistant Secretary of State for Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs into another Act. Prohibits U.S. courts from declining on the ground of the Federal Act of State Doctrine to make a determination on the merits of international law in any case in which claim of title or right to property is asserted by any party, based upon a confiscation after January 1, 1959, by a state in violation of international law. Exempts from such prohibition cases in which: (1) an act of a foreign state is not contrary to international law or cases with respect to a right to property acquired pursuant to an irrevocable letter of credit issued in good faith prior to the time of taking; or (2) the President determines that application of such doctrine is required by U.S. foreign policy interests. Amends Federal provisions governing coins and currency to grant the Secretary of the Treasury: (1) responsibility with respect to foreign credits owed to or by the United States; and (2) sole authority to establish for all foreign currencies or credits the exchange rates at which such currencies are to be reported by Federal agencies. Authorizes the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission, at the request of the President, to report on the value of any property of any U.S. person expropriated by a foreign government. Redesignates the Trade and Development Program as the Trade and Development Agency. Makes technical and conforming amendments to specified Acts. Repeals specified Acts. Title VII: Latin America and the Caribbean - Chapter 1: El Salvador - Reserves this portion of the bill for provisions relating to El Salvador. Chapter 2: Other Provisions Pertaining to Central America - Declares that it shall be U.S. policy to: (1) support Central American countries in efforts to build democracy, restore peace, establish respect for human rights, expand economic opportunities, and improve living conditions; (2) support dialogue as the proper means of resolving armed conflicts in Central America; (3) assist in the implementation of, and secure international cooperation and support for, recommendations of the International Commission on Central American Recovery and Development; (4) support the United Nations Development Program for its Special Plan of Economic Cooperation for Central America; (5) organize a partnership among donor countries and Central American countries to mobilize resources and promote a forum for dialogue on issues of development, democracy, social justice, and human rights; and (6) support and promote the Enterprise for the Americas Initiative to assist Central American countries in opening their economies and managing their foreign debt. Prohibits the provision of military aircraft to Central American countries during FY 1992 and 1993 unless the appropriate congressional committees are notified in advance. Requires the Secretary of State to notify such committees whenever any helicopters or other military aircraft are provided to such countries by any foreign country. Prohibits the provision of foreign military financing to Guatemala during FY 1992 and 1993 except as provided by this Act. Establishes the Demobilization and Transition Fund for Guatemala. Authorizes the President to transfer amounts made available for foreign military financing to the Fund. Makes funds available only upon notification to the appropriate congressional committees that the Guatemalan Government and the Guatemalan National Revolutionary Unit have agreed to a ceasefire. Permits such funds to be available only for: (1) costs of demobilization, retraining, relocation, and reemployment in civilian pursuits of former combatants; and (2) costs of monitoring the ceasefire and permanent settlement. Prohibits the authorities of the Defense Trade and Export Control Act from being used to sell to the Guatemalan Government, or issue licenses for the export to Guatemala of: (1) weapons or ammunition; or (2) aircraft, unless the aircraft are unarmed and the Guatemalan Government has agreed that they will not be armed. Permits FY 1992 and 1993 development and economic support assistance and assistance under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 for Guatemala to be used only by civilian agencies and nongovernmental organizations. Requires such assistance to be targeted for: (1) programs that address poverty, basic human needs, and environmental concerns; (2) the improvement of democratic institutions and the promotion of political pluralism; (3) the National Reconciliation Commission; (4) fiscal reform and administration; or (5) programs that promote trade and investment. Prohibits such assistance from being used for partisan political purposes or as an instrument of counterinsurgency. Waives assistance target requirements if the President notifies the appropriate congressional committees that Guatemala has made progress in eliminating human rights violations and in bringing to trial those responsible for major human rights cases. Declares that the President should: (1) take into account the extent to which the Nicaraguan Government has brought the armed forces under civilian control and undertaken investigations into, and prosecution of those responsible for, human rights violations prior to providing assistance for FY 1992 and 1993; and (2) consider the extent to which foreign military financing for Nicaragua will further the goals of strengthening civilian control over the military, ending human rights abuses, and stemming the export of lethal military equipment prior to providing such financing for such fiscal years. Prohibits foreign assistance for any member of the Nicaraguan resistance who has not disarmed or is not abiding by the terms of the cease-fire agreement and the addenda to the Toncontin Agreement. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Nicaraguan Government should expedite the processing of claims by private citizens based on expropriation of property by the Sandinista government. Earmarks a specified amount of FY 1992 and 1993 economic support assistance for Central America for the Concerted Plan of Action in Favor of Central American Refugees, Returnees and Displaced Persons. Expresses the sense of the Congress with respect to strengthening democratic legislatures in Central America. Chapter 3: The Caribbean - Congratulates Haiti on its transition to democracy. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should: (1) provide significant and sustained assistance to the Haitian Government so long as it abides by the Haitian Constitution and respects freedom of expression and human rights; (2) continue to provide substantial assistance to Haitian private voluntary organizations to institutionalize democracy and promote economic development; and (3) provide a specified amount of economic assistance to Haiti during FY 1992 and 1993. Encourages the Government of the Dominican Republic to improve respect for the human rights of Haitian laborers engaged in the sugar cane harvesting industry in the Dominican Republic. Withholds a specified amount of economic support assistance from the Dominican Republic until the President notifies the appropriate congressional committees of the steps taken by the Government of the Dominican Republic to improve such human rights. Permits assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to be provided to the Government of Guyana only if the President reports to the appropriate congressional committees that such government is in power as a result of free and fair elections. Exempts from such restriction international narcotics control assistance or assistance for the holding of free and fair elections. Expresses the sense of the Congress that following the submission of the report regarding Guyana, the United States should provide significant and sustained assistance for Guyana under such Acts. Earmarks a specified amount of such assistance for basic human needs. Condemns the armed forces of Suriname for the December 1990 coup and for disregard for civilian authority. Urges the armed forces to permit a peaceful transfer of power to the elected civilian government. Calls upon the President to withhold assistance from Suriname until a peaceful transfer of power has taken place and to use assistance to bolster civilian rule. Chapter 4: Andean Initiative - Authorizes appropriations for development and economic support assistance for FY 1992 and 1993 for Andean countries. Requires priority in the use of funds for Bolivia and Peru to be given to support programs that focus on providing coca farmers with alternative sources of income. Declares that specified amounts of such assistance should be used for law enforcement assistance, protection against narco-terrorist attacks, and assistance for human rights offices in Bolivia, Colombia, and Peru. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 and 1993 for foreign military financing assistance for Andean countries. Requires such assistance to be designed to: (1) enhance the ability of the recipient government to control illicit narcotics production and trafficking; (2) strengthen respect for human rights and the rule of law to control narcotics production and trafficking; and (3) assist the armed forces of the Andean countries in their support roles for such countries' law enforcement agencies. Permits the provision of such assistance only if: (1) such country has a democratic government; and (2) the government of such country does not engage in a consistent pattern of human rights violations. Permits such assistance to be used for certain law enforcement training and equipment for purposes of narcotics control efforts. Limits the amount of military and law enforcement assistance for Bolivia, Colombia, and Peru. Prohibits Peru's Sinchi Police from being considered as a law enforcement unit. Permits assistance or the transfer of excess defense articles under this Act to an Andean country only if the President determines that: (1) such country is implementing programs to reduce the flow of cocaine to the United States; and (2) the armed forces and law enforcement agencies of such country are not engaged in a consistent pattern of human rights violations and the government of such country has made progress in protecting human rights. Exempts from the human rights condition assistance for programs providing coca farmers with alternative sources of income. Waives provisions of law that prohibit assistance to countries in arrears on loan payments to the United States with respect to narcotics-related assistance to Andean countries. Chapter 5: Other Provisions Pertaining to the Region - Makes assistance available for countries with democratically-elected governments in Latin America and the Caribbean. Prohibits the use of such funds for: (1) lethal equipment; and (2) the participation of Department of Defense personnel and members of the U.S. armed forces in law enforcement training. Permits law enforcement training in the Caribbean to be provided only by the Department of Justice International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program. Makes specified amounts available for such assistance. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1969 to authorize appropriations for the Inter-American Foundation for FY 1992 and 1993. Revises provisions concerning the composition of the Foundation's Board of Directors and the principal office. Prohibits foreign military financing or sales to Chile under the Defense Trade and Export Control Act during FY 1992 and 1993 unless the appropriate congressional committees are notified in advance. Earmarks development and economic support assistance for the Central American Journalism Program and Regional Administration of Justice Program's Center for the Administration of Justice to support democracy building activities in the region. Title VIII: Europe and the Middle East - Chapter 1: Middle East - Earmarks funds for economic support assistance, foreign military financing grants, and assistance for stockpiles for Israel for FY 1992 and 1993. Makes certain amounts of military financing available for advanced weapon systems research and development and the procurement of defense articles and services. Permits the drawdown of a specified amount of defense articles and services from the Department of Defense and military education and training for Israel. Reduces such amount by the value of articles, services, and education and training provided to Israel under the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1991. Requires such drawdowns, to the maximum extent feasible, to be made from units withdrawn from Europe. Earmarks funds for economic support assistance and foreign military financing for Egypt for FY 1992 and 1993. Permits such assistance to include support for law enforcement training. Requires specified amounts of amounts allocated by the Agency for International Development (AID) during FY 1992 and 1993 for democratic initiatives and human rights to be made available for the growth of indigenous nongovernmental organizations that contribute to pluralism, democracy, and respect for human rights and the rule of law in the Middle East. Earmarks specified amounts of FY 1992 and 1993 economic support assistance for the West Bank and Gaza Program and for regional cooperative projects in the Middle East. Earmarks specified amounts of FY 1992 and 1993 development assistance to finance projects under the Cooperative Development Program and cooperative development research among the United States, Israel, and developing countries. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should support educational, cultural, and humanitarian activities that bring Israelis together with Palestinians living in the West Bank and Gaza. Sets forth U.S. policy with respect to Lebanon. Earmarks funds for economic support and development assistance for Lebanon for FY 1992 and 1993. Prohibits the sale of defense articles and services under the Defense Trade and Export Control Act and suspends the delivery of such articles and services to Lebanon unless the President submits to the appropriate congressional committees a report that: (1) sets forth the purpose and value of the articles and services to be provided; (2) identifies the intended end-user within the Lebanese Government of such articles and services; and (3) states that such articles and services will assist the Lebanese Government in establishing effective control of Lebanese territory and that sufficient safeguards exist to ensure that such articles and services will not benefit the Government of Syria. Prohibits assistance to Syria until the President reports to the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that the Goverment of Syria: (1) has demonstrated willingness to enter into negotiations with Israel; (2) does not deny its citizens the right to emigrate and does not impose taxes with respect to emigration; (3) is assisting the U.S. Government in obtaining the release of American hostages in Lebanon; (4) no longer supports international terrorist groups; (5) is withdrawing its armed forces from Lebanon; (6) is no longer acquiring chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons and will not use weapons currently in its arsenal to threaten its neighbors; (7) is cooperating with U.S. antinarcotics efforts and taking steps to remove members of the government who are involved in the drug trade; (8) has made progress in improving human rights; and (9) has extradited the Nazi war criminal Alois Brunner. Requires the President to report to the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on third country transfers of weapons and military equipment to Syria. Permits the transfer of equipment, supplies, or material captured from Iraq by U.S forces in Operation Desert Storm to the government of any Middle Eastern country only if specified congressional committees are notified in advance. Expresses the sense of the Congress that under international law and the terms of specified United Nations resolutions: (1) Iraq is liable for loss, damage, or injury to foreign governments, nationals, and corporations as a result of its invasion and occupation of Kuwait; and (2) Israel suffered damage as a result of Iraq's aggression and should be able to receive compensation from Iraq commensurate with damage suffered. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should work with its Arab coalition partners to: (1) encourage their support for efforts to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East and to settle the Arab-Israeli conflict; and (2) take specific steps with respect to Israel and terrorism. Requires the President to submit to the appropriate congressional committees an analysis of: (1) the Middle East arms balance based upon the cumulative impact of transfers of defense articles and services to the region by all countries; (2) how U.S. policy goals are advanced by U.S. transfers; (3) what type of military or economic compensation is required to countries whose qualitative edge the United States is committed to maintaining, how such compensation is to be funded, and the steps taken to preserve such qualitative edge and areas requiring attention due to a decline in comparative advantage; and (4) defense articles and services obtained by Middle East countries from sources other than the United States. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should obtain rescission by the United Nations General Assembly of Resolution 3379 (maintains that Zionism is a form of racism) and calls upon the General Assembly to rescind such resolution. 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. Prohibits sales from being made to Kuwait under the Defense Trade and Export Control Act and licenses from being issued for the export to Kuwait of any item on the U.S. Munitions List unless the President certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that the Kuwaiti Government has: (1) put an end to arbitrary arrest, torture, and extrajudicial killing by Kuwaiti armed forces and is making an effort to stop such acts by nongovernmental resistance groups; (2) clarified the legal basis for arrest and detention; (3) ensured that those detained have access to legal counsel and to human rights groups; (4) ensured the rights to a speedy trial, due process, and an appeal of any sentence to detainees; (5) the intention to extend the right to vote to all citizens irrespective of sex or literacy; and (6) established a date for parliamentary elections. Chapter 2: Eastern Mediterranean - Earmarks funds for economic support assistance for Cyprus for FY 1992 and 1993. Permits such assistance to be used only for scholarships or bicommunal projects. Earmarks funds for foreign military financing assistance for Greece and Turkey for FY 1992 and 1993. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should support Turkey's inclusion in the full range of political, economic, and military institutions in Europe. Supports the United Nations Secretary General's peace initiatives regarding Cyprus and encourages both parties on Cyprus to cooperate with the Secretary General. Chapter 3: Support for East Europe Democracy - Amends the Support for East European Democracy (SEED) Act of 1989 to make eligible for SEED benefits any Eastern European country taking steps toward: (1) political pluralism and economic reform; (2) respect for human rights; and (3) a willingness to build a friendly relationship with the United States. (Currently, most SEED programs target Hungary and Poland.) Extends specified structural adjustment, debt reduction, and stabilization assistance to such countries. Authorizes AID to provide assistance to support private sector development in Eastern Europe and U.S. participation in capital projects. Permits the President, acting through the AID Administrator, to use funds for labor market transition assistance to eligible Eastern European countries. Extends technical assistance and training for labor market transition assistance to eligible Eastern European countries. Removes a provision authorizing appropriations for Peace Corps programs in Poland and Hungary. Extends assistance for the development of Peace Corps and credit unions to eligible Eastern European countries. Applies provisions governing the use of Polish currency generated by agricultural assistance to local Eastern European currencies generated by such assistance. Repeals provisions concerning: (1) OPIC support for Poland and Hungary; (2) Trade and Development Program activities in Poland and Hungary; (3) tax treatment of loans with below market interest rates for Poland and Israel; and (4) the trade credit insurance program for Poland. Extends Export-Import Bank programs to Czechoslovakia. Urges the President to seek bilateral investment treaties with eligible Eastern European countries to establish a legal framework for U.S. investment in such countries. Extends educational and cultural exchange programs and the scholarship partnership program to eligible Eastern European countries. Removes funding provisions concerning the scholarship partnership program. Authorizes the AID Administrator to use funds available for the scholarship partnership program for scholarships to enable Eastern European students to study at American institutions of higher education in Europe. Extends assistance for the support of democratic institutions and environmental protection and energy efficiency activities to eligible Eastern European countries. Authorizes the President, acting through the AID Administrator and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, to provide assistance for environmental and energy activities in eligible Eastern European countries, with emphasis on assistance for policies encouraging and providing incentives for end-use energy efficiency and conservation and reliance on renewable energy resources. Requires the President to work with officials of the Government of Czechoslovakia to establish a regional program to facilitate cooperative activities to address the public health aspects of environmental degradation. Earmarks funds for such program. Revises provisions concerning medical assistance to Poland. Authorizes the President, acting through the AID Administrator, to: (1) provide medical training, health care planning assistance, and other assistance to improve health care to eligible Eastern European countries; and (2) provide assistance to support the infrastructure for a housing sector in such countries. Redesignates the SEED Information Center System as the Eastern European Business Information Center System. States that the System should develop special information on business opportunities in the communications, broadcasting, and information field for use by U.S. industry and the SEED Program coordinator. Repeals a provision concerning economic and commercial officers at U.S. embassies and missions in Hungary and Poland. Authorizes and allocates appropriations for SEED programs for FY 1992 and 1993. Sets forth provisions concerning the reallocation or reduction of such funds. Chapter 4: Other Provisions Relating to Europe - Amends the Anglo-Irish Agreement Support Act of 1986 to make economic support funds available for U.S. contributions to the International Fund. Removes a certification requirement under such Act and revises reporting requirements. Earmarks economic support assistance for FY 1992 and 1993 for assistance to Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania and to eligible recipients in the Soviet Union that request U.S. technical assistance in support of democratic or market-oriented reforms. Permits such assistance to be provided only through the government of such state or republic or through nongovernmental organizations. Defines an "eligible recipient in the Soviet Union" as the government of any republic or local government that was elected through free and fair elections or any indigenous nongovernmental organization that promotes democratic and market-oriented reforms. Authorizes additional appropriations for FY 1992 and 1993 for disaster assistance to Armenia and to carry out the Soviet-East European Research and Training Act of 1983. Revises reporting requirements under such Act. Expresses the sense of the Congress with respect to U.S. policy toward Yugoslavia and the situation in Kosovo province. Expresses the sense of the Congress that regulations issued pursuant to the Defense Trade and Export Control Act should be amended to allow the importation into the United States of sporting and hunting rifles and shotguns manufactured in Poland, Hungary, or Czechoslovakia. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) President Bush should place Soviet cessation of aid to Cuba high on the list of objectives of the upcoming U.S.-Soviet summit; (2) a Soviet cutoff of aid to Cuba should remain a high priority in U.S.-Soviet relations until the Soviet Union ends its economic and military support for the Castro regime; and (3) a democratically-elected government in Cuba should remain a goal of American foreign policy. Title IX: Asia and the Pacific - Chapter 1: East Asia and the Pacific - Requires the President, in determining whether to furnish assistance or make sales of defense articles or services to Burma (Myanmar) during FY 1992 and 1993, to make a specified certification with respect to international narcotics control in Burma and to take into account whether the Burmese Government has: (1) ceded legal authority to a civilian government as mandated by the 1990 elections; (2) released persons arrested for the peaceful expression of their political views; and (3) ceased harassment of persons and political parties attempting to exercise freedoms of expression, association, and assembly. Sets forth notification requirements with respect to certain assistance for Burma. Declares that the Congress would welcome decisions by the President to: (1) impose economic sanctions on Burma under the Customs and Trade Act of 1990; and (2) call upon industrialized countries to impose similar sanctions upon Burma. Expresses the sense of the Congress with respect to the settlement of the Cambodian conflict and genocide. Makes available FY 1992 and 1993 economic support assistance for humanitarian and development assistance for Cambodians along the Thai-Cambodia border and throughout Cambodia. Sets forth conditions on the disbursement of such assistance. Prohibits any funds from being used to promote or augment the capacity of the Khmer Rouge to conduct military or paramilitary operations in Cambodia or Indochina. Earmarks funds for FY 1992 and 1993 for humanitarian assistance to children and war victims in Cambodia. Authorizes the President to use funds under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 for: (1) nonmilitary training of noncommunist Cambodians in the United States; and (2) an international relief and reconstruction program in Cambodia. Prohibits the provision of FY 1992 and 1993 foreign military financing assistance and assistance for international military education and training to Fiji unless the President certifies to the Congress that Fiji has held elections in which there has been broad participation by all communities. Sets forth provisions concerning Malaysia's policy of denying first asylum to Indochinese asylum-seekers. Requires the President to allocate the amount of funds requested in the congressional presentation materials for the South Pacific regional program for FY 1992 unless he notifies the appropriate congressional committees in accordance with reprogramming procedures. Makes available specified amounts of economic support, development, and international disaster assistance for such program. Earmarks development assistance funds for scholarships for study at postsecondary institutions in the United States. Commends Taiwan for sharing in the responsibilities associated with Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Calls on the President to accept future contributions from Taiwan for multinational operations regardless of the positions of China. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the United States should give the highest priority to accounting for Americans missing in Southeast Asia and to negotiating the return of any Americans still held captive in Southeast Asia; (2) the United States should heighten public awareness of the missing Americans through dissemination of factual data; (3) progress on accounting for missing Americans and other humanitarian issues will affect the process of normalizing relations between the United States and Vietnam; and (4) the President should provide specified amounts to support humanitarian projects in Laos for efforts to resolve questions concerning Vietnam prisoners of war or those missing in action. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should encourage the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to consider for OECD membership the Governments of South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Makes available specified amounts of economic support, development, and international disaster assistance for humanitarian assistance for displaced Burmese nationals in Thailand and Burma. Prohibits the sale, and the issuance of licenses for export, to China of any item on the U.S. Munitions List for military end-users if the President determines that: (1) any U.S. defense article or technology was used in certain missiles or aircraft transferred to Iran, Iraq, Libya, Pakistan, or Syria by China in contravention of the Defense Trade and Export Control Act; and (2) any chemical weapon or nuclear equipment or materials were transferred to such countries by China. Makes such prohibition inapplicable to the sale or export of systems or components designed for inclusion in civil products and controlled as defense articles only for purposes of export to a controlled country, unless the President determines that the intended recipient is the Chinese military or security forces. Chapter 2: South Asia - Authorizes the President to make available development and economic support assistance for humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people and for reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan and the establishment of a broad-based freely-elected Afghan Government. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) land mines in Afghanistan; and (2) the termination of military assistance to, and a political settlement in, Afghanistan. Congratulates Bangladesh on the transition to a democratically-elected government and welcomes the economic adjustment program being implemented in coordination with the International Monetary Fund. Urges the President to provide debt relief under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to Bangladesh. Requires the President to allocate the amount of funds requested in the congressional presentation materials for Nepal for FY 1992 unless he notifies the appropriate congressional committees in accordance with reprogramming procedures. Makes available specified amounts of economic support, development, and international disaster assistance for Nepal if a democratically-elected government assumes office pursuant to free and fair elections. Sets forth provisions concerning human rights abuses in Sri Lanka. Requires the President, in determining whether to provide assistance or make sales of defense articles or services to Sri Lanka during FY 1992 and 1993, to take into account whether the Government of Sri Lanka has: (1) established a public register of detainees and ensured that detainees have access to lawyers and family members; (2) taken steps to deter disappearances and killings of civilians by persons under control of government forces; (3) taken measures to minimize civilian casualties in combat operations in the north and the east; and (4) made serious efforts to investigate and prosecute those involved in the murder of journalist Richard DeZoysa. Encourages the Government of Sri Lanka to provide human rights education and training. Chapter 3: Industrial Cooperation Projects in China and Tibet - Expresses the sense of the Congress that U.S. nationals conducting industrial cooperation projects in China or Tibet should adhere to specified principles, including to: (1) suspend the use of merchandise manufactured by convict or forced labor; (2) seek to ensure political and religious freedom without fear of one's employment status; (3) ensure that methods of production do not pose a danger to project employees and the surrounding environment; (4) strive to use business enterprises that are not controlled by China; (5) promote human rights in China; and (6) prohibit compulsory population control activities on the premises of such projects. Requires the Secretary of State to forward a copy of such principles to member nations of the OECD and encourage them to promote such principles. Requires each U.S. national to register with the Secretary and indicate whether they agree to implement such principles. Sets forth specified reporting requirements. Title X: Africa - Chapter 1: Authorizations of Assistance for Africa - Amends the African Development Foundation Act to authorize appropriations for the African Development Foundation for FY 1992 and 1993. Requires funds from the Development Fund for Africa to be used to assist sector projects supported by the SADCC. Urges the President to use diplomatic means to protect the security of SADCC projects and urges the Government of South Africa to respect the territorial integrity of SADCC states and to refrain from military aggression across its borders. Earmarks funds for FY 1992 and 1993 for economic support assistance for Subsaharan Africa. Welcomes the commitment of several governments in Subsaharan Africa to move toward democratic and multiparty systems of government. Urges the President to increase assistance to promote the development of democratic institutions in Africa. Directs the admninistrator of the administering agency to provide for the establishment of an African Center for Conflict Resolution to analyze, research, and resolve conflicts in Africa. Requires funds from the Development Fund for Africa to be made available for the Center. Chapter 2: Provisions Relating to Specific Countries - Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Government of Angola and the Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) should be commended for their willingness to enter into negotiations to reach a ceasefire agreement in the Angolan conflict and to reach agreement on a date for national elections; and (2) the United States should continue to support negotiations between the leaders of the Angolan Government and UNITA to achieve an agreement for a process of reconciliation among Angolans. Requires the President, in determining whether to provide assistance to Burundi during FY 1992 and 1993, to take into account that the Government of Burundi has: (1) made progress in reforming its military by engaging in a massive Hutu recruitment program; (2) taken steps to reverse discrimination against the Hutu; and (3) embarked on a major repatriation to accommodate the return of Hutu. Sets forth U.S. policy with respect to Ethiopia. Urges the President to impose diplomatic and economic pressures upon the Ethiopian Government if such Government fails to act in good faith to resolve its internal wars peacefully and to improve respect for human rights. Requires the President to report to the appropriate congressional committees every 90 days on Ethiopia's actions with respect to internal wars, human rights, and economic reform. Sets forth U.S. policy with respect to Kenya. Suspends economic and military assistance and sales to Kenya. Waives such suspension if the President reports to the appropriate congressional committees that the Government of Kenya is taking steps to: (1) charge and try or release all prisoners; (2) cease physical abuse or mistreatment of prisoners; (3) respect the independence of the judiciary; and (4) respect freedom of expression. Declares that it is U.S. policy to commit heightened diplomatic resources to resolving the fundamental political conflicts in Liberia. Makes available international disaster assistance funds for civil strife, rehabilitation, and general recovery in Liberia. Permits the President to transfer funds obligated for economic support assistance for Liberia to fund peacekeeping efforts in Liberia by the Economic Community of West Africa Monitoring Group. Authorizes assistance to Liberia under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 only if the President reports to the appropriate congressional committees that the Government of Liberia has achieved progress toward reconciliation among parties to the conflict in Liberia. Commends the Malawi Government's response to the influx of refugees from Mozambique. Condemns the abuse of human rights of Malawian citizens. Urges President Banda to release prisoners of conscience, end incommunicado detention and torture of prisoners, and permit freedom of speech and association in Malawi. Prohibits foreign military financing for the Malawi Young Pioneers and permits such assistance only for the Malawian military's effort to secure the Nacala Railroad and for activities to assist in the Mozambique peace process. Sets forth U.S. policy with respect to Mozambique. Conditions the provision of economic support assistance and foreign military financing for FY 1992 and 1993 for Mozambique on steps by the Government of Mozambique to increase respect for human rights and promote a political settlement to the conflict in such country. Encourages a peaceful and democratic solution to the problems in Somalia. Declares that it is U.S. policy to commit heightened diplomatic resources to resolving the fundamental political conflicts in Somalia. Permits foreign military financing, international military education and training, and economic support assistance for FY 1992 and 1993 to be provided to Somalia only if the President reports to the appropriate congressional committees that the Government of Somalia has made progress toward democratization and respect for human rights. Declares that the President, in providing assistance for refugees in Somalia under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954, should ensure that: (1) an impartial counting of eligible beneficiaries of food assistance by donors has been completed; (2) none of the beneficiaries belong to military or paramilitary units; and (3) the amount of such assistance does not significantly exceed the number of beneficiaries of such assistance. Permits international disaster assistance for Somalia to be used for civil strife relief, rehabilitation, and general recovery in Somalia. Sets forth U.S. policy toward South Africa. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the United States should support the elimination of apartheid and the establishment of democratic majority rule in South Africa through a policy to bring about a nonracial democracy; (2) U.S. firms and the Government should provide specified assistance to disadvantaged South Africans; and (3) the President should seek the cooperation of U.S. allies in Western Europe and Japan to join in multilateral initiatives to aid disadvantaged South Africans. Requires funds to be made available from the Development Fund for Africa for assistance for the development and financing of low-cost housing in South Africa. Declares that it is U.S. policy to encourage negotiations between the Government of Sudan and the Sudanese People's Liberation Army to end the conflict between these factions. Prohibits economic support assistance (except for basic human needs) and foreign military financing and for Sudan during FY 1992 and 1993. Makes such prohibition inapplicable if the President reports to the appropriate congressional committees that the Government of Sudan is making progress toward respect for human rights and democratization. Prohibits the provision of foreign military financing, international military education and training, and economic support and development assistance to Zaire during FY 1992 and 1993 unless the President reports to the appropriate congressional committees that free and fair elections have been held in Zaire. Chapter 3: United States Commission on Southern Africa - United States Commission on Southern Africa Act - Establishes the United States Commission on Southern Africa to solicit private sector funds to develop skilled personnel in South Africa and Namibia, particularly in middle management business and government positions, by providing for the training of disadvantaged South Africans and Namibians in the fields of education, health care, law, and housing. Authorizes the Commission to establish and provide funds for human resource development programs and to provide scholarships and internships for appropriate study and training. Prohibits the use of such funds for programs conducted by or through South African organizations which are financed or controlled by the Government of South Africa. Authorizes the use of such funds only for programs which clearly reflect the objective of an end to apartheid. Provides for the annual audit of the Commission by certified public accountants. Authorizes the U.S. Comptroller General to carry out an annual audit of the Commission. Directs the Commission to ensure that: (1) recipients of Commission assistance keep separate accounts of such assistance and records to facilitate effective audits; and (2) the Commission has access to such records. Makes Development Fund for Africa assistance available for a grant to the Commission. Chapter 4: Other Provisions - Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) special efforts should be undertaken to reduce trade barriers and to promote economic interchange between the United States and developing countries in Subsaharan Africa; and (2) the countries of Subsaharan Africa are to be applauded for their stance during the Persian Gulf conflict and commended for their support of the United States. Permits international military education and training to be provided to a Subsaharan African country only if the President considers whether: (1) that country has a government that was democratically-elected as the result of free and fair elections or is committed to respecting human rights and permitting freedom of expression and has achieved progress in a process of democratization; (2) the armed forces of such country are involved in human rights violations or the government of the country fails to respect human rights; and (3) the armed forces of such country or other elements of the government of that country are engaged in destabilization efforts aimed at any other country. Requires the President, when obligating funds for countries that do not meet such conditions, to report to the appropriate congressional committees on the reasons for providing such assistance. Provides for the transfer of a specified amount of funds from the Development Fund for Africa for contributions to the International Fund for Agricultural Development and the United Nations Educational and Training Program for Southern Africa. Exempts international narcotics control assistance or assistance provided through nongovernmental organizations for the holding of free and fair elections from the restrictions on assistance under this title. Provides that any sanction imposed by any State or governmental subdivision that is directed at South Africa or persons engaging in commercial or financial transactions in or with South Africa and that also applies to Namibia shall be null and void with respect to Namibia unless such sanction is consistent with Federal law. Title XI: Other Provisions - Amends the Peace Corps Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for the Peace Corps through FY 1993. United States Environmental Security and Foreign Policy Act of 1991 - Sets forth U.S. policy with respect to global environmental security. Gives the Secretary of State primary responsibility for overseeing environmental agreements and activities between the United States and foreign countries and international organizations and commissions. Requires the Secretary to report biennially to the Congress on: (1) multilateral environmental initiatives and negotiations concluded or in process; (2) bilateral agreements on the environment; (3) U.S. participation in, and support of, environment programs in international organizations and multilateral development banks; (4) international cooperation activities with respect to research and monitoring of environmental and natural resource conditions; and (5) environmental policies and activities of the United States in providing foreign assistance. Expresses the sense of the Congress with respect to the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development. Expresses the sense of the Congress that a major effort should be made to strengthen the right to food in international law to assure the access of all persons to adequate food supplies. Declares that the Secretary, through the U.S. representative to the United Nations, should propose to the United Nations General Assembly that a Declaration and a Convention concerning the right to food be adopted and submitted to countries for ratification. Expresses the sense of the Congress that a major effort should be made to reform and restructure the United Nations mechanism for responding to international disasters and other humanitarian emergencies. Requires the Secretary, through the U.S. representative to the United Nations, to develop a proposal for strengthening the United Nations response to such emergencies. Directs the AID Administrator to release the Institute Centroamericano de Administration de Empresas from its obligation to make payments to the U.S. Government on a loan made pursuant to a specified Alliance for Progress Loan Agreement.

Bill· HRH.R. 2501 (102nd)open

National Forest Timber Sales Cost Recovery Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 30 May 1991

National Forest Timber Sales Cost Recovery Act of 1991 - Title I: Forest Management - Amends the National Forest Management Act of 1976 to prohibit the Secretary of Agriculture from making below-cost sales of timber produced on National Forest System land. Permits limited sales for FY 1992 through 1996. Amends the Knutson-Vandenberg Act of 1930 to: (1) require the Secretary (who is presently authorized) to collect certain reforestation funds; and (2) take such funds from net revenues. Title II: Economic Transition Assistance for Timber Dependent Communities - Subtitle A: Community Development Programs - Authorizes community development programs for timber dependent communities. Subtitle B: Special Rural Programs - Authorizes assistance (including loans) for family and cooperative programs for timber dependent communities. Subtitle C: Development Loans to Community Economic Development Programs - Establishes a Dependent Loan Fund for Timber Dependent Communities consisting of: (1) the Transition Community Rural Development Loan Fund; and (2) the Timber Dependent Community Development Loan Fund. Subtitle D: Supportive Programs and Activities - Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) provide training and technical assistance; (2) conduct research and conduct program evaluations; and (3) provide planning grant assistance. Subtitle E: General Provisions - Authorizes the establishment of advisory community investment boards. Authorizes appropriations for activities under this title. Terminates the authority provided by this title ten years after the date of enactment of this Act or December 31, 2001, whichever is later.

Bill· HRH.R. 2477 (102nd)open

To amend the Agricultural Act of 1949 to provide for discretion in the shifting of crop acreage bases between farms in the case of a natural disaster.

United States · United States Congress · 29 May 1991

Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to shift acreage bases between farms owned by the same producer in the case of a natural disaster or other similar condition. Permits the 1991 planting of soybeans or other nonprogram crops (except for fruits and vegetables) on certain program crop acreage otherwise required to be devoted to conservation use in disaster-declared (and contiguous) counties.

Law· SS. 1182 (102nd)enacted

Fishlake National Forest Enlargement Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1991

Fishlake National Forest Enlargement Act - Transfers jurisdiction of certain public lands in Utah, currently under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management, to the Secretary of Agriculture to be added to, and administered by the Secretary as part of, the Fishlake National Forest. Extends current land use authorizations with respect to such transferred lands.

Bill· SS. 1185 (102nd)open

A bill to disclaim or relinquish all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to certain lands conditionally relinquished to the United States under the Act of June 4, 1897 (30 Stat. 11, 36), and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1991

Relinquishes all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the private lands identified by the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture as having been conditionally relinquished to the United States under the Forest Reserve Act of 1897 (also known as the "Forest Management Act"), and for which the selection of other rights under that Act or under supplemental legislation was not realized or exercised. Excludes from such quitclaim those lands of national significance. Allows parties aggrieved by such exclusion to file claims against the United States seeking compensation.

Bill· SS. 1180 (102nd)referred

A bill to amend the Agricultural Act of 1949 to provide for discretion in the shifting of crop acreage bases between farms in the case of a natural disaster.

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1991

Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to shift acreage bases between farms owned by the same producer in the case of a natural disaster or other similar condition. Permits the 1991 planting of soybeans or other nonprogram crops (except for fruits and vegetables) on certain program crop acreage otherwise required to be devoted to conservation use in disaster-declared (and contiguous) counties.

Law· SS. 1150 (102nd)enacted

Higher Education Amendments of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1991

Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to reauthorize funding for its various programs. Extends through FY 1996 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) program and planning grants, and for national programs, under postsecondary programs for nontraditional students; (2) the Student Literacy Corps; (3) academic library and information technology enhancement; (4) institutional aid; (5) supplemental educational opportunity grants; (6) grants to States for State student incentives; (7) special programs for students from disadvantaged backgrounds; (8) special programs for students whose families are engaged in migrant and seasonal farmwork; (9) the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program; (10) the veterans' education outreach program; (11) special child care services for disadvantaged college students; (12) work-study programs; (13) the income-contingent direct loan demonstration project; (14) direct loans to students in institutions of higher education; (15) educator recruitment retention and development; (16) periodicals published outside the United States; (17) international education programs; (18) business and international education programs; (19) construction, reconstruction, and renovation of academic facilities; (20) the agriculture, strategic metals, minerals, forestry and oceans college and university research facilities and instrumentation modernization program; (21) cooperative education; (22) graduate programs; (23) postsecondary improvement programs; (24) the minority science and engineering improvement program; (25) innovative projects for community service and student financial independence; and (26) partnerships for economic development and urban community service. Extends through FY 1997: (1) the aggregate annual limit on the authorization of appropriations for HEA programs (not including the Pell Grant and the Robert T. Stafford Student Loan programs); and (2) the 85 percent Federal share of awards under the supplemental educational opportunity grants program. Extends through academic year 1997 the annual maximum basic grant amount of $3,100 under the program of basic educational opportunity grants (Pell Grants).

Bill· SS. 1156 (102nd)open

Federal Lands and Families Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1991

Federal Lands and Families Protection Act - Title I: Establishing Long Term Program - Provides for the establishment of a long-term Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Forest Service (FS) program to protect old growth forest, the Northern Spotted Owl, and other old growth associated species on areas of ecologically-significant old growth forest on State and Federal lands in Oregon, Washington, and Northern California selected for the Old Growth Forest Reserve to be established by the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior under this Act. Requires the Secretaries to: (1) submit the applicable land management plans for implementing such program for appropriate consultation required under the Endangered Species Act; and (2) review previously applied administrative constraints on resource uses on lands under their jurisdiction to minimize the impact on pre-existing land uses resulting from the establishment of the Reserve. Bars further acquisition of mineral and mining rights in the Reserve. Permits roads, structures, and motorized and nonmotorized recreation and access, and hunting and fishing in the Reserve where consistent with the requirements of this Act and other applicable law. Permits timber harvesting in certain limited circumstances and only if not proscribed for any Reserve area in the applicable land management plan. Title II: Ensuring the Effectiveness of Federal Land Planning - Amends the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 and the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 to provide additional guidance on the implementation, amendment, and revision of plans for Federal lands necessary to ensure the effectiveness of Federal land planning and that the applicable land management plans under title I of this Act and the protections which they afford the Old Growth Forest Reserve and associated species are implemented effectively. Title III: Providing An Interim Program - Provides for an interim program until the Reserve is established and applicable land management plans are adopted under title I of this Act with the same purposes as the long-term program, and for the provision of an adequate supply of timber on FS and BLM lands. Directs the Secretaries to establish an Old Growth Research Program (OGRP) to better understand and manage old growth forest ecosystems. Restricts timber sales on road construction, and mineral leasing on certain FS and BLM lands, including those within a certain radius of a Northern Spotted Owl nest site. Requires environmental impact statements on, and appropriate consultation for, the timber harvested from FS and BLM lands to ensure compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act. Provides for judicial review of agency decisions or actions under this title. Directs the Secretaries to publish in the Federal Register timber harvesting guidelines for Reserve areas based on OGRP work. Title IV: Economic Adjustment - Establishes the Timber Economic Adjustment Commission to provide Federal economic adjustment grants and benefit payments to the communities economically dependent on the timber on FS and BLM lands and the dislocated workers adversely affected by enactment of this Act. Outlines specific eligibility criteria that such communities and workers must meet in order to receive such assistance. Requires the Secretaries to notify the Commission of any Federal action likely to have a substantial impact on employment. Requires a final Commission report to the Congress and applicable State Governors on economic conditions and employment in affected areas. Title V: Miscellaneous - Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 2463 (102nd)open

Forests and Families Protection Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1991

Forests and Families Protection Act of 1991 - Title I: Establishing Long Term Program - Provides for the establishment of a long-term Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Forest Service (FS) program to protect old growth forest, the Northern Spotted Owl, and other old growth associated species on areas of ecologically-significant old growth forest on State and Federal lands in Oregon, Washington, and Northern California selected for the Old Growth Forest Reserve to be established by the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior under this Act. Requires the Secretaries to: (1) submit the applicable land management plans for implementing such program for appropriate consultation required under the Endangered Species Act; and (2) review previously applied administrative constraints on resource uses on lands under their jurisdiction to minimize the impact on pre-existing land uses resulting from the establishment of the Reserve. Bars further acquisition of mineral and mining rights in the Reserve. Permits roads, structures, and motorized and nonmotorized recreation and access, and hunting and fishing in the Reserve where consistent with the requirements of this Act and other applicable law. Permits timber harvesting in certain limited circumstances and only if not proscribed for any Reserve area in the applicable forest plan. Title II: Ensuring the Effectiveness of Federal Land Planning - Amends the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 and the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 to provide additional guidance on the implementation, amendment, and revision of plans for Federal lands necessary to ensure the effectiveness of Federal land planning and that the applicable forest plans under title I of this Act and the protections which they afford the Old Growth Forest Reserve and associated species are implemented effectively. Title III: Providing An Interim Program - Provides for an interim program until the Reserve is established and applicable forest plans are adopted under title I of this Act with the same purposes as the long-term program, and for the provision of an adequate supply of timber on FS and BLM lands. Directs the Secretaries to establish an Old Growth Research Program (OGRP) to better understand and manage old growth forest ecosystems. Restricts timber sales, road construction, and mineral leasing on certain FS and BLM lands, including those within a certain radius of a Northern Spotted Owl nest site. Requires environmental impact statements on, and appropriate consultation for, the timber harvested from FS and BLM lands to ensure compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act. Provides for judicial review of agency decisions or actions under this title. Directs the Secretaries to publish in the Federal Register timber harvesting guidelines for Reserve areas based on OGRP work. Title IV: Economic Adjustment - Establishes the Timber Economic Adjustment Commission to provide Federal economic adjustment grants and benefit payments to the communities economically dependent on the timber on FS and BLM lands and the dislocated workers adversely affected by enactment of this Act. Outlines assistance eligibility criteria. Requires the Secretaries to notify the Commission of any Federal action likely to have a substantial impact on employment. Requires a final Commission report to the Congress and applicable State governors on economic conditions and employment in affected areas. Title V: Miscellaneous - Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 2471 (102nd)open

Craggy Mountain Wilderness Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1991

Craggy Mountain Wilderness Act of 1991 - Designates the Craggy Mountain Wilderness in the Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina, as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Provides that the Land and Resource Management Plans and their associated environmental impact statements for National Forests in North Carolina (including such decisions to allocate roadless areas to wilderness or nonwilderness categories) shall not be subject to judicial review. Releases national forest system lands in North Carolina which were reviewed by the Department of Agriculture from further review by such Department prior to the revision of the plans. States that the provisions above shall also apply to national forest system roadless lands in North Carolina which are less than 5,000 acres in size.

Bill· HRH.R. 2459 (102nd)referred

To amend the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 to provide for the salvage sale of catastrophically damaged National Forest System timber, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1991

Amends the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to harvest certain catastrophically damaged timber stands within or adjacent to national forests. Requires the Secretary to prepare an environmental assessment for sales of such timber. Prohibits the environmental assessments and such timber sales from being subject to administrative appeal. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) substitute such timber for timber that would otherwise be sold under the plan; or (2) if not feasible, sell such timber over and above the plan volume.

Bill· SS. 1121 (102nd)referred

Federal-Aid Surface Transportation Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1991

Federal Aid Surface Transportation Act of 1991 - Title I: Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1991 - Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1991 - Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Account of the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) for: (1) the National Highway and Bridge System; (2) the Urban and Rural Highway and Bridge Program; (3) emergency relief; (4) the Federal Lands Highway Program; (5) the University Transportation Centers Program; (6) the Right-of-Way Revolving Fund; and (7) the Territorial Highway Program. Specifies that unobligated balances of funds apportioned or allocated to a State under Federal highway provisions before October 1, 1991, shall be available for obligation in such State under the law, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to the obligation and expenditure of those funds in effect on September 30, 1991. Repeals the FY 1993 authorization under the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956. Authorizes appropriations for Interstate construction to complete the Interstate System out of the Highway Account of the HTF for each of FY 1992 through 1995. Provides for certain allocations for Massachusetts for such fiscal years. Sets forth a formula for the apportionment of authorized funds for such fiscal years among the States. Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Account of the HTF for highway projects for the Interstate Substitution Program. Sets forth provisions with respect to obligation ceilings for Federal-aid highway programs, distribution of and limitations on obligation authority, and redistribution of unused obligation authority. Declares that national resources should be focused upon preserving the nation's investment in its Interstate systems, that broad national defense, economic, safety, and international policy goals are advanced by efficient transportation systems, that national transportation investments should increasingly encourage domestic and international commerce and trade, and that, based on congressionally established national transportation policy and objectives, a new Federal high priority highway network should be designated. Establishes the National Highway and Bridge System, to consist of all currently designated Interstate highways, an appropriate portion of the rural and urban principal arterial routes, including toll facilities, and national defense highways, and routes which meet specified criteria (including nationally significant truck routes, routes that provide nationally significant commodities with access to markets, access points to significant national parks, facilities that will provide logical connection between major population centers and the National Highway and Bridge System, and major urban corridors). Specifies that the National Highway System shall be based on a functional reclassification of roads and streets in each State which shall be designated not later than September 30, 1993, in accordance with guidelines issued by the Secretary of Transportation, and that the Secretary may add segments to the National Highway System as necessary to meet National Highway Program objectives. Directs the Secretary to establish criteria for reviewing projects to be funded as part of the National Highway and Bridge System which: (1) define eligible projects to include rehabilitation, resurfacing, restoration, capacity expansion, operational improvement, safety, and new highway construction; (2) ensure as a first priority for the use of available funds the protection of investments made in the Interstate highways in each State and the provision of suitable traveling quality by such highways; (3) permit funding in urbanized areas to be used to improve highway and transit systems, where it can be shown that the improvement will increase the level of service within the corridor of the National Highway and Bridge System; and (4) permit the use of such funds for intercity rail projects and projects for access to ports, airports, and related facilities. Sets forth additional provisions with respect to the discharge of responsibilities by the Secretary for National Highway and Bridge System projects. Directs the Secretary to establish an Urban and Rural Highway and Bridge Program to provide a category of funds that minimizes Federal requirements and provides flexibility in the use of available funds for either highway or transit projects. Specifies: (1) that the Urban and Rural Highway and Bridge Program shall consist of all public highways (including bridges) functionally classified as arterials, urban collectors, and rural collectors other than those designated as part of the National Highway and Bridge System; (2) that each State shall establish guidelines for implementing this program; and (3) eligible highways and projects. Authorizes the Secretary to approve innovative highway- and transit-related immediate action, non-capital intensive projects to help relieve congestion and transportation-related air quality problems in urbanized areas of more than 200,000 population, or projects in rural areas that respond to rural transportation problems through innovative approaches and strategies. Sets forth provisions with respect to project compliance with State and Federal requirements. Requires States to have an ongoing bridge inspection and inventory system. Directs the Secretary to set aside specified funds for Metropolitan and Rural Innovative Bonus Projects. Sets forth provisions with respect to the obligation of funds, and the Federal share of projects, for the construction of toll roads, bridges, tunnels, and ferries. Repeals provisions: (1) requiring each State to certify annually that it is enforcing all speed limits on public highways posted at the national maximum speed limit; (2) requiring the Secretary to withhold project approval in any State that fails to certify accordingly; (3) requiring States to submit to the Secretary compliance data for a 12-month period on the percentage of motor vehicles exceeding 55 miles per hour (mph) on their public highways posted at 55 mph; and (4) establishing a process under which a State could lose up to ten percent of its non-Interstate highway construction funds for the following fiscal year if the State's 12-month compliance data show that more than 50 percent of its motorists exceeded the posted 55 mph limit. Requires the Secretary, in each fiscal year, to allocate among the States amounts sufficient to ensure that: (1) the total of apportionments and minimum allocation for each State in each such fiscal year shall not be less than 90 percent (currently, 85 percent) of the percentage of estimated tax payments into the Highway Account of the HTF attributable to highway users in the State of total apportionments in each such fiscal year and allocations for the prior year; and (2) each State's total apportionment from the Highway Account of the HTF for the year is not less than that made during FY 1991 (excluding any Interstate construction funds in excess of FY 1992 one-half percent minimum, Interstate substitution, and amounts for demonstration or discretionary funding programs or projects). Directs the Secretary to cooperate with State and local officials in urbanized areas in the development of transportation plans and programs which are formulated with due consideration to comprehensive long-range land use plans, development objectives, innovative financing mechanisms, overall social, economic, environmental, and system performance, energy conservation goals and objectives and with due consideration to their probable effect on the future development of the area. Specifies that the transportation planning process, at a minimum, shall cover the existing urbanized area and the area expected to become urbanized within the forecast period, and that it may encompass the entire Metropolitan Statistical Area/Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Area at the discretion of the Governor and the affected units of local government. Requires that transportation plans and programs in urbanized areas of more than 200,000 population be based on a continuing transportation planning process which: (1) is carried out by a metropolitan planning organization and is comprehensive to the degree appropriate based on the complexity of transportation problems in the area, including transportation-related air quality problems; and (2) considers all modes of transportation, including intermodal connectivity, the balance between future development and transportation needs, and an areawide multimodal congestion management system. Specifies that in nonattainment areas for transportation-related pollutants, the multimodal congestion management system shall address air quality considerations and be coordinated with the process for development of the transportation element of the State Implementation Plan required by the Clean Air Act. Requires that the costs and impacts of proposed action on both mobility and air quality be evaluated. Bars the Secretary from approving any highway project in urbanized areas of more than 200,000 population that by reconstruction or new construction significantly increases the vehicle carrying capacity of a transportation corridor unless the project is consistent with the congestion management system. Directs the metropolitan planning organization to cooperate with the State in the development of a congestion management, bridge management, pavement management, safety management, and traffic monitoring system. Requires that: (1) a metropolitan planning organization be designated in each urbanized area by agreement among the units of general purpose local government and the Governor to carry out such transportation planning process; (2) such organization develop a transportation improvement program that includes all projects proposed for funding within the study area under the National Highway and Bridge Program, the Urban and Rural Highway and Bridge Program, and the Bridge Program; and (3) in urbanized areas of 200,000 population or less, such organization, the State, and transit operators, at a minimum, meet the requirements of this Act by the development of such a transportation improvement program (including consideration of transportation-related air quality problems). Requires the Federal highway research program to include a coordinated long-term program of research: (1) on Intelligent Vehicle Highway Systems; and (2) for the development, use, and dissemination of performance indicators to measure the performance of the surface transportation system. Requires such program to continue those portions of the Strategic Highway Research Program that the Secretary deems important. Directs the Secretary to create and administer the Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship Program, a program to attract qualified students to the field of transportation engineering and research. Provides for the funding of such program. Directs the Secretary to cooperate with the States in carrying out: (1) statewide transportation planning to support transportation programs and projects funded under this Act; and (2) State highway research. Sets forth provisions regarding State matching fund requirements and waiver of such requirements. Directs the Secretary: (1) in the Secretary's reports regarding future highway needs of the nation, to report as well on the condition and performance of the existing system and on the bridge needs of the nation; and (2) beginning with the report due in January 1995, to include the results of studies of the air quality impacts of transportation programs, including the air quality benefits realized from transportation control measures required under the Clean Air Act. Establishes within the Department of Transportation a Bureau of Transportation Statistics, which shall pursue a comprehensive, long-term program for the collection and analysis of data relating to the performance of the national transportation system. Requires the Director of such Bureau to: (1) produce annually unbiased and comparable estimates of factors, including productivity in the various portions of the transportation sector, traffic flow, travel times, travel costs of intracity commuting and intercity trips, frequency of vehicle and transportation facility repairs, accidents, and collateral damage to the human and natural environment; and (2) submit reports beginning on October 1, 1992, and every 12 months thereafter, to specified congressional committees describing the status of the U.S. transportation system. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) undertake, on a cost-shared basis, collaborative research and development with non-Federal entities, including State, local, and foreign governments; and (2) enter into cooperative research and development agreements, except that the average Federal share in such agreements shall not exceed 50 percent (but allows the Secretary to approve a higher Federal level of participation where there is substantial public interest or benefit.) Authorizes the Secretary to withhold project approvals on National Highway and Bridge Program projects for failure of a State to have a bridge management, pavement management, safety management, and congestion management system. Requires each State to have a traffic monitoring system to provide statistically-based traffic data. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) acquisition of rights-of-way; (2) private, State, and local donations; (3) wetland mitigation, conservation, and enhancement; (4) access to rights-of-way to accommodate needed passenger or commuter rail, high speed ground transportation systems (including magnetic levitation systems), and highway and nonhighway public mass transit facilities; and (5) the definition and scope of the Interstate System. Declares that: (1) the nation must redirect its efforts toward moving people, information, and goods rather than moving vehicles; (2) the new Federal program shall refocus national policies to respond to increasing inter-regional travel, relieving urban congestion, improving rural access, fostering intermodalism, enhancing air quality, conserving energy, and giving priority to projects that offer the best solutions to the transportation problems and environmental considerations of each region; and (3) the essential element for an effective future program is a new Federal, State, and local partnership that provides more funding, greater program flexibility, and greater program management and resource contribution responsibilities at the State and local levels. Sets forth provisions with respect to the apportionment of funds, including apportionment formulas under the: (1) National Highway and Bridge Program, based on the State's rural and urban lane miles, rural vehicle miles traveled, and diesel fuel consumption; and (2) Urban and Rural Highway and Bridge Program, in the ratio of tax payments of the Highway Account of the HTF attributable to the highway users of each State. Requires the Secretary to reduce up to ten percent of a State's apportionment of National Highway and Bridge Program funds in any fiscal year during which heavy vehicles, subject to a heavy vehicle use tax, may be lawfully registered in the State without having presented proof of payment of such tax. Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) project agreements and obligations of funds; (2) availability of funds; (3) the Federal share payable with respect to certain projects; (4) project litigation expenses; and (5) the allocation and administration of Federal lands highways funds and the establishment of a coordinated Federal Lands Highways Program. Authorizes (subject to specified limitations): (1) States to use Federal highway funds to construct improved lanes, paths, or shoulders, traffic control devices, shelters, and parking facilities for bicycles and pedestrians, and carry out nonconstruction projects related to safe bicycle and pedestrian use; (2) the Secretary, where a highway bridge deck being replaced or rehabilitated with Federal financial participation is located on a highway on which bicycles or pedestrians are permitted to operate at each end of the bridge and where the Secretary determines that the safe accommodation of bicycles or pedestrians can be provided at reasonable cost, to replace or rehabilitate such bridge, making such accommodations; (3) Federal lands highways funds to be used for the construction of pedestrian walkways and bicycle routes; and (4) a State to expend Urban and Rural Highway and Bridge Program funds for such construction. Repeals a provision requiring that specified highways be free from tolls. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) carry out a transportation assistance program that will provide highway and transportation agencies in urbanized areas of 50,000 to 1,000,000 population and rural areas access to modern highway technology; and (2) make grants to enter into contracts for education and training, technical assistance, and related support services to effectuate such program. Repeals a provision authorizing the Secretary to use photogrammetric methods in mapping and the utilization of commercial enterprise for such services. Authorizes the Secretary to engage in activities to inform the domestic highway community of technological innovations abroad that could significantly improve highway transportation in the United States, promote U.S. highway transportation expertise internationally, and increase transfers of U.S. highway transportation technology to foreign countries. Provides for a temporary waiver of the matching fund requirement for qualifying projects, with increases in the Federal share for any State to be repaid by March 30, 1994. Directs the Secretary to: (1) carry out experimental programs which allow the Federal Highway Administration and the States to demonstrate innovative or nontraditional design, construction, and management practices, or both, for highway projects while utilizing a competitive process for selection of contractors; and (2) evaluate and report on the results of such programs. Provides for: (1) a functional reclassification of all public roads; (2) the transfer of funds for transit projects to, for administration by, the Urban Mass Transportation Administration; and (3) a recodification of Federal highway-related provisions. Requires that construction standards adopted for the National Highway and Bridge System be those approved by the Secretary in cooperation with the State highway departments and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (currently, with respect to construction standards for the Interstate System, cooperation with such Association is not required). Directs the Secretary to issue guidelines for minimizing soil erosion from highway construction. Bars the Secretary from approving projects that will result in the severance or destruction of an existing major route for nonmotorized transportation traffic and light motorcycles, unless the project provides a reasonable alternative route or an alternative route exists. Requires: (1) projects for resurfacing, restoring, or rehabilitating specified highways to be constructed in accordance with standards to preserve and extend highway service life and enhance highway safety; and (2) States to charge, at a minimum, fair market value for the sale, use, lease, or lease renewals of right-of-way airspace acquired as a result of a project funded in whole or in part with Federal assistance made available from the Highway Account of the HTF, with exceptions. Provides that: (1) Indian contractors certified by State transportation or highway departments shall receive preference in the award of contracts on Indian reservations to the maximum extent practicable; and (2) contracts for Urban and Rural Highway and Bridge Program projects may be entered into with the prior concurrence of the Secretary in the award. Authorizes: (1) the State transportation or highway department to include warranty or guarantee provisions in construction contracts which, if used, shall be for a specified construction product or feature and may not include routine maintenance; and (2) projects (currently, requires projects) approved to include the amount of any interest earned and payable on bonds issued by the State to the extent that the proceeds of the bonds have actually been expended in the construction of the project. Authorizes the Secretary, except for projects administered under the Urban and Rural Highway and Bridge Program, to make payments to a State for costs incurred on a project. (Current law authorizes payment to States for construction.) Specifies that total payments shall not exceed total costs incurred by the State for the project. Requires any State transportation or highway (currently, highway) department which submits plans for a National Highway and Bridge Program or Interstate System project (currently, Interstate System project) to make its certification and report, indicating that consideration was given to the economic, social, environmental, and other effects of the plan, highway location or design, and various alternatives which were raised during the hearing or which were otherwise considered. (Current law does not mention the latter requirement.) Authorizes the Secretary to approve for Federal financial assistance from National Highway and Bridge Program funds: (1) projects designed to encourage the use of carpools, subject to specified limitations; and (2) the construction of exclusive or preferential high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, highway traffic control devices, intercity and urban bus passenger loading areas and facilities, and fringe and transportation corridor parking to serve HOVs, intercity bus, and public transportation passengers. Specifies that if fees are charged for the use of any carpool or other publicly owned parking facility constructed pursuant to Federal highway provisions, the revenue in excess of that required for maintenance and operation of the facility and the cost of providing shuttle service to and from the facility, including compensation to any person for operating the facility and for providing shuttle service, shall be used for purposes authorized under Federal highway provisions. Requires that National Highway and Bridge System funds be made available to finance the Federal share of projects for exclusive or preferential HOV, truck, and emergency vehicle routes or lanes. Permits such routes on the Interstate System to have less than four lanes of traffic. Prohibits the approval of HOV projects unless the Secretary has received assurances from the owner or operator of the facility that HOV vehicles will fully utilize the proposed project and that essential operations and enforcement support of the facility will be provided. Specifies that, in any case where sufficient land exists within the publicly acquired rights-of-way of the National Highway System to accommodate needed nonhighway public mass transit facilities and where the accommodation can be accomplished without impairing automotive safety or future highway improvements, the Secretary may authorize a State to make those lands and rights-of-way available without charge to a publicly owned mass transit authority for such purposes wherever the public interest will be served. Directs the Secretary to require assurance from any State desiring to avail itself of benefits under Federal highway provisions that employment in connection with proposed projects be provided without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, or sex (currently, specifies "without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, or sex"). Requires that not to exceed one fourth of one percent of the funds apportioned to a State be available for highway construction training. Prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex under programs or activities receiving Federal assistance. Repeals a requirement that each State certify that it is enforcing all speed limits on public highways and that the Secretary not approve projects in States failing to make such certification. Requires each State to establish a procedure to certify that highway bridge inspectors meet national qualifications. (Current law requires that standards established by the Secretary include a procedure for national certification of such inspectors.) Directs the Secretary to withhold ten percent of the amount to be appropriated to any State on the first day of each fiscal year in which the purchase or public possession in that State of any alcoholic beverage by a person who is less than 21 years of age is lawful (current law specifies five percent on the first day of the fiscal year succeeding the first fiscal year beginning after September 30, 1985, and ten percent after the second fiscal year beginning after such date). Specifies that funds withheld from apportionment shall be apportioned to the other States in compliance and remain available for the period of time applicable to the category of funds withheld. (Currently, treatment of such funds varies based on whether funds were withheld on or before September 30, 1988.) Directs that construction estimated to cost $50,000 (currently, $15,000) or more per mile or per project for projects with a length of less than one mile on forest development roads and trails be advertised and let to contract, and allows projects with less than such cost, if no acceptable bid is received, to be done by the Secretary of Agriculture. Repeals provisions under the Territorial Highway Program providing that: (1) Federal financial assistance be granted on the basis of a Federal contribution of 100 percent of the cost of any project; and (2) the Governor must agree not to impose any toll, or permit any such toll to be charged, for use by vehicles or persons of any portion of the facilities constructed or operated to qualify for funding. Provides that, in addition to a specified percentage, sums provided (currently, two percent) for each fiscal year may be expended upon request of the Governor with the Secretary's approval under such Program. Requires (currently, authorizes the Secretary to make) expenditures with respect to the reconstruction of the Alaska-Canada international highway. Authorizes the Secretary to give priority of approval to, and expedite the construction of, projects that are recommended as important to the national defense. Modifies provisions regarding the National Highway Institute to: (1) require that private agencies and individuals pay the full cost of any education and training received by them; and (2) authorize the Institute to engage in all phases of contract authority for training purposes authorized under Federal highway provisions and to carry out its authority independently or in cooperation with any other branch of Government, authority, association, or person. Authorizes the Institute to establish and collect fees from any entity and place them in a special account.

Bill· SS. 1110 (102nd)referred

Healthier Milk Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1991

Healthier Milk Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to mandate standards of identity for milk in final package form for beverage use.

Bill· HRH.R. 2417 (102nd)open

Dairy Stabilization Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1991

Dairy Stabilization Act of 1991 - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to increase milk price support levels. Establishes a two-tier milk price support program if estimated Commodity Credit Corporation purchases exceed a specified amount. Sets forth minimum milk solid contents for whole, lowfat, and skim milk.

Bill· SS. 1105 (102nd)open

Big Thicket National Preserve Addition Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1991

Big Thicket National Preserve Addition Act of 1991 - Expands the boundaries of the Big Thicket National Preserve, Texas, through the addition of specified lands in Hardin, Polk, Tyler, Orange, and Jasper Counties, Texas. Requires the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to exchange commercial timberlands within and in the vicinity of the Preserve. Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior (the Secretary) from acquiring a specified area owned by the Louisiana-Pacific Corporation or its subsidiary, Kirby Forest Industries, Inc., without the owner's consent as long as the area is used exclusively as a youth camp. Requires the Secretary to study and report to specified congressional committees, with recommendations of: (1) alternate means of preserving the scenic integrity of the Village Creek and Big Sandy Corridor units; and (2) the costs associated with implementing such alternatives. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· HRH.R. 2407 (102nd)open

Animal Enterprise Protection Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1991

Farm Animal and Research Facilities Protection Act of 1991 - Amends title XIV of the Food Security Act of 1985 to add a new subtitle prohibiting (and establishing criminal penalties for) specified acts of destruction, theft, or damage to farm animal, research, and educational facilities. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture and the Attorney General to jointly conduct a study of the extent and effect of terrorism on animal research, production, and processing facilities. Grants jurisdiction for cases arising under these provisions to U.S. district courts. Establishes a private right of action.

Bill· HRH.R. 2401 (102nd)open

Beginning Farmer and Rancher Credit Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1991

Beginning Farmer and Rancher Credit Act of 1991 - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a farm ownership down payment loan program. Provides for: (1) Federal-State assistance coordination for beginning farmers and ranchers; and (2) the establishment of an Advisory Committee on Beginning Farmers and Ranchers. Targets farm ownership loans, loan guarantees, and interest rate assistance to beginning farmers and ranchers. Reduces maximum amounts for farm ownership and operating loans and loan guarantees.

Bill· HRH.R. 2400 (102nd)open

Wetlands Stewardship Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1991

Wetlands Stewardship Act of 1991 - Title I: Wetlands Permitting - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to provide that it is U.S. policy to: (1) achieve no overall net loss of the nation's wetland base; and (2) restore and create wetlands to increase the quality and quantity of the nation's wetlands resource base. Adds to the list of activities in navigable waters that the Secretary of the Army (Secretary) is authorized to issue permits for: (1) dredging, excavation, channelization, draining, or flooding of wetlands; and (2) activities that will impair the flow, reach, or circulation of navigable waters. Permits the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to prohibit or restrict any discharge into or alteration of navigable waters resulting from permitted activities. Requires the Administrator and the Secretary to establish procedures under which permit applicants and other affected persons may appeal prohibitions or restrictions. Applies provisions regarding the issuance of general permits on a State, regional, or nationwide basis to activities conducted in navigable waters authorized by this Act. Permits the Secretary to issue general permits jointly with a State that has a wetlands conservation plan for categories of activities in navigable waters or categories of navigable waters if such activities will have minimal adverse effects on the environment. Adds to the list of activities exempt from regulation under this Act: (1) activities conducted in altered or degraded nontidal wetlands in private ownership in accordance with an agreement between the landowner and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or the Soil Conservation Service that provides for the restoration of wetlands values and functions; (2) silviculture activities conducted in accordance with best management practices approved by the State in which such activities are conducted; (3) aquaculture activities conducted before this Act's enactment date; and (4) aggregate or clay mining activities, subject to certain conditions. Authorizes the Secretary to provide for expedited permitting in a State or federally declared drought emergency. Requires the Secretary, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of the Interior, and the Administrator to: (1) jointly conduct a rulemaking proceeding to review and revise, as necessary, the existing technical method for the delineation of wetlands; and (2) report to the Congress on the estimated acreage of wetlands in each region of the United States to be identified as wetlands pursuant to such rule. Directs the Secretary, the Secretary of the Interior, and the Administrator to jointly develop methods for the assessment of wetlands functions and values. Requires the Secretary to report biennially to the Congress on the effects on wetlands of activities conducted under permits. Revises administrative provisions regarding State permit programs for activities in navigable waters. Requires States with approved permit programs to report biannually to the Administrator. Sets forth procedures concerning the withdrawal of program approval. Authorizes the Administrator to audit programs to ensure that States are achieving the policy set forth in this Act. Provides that permits shall require measures to avoid adverse effects on navigable waters caused by permitted activities and to minimize effects that cannot be avoided. Requires permittees to: (1) conduct mitigation and compensate for adverse effects for which measures are not practicable by restoring degraded wetlands or creating new wetlands; (2) redeem an appropriate number of credits issued under the wetlands mitigation banking system established under this Act; or (3) perform a combination of such requirements. Authorizes the Administrator, upon appeal by an applicant for a permit for construction of a building associated with a residence or for minor expansions or repairs that adversely affect less than three acres of wetlands, to issue a permit or modify mitigation requirements if the applicant demonstrates that: (1) the applicant has owned the property on which the activity requiring a permit will occur for three or more consecutive years; and (2) the denial of the permit or a failure to reduce the mitigation required would cause significant financial hardship. Permits the Secretary to require a payment as mitigation for impacts to navigable waters resulting from an activity conducted under a general permit. Directs the Secretary, the Administrator, and the Secretary of the Interior to jointly issue rules establishing a wetlands mitigation banking system. Requires such system to provide for the issuance of credits by the Secretary or a State with an approved permit program or wetlands conservation plan to any person who: (1) creates wetlands; (2) restores or enhances degraded wetlands; or (3) creates, restores, or enhances uplands that serve as buffer zones to protect or enhance wetlands. Provides for the establishment of: (1) requirements for the issuance and redemption of credits under the system; (2) standards for determining the number of credits to be issued; and (3) requirements to ensure the security of the long-term ownership interests of wetlands and uplands on which projects are conducted for credits and to protect the wetlands values of such wetlands and uplands. Authorizes the transfer of credits under the system. Exempts from this title's requirements: (1) activities for which a significant alteration of land or navigable waters is commenced before this Act's enactment date; or (2) activities approved at specific sites before May 21, 1991. Title II: Wetlands Planning and Preservation - Authorizes the Administrator, jointly with a State that has made progress in completing a wetlands conservation plan, to conduct advanced planning by identifying navigable waters in the State that are suitable or unsuitable for activities for which permits are issued under this Act. Permits the Administrator to authorize certain local governments and areawide planning agencies designated under the Demonstration Cities and Metropolitan Development Act of 1966 to identify such waters, subject to certain requirements. Requires the Administrator to make publicly available maps depicting such waters which indicate: (1) waters suitable and unsuitable for permitted activities; and (2) the wetlands functions of such waters. Directs the Administrator to make grants to States or to such local governments and agencies for identifying and describing navigable waters. Bases eligibility for such grants on the value and threat of degradation, destruction, or loss of wetlands. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) identify, map, and digitize wetlands that should be given priority because of their high value, the threat of their loss, destruction, or degradation or lack of existing or adequate maps; and (2) identify all areas under consideration for advanced planning. Authorizes State Governors to submit State wetlands conservation plans to the Administrator for approval. Sets forth plan requirements and approval procedures. Authorizes the Administrator, the Secretary, or the Secretary of the Interior, upon the request of a State, to provide technical assistance for plan development. Requires the Administrator, based on need, to provide financial assistance to States for the development and implementation of such plans. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a program to promote the conservation and wise stewardship of wetlands and riparian lands on private property. Requires the program to provide assistance to private landowners for: (1) conserving wetlands and riparian lands; (2) enhancing wildlife and fisheries habitat; and (3) developing economic uses of wetlands which will not degrade wetlands. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to enter into agreements with respect to the conservation of such lands. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to present annual Wetlands for Wildlife Awards to individuals who have made a substantial contribution to the conservation and wise stewardship of wetlands and riparian lands.

Bill· HRH.R. 2397 (102nd)referred

Milk Nutrition and Labeling Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1991

Milk Nutrition and Labeling Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to: (1) allow milk labels to indicate the non-fat content and the protein content; and (2) require, for specified forms of milk in final package for beverage use, minimum percentages of milk solids not fat.

Bill· HRH.R. 2403 (102nd)referred

Market-Oriented Milk Inventory Management Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1991

Market-Oriented Milk Inventory Management Act of 1991 - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to replace current milk price support adjustment provisions with rate adjustments based on milk index and milk production cost figures. Provides for the establishment of: (1) nontransferable monthly farm milk production levels; (2) a supply- and demand-based U.S. production level, including determinations of necessary and surplus milk production percentages and rates of support for necessary and surplus milk marketings; and (3) an Industry Marketing Board.

Bill· SS. 1098 (102nd)open

A bill to amend the Agricultural Act of 1949 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to purchase dairy cows and heifers for certain purposes, to increase the milk price support rate and provide an offset, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1991

Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to purchase a sufficient number of dairy cows and heifers to make specified reductions in U.S. milk production without adversely affecting U.S. beef prices. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) make domestic beef purchases as necessary; and (2) transfer such beef for use in specified overseas emergencies. Directs the Secretary to establish a compensation fund for beef producers who sold beef during the period of March 31, 1986, through April 11, 1986, when prices were temporarily lowered. Transfers unused funds to the Department of State for migration and refugee assistance. Terminates program authority on December 31, 1991. Increases milk price support levels. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of dairy cow and heifer export programs.

Bill· SS. 1090 (102nd)referred

A bill to amend the Agricultural Act of 1949 to clarify that a refund in the price received for milk shall not be considered as any type of price support or payment for purposes of certain highly erodible land and wetland conservation requirements, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1991

States that specified milk producer assessment refunds shall not be considered price supports or payments for eligibility purposes under the highly erodible land conservation and the wetland conservation programs.

Bill· SS. 1081 (102nd)open

Water Pollution Prevention and Control Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1991

Water Pollution Prevention and Control Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to revise the authorized activities of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency with respect to water pollution control and investigations. Establishes a National Water Quality Research Committee to advise the Administrator on research activities. Requires the Committee to report annually to the Congress on: (1) research conducted in the preceding year; (2) highest priority research needs for the following five-year period; (3) planned research activities; and (4) opportunities to coordinate Federal and State research. Directs the Administrator to conduct research and investigations of, and survey the results of other scientific studies on, the harmful effects of water pollutants on fish, shellfish, and wildlife. Authorizes appropriations for water pollution research and investigations. Earmarks specified amounts of such appropriations for a small flows clearinghouse and for the Committee. Requires the Administrator (currently, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating) to conduct research concerning solid waste disposal equipment for vessels. Directs the Administrator to conduct research into fresh water aquatic ecosystems and on the nature of river systems (currently, authorizes the Administrator to make grants to colleges and universities and River Studies Centers, respectively, for conducting such research). Removes a limitation on the maximum amounts of grants for river system research. Revises provisions concerning grants for research and development to require the Administrator to establish a program to demonstrate practices for the prevention and control of industrial and municipal sources of water pollution. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants or enter into contracts with persons to develop or demonstrate such practices. Sets forth conditions for the receipt of such assistance. Requires the Administrator to publish annual solicitations for proposals to demonstrate practices which may be effective in controlling sources of water pollution. Sets forth application and approval procedures. Limits the amount of Federal funding for projects. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes appropriations for grants to States for water pollution control programs for FY 1991 and 1992. Sets forth minimum requirements for State water pollution control programs. Requires 75 percent of appropriations to be allotted to States on the basis of the water pollution problem in the respective States. Directs the Administrator to assure that the allocation of funds to a State in any fiscal year is not less than the amount allocated to such State in FY 1991. Makes 25 percent of appropriations available for grants to States for innovative programs for the control and prevention of water pollution which have application to other States. Requires States to contribute non-Federal funds to such grants. Authorizes States to reserve up to 20 percent of such grants to support: (1) costs of any interstate water pollution control agency; and (2) participation by substate regional agencies in water quality planning activities. Revises conditions for the receipt of grants and sets forth State reporting requirements. Revises provisions concerning training grants and contracts to require the Administrator to: (1) implement a national program to train persons in the operation of municipal and industrial wastewater treatment works and other facilities whose purpose is water quality control; (2) make grants to, or contracts with, institutions of higher education to support such programs; and (3) publish guidance on the minimum elements of such programs. Directs the Administrator to award training grants to at least ten institutions of higher education in each fiscal year. Provides for the triennial review of such programs. Directs the Administrator to implement a program to certify the proficiency of operators of publicly owned wastewater treatment works. Requires operators and other designated personnel to be certified as proficient by the Administrator. Directs the Administrator to publish: (1) guidelines on minimum standards for certification; and (2) a Treatment Works Operator's Manual. Provides for certification fees. Authorizes the delegation of the authority for a certification program to a State if the State is qualified to operate the program and will provide the Administrator with requested information. Permits the transfer of an individual's certification from one treatment works to another. Makes certifications valid for a five-year period. Permits recertification for an additional five years provided that the individual: (1) complies with in-service training and related education; and (2) has remained in the applicable position for four years of the five-year certification period. Prescribes civil penalties for violations of certification requirements. Requires institutions of higher education, in addition to other requirements for receiving scholarships for persons planning to enter occupations involving treatment works, to have participated in the treatment works training program and to assure representation of minorities and women in the scholarship program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 and 1992 to carry out the operator training and scholarship programs. Reserves a specified amount of funds for the scholarship program. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants for training in technical matters related to pollution causes, prevention, and elimination. Requires (currently, authorizes) the Administrator to establish research fellowships and maintain a system for forecasting the supply of, and demand for, occupational categories needed for the prevention, reduction, and elimination of pollution. Revises provisions concerning effluent guidelines to require the Administrator to promulgate effluent guidelines applicable to point sources which discharge pollutants into navigable waters. Sets forth requirements for such regulations. Repeals a provision authorizing the modification of a timetable with respect to effluent limitations. Requires effluent guidelines to be reviewed and revised at least every seven years (currently, five years). Directs the Administrator to revise such guidelines on an earlier date if advances in pollution control technology or practices would achieve a significant reduction in the quantity of toxicity of pollutants discharged to navigable waters and such advances are technologically and economically achievable. Requires the Administrator to promulgate or revise standards of performance for new sources in a category whenever effluent guidelines for such category are promulgated or revised. Provides for the review and revision of such standards at least every seven years. Requires sources with pollutant discharge permits and sources introducing pollutants into publicly owned treatment works to pay fees to the Administrator to meet costs of developing effluent guidelines and new source performance standards. Bases the assessment of fees on the volume and toxicity of the discharge. Modifies or waives such fees for small businesses or for reasons of financial hardship. Modifies such fees for sources demonstrating new or innovative technology or allowing the Administrator such access as will facilitate the full development of the guideline or standard. Makes assessments and penalties available only for the development of effluent guidelines and new source performance and pretreatment standards. Makes applicants for permits to operate pursuant to an effluent guideline who have failed to pay applicable assessments liable for penalties. Revises provisions concerning the Effluent Standards and Water Quality Information Advisory Committee. Requires the Committee to: (1) advise the Administrator in the development of effluent standards, new source performance standards, categorical pretreatment standards, secondary treatment standards, and related information and guidelines; and (2) review effluent guideline plans. Directs the Administrator to: (1) publish biennial guidelines for States to follow in issuing contaminated finfish and shellfish consumption advisories to protect recreational and subsistence fishermen; and (2) provide technical assistance to States to support implementation of the guidelines and to educate the public on the risks of consumption of contaminated fish and shellfish. Requires the Administrator, in developing water quality criteria and information, to: (1) consider the factors necessary to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of water bodies; (2) consider the factors necessary to assure the protection of public water supplies, provide for the protection and propagation of a balanced, indigenous population of fish, shellfish, and wildlife, and provide for recreation in and on the water; and (3) identify numerical pollutant concentration limits for varying types of receiving waters sufficient to assure attainment of all designated uses. Authorizes the Administrator to establish biological monitoring and assessment methods for pollutants. Requires the Administrator to publish biennially a list of conventional, nonconventional, and toxic pollutants. Directs the Administrator to submit a plan for the development of water quality criteria and information to the Congress on a triennial basis. Requires the first plan to provide for: (1) publication of criteria and information for at least 20 pollutants for which criteria and information are not currently available in each fiscal year; (2) revision of at least 20 existing criteria documents to address the needs of lakes and marine waters; and (3) publication of at least 20 criteria documents for pollutants in aquatic sediments. Directs the Administrator to publish: (1) at least 60 criteria documents within four years of this Act's enactment date; and (2) a criteria document for whole effluent toxicity. Requires States to designate uses for all water bodies for which uses have not been designated. Includes within the water bodies for which uses shall be designated rivers and streams, lakes, estuarine water bodies, and waters of the contiguous zone. Applies use designations to the waters and aquatic sediments of water bodies. Requires water bodies not currently designated to support the goal of fishable, swimmable waters to be designated by a specified deadline. Authorizes the Administrator to extend a designated use for a water body for three years based on a showing by a State that attainment and maintenance of fishable, swimmable waters: (1) is not feasible because naturally occurring pollutant concentrations prevent attainment of the use or human caused sources of pollution prevent attainment and would cause more environmental harm to correct than to leave in place; or (2) would result in substantial and widespread social and economic impacts. Requires States to adopt water and sediment quality standards adequate to protect designated uses. Sets forth standards requirements. Authorizes States to adopt biological monitoring and assessment methods for a class of pollutants affecting a water body. Directs a State to: (1) adopt standards for pollutants for which water quality criteria and information are published; (2) notify States which border on the waters of such State and States with water bodies located upstream from the State of changes in standards; and (3) report revisions or adoptions of uses or standards to the Administrator. Sets forth approval and review procedures for designations and standards. Requires the Administrator to promulgate uses or standards for States that fail to comply. Directs the Administrator to designate uses of waters of the contiguous zone and the ocean and to adopt standards for such waters for each pollutant for which criteria and information have been published. Provides for the biennial review of a State's water quality planning process. Prohibits the Administrator from making grants for water pollution control programs to States without approved planning processes. Deletes provisions concerning thermal discharges and heat standards. Requires States to implement antidegradation policies. Directs the Administrator to implement such policies for States without approved policies. Sets forth policy requirements. Requires States to implement programs to protect outstanding national resource waters. Directs the Administrator to designate such waters for States that fail to do so. Requires State antidegradation policies to assure that waters of ecological significance meet water and sediment quality standards. Directs States to conduct antidegradation reviews for water bodies: (1) prior to issuing permits to sources authorizing new or increased pollutant discharges to such water bodies; and (2) whenever existing sources increase the mass or concentration of discharges to such water bodies by more than de minimis amounts to assure that the antidegradation policy is not violated. Permits water quality standards to be exceeded in mixing zones. Requires States to establish a schedule (not to exceed five years) for the development of total maximum daily loads for pollutants for which criteria and information are published in water bodies in which designated uses or standards are not attained. Directs the Administrator or an authorized State, in the case of water bodies for which individual control strategies are developed, to: (1) provide that permits issued to point sources discharging to such waters include specified authorities; (2) issue permits for industrial and municipal discharges of stormwater to such waters; (3) prohibit the specification of an area as a disposal site and restrict the use of such area; (4) prohibit the discharge of sewage from vessels; (5) give priority to the selection of such waters for specified management conferences; and (6) prepare management programs for watershed areas of waters for States without approved assessment and/or management programs for an affected water body. Requires States to conduct and report biennially to the Administrator on programs to monitor the quality of navigable waters. Establishes a Water Quality Monitoring Council to assure the coordination of Federal and State water quality monitoring programs. Requires the Administrator to: (1) issue annual guidance for the coordinated implementation of such programs; and (2) submit a strategy for such implementation to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations. Permits the Administrator to prohibit the discharge of specified pollutants from point sources to protect public health or the environment. Directs the Administrator to publish regulations prohibiting the discharge of, and to establish bioaccumulation factors for, the following pollutants: (1) Aldrin/Dieldrin; (2) DDT; (3) Endrin; (4) Toxaphene; (5) Benzidine; (6) polychlorinated biphenyls; (7) 2,3,7,8, TCDD; and (8) mercury. Requires the Administrator to: (1) publish procedures for determining the bioaccumulation factor of toxic pollutants; and (2) publish regulations prohibiting the discharge of highly toxic and bioaccumulative pollutants. Exempts publicly owned treatment works from discharge prohibitions if compliance is technologically infeasible. Permits persons to petition for the prohibition of a pollutant discharge. Prohibits the Administrator from registering a pesticide pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act until the registrant submits sufficient information to assess the toxicity of the pesticide. Provides for: (1) the addition to, or removal from, such list of pollutants; and (2) the review and revision of such list at least every five years. Requires the Administrator to remove ammonia and chlorine from the list of nonconventional pollutants and to add them to the list of toxic pollutants. Revises provisions concerning pretreatment standards to require the Administrator to promulgate pretreatment standards and local limits for the introduction of toxic and nonconventional pollutants into treatment works. Sets forth requirements for such standards. Directs the Administrator to promulgate pretreatment standards for each category of sources for which effluent guidelines but no pretreatment standards have been promulgated, unless such sources will not introduce pollutants into publicly owned treatment works. Authorizes the Administrator to promulgate pretreatment standards for sources regardless of whether effluent guidelines have been promulgated. Provides for the review and revision of pretreatment standards at least every seven years. Requires compliance with such standards within three years of the date on which the standards are promulgated. Directs control authorities to establish local limits for the pretreatment of all toxic and nonconventional pollutants introduced into a publicly owned treatment works by industrial users. Requires limits to be established for industrial users not subject to a national pretreatment standard. Requires compliance by control authorities within five years of this Act's enactment date. Prohibits the issuance of permits to publicly owned treatment works after such deadline unless such permits include requirements to enforce local limits. Makes it unlawful to introduce pollutants that are hazardous wastes into treatment works. Revises State permit requirements for discharges from publicly owned treatment works. Authorizes civil actions to be brought for past violations of effluent standards or limitations. Grants district courts discretion to order civil penalties to be used for projects to enhance public health or the environment by restoring or improving water quality or wildlife or habitat damaged as a result of the violation. Prescribes civil and criminal penalties for violations of pretreatment requirements. Requires public notice to be provided with respect to noncomplying major dischargers. Authorizes the Administrator to withhold up to 25 percent of funds for water pollution control programs from a State unless the State has adequate authority to abate violations of specified permits and pretreatment requirements applicable to industrial users of publicly owned treatment works. Requires treatment works serving populations greater than 50,000 persons to submit Toxic Reduction Action Programs to the Administrator. Sets forth program requirements. Requires treatment works to give priority to sources violating water quality standards in implementing influent interdiction programs. Sets forth approval procedures. Provides that such programs shall be valid for five years and may be reviewed, revised, and resubmitted after such period. Requires the Administrator to adjust the amount of permit fees for treatment works to reflect the degree of pollutant reduction accomplished. Directs the Administrator to publish guidelines specifying elements of nonpoint pollution management programs. Withholds nonpoint source management grants and Federal highway assistance (with specified exceptions) from States without approved nonpoint source management programs. Extends the authorization of appropriations for such grants and for grants for protecting groundwater quality through FY 1993. Requires priority consideration to be given to watersheds of impaired water bodies in soil conservation programs of the Department of Agriculture. Makes watersheds of such water bodies eligible for enrollment in a specified agricultural water quality protection program. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to acquire easements for cropland located within watersheds of impaired water bodies. Requires the Secretary to designate such watersheds as conservation priority areas. Directs the Administrator to issue regulations concerning the control of nonpoint sources of pollution on all lands managed or owned by the Federal Government. Prohibits the manufacturing and distribution for sale within the United States of any commercial fertilizer without taking precautions for protection of water quality. Sets forth requirements with respect to such fertilizers. Requires the Administrator to prepare an annual list and description of significant water resource areas. Authorizes persons to petition for the inclusion of a water body on such list. Revises provisions concerning rural nonpoint source pollution management. Requires the Administrator to establish management conferences to assess environmental quality in major river systems and develop management plans for such systems. Provides that management conferences shall be convened for periods of up to five years. Directs the Administrator to select river systems for inclusion in the program. Sets forth conditions for priority consideration for the program. Authorizes State Governors to nominate any system within a State as a river system of national significance and request a management conference for such system. Requires the Administrator to give priority consideration for inclusion in the system to the Hudson River, the Susquehanna River, the Delaware River, the Rio Grande, and the Columbia River. Sets forth minimum requirements of conservation and management plans required under such conferences. Authorizes the Administrator to implement: (1) a program of monitoring to determine the physical, biological, and chemical conditions of a river system; (2) a program of ecosystem assessment; and (3) a research program to identify the movement of pollutants through the river system and the impact of pollutants on water quality, the ecosystem, and uses of the waters. Permits the Administrator to make grants to support management conferences. Limits and places conditions on such grants. Prohibits the issuance of a permit unless the applicant demonstrates a need to discharge based on the maximum use of measures to eliminate the discharge or reduce the volume and toxicity of pollutants within the economic capability of the owner or operator. Provides that State permit programs shall insure that permits with remaining terms of three or more years are revised to incorporate new or revised effluent limitations or other standards promulgated after the issuance of such permits. Prohibits the issuance of new permits for new discharges into navigable waters to persons who own, lease, or operate two or more facilities that are not in compliance with permits. Requires new facilities to obtain discharge permits prior to the construction of such facilities. Authorizes the Administrator to deny permits for discharges into the territorial sea, the waters of the contiguous zone, the oceans, or waters not attaining water quality standards if such discharges can be expected to adversely affect the protection and propagation of a balanced, indigenous population of shellfish, fish, and wildlife and recreational activity in and on the water. Deems existing exemptions to limitations concerning biological discharge criteria to be invalid. Adds waters not attaining water quality standards to the list of waters for which the Administrator is required to promulgate guidelines to determine degradation and biological discharge criteria. Requires State permit programs to provide for the termination or modification of a permit if a State other than that in which the source is located provides notice that the permitted discharge is causing a substantial violation of a water quality requirement or adversely affecting public health. Directs the Administrator to take specified actions if a State does not accept the recommendations of the State whose waters are affected by the discharge. Requires States in which there are discharges of overflows from combined storm water and sanitary sewers into navigable waters to submit biennially to the Administrator an inventory of such discharges which shall: (1) identify the location of each discharge and the affected waterbody; (2) identify the entity responsible for the discharge; (3) identify the permit for the discharge; (4) identify the estimated volume and pollutant loading of the discharge over a one-year period; (5) assess the proportion of the volume of the combined discharge to the volume capacity of the appropriate treatment works over a specified time period; and (6) identify the nature and status of any existing programs to eliminate discharges. Directs such entities to submit to the Administrator a program and schedule for the elimination of such discharges. Outlines program requirements and procedures for approval and modification. Makes entities which fail to implement such programs subject to penalties. Directs the Administrator or an authorized State to modify or issue permits for discharges of combined sewers. Requires the Administrator to publish guidance describing best management practices and other measures for the elimination of combined storm water and sanitary sewer overflows. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants for the development of surveys of combined sewer overflows and for the development and implementation of overflow elimination plans. Sets forth grant approval and allocation procedures. Limits the Federal share of the cost of such programs. Provides for the establishment of a water pollution control revolving fund for States which implement a combined storm water and sanitary sewer elimination program. Requires the Administrator to publish information establishing the degree of percentage removal attainable through the application of secondary treatment where a treatment works receives flows from combined sanitary and storm water sewers. Requires States administering discharge permit programs to require owners or operators of point sources subject to permit requirements to pay annual fees to cover at least 60 percent of the costs of administering the point source elements of water quality programs. Sets forth provisions concerning the amount of fees. Requires the Administrator to collect fees if a State is not enforcing a fee program. Makes sources that fail to pay fees liable for payment of fees and penalties. Withholds 50 percent of pollution control assistance from a State that fails to comply with permit fee requirements. Prohibits the firing of, or discrimination against, any employee who refuses to perform duties that would constitute a violation of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act or would result in serious injury to the public. Requires the Administrator to assess the cost of construction of public facilities needed to accomplish the water quality goals of this Act. Increases the amount of sums to be reserved for waste treatment management plans, sewage treatment works, and nonpoint source programs for Indian tribes. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants for such assistance in amounts of up to 100 percent of the project cost. Requires the Administrator to report to the Congress biennially on the need for sewage treatment works to serve Indian tribes. Directs the Administrator to make grants to support the administration of water quality programs by Indian tribes treated as States. Permits the Administrator to make grants to Indian tribes to support development of authorities necessary for such treatment. Sets forth provisions concerning the allocations of such grants and limitations on the Federal share of the costs of such programs. Makes State water pollution control revolving loan funds available to Indian tribes for construction of publicly owned treatment works. Directs the Administrator to issue permits for discharges to navigable waters on Federal Indian reservations unless the Indian tribe has been delegated authority to issue permits. Requires persons with discharge permits who are required to file annual toxic chemical release forms under the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 to conduct environmental audits to establish and improve compliance with permit requirements. Provides that environmental audits shall be conducted by persons certified under this Act. Directs the Administrator to establish requirements concerning such audits and to notify facilities required to prepare audits. Requires the Administrator, in notifying such facilities, to give priority to facilities at which: (1) there is a history of noncompliance with permits; (2) discharges contribute to violations of water quality standards; (3) discharges are of significant volume or toxicity; and (4) there are discharges to several environmental media. Directs the Administrator to publish guidance concerning methods for the design and implementation of environmental monitoring and audits. Prescribes civil or criminal penalties for audit violations. Sets forth provisions concerning the confidentiality of information obtained from facilities subject to audit requirements. Prescribes civil penalties for the disclosure of protected information. Lists information not entitled to protection. Requires the Administrator to develop: (1) programs for the training and certification of individuals conducting audits; and (2) a general manual of methods for environmental monitoring, compliance assessment, and environmental auditing. Limits certifications to a period of ten years. Permits the Administrator to collect fees for training and certification programs. Requires the Administrator to provide for oversight and evaluation of audits and for random tests of the accuracy of data and analyses conducted by organizations certified to conduct audits. Provides for revocations of certifications, or permanent barring, of organizations with repeated audit inaccuracies. Requires the modification of permits based on measures recommended in audits. Directs the Administrator to: (1) negotiate with representatives of the Government of Mexico to establish a program to prevent pollution and to monitor and improve water quality in the U.S.-Mexican border region; (2) determine which water bodies in the region are not in compliance with designated uses; (3) determine the sources of pollutants causing impairment of such water bodies and the amounts of pollutants discharged; and (4) assess the need for sewage treatment works to serve such region and the degree to which such needs will be met through certain funds allotted to States. Extends the general authorization of appropriations for the Federal Water Pollution Control Act through FY 1998. Establishes a Clean Water Fund to support the implementation of specified water pollution control programs. Sets forth Fund allotment requirements. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1992 (currently, FY 1996 and FY 1995, respectively) for implementation of the Long Island Sound Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan and the Lake Champlain Management Conference. Revises a condition on the use of a State water pollution control revolving fund to make loans to provide that the costs of administering the fund shall not exceed four percent of all capitalization grants (currently, all grant awards to the fund). Permits capitalization grants to American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, the Trust Territory of Palau (or its successor entity), the Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia to be used for grants for the construction of treatment works. Continues the allotment of funds under the current formula through FY 1996. Requires the Administrator to: (1) reserve a specified percentage of funds for incentive capitalization grants; and (2) make such grants to any State which, after FY 1992, deposits moneys in an amount equal to that deposited in FY 1991 in a water pollution control revolving fund. Directs States to deposit awards in such funds. Adds to the list of conditions under which water pollution control revolving funds may make loans that loans for publicly owned treatment works utilizing innovative treatment processes may be made at or below market interest rates at terms not to exceed 40 years. Prohibits more than five percent of the capitalized value of a fund from being used to provide such assistance. Sets forth provisions concerning the use of unobligated funds. Revises repayment requirements for loans made from State revolving funds to require annual principal and interest payments to commence within three (currently, one) years after completion of a project. Permits such loans to be made to reduce the principal of debt obligations by at least 85 percent where such obligations were incurred after May 15, 1991, and where the State has determined that the municipality, intermunicipality, or interstate agency would not be able to afford to undertake a project with assistance. Requires value engineering reviews to be conducted for any treatment works construction projected in excess of $20,000,000 (currently, $10,000,000).

Bill· SS. 1074 (102nd)reported

Safety of Pesticides in Food Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1991

Safety of Pesticides in Food Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to exclude pesticide chemicals from the definition of "food additive." (Current law excludes from that definition a pesticide chemical: (1) in or on a raw agricultural commodity; or (2) used in the production, storage, or transportation of a raw agricultural commodity.) Modifies the circumstances in which the presence of a pesticide chemical residue renders a food adulterated. Replaces provisions relating to tolerances for pesticide chemicals in or on raw agricultural commodities with provisions relating to tolerances and exemptions for pesticide chemical residues. Deems a pesticide chemical residue unsafe, unless it is within established tolerances or an exemption is in effect. Allows a tolerance only if the risk to human health from dietary exposure to the residue is negligible. Sets forth criteria for determining whether the risk is negligible. Requires, in determining dietary exposure, consideration of all other sources (including drinking water) of dietary exposure occurring over a lifetime. Sets forth a special exposure rule allowing, in certain circumstances, calculation of exposure based on the percentage of the food in which the residue actually occurs. Requires, if a tolerance or exemption is revoked and the residue will unavoidably persist in the environment and contaminate food, that a new tolerance be established at the lowest level that permits only the unavoidable levels to remain in the food. Allows establishment, modification, or revocation of a tolerance or establishment or revocation of an exemption from a tolerance in response to a petition or on the initiative of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Defines, for certain provisions of this Act, modification of a tolerance to mean lowering. Allows an exemption if the residue is not a human or animal carcinogen and otherwise presents no risk to human health from dietary exposure. Requires, in determining dietary exposure, consideration of all other sources of dietary exposure occurring over a lifetime. Conditions establishment and continuation of a tolerance or exemption on the existence of a practical method of residue detection that can be performed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services on a routine basis as part of surveillance and compliance sampling for residues. Allows any person to petition the Administrator for the establishment, modification, or revocation of a tolerance or exemption. Sets forth required contents of a petition to establish a tolerance or exemption and procedures and timetables for processing the petition. Provides for revocation or modification of existing tolerances and exemptions. Regulates the confidentiality of and access to data submitted in support of a petition. Provides for the treatment of pesticide chemicals which were, before this Act, generally recognized (by the Administrator or others) as safe. Directs the Secretary to conduct surveillance and compliance sampling of food for pesticide chemical residues, charging fees sufficient to provide, equip, and maintain an adequate service. Allows continuation of a tolerance or exemption to be conditioned on payment of an annual fee. Requires the Administrator to evaluate each existing tolerance or exemption and: (1) if there is sufficient data to conclude that the residue does not meet the standards of this Act, change or revoke the tolerance; or (2) if there is insufficient data to determine whether the standards are met, require the submission of data. Sets forth deadlines by which the Administrator is required to have made a determination on a specified percentages of tolerances or exemptions in effect on enactment of this Act. Requires the Administrator to determine, for each method of detecting and measuring levels of residues, whether the method meets certain requirements of this Act. Requires revision of any method which does not meet the requirements. Revokes any tolerance or exemption based on a method which, after three years, does not meet the requirements. Mandates fees sufficient to provide, equip, and maintain adequate service with regard to the review of existing tolerances and exemptions and the review of methods of detecting and measuring levels of residues.

Bill· SS. 1070 (102nd)referred

Coastal Protection Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1991

Coastal Protection Act of 1991 - States that it is U.S. policy to restore and protect the integrity of the marine environment so that the values of such environment are not impaired by pollution. Title I: Marine Monitoring Programs - Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to implement a program to measure the environmental quality of marine ecosystems. Requires the program to be located at the Environmental Research Laboratory, Narragansett, Rhode Island. Directs the Administrator to establish: (1) a program for identifying indicators of marine ecosystem quality; and (2) a system for designing and reviewing methods for monitoring marine ecosystems. Requires the Administrator to submit to the Congress a Comprehensive Implementation Strategy identifying activities to implement a comprehensive marine ecosystem monitoring program. Directs the Administrator to enter into memoranda of understanding with appropriate Federal agencies to coordinate Federal marine monitoring programs. Requires the Administrator to report annually to the Congress on the condition of the nation's marine ecosystems. Directs the Administrator to establish: (1) a Marine Environment Information Program to compile and disseminate information on issues related to the marine environment; and (2) a program of research and monitoring to determine the effects of atmospheric pollutants on degradation of the marine environment. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Coastal Water Quality Protection Programs - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to direct the Administrator to submit to the Congress a Coastal Environment Toxics Release Strategy. Requires the Administrator to prepare an annual assessment of the industrial categories discharging pollutants required to be reported pursuant to the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 into coastal waters and into publicly owned treatment works which discharge into such waters. Provides that the assessment shall identify: (1) categories which discharge the greatest amounts of pollutants; and (2) geographical areas receiving the greatest amount of pollutant discharges. Directs the Administrator to use the assessment to: (1) verify permit information; (2) improve individual control strategies for toxic pollutants; (3) identify other regulatory programs and adopt measures to assure that toxics data is incorporated into those programs; (4) identify pollutants for which water quality criteria have not been published; and (5) target compliance and enforcement actions. Extends the authorization of appropriations for the National Estuary Program. Adds Casco Bay, Maine, and Tampa Bay and Lower St. Johns River, Florida, to the list of areas to be given priority consideration for management conferences under the National Estuary Program. Prohibits the Administrator from convening a management conference for any estuary which is not designated as a priority marine water body under this Act. Authorizes (currently, requires) the Administrator to carry out specified environmental monitoring and research programs in estuaries. Directs the Administrator to designate all marine water bodies which do not assure the protection and propagation of a balanced, indigenous population of shellfish, fish, and wildlife and allow for recreational activities in and on the water. Requires the Administrator, in the designation of such water bodies, to give priority to water bodies which: (1) function as ecological systems; and (2) exhibit a range of degradation problems and are degraded by various pollution sources. Sets forth specific requirements for such water bodies with respect to point source discharges, permits for discharges of storm water, restrictions on disposal sites and discharges of sewage from vessels, pretreatment of industrial wastes, and management programs for watersheds. Requires publicly owned treatment works which serve industrial users and discharge to a designated water body to establish or revise a pretreatment program to include requirements for: (1) permits for industrial discharges into the treatment works; (2) local limits to control the discharge of toxic pollutants into the treatment works; (3) random sampling and inspection of industrial users; (4) development of enforcement response plans; (5) notification by industrial users of any discharge into the treatment works of a waste listed under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act; and (6) notification by industrial users in advance of changes in the volume or character of pollutants in their discharge. Directs the Administrator to: (1) develop and test guidelines for publicly owned treatment works to reduce and control the sources of toxic pollutants found in waste waters; and (2) establish a data base of such sources. Requires local governments to provide State certifications to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to show that requirements for construction in the 100-year marine flood plain are adequate to assure that such construction will not violate State water quality standards. Directs FEMA to suspend any community failing to provide such certification from the flood insurance program. Requires the Administrator to establish a national program of outreach information and technical assistance for owners of marine land. Directs the Administrator to provide such owners with specified information concerning land management and environmental protection. Authorizes the delegation of the operation of such programs to States. Requires the Administrator to provide technical assistance to the Secretary of Agriculture to reduce agricultural and related sources of nonpoint source pollution to coastal waters. Directs the Administrator to: (1) identify those lands which, if enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program, would contribute to protection of the coastal environment by reducing nonpoint source pollution; and (2) furnish the list of such lands to the Secretary to assist the Secretary in establishing priorities for expenditures under the Conservation Reserve Program. Requires the Administrator to prohibit the discharge from a vessel of sewage into any designated water body. Directs the Administrator to: (1) study the availability of adequate facilities for the safe and sanitary removal and treatment of sewage from vessels operating on coastal waters; and (2) report and make recommendations to the Congress on such study to assure that such facilities are reasonably available. Requires the Administrator to submit to specified congressional committees a five-year plan and schedule for the development, review, and revision of criteria for pollutants found in marine waters and sediment. Provides that the plan shall: (1) give priority to pollutants which pose the greatest threat to the marine environment; and (2) provide for biological toxicity criteria for marine waters and sediments. Permits persons to petition the Administrator to develop such criteria. Requires the Administrator to approve a petition if the pollutant is preventing the attainment of a balanced, indigenous population of fish, shellfish, and wildlife or preventing recreation in and on marine waters. Provides for the revision of such criteria, as necessary. Directs each State bordering on marine waters to promulgate numerical marine water and sediment quality standards for pollutants for which criteria have been published under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Requires such standards to assure the protection and propagation of a balanced, indigenous population of shellfish, fish, and wildlife and provide for recreational activities in and on the water. Directs the Administrator to establish standards for States which fail to do so and for areas of the marine environment not under State control. Provides that State standards shall take precedence over Federal standards, unless the Federal standard is more stringent or protective of human health and the environment. Authorizes State Governors to petition the Administrator for less stringent standards if proven that such standards will assure an equal degree of protection of human health and the environment and are appropriate because of significant differences in the biological, physical, and chemical characteristics of the waters in question and U.S. marine waters and sediments. Prohibits the issuance of permits for discharges into the territorial sea, the waters of the contiguous zone, or the oceans if the Administrator determines that a discharge is expected to: (1) prevent the protection and propagation of a balanced, indigenous population of fish and wildlife and recreational activities in and on the water; or (2) prevent the attainment of standards established pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to apply specified ocean discharge criteria in considering permit requests for discharges in estuarine waters. Deems regulations creating exemptions to ocean discharge requirements to be invalid. Requires the Administrator, in assessing the effects of a proposed discharge to marine waters, to consider an applicant's demonstration of the need to discharge based on a showing of measures to eliminate or minimize the discharge. Directs the Administrator to publish guidance describing pollution prevention methods and the EPA's expectations with regard to such demonstrations. Extends the authorization of appropriations for the Chesapeake Bay Program. Title III: Marine Sediment Contamination - National Sediment Contamination Survey Act of 1990 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to require the Administrator to: (1) conduct a survey of, and report to the Congress on, sediment contamination in U.S. coastal waters; and (2) compile information on the quantity, chemical and physical makeup, and geographic location of contaminated sediments, the source of contamination, and the environmental and human health effects of contamination. Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act to prohibit the issuance of permits or dumping authorizations for dumping material which contains contaminants in excess of water or sediment quality standards or criteria adopted pursuant to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Provides for special permits (currently, waivers of requirements) for the disposition of dredged material which would result in noncompliance with dumping criteria or restrictions. Requires the Administrator (currently, authorizes) to designate sites or times for ocean dumping. Directs the Administrator to develop and implement site management plans for designated ocean dumping sites. Prohibits the designation of, and the issuance of permits or dumping authorizations for, a site unless a site management plan has been developed. Provides for public comment on, and periodic review of, site designation actions and management plans. Revises general permit provisions for ocean dumping. Limits such permits to a period of three years. Expands the scope of penalties for ocean dumping violations. Title IV: Other Provisions - Directs the Administrator to: (1) conduct research and monitoring to identify unregulated pollutants in the estuarine zone, coastal waters, and the Great Lakes not currently addressed in requirements of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act; and (2) report to the Congress on such pollutants and provide a plan for integrating these contaminants into the pollution control authorities of such Act. Provides for studies and reports on pollution in coastal waters. Requires the Administrator to: (1) study the activities of Federal agencies that may result in degradation of coastal waters; and (2) report to the Congress on the study and recommendations to reduce such degradation. Directs Federal agencies to minimize degradation of coastal waters and preserve the natural values served by such waters in carrying out responsibilities. Requires the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to study and report to specified congressional committees on the nature of the relationship between contact with marine pollutants and shellfish consumption with the incidence of human illnesses. Directs the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to study and report to the Congress on: (1) the economic impacts caused by marine degradation; and (2) the impact that enhanced nitrogen levels in the marine environment may have on stimulating toxic algal blooms. Requires the EPA Administrator to report on the potential use of microorganisms to degrade pollutants such as organic material or chemical pollutants in municipal or industrial wastes both before and after disposal in the marine environment and the Great Lakes.

Bill· SS. 1069 (102nd)referred

Lakes Assessment and Protection Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1991

Lakes Assessment and Protection Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct a comprehensive research program concerning the nation's lakes. Directs the Administrator to appoint a Lake Research Advisory Committee. Requires States to designate the use of each publicly-owned lake consistent with the following uses: (1) public drinking water supply; (2) swimming and related body contact recreation; and (3) resource protection. Directs the Administrator to: (1) publish water quality criteria for specified pollutants in lakes; and (2) publish guidance to assist States in the adoption of lake water quality standards for contaminants for which criteria documents have been published. Requires States to establish for publicly-owned lakes numerical standards for water quality parameters to assure the attainment and maintenance of designated uses. Directs the Administrator to establish standards for States that fail to do so. Repeals specified requirements of the State clean lakes program. Authorizes States to apply for grant assistance from the Administrator to: (1) conduct projects to protect the quality of lakes; and (2) develop and implement plans to control pollution in a lake or group of lakes. Limits grant applications to statewide projects to: (1) improve public information and education concerning lake protection; (2) develop State or local requirements concerning lake protection; (3) develop lake assessment and monitoring information; and (4) develop lake protection plans. Limits the Federal share of such grants. Lists priorities for awarding grants. Makes States that fail to comply with clean lakes program requirements ineligible for grant assistance. Extends the authorization of appropriations for such grants through FY 1996. Reserves a specified percentage for lake water quality programs, lake pollution control plans, and lake water quality demonstration programs. Makes assistance from State water pollution control revolving funds available for lake protection programs. Revises requirements for lake water quality demonstration programs. Adds to the priority list for such programs China Lake and Sebago Lake, Maine. Requires the Administrator to issue regulations prohibiting the distribution for sale within the United States of detergents and related products containing phosphate. Directs the Administrator and the Secretary of Agriculture to work cooperatively to assure coordination of agriculture programs and lake protection programs. Requires priority consideration to be given to watersheds of impaired lakes in soil conservation programs of the Department of Agriculture. Makes watersheds of such lakes eligible for enrollment in a specified agricultural water quality protection program. Authorizes the Secretary to acquire easements for cropland located within watersheds of impaired lakes. Requires the Secretary to designate such watersheds as conservation priority areas. Amends the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 to require the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force to undertake a program to prevent the dissemination of Eurasion Milfoil (Myriophyllum Spicatum), a type of aquatic weed. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to declare Eurasion Milfoil to be an injurious species. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· HRH.R. 2342 (102nd)open

Safety of Pesticides in Food Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1991

Safety of Pesticides in Food Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to exclude pesticide chemicals from the definition of "food additive." (Current law excludes from that definition a pesticide chemical: (1) in or on a raw agricultural commodity; or (2) used in the production, storage, or transportation of a raw agricultural commodity.) Modifies the circumstances in which the presence of a pesticide chemical residue renders a food adulterated. Replaces provisions relating to tolerances for pesticide chemicals in or on raw agricultural commodities with provisions relating to tolerances and exemptions for pesticide chemical residues. Deems a pesticide chemical residue unsafe, unless it is within an established tolerances or an exemption is in effect Allows a tolerance only if the risk to human health from dietary exposure to the residue is negligible. Sets forth criteria for determining whether the risk is negligible. Requires, in determining dietary exposure, consideration of all other sources (including drinking water) of dietary exposure occurring over a lifetime. Sets forth a special exposure rule allowing, in certain circumstances, calculation of exposure based on the percent of the food in which the residue actually occurs. Requires, if a tolerance or exemption is revoked and the residue will unavoidably persist in the environment and contaminate food, that a new tolerance be established at the lowest level that permits only the unavoidable levels to remain in the food. Allows establishment, modification, or revocation of a tolerance or establishment or revocation of an exemption from a tolerance in response to a petition or on the initiative of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Defines, for certain provisions of this Act, modification of a tolerance to mean lowering. Allows an exemption if the residue is not a human or animal carcinogen and otherwise presents no risk to human health from dietary exposure. Requires, in determining dietary exposure, consideration of all other sources of dietary exposure occurring over a lifetime. Conditions establishment and continuation of a tolerance or exemption on the existence of a practical method of residue detection that can be performed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services on a routine basis as part of surveillance and compliance sampling for residues. Allows any person to petition the Administrator for the establishment, modification, or revocation of a tolerance or exemption. Sets forth required contents of a petition to establish a tolerance or exemption and procedures and timetables for processing the petition. Provides for revocation or modification of existing tolerances and exemptions. Regulates the confidentiality of and access to data submitted in support of a petition. Provides for the treatment of pesticide chemicals which were, before this Act, generally recognized (by the Administrator or others) as safe. Directs the Secretary to conduct surveillance and compliance sampling of food for pesticide chemical residues, charging fees sufficient to provide, equip, and maintain an adequate service. Allows continuation of a tolerance or exemption to be conditioned on payment of an annual fee. Requires the Administrator to evaluate each existing tolerance or exemption and: (1) if there is sufficient data to conclude that the residue does not meet the standards of this Act, change or revoke the tolerance; or (2) if there is insufficient data to determine whether the standards are met, require the submission of data. Sets forth deadlines by which the Administrator is required to have made a determination on a specified percentages of tolerances or exemptions in effect on enactment of this Act. Requires the Administrator to determine, for each method of detecting and measuring levels of residues, whether the method meets certain requirements of this Act. Requires revision of any method which does not meet the requirements. Revokes any tolerance or exemption based on a method which, after three years, does not meet the requirements. Mandates fees sufficient to provide, equip, and maintain adequate service with regard to the review of existing tolerances and exemptions and the review of methods of detecting and measuring levels of residues.

Bill· HRH.R. 2326 (102nd)referred

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for the indexing of the basis of certain farm property sold by certain farmers who have attained age 65 or by farm corporations.

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1991

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the indexed basis of qualified farm property to be substituted for its adjusted basis solely for the purpose of determining gain on the sale or other disposition of such property by a qualified farmer or by a farm corporation. Prohibits the amount to be excluded from gross income from exceeding $5,000,000, and allows such substitution on only one sale or exchange. Describes a qualified farmer as one who has attained age 65 and who has materially participated in the farming trade or business during periods aggregating ten years or more. Treats all farm corporations which are members of the same controlled group as one farm corporation.

Bill· SS. 1029 (102nd)open

Colorado Wilderness Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1991

Colorado Wilderness Act of 1991 - Designates certain lands in Colorado as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to enter into an agreement with the Colorado Water Conservation Board to protect and enforce certain instream flow filings. Prohibits the assertion of water rights in the Piedra River for wilderness purposes except those established under Colorado law. Prohibits the United States or any other person from asserting any rights established for waters of the North Platte River for purposes of the Platte River Wilderness Area to the extent such rights would limit water use or development in Colorado by holders of valid water rights. Repeals Federal law and amends the Endangered American Wilderness Act of 1978 with respect to the study of certain potential wilderness areas. Releases national forest system lands in Colorado which were reviewed by the Department of Agriculture from further review by such department prior to the revision of the plans. Prohibits the Department from conducting any further statewide roadless area review and evaluation of National Forest System lands in Colorado for determining their suitability for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System, unless expressly authorized by the Congress. Applies provisions of this Act to those National Forest System roadless lands in Colorado which are less than 5,000 acres in size. Directs the regional forester of the Forest Service to develop a fire management plan for the Greenhorn Wilderness Area to ensure the continued health and safety of those who live near the Area. Prohibits commercial timber activity in the Bowen Gulch Area to protect the old growth resources in such Area. Requires the Area and adjacent lands to be managed for backcountry recreation.

Bill· SS. 1011 (102nd)referred

A bill to require the Secretary of Agriculture to make payments under the dairy export incentive program to promote the export of certain minimum quantities of nonfat dry milk and butter during fiscal year 1991, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1991

Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make payments under the dairy export incentive program to promote the export of specified minimum amounts of nonfat dry milk and butter in FY 1991.

Bill· HRH.R. 2258 (102nd)referred

Freedom From Want Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1991

Freedom from Want Act - Title I: Domestic Assistance Programs - Part A: Nutrition, Education, and Health Care - Expresses the sense of the Congress that it should make a commitment to increasing participation in the special supplemental food program for women, infants, and children (the WIC program) by 20 percent in each of FY 1992 through 1996, so that the goal of full participation may be reached by the end of FY 1996. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Head Start Act should be fully funded so that the goal of participation of all eligible three- and four-year-old children in Head Start programs can be achieved by FY 1994. Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to increase the reimbursement provided by the Department of Agriculture for congregate and home-delivered meals for older Americans to 65.66 cents in FY 1992, with adjustments for inflation in FY 1993 and 1994. Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to undertake a Children's Vaccine Initiative, for research, development, testing, and evaluation of children's vaccines, and for assisting in delivery of such vaccines in the United States and throughout the world. Directs the Secretary of HHS to consult with the World Health Organization and the United Nation's Children's Fund in organizing such Initiative. Requires the Director of the National Vaccine Program to plan and coordinate such Initiative, and ensure that the Public Health Service conducts activities under the Initiative in collaboration with nongovernment institutions and other Federal agencies. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to ensure that rules issued under the Federal Meat Inspection Act that impose labeling standards for any meat or meat food product sold or offered for sale in commerce also impose equivalent labeling standards for meat or meat food products distributed by the Department of Agriculture through domestic commodity food assistance programs. Part B: Individual Development Account Demonstration - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction for payments (other than certain assistance from an organization of a demonstration project under this part) made by or on behalf of eligible individuals to an individual development account (IDA) to accumulate funds to pay the following qualified expenses: (1) postsecondary education expenses; (2) first-home purchase; (3) business capitalization; (4) retirement expenses; and (5) transfers to an IDA of the individual's spouse or dependent. Sets forth requirements relating to such IDAs. Establishes five-year IDA demonstration projects to determine: (1) the social, psychological, and economic effects of providing to individuals with limited means an opportunity to accumulate assets; and (2) the extent to which an asset-based welfare policy may be used to enable individuals with low income to achieve economic self-sufficiency. Allows any organization to apply to the Secretary of the Treasury for grants to conduct such a project. Requires each organization authorized to conduct such a project to establish a Reserve Fund drawn from investments, public and private funds, and IDA penalty amounts. Requires the organization to use Reserve Fund amounts to: (1) assist project participants in obtaining skills and information to achieve economic self-sufficiency through activities requiring IDA qualified expenses; (2) provide financial assistance to the IDAs of individuals selected by the organization to participate in the project; (3) administer the project; and (4) provide the organization evaluating the project with necessary information. Directs the organization to invest Reserve Fund amounts that are not immediately needed to carry out such project fund uses. Limits the administrative expenses. Requires that unused Federal grant funds be transferred to the Secretary when the project terminates. Makes eligible for IDA demonstration project assistance any individual who is a member of a household with: (1) a household income for the immediately preceding calendar year of not more th an 200 percent of the poverty threshold; and (2) a household net worth, as of the close of such year, of not more than $20,000. Directs the project organization to select individuals whom the organization deems suited to receive such assistance. Sets forth a table for organization contributions to an individual's IDA, based on: (1) the individual income for the applicable period, as a percentage of the poverty threshold; and (2) matched with the lesser of either a specified percentage of the qualified savings of the individual for the period, or a specified dollar amount. Provides for a greater organization contribution for individuals with lower incomes. Requires local control over demonstration projects by giving the organization sole authority over project administration, and allowing the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe only regulations that are necessary to ensure compliance with approved applications and this Act. Requires each project organization to prepare ten semiannual progress reports for an oversight panel, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Treasurer (or equivalent official) of the State in which the project is conducted. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish an oversight panel for such demonstration projects. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to revoke the original authorization for a demonstration project upon receipt of a notice that the project has failed to implement the oversight panel's recommendations. Sets forth required revocation actions and procedures. Requires the oversight panel to enter into a contract with an independent research organization to evaluate the IDA demonstration projects, individually and as a group, addressing specified questions. Authorizes appropriations for IDA demonstration projects. Requires that funds in the IDAs of demonstration project participants to be disregarded for purposes of all means-tested Federal programs. Part C: Microenterprise Programs - Amends the Social Security Act to include microenterprise training programs under the JOBS program under provisions for aid to families with dependent children (AFDC). Requires adjustment of performance standards for microenterprises to take account of the time required for their establishment. Provides for limited exclusions of microenterprise resources and income under the AFDC program. Defines a microenterprise as a commercial enterprise which has five or fewer employees, one or more of whom owns the enterprise; and (2) none of the owners of which has income exceeding 200 percent of the poverty threshold. Authorizes States to waive Federal AFDC requirements with respect to participants in State-approved microenterpise programs. Provides that participation in such State-approved microenterprise programs shall not affect the participants' means-tested Federal benefits. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to make microenterprises eligible for rural development loans and grants. Expresses the sense of the Congress that one percent of funds for specified types of rural development assistance should be reserved for certain purposes relating to microenterprises. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act to make microenterprises eligible for assistance under community development block grants. Provides that certain assisted activities relating to microenterprises shall be considered to benefit persons of low and moderate income. Expresses the sense of the Congress that each grantee under the community development block grant program should reserve one percent of any grant received to provide assistance to facilitate commercial economic development through microenterprises. Amends the Small Business Act to express the sense of the Congress that: (1) one percent of specified funds for small business loans should be reserved for specified purposes relating to microenterprises; and (2) the Small Business Administrator should take such other necessary actions to maximize participation by microenterprises in programs under such Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958. Provides for small business loans for microenterprises. Amends the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) to authorize the use of funds for training activities with respect to microenterprises. Directs the State Governor to adjust performance standards relating to microenterprises to reflect the time required to establish and develop a stable income from such an enterprise as participants seek to achieve economic self-sufficiency. Provides for JTPA microenterprise grants. Directs the Secretary of Labor, from specified funds for FY 1992 through 1996, to make grants in limited amounts to not more than ten States per year to implement and enhance community-based microenterprise activities. Requires State matching funds and annual reports. Authorizes appropriations for such microenterprise grants. Part D: Increasing the Food Purchasing Power of Low-Income Households - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants to up to 20 nonprofit community-based organizations to carry out food retailing development projects to: (1) increase the access of individuals residing in communities underserved by supermarkets to more affordable and quality food; and (2) strengthen the operation of existing food retail stores in underserved communities by providing such stores with services that lower costs, improve management, and increase the quality and nutritional value of food inventories. Sets forth priorities in selecting grantees. Sets forth requirements for grant expenditures. Authorizes appropriations for such food retailing development program. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants to up to ten eligible entities to carry out a food stamp and producer direct marketing demonstration project to: (1) increase retail marketing opportunities for local agricultural producers through farmers markets, roadside stands, and other means; (2) increase the access to and consumption of fresh, perishable agricultural commodities by low-income individuals; (3) identify and implement successful strategies to increase the number of agricultural producers certified to redeem food stamp coupons in exchange for commodities sold directly to coupon recipients; and (4) increase the number of food stamp recipients who use such coupons to purchase such commodities from agricultural producers. Sets forth requirements for grant expenditures. Defines an eligible entity as a community-based organization with strong ties to both the farming community and to an anti-hunger organization. Authorizes appropriations for such food stamp and producer direct marketing demonstration program. Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to revise WIC farmers' market demonstration programs. Increases from ten to 20 the number of States allowed to provide WIC participants with coupons to purchase fresh fruit and vegetables from farmers markets. Sets forth requirements for program reports and review. Authorizes appropriations. Part E: Assessing Food Security within Communities - Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to provide for regional centers for community food security. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, through the Federal Extension Service, to make competitive grants to seven land grant colleges and universities to establish seven regional centers for community food security, with one of them designated to serve as a coordinating center. Sets forth requirements for selection of recipients, use of grants, prohibited uses, term of grants, performance evaluations, and annual reports. Defines food security as the ability of all people at all times to purchase or receive from usual food sources enough nutritionally adequate food for an active and healthy life. Part F: Findings Regarding Communities Making the Transition to Hunger-Free Status - Expresses the sense of the Congress regarding criteria for communities making the transition to food secure status. Part G: Infant Mortality Reduction - Subpart 1: Low Birthweight and Infant Mortality - Establishes within the Department of Health and Human Services a program to make grants to States, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations to establish demonstration projects to reduce infant mortality by reducing the incidence of low birthweight births in high-risk communities. Sets forth grant application requirements and preferences in awards. Directs the Secretary of HHS to: (1) establish an Infant Mortality Advisory Panel; and (2) evaluate such projects and provide technical assistance to grantees. Requires annual reports from grantees. Limits project duration to three years. Authorizes appropriations. Subpart 2: Breast Feeding and Infant Morbidity and Mortality Study - Directs the Secretary of HHS to establish a program to award grants to conduct studies of the impact of breastfeeding on infant mortality and morbidity in certain high-risk populations. Authorizes appropriations for each fiscal year for conducting such study. Part H: Amendments to the Food Stamp Act of 1977 - Mickey Leland Childhood Hunger Relief Act - Subpart 1: General Provisions - Sets forth general provisions. Subpart 2: Ensuring Adequate Food Assistance - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to remove the excess shelter deduction cap for purposes of food stamp program (program) eligibility. (Sets forth transitional caps through FY 1995.) Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to adjust the basic benefit level upwards by specified increments at the beginning of each fiscal year until it reaches 105 percent of the cost of the thrifty food plan. Eliminates food stamp reductions for households reapplying for program reinstatement within 30 days. Excludes third party payments for transitional housing for the homeless from consideration as program income. Increases funding for the nutrition assistance program in Puerto Rico. Excludes general assistance vendor payments from consideration as program income. Subpart 3: Promoting Self-Sufficiency - Excludes from consideration as program income: (1) the first $50 a month received as child support; and (2) child support payments to non-household members. Increases annually the fair market value limit of vehicles that program recipients may own. Excludes from financial resources the value of a vehicle a household depends upon to carry heating fuel or water for home use where it has no other access to fuel or water. Increases dependent care deductions and participant and State agency reimbursements in connection with employment and training activities. Subpart 4: Simplifying the Provision of Food Assistance - Permits related adults living in the same household to apply for separate program benefits under specified conditions. Permits a participating family made up of, or including, an elderly or disabled member to own $300 in allowable financial resources. (Current law refers to a family member 60 years of age or older.) Makes program authorization of appropriations permanent. Subpart 5: Implementation and Effective Dates - Sets forth the effective dates for provisions of this Act. Title II: International Programs - Part A: Food as a Human Right - Declares that the United States should: (1) make a major effort toward strengthening the right to food in international law; and (2) propose to the United Nations General Assembly that a Declaration and Convention on the Right to Food be adopted and submitted to countries for ratification. Prohibits the provision of development assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the provision or financing of agricultural commodities under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 for countries that engage in a consistent pattern of violations of internationally recognized rights to food and medical care. Requires the United States to: (1) make a major effort toward reforming and restructuring the United Nations mechanism for responding to international disasters and humanitarian emergencies; and (2) evaluate the role of the United Nations Disaster Relief Organization and develop a proposal for strengthening the United Nations response to such emergencies. Part B: Democratic Empowerment - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President, acting through the administrator of the agency responsible for administering development assistance (administering agency), to provide assistance for eligible emerging democracies. Defines an "eligible emerging democracy" as a least developed country that is making a transition from an undemocratic to a democratic system of government. Lists authorized assistance as development and relief and rehabilitation assistance and assistance for child survival, maternal health, basic nutrition, and basic education. Waives provisions of law that prohibit or restrict assistance to countries in arrears or default on loan or credit payments owed to the United States with respect to assistance for eligible emerging democracies. Establishes a Fund for Democratic Empowerment to carry out such assistance program. Authorizes appropriations. Part C: Children - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 and 1993 for U.S. contributions to the United Nations Children's Fund. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations for the Child Survival Fund for FY 1992 and 1993. Earmarks amounts of foreign assistance for activities that deal directly with the special health needs of children and mothers. Requires the President, with respect to the provision of development assistance, to promote and undertake activities relating to research on, and the treatment and control of, acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in developing countries. Designates such assistance as the International AIDS Prevention and Control Program. Earmarks amounts of development assistance for FY 1992 and 1993 for the Vitamin A Deficiency Program and programs to eliminate iodine deficiency. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should join in a comprehensive initiative to reduce micronutrient deficiencies from iron, as well as leading in the elimination of vitamin A and iodine deficiency. Earmarks foreign assistance for basic education programs. Directs the President to report annually to the Congress on U.S. contributions to the goals and strategies of the World Declaration on the Survival, Protection and Development of Children; the Plan of Action for Implementing the Declaration; the World Declaration on Education for All; and the Framework for Action to Meet Basic Learning Needs. Part D: Women in Development - Removes a limitation on, and earmarks an amount of, assistance to promote the participation and integration of women in the development process in developing countries. Requires specified amounts of such assistance to be used to support the integration of women into programs of the administering agency and to support needs of such agency in administering the women in development policy. Part E: Refugees - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 and 1993 for migration and refugee assistance, with earmarked funds for programs of refugee assistance overseas. Expresses the sense of the Congress that other international donors should join with the United States in ensuring that refugee relief and rehabilitation efforts are adequately funded and supported. Part F: Agriculture and the Environment - Requires agricultural development programs supported by the United States under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and in the multilateral development banks and International Monetary Fund (IMF) to incorporate principles of environmental sustainability. Directs the Administrator of the Agency for International Development (AID) to establish specified environmental sustainability guidelines and standards to be applied to all agricultural development programs supported under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, bilateral agricultural projects, and, where appropriate, environmental projects supported under such Act. Requires the U.S. executive directors of the multilateral development banks and the IMF to seek the adoption of requirements comparable to such standards by their respective institutions. Declares that AID should make a long-term commitment to research the ecological and socioeconomic components of sustainable agricultural development. Provides that research topics should include: (1) how traditional systems of agriculture respond to local ecological conditions and how such responses can be incorporated in agricultural development that aims to increase yields without degrading long-term productive potential or the ability to withstand ecological pressures; (2) the role of subsistence agriculture in meeting the nutritional needs of rural populations and the improvement of subsistence food production; and (3) the improvement of crops which comprise a substantial part of the diet of the poorest part of the population. Declares that the United States should encourage the Consultative Group on International Agriculture to incorporate such topics into its research priorities and to promote the application of research findings into project design and implementation. States that AID should increase its support for agricultural research institutions that have demonstrated a capacity to contribute to sustainable agricultural development. Directs the AID Administrator to report to the Congress on AID programs directed toward sustainability as a basis for agricultural assistance efforts. Part G: World Bank and International Monetary Fund - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of the Treasury should instruct the U.S. executive directors of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank), the International Development Association (Association), and the IMF to seek the establishment by their institutions of programs and policies to assist in the realization of the right to food. Amends the International Financial Institutions Act to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct: (1) the U.S. executive director of the Association to advocate, in the context of the Association's tenth replenishment, that at least 50 percent of the Association's loans go to countries that have developed a national development and poverty alleviation strategy; and (2) the U.S. executive directors of the World Bank and the IMF to urge such institutions to develop Policy Framework Papers (including sections on environmental goals) for borrowing countries. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the World Bank and the Association should: (1) give greater programmatic and budgetary priority to child survival and development; and (2) commit to devoting at least five percent of the annual lending programs to primary health and five percent to basic education. Directs the Secretary to instruct the U.S. executive directors of the World Bank and the Association to urge such institutions to: (1) promote environmental sustainability as a guiding principle in agricultural development projects; (2) emphasize food-based policies in agriculture by increasing funding for research focusing on improving foods which comprise a substantial portion of the diet of poor people; and (3) ensure that such projects target and integrate women. Amends the Bretton Woods Agreements Act to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. executive director of the IMF to urge the IMF to ensure that IMF programs are designed to avoid any deterioration in the provision of social services for basic human needs and to maintain sustainable use of the environment. Part H: Debt Relief - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to make certain debt relief authorities concerning relatively least developed countries with respect to which an IMF standby agreement or a World Bank or Association structural adjustment program or similar IMF program is in effect applicable to least developed countries pursuing specified national economic policy reforms, even if such an arrangement is not in effect. Part I: Private and Voluntary Organizations - Increases the amount of funding for private and voluntary organizations under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.

Bill· HRH.R. 2236 (102nd)referred

Rural Health Leadership Education Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1991

Rural Health Leadership Education Act of 1991 - Amends the Rural Development Act of 1972, as amended by the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990, to authorize grants for rural health leadership development education programs.

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