Defence

To amend title 32, United States Code, to authorize the Governors of the Virgin Islands and Guam (rather than the President) to appoint the adjutant general for their respective National Guards.

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1991

Amends Federal National Guard provisions to remove the authority of the President to appoint the adjutant general of each U.S. territory. Removes the requirement that the adjutant general of a territory be a citizen of such jurisdiction.

Designating May 22, 1991, as "National Desert Storm Reservists Day".

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1991

Designates May 22, 1991, as National Desert Storm Reservists Day to commemorate the accomplishments of the men and women of the reserve components of the U.S. Armed Forces who proudly served the United States during Operation Desert Storm.

To amend title 38, United States Code, with respect to benefits for veterans who may have been exposed to ionizing radiation during military service, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1991

Extends the presumption of service-connection, for purposes of eligibility for veterans' benefits and medical care, in the case of exposure to ionizing radiation, to include reserve members exposed to such radiation during active duty training or inactive duty training. Expands the list of diseases presumed to be service-connected in the case of exposure to ionizing radiation to include cancer of the salivary tract and cancer of the urinary tract. Terminates the current presumptive period (the maximum period allowed before manifestation of the illness or disease occurs in order to be presumed to be service-connected and, therefore, covered as a veterans' benefit) of 40 years after participation in the radiation-related activity (30 years in the case of leukemia). Amends the Veterans' Dioxin and Radiation Exposure Compensation Standards Act to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish guidelines and standards for the resolution of claims for benefits where a claim is based on a veteran's exposure to ionizing radiation. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, to identify not less than three activities in which individuals serving on active duty, or active or inactive duty training, have participated and which likely would have exposed such individuals to levels of ionizing radiation above background levels. Requires the Secretary to identify at least three additional activities no later than October 1 of each of the years 1992 through 1994. Requires the Secretary, immediately after identifying such an activity, to direct the Veterans' Advisory Committee on Environmental Hazards to evaluate and make a finding as to whether participation in such activity resulted in exposure to ionizing radiation comparable to that of veterans who participated in a radiation-risk activity as defined under current veterans' benefits provisions. Requires reports from the Committee and the Secretary concerning such activities. Directs the Secretary to list each ionizing radiation exposure identified, unless the Secretary determines that the activity did not result in an opportunity for exposure to ionizing radiation comparable to that of veterans who participated in previously-identified radiation-risk activities.

Defense Environmental Activities Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1991

Defense Environmental Activities Act - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 for the armed forces and other agencies and activities of the Department of Defense (DOD) for environmental restoration, defense. Earmarks a specified amount of FY 1992 DOD appropriations for other environmental activities. Requires information pertaining to amounts obligated in the past fiscal year and estimated to be allocated for the current fiscal year for DOD compliance with applicable environmental law and for certain DOD waste minimization programs to be included in an annual report of the Secretary of Defense on DOD environmental restoration.

Veterans Health Care Amendments Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1991

Veterans Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment Act of 1991 - Directs that a veteran diagnosed by the Department of Veterans Affairs as suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) be furnished care and services for such disorder by the Department, even if such disorder has not been determined to be service-connected. Makes eligible for such care and services a veteran who served on active duty in a theater of combat operations during World War II, the Korean conflict, the Vietnam era, the Persian Gulf War, or in any other area during a period in which hostilities occurred in such area. Requires a veteran who is referred by a Vet Center to a Department general health-care facility for a determination regarding such veteran's eligibility for PTSD care and services to be evaluated for diagnostic purposes within seven days of such referral. Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, upon request of any eligible veteran, to furnish counseling to assist the veteran in overcoming any psychological problems associated with such service. Directs the Secretary, no later than December 1, 1991, to devise and initiate a plan to: (1) increase the availability of treatment of veterans suffering from PTSD to levels commensurate with their needs; and (2) enhance outreach activities to inform combat veterans (and their families) of the availability of such treatment and to encourage such veterans to participate in such treatment. Directs the Secretary to report to the Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committees on the description and implementation of such plan. Directs the Secretary, in preparing such report, to consult with the Special Committee on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and the Advisory Committee on Readjustment of Vietnam Veterans.

Veterans' Educational Assistance Amendments of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1991

Amends the Federal veterans' and armed forces educational assistance programs to provide that, in the case of an active-duty or reserve member student who fails to complete a course of study under such programs due to being called to active duty or given increased work in connection with the Persian Gulf War, both the amount of educational assistance received and the time spent pursuing that course of study will not be counted against such student for purposes of his or her general entitlement to educational benefits under the appropriate educational assistance program. Restores the full amount available to such student veteran as if the interrupted course had not been taken. States that such exclusion shall also apply to members of the Selected Reserve pursuing courses of study (and similarly interrupted) under the armed forces' educational assistance program. Amends Federal armed forces provisions to provide that, in the case of a member of the reserves called to active duty in connection with the Persian Gulf War: (1) the period of such active duty may not be considered in determining the expiration date for eligibility for educational assistance benefits provided under the Montgomery GI Bill; and (2) the member may not be considered to have been separated from the reserves, for purposes of commencement of the delimiting period for the use of such educational benefits.

Korean War Veterans Memorial Amendments Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1991

Korean War Veterans War Memorial Amendments Act of 1991 - Amends Federal law to authorize the American Battle Monuments Commission to obtain a building permit no later than October 28, 1993, for the construction of a memorial on Federal land in the District of Columbia or its environs to honor members of the U.S. armed forces who served in the Korean War.

Military Construction Authorization Act, 1992 and 1993

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1991

Military Construction Authorization Act, 1992 and 1993 - Subdivision 1: Fiscal Year 1992 - Title I: Army - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects at specified installations and locations. Authorizes the Secretary to construct or acquire military family housing units, to carry out architectural and engineering services and construction design, and to improve existing military family housing units in specified amounts at specified installations. Authorizes appropriations to the Army for fiscal years beginning after 1991 for military construction projects, unspecified minor construction projects, architectural and engineering design services, the construction of defense access roads, military family housing functions within the Department, and for the homeowners assistance program. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991 to increase the authorization for a military construction project at Fort Riley, Kansas. Extends certain prior-year military construction projects. Title II: Navy - Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects at specified installations and locations. Authorizes the Secretary to construct or acquire military family housing units, to carry out architectural and engineering services and construction design, and to improve existing military family housing units in specified amounts at specified installations. Authorizes appropriations to the Navy for fiscal years beginning after 1991 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions of the Department. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. Title III: Air Force - Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects at specified installations and locations. Authorizes the Secretary to construct or acquire military family housing units, to carry out architectural and engineering services and construction design, and to improve existing military family housing units in specified amounts at specified installations. Authorizes appropriations to the Air Force for fiscal years beginning after 1991 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions of the Department. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. Extends certain prior-year military construction projects. Title IV: Defense Agencies - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to carry out military construction projects and acquire real property in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes the Secretary to construct or acquire military family housing units and to improve existing military family housing units in specified amounts at specified installations. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to make contributions for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Infrastructure program, and authorizes appropriations to the Secretary for fiscal years beginning after 1991 for such contributions. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) for fiscal years beginning after 1991 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions of the Department. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to enter into contracts for the design and construction of military construction projects at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Authorizes the Secretary to transfer excess NATO Infrastructure funds (if any) to fund authorized defense agency projects, or to transfer unobligated defense agency funds to the NATO Infrastructure program. Title V: Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years beginning after 1991 for acquisition, architectural and engineering services, and construction of facilities for the Guard and Reserve forces in specified amounts. Title VI: Expiration of Authorizations - Terminates all authorizations contained in titles I through IV of this Subdivision on October 1, 1993, or the date of enactment of the Military Construction Authorization Act for FY 1994, whichever is later, with specified exceptions. Subdivision 2: Fiscal Year 1993 - Title I (SIC): Army - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects at specified installations and locations. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out architectural and engineering services and construction design, and to improve existing military family housing units in specified amounts at specified installations. Authorizes appropriations to the Army for fiscal years beginning after 1992 for military construction projects, repair of real property, unspecified minor construction projects, architectural and engineering design services, and military family housing functions. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. Title II: Navy - Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects at specified installations and locations. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out architectural and engineering services and construction design, and to improve existing military family housing units in specified amounts at specified installations. Authorizes appropriations to the Navy for fiscal years beginning after 1992 for military construction projects, unspecified minor construction projects, repair of real property, architectural and engineering design services, and military housing functions. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. Title III: Air Force - Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects at specified installations and locations. Authorizes the Secretary to construct or acquire military family housing units, to carry out architectural and engineering services and construction design, and to improve existing military family housing units in specified amounts at specified installations. Authorizes appropriations to the Air Force for fiscal years beginning after 1992 for military construction projects, unspecified minor military construction projects, repair of real property, architectural and engineering design services, and military family housing functions. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. Title IV: Defense Agencies - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects at specified installations and locations. Authorizes the Secretary to make contributions for the NATO Infrastructure program, and authorizes appropriations to the Secretary for fiscal years beginning after 1992 for such contributions. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) for fiscal years beginning after 1992 for military construction, repair of real property, land acquisition, and military family housing functions. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. Authorizes the Secretary to transfer excess NATO Infrastructure funds (if any) to fund authorized defense agency projects, or to transfer unobligated defense agency funds to the NATO Infrastructure program. Title V: Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 1992 for acquisition, architectural and engineering services, repair of real property, and construction of facilities for the Guard and Reserve forces. Title VI: Expiration of Authorizations - Terminates all authorizations contained in titles I through IV of this Subdivision on October 1, 1994, or the date of enactment of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995, whichever is later, with specified exceptions. Subdivision 3 - Title VII: General Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to contribute amounts to States for the acquisition or construction of facilities for use by the reserve forces. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out certain facilities projects that cost $300,000 or less (currently, $200,000) using operation and maintenance funds. Extends through FY 1993 (currently, 1991) the authority of the Secretary concerned to enter into: (1) long-term facilities contracts; and (2) contracts for the leasing of military family housing facilities. Authorizes the heads of defense agencies (currently, only the Secretaries of the military departments) to use one-step turn-key selection procedures to enter into contracts for the construction of authorized military construction projects. Repeals provisions which: (1) prohibit the Secretary of Defense from entering into any more than three such contracts during a fiscal year; and (2) terminate the authority to enter into such contracts after October 1, 1991. Provides that certain defense contract limitations shall not apply to the acquisitions of military or family housing projects obtained through governments of NATO subsidiary bodies for elements of the armed forces deployed in Europe and adjacent waters. Increases the amounts authorized to be expended for minor military construction projects not otherwise authorized by law. Excludes up to 300 square feet from the applicable maximum net floor space allowances permitted for certain military pay grades for military housing for the provision of recreation space within existing space at locations in Alaska. Extends permanently (currently, terminates as of FY 1991) the authority to expend funds under the homeowners assistance program. Extends benefits under such program to military personnel with dependents (currently, must be unaccompanied by dependents) and to personnel who are transferred due to a base closure within three years of such closure (currently, within fifteen months). Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to carry out a military construction project not otherwise authorized by law if the Secretary determines that the project: (1) is vital to the protection of the quality of the environment, health, or safety; and (2) is so urgent that deferral of such project until the next Military Construction Authorization Act would be inconsistent with the protection of health, safety, and environmental quality. Requires the Secretary concerned to report to the appropriate congressional committees when a decision is made to carry out a construction project under this section. Limits the maximum amount to be obligated by a Secretary in any fiscal year on such projects. Directs the Secretary of Energy to convey to the Secretary of Defense jurisdiction and control of a tract of land in Bernalillo County, New Mexico. Empowers the Secretary of a military department to lease a property (currently, only acquisitions or options to acquire are permitted) for a military project. Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act, 1984 to authorize the Secretary of a military department to enter into agreements for up to 2,000 family housing units under the Military Housing Rental Guarantee program, such units being in addition to the acquisition of any units currently permitted under the program. Extends the authority to enter into such agreements through FY 1993 (currently, 1991). Repeals a Federal provision requiring the Secretary of a military department to provide a member of the armed forces with notice of and an opportunity for a hearing and record inspection before being permitted to withhold amounts from such member's pay for a breach of a rental housing lease or for damages caused to such housing by such member.

A resolution to express Senate support for democracy and human rights in Yugoslavia and Senate opposition to the use of force against democratic republic governments in Yugoslavia.

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1991

Declares that U.S. policy toward Yugoslavia should be based on support for democracy and human rights for all of the people of Yugoslavia. Calls on: (1) Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic to cease all repressive policies against the Albanian population of Kosovo; (2) Yugoslav President Jovic and the Yugoslav army to refrain from the use of coercion and force against the democratically-elected governments of the republics of Bosnia-Hercegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, and Slovenia; and (3) the President of the United States, in the event of a military crackdown or the imposition of martial law in Yugoslavia, to immediately suspend all economic and technical benefits provided to Yugoslavia.

To restore the grave marker allowance for veterans.

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1991

Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to reimburse a person for the cost of acquiring a non-Government headstone or grave marker for placement in a cemetery other than a national cemetery in connection with the burial of a veteran.

Expressing the sense of the Congress regarding the awarding of contracts for the rebuilding of Kuwait, that such contracts shall reflect the extent of military and economic support offered by the United States in the liberation of Kuwait.

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1991

Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Government of Kuwait, Kuwaiti enterprises, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers shall grant preference in the award of contracts for the rebuilding of Kuwait to supplies and goods produced and manufactured in the United States and to U.S. engineering and consulting services.

Supporting Turkey's inclusion in the full range of political, economic, and military institutions in Europe, including the European Community and the Western European Union.

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1991

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.

World War I Veterans' Service Pension Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1991

World War I Veterans' Service Pension Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay a monthly pension of $100 to each veteran of World War I who meets specified service requirements. Requires such a veteran, if entitled to another pension administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, to elect which pension to receive.

United States Peace Tax Fund Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1991

United States Peace Tax Fund Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish in the Treasury the United States Peace Tax Fund (Fund) to receive payments designated on the tax returns of qualified individuals to be used for nonmilitary purposes. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to report annually to the Congress on amounts transferred into the Fund. Requires the information to be printed in the Congressional Record. Permits conscientious objectors to designate on their income tax returns that any tax liability be paid into the Fund. Makes this designation procedure available to any individual who has demonstrated himself or herself, by reason of religious training and belief, to be opposed to participation in war in any form. Requires that each publication of general instructions accompanying income tax returns include specified information about the Fund, including the purposes of the Fund and the criteria governing one's eligibility to designate tax payments for it. Requires every taxpayer who makes such a designation for any taxable year to file a questionnaire return for the purpose of determining whether the taxpayer is an eligible individual. Permits the setting aside of criminal or civil penalties imposed upon a taxpayer for nonpayment of tax prior to 1990 if the taxpayer pays the tax due (with interest) and establishes to the satisfaction of the Secretary of the Treasury that the nonpayment was due to religious beliefs. Authorizes corresponding procedures in connection with estate and gift tax payments, under conditions prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury. Directs the Comptroller General to determine the percentage of actual appropriations made by the United States from the Federal budget during the preceding year for military purposes. Requires publication of this information in the Congressional Record. Establishes a United States Peace Tax Fund Board of Trustees to distribute funds for eligible nonmilitary activities and research. Directs the Board to publish regulations to govern applications for funds. Authorizes appropriations.

Defense Special Access Programs Oversight Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1991

Defense Special Access Programs Oversight Act of 1991 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to provide that all Department of Defense (DOD) audit and inspection functions with respect to special access programs shall be under the direction of the DOD Inspector General. Requires the Inspector General to ensure that there are a sufficient number of auditors, inspectors, and other oversight personnel to conduct adequate oversight of DOD special access programs. Prohibits contractors performing work in connection with special access programs to have access to, or control over, any work product of Government personnel engaged in oversight of such programs. Directs the Inspector General to review the status of special access programs on an ongoing basis to identify potential shortcomings in oversight.

To limit the growth in the number of civilian employees within each branch of the Government.

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1991

Limits the total numbers of civilian employees in each branch of the Government on September 30th of 1994 and each year thereafter, to the number in such branch on September 30, 1990. Suspends such limitation during a war or a national emergency. Prohibits attaining compliance with such mandate through any involuntary separations. Exempts from such mandate employees within the executive branch who are law enforcement officers or who are involved in the delivery of health care services and employees of the Central Intelligence Agency, the Defense Intelligence Agency, or the National Security Agency.

Transportation Improvement Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1991

Transportation Improvement Act of 1991 - Title I: Completion of Interstate System and Interstate Substitute Highway Projects - Amends Federal-aid highway provisions to approve the Federal interstate highway cost estimate for 1991. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to apportion funds for FY 1993 through 1998 for expenditure on the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways. Extends the authorization of appropriations for the Interstate System through 1998. Makes States that have not completed construction of their portions of the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways by the end of FY 1995 ineligible to receive or apply for Federal-aid highway funds until such construction is completed. Extends the authorization of appropriations for Interstate Substitute highway projects through FY 1995. Title II: Obligation Authority - Limits total obligations for Federal-aid highways and highway safety construction programs during FY 1992 through 1996. Exempts specified obligations (including discretionary interstate 4-R and bridge projects) from such limits. Sets forth provisions concerning the distribution, limitation, and redistribution of obligation authorities. Title III: Authorization of Appropriations Out of the Highway Trust Fund - Authorizes and allocates appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund through FY 1996 for: (1) the Interstate 4R program; (2) the Federal-aid primary, secondary, and urban systems; (3) bridge replacement and rehabilitation; (4) space elimination of hazards; (5) railroad highway crossings; (6) forest, public lands, and park highways; (7) Indian reservation roads; (8) access highways to public recreation areas; (9) highway safety programs; (10) highway research projects; and (11) highway use tax evasion projects. Authorizes additional appropriations for Interstate 4R discretionary projects and for the discretionary bridge program. Subjects funds appropriated for FY 1991 through 1993 for off-system bridges to the existing limitation on expenditures for bridges on public roads. Authorizes appropriations for the following State apportionment bonuses: (1) the high level of effort bonus (based on a percentage of the amount by which State per capita highway spending exceeds the national average); (2) the adverse weather bonus (based on a percentage of the amount by which the number of days of temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit and non-frost free days exceeds the national average); (3) the Federal lands bonus (based on the amount of Federal lands within a State); and (4) the low density bonus (based on a State's population density). Limits total bonuses to a State to ten percent of the State's annual apportionment. Title IV: Program Flexibility - Authorizes States, upon notification of the Secretary, to transfer up to 30 percent of: (1) their apportionments for specified highway projects between project categories; and (2) their apportionments for Federal-aid urban systems to activities eligible for assistance under the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964. Subjects additional transfers to the Secretary's approval. Limits total transfers from a category to 50 percent of the apportionment. Permits States, subject to the Secretary's approval and under certain conditions, to transfer funds apportioned pursuant to this Act for the completion of the System of Interstate and Defense Highways to other specified categories. Title V: Additional Provisions - Continues the current Federal-aid primary apportionment formula through FY 1996. Revises provisions concerning Federal participation in toll facilities to remove limitations on the number and types of facilities in which the Federal Government may participate. Permits tolls on a facility to be continued indefinitely, without sanction imposed by the Secretary, if tolls are used for eligible purposes. Authorizes appropriations for the right-of-way revolving fund. Permits States, in any case where sufficient land exists within rights-of-way of a Federal-aid highway to accommodate rail or nonhighway public mass transit facilities and where such accommodation can be accomplished without impairing automotive safety or highway improvements, to make such lands available to a mass transit authority or company. Federal Rural Tourism and Recreational Development Act of 1991 - Declares it a national goal to provide and improve safe access to public lands to encourage the development of travel and tourism opportunities in support of rural area economic development. Authorizes the use of funds under the Federal lands highways program for purposes such as: (1) transportation planning for tourism and recreational travel; (2) interpretive signage and development of public road facilities for areas of historical, archeological, cultural, and scenic interests; (3) construction and reconstruction of roadside rest areas; and (4) other appropriate facilities as determined by the Secretary. Specifies that funds available for forest development roads and trails may be made available for such purposes, as well. Requires the Secretary to authorize Federal aid highway projects for pedestrian and bicycle facilities to encourage alternative modes of transportation for tourism and recreational purposes. Authorizes the motorized use of trails and walkways, subject to State and local regulations. (Under current law, motorized vehicles are prohibited except for maintenance purposes and, when snow conditions and State or local regulations permit, snowmobiles.) Directs the Secretary to: (1) annually allocate sums authorized to be appropriated for access highways to public recreation areas on certain lakes; and (2) establish and carry out a tourism and recreational travel technical assistance program in non-urbanized areas. Makes funds available from forest and public lands highways funds for recreational travel and tourism projects. Requires each State using funds provided in this Act to have a multipurpose land use statewide driving and recreation travel plan. Permits Federal participation in the construction, refurbishment, and operation (currently, construction) of ferry boats. Requires increases in the Federal share payable on highway projects if a State certifies to the Secretary that it has developed comprehensive plans with mandatory land use and transportation elements.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to revise the authority of the Department of Veterans Affairs to pay for the travel expenses of veterans seeking care in Departmental health-care facilities.

United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1991

Revises the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to reimburse persons for travel expenses in connection with examination, treatment, or care at a Department of Veterans Affairs medical facility. Lists as eligible: (1) a veteran or other person whose travel is in connection with treatment or care for a service-connected disability; (2) a veteran with a service-connected disability rated at 50 percent or more; or (3) a veteran whose annual income does not exceed two times the basic rate of a veteran's non-service-connected disability pension. Authorizes such payments only if the veteran or other person resides beyond a 50-mile radius of the health-care facility providing such care. Repeals current Federal provisions which: (1) deduct three dollars each way from such travel expenses paid; and (2) prohibit the payment of such travel expenses unless the veteran or person has been determined unable to defray such expenses, with specified exceptions.

A resolution relating to the contributions to Operation Desert Storm made by the defense-related industries of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1991

Expresses the sense of the Senate with regard to the significant contribution toward victory in Operation Desert Storm made by the defense-related industries of the United States and the importance of such industries in the future with respect to U.S. national security.

Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1991

Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1991 - Authorizes appropriations for the Coast Guard for: (1) operation and maintenance; (2) acquisition, construction, rebuilding, and improvement of aids to navigation, shore and offshore facilities, vessels, and aircraft; (3) research, development, test, and evaluation; (4) retirement pay and benefits; (5) alteration of bridges; (6) environmental compliance; and (7) oil pollution response. Authorizes the Coast Guard end strength for active duty personnel and the average military training student load. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to report to the Congress on the functions, powers, and duties vested in the Secretary and exercised through the Commandant of the Coast Guard that would be transferred to the Secretary of the Navy when the Coast Guard operates as a service of the Navy. Amends Federal law to modify requirements and procedures regarding enlisted personnel boards and involuntary retirement. Declares such provisions inapplicable to reductions in force ordered by the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating. Authorizes the Commandant of the Coast Guard to accept the services of individuals ordered to perform community service by a court. Authorizes the Commandant to enter into a lease for at least 30 years with an option to renew at the option of the Commandant to acquire a site at the Massachusetts Military Reservation on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Authorizes the Coast Guard to spend appropriated amounts for the construction and renovation of housing units at the site. Extends the termination date of the Coast Guard's Advisory Committee to the Academy. Amends the Vessel Bridge-to-Bridge Radiotelephone Act to require every power vessel of twenty meters or over in length (currently, every power vessel of three hundred gross tons and upward) to have a radiotelephone capable of operation from its navigational bridge. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to submit to the Congress a report on Coast Guard housing. Repeals provisions of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1988 amending Federal law to require the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to submit to specified congressional committees a two-year budget estimate. Authorizes a specified vessel to transport a limited number of passengers when the North Carolina Maritime Museum operates the vessel for educational purposes. Establishes the Houston-Galveston Navigation Safety Advisory Committee. Amends provisions of Federal law relating to the use of fire-retardant materials in certain passenger vessels to change from 1993 to 1998 the date on which certain requirements apply to vessels in operation before 1968. Requires the owner or operator of a vessel exempted from such provisions to notify the Coast Guard of structural alterations to the vessel and to comply with any combustible material requirements the Coast Guard prescribes consistent with preservation of the historic integrity of the vessel. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) request reimbursement from the Secretary of the Treasury for all costs incurred after FY 1990 by the Coast Guard in providing security for the President and his family at or near Kennebunkport, Maine; and (2) notify the Congress if all costs are not reimbursed. Prohibits, for the purposes of the Presidential Protection Assistance Act, deeming such services to be temporary.

International Cooperation Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1991

International Cooperation Act of 1991 - Title I: Statement of Policy; Economic Assistance Programs - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to revise policy provisions. Declares that it should be U.S. policy that the financial, material, and human resources authorized by this Act should serve the following goals: (1) to promote and consolidate democratic values, market principles, and peace; (2) to protect against transnational threats; and (3) to meet humanitarian needs. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should: (1) concentrate development assistance in countries which will make the most effective use of such assistance; (2) focus development assistance on activities which the United States can provide most effectively and which meet the particular economic assistance requirements of a country; and (3) not provide assistance if the relevant sector or economic policies of a country are unfavorable to the sustainability or impact of the assisted project. Authorizes the President to provide development assistance to support economic growth and democratic development and to address humanitarian needs and global problems. Authorizes appropriations for development assistance for FY 1992. Permits the President to use development assistance funds for: (1) capital and infrastructure assistance; (2) development education programs to educate U.S. citizens about developing countries; and (3) assistance to nongovernmental organizations to strengthen their capacity to carry out programs for the economic and social development of developing countries. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the well-being of countries is affected by how the world's environment and physical resource base are managed and that consumption patterns, systems of industrial and agricultural production, and the use of natural resources have an impact on long-term development and growth and survival of all countries; (2) environmentally responsible management of physical resources is necessary by countries to insure their availability for future generations and to assure that the burdens of improved resource management do not fall disproportionately on the poor; and (3) economic assistance programs should assist countries in carrying out programs and policies that promote environmentally sound economic development. Declares that recipient countries should bear a share of the costs of development assistance programs under this Act. Prohibits economic assistance from being used for military or paramilitary purposes. Exempts from such prohibition assistance involving the participation of military personnel in training activities and conferences. Authorizes the President to: (1) make investments in, loans for, and guarantees assuring against losses incurred in, projects in developing countries that meet specified private sector criteria; and (2) make loans (currently, issue guarantees against losses incurred in connection with loans) for housing and urban projects. Revises provisions concerning the housing and urban development guarantee program. Prohibits assistance for such projects if the credit subsidy associated with the borrower would exceed 25 percent. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the President to furnish assistance to countries and organizations to strengthen administration of justice in developing countries and emerging democracies. Permits the President to provide such assistance if a country: (1) has recently emerged or is in the process of emerging as a democracy; or (2) has recently emerged or is emerging from civil strife and has a democratically elected government or is making substantial progress toward a democratic form of government. Authorizes appropriations. Revises provisions concerning international narcotics control. 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 prohibit assistance to countries in default on obligations owed to the United States inapplicable with respect to narcotics-related assistance. Revises congressional reporting requirements with respect to international narcotics production and trafficking. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 for such assistance. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 for American schools, libraries, and hospital centers abroad. Permits the President to use funds available under this title for grants to, or contracts with, nongovernmental organizations to enable such organizations to: (1) purchase debt obligations owed by developing countries to commercial lending institutions, foreign governments, or other parties; and (2) cancel such obligations subject to the President's approval, to the extent that such country makes available assets or policy commitments to promote the goals of this Act. 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 Federal agencies to: (1) furnish services and commodities on an advance-of-funds or reimbursement basis to friendly countries, international organizations, and nongovernmental organizations; and (2) contract with individuals for personal services abroad or in the United States to perform such services in lieu of Federal employees. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 for international disaster assistance. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 for grants to international organizations. Permits the President to withhold contributions from an organization if such organization is denying Israel or other designated countries the right to participate in such organization's activities. Withholds contributions from Libya, Iran, Cuba, and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). Authorizes the withholding of contributions from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East unless the Agency assures that no U.S. contribution is used to assist any refugee who: (1) is receiving military training as a member of the PLO or any other guerrilla organization; or (2) has engaged in any act of terrorism. Declares that the President should (currently, requires) seek evaluation and auditing of programs of the United Nations, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, 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, the Asian Development Fund, and the Asian Development Bank. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 for operating expenses of the agency (administering agency) designated by the President to administer this title and of the Office of Inspector General of such agency. Permits such agency to expend funds in advance of appropriations to maintain operations at posts abroad for up to three days. Declares that the President should establish a program performance evaluation capacity to: (1) develop a program performance information system to afford such 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. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the sustained participation of U.S. private voluntary organizations, cooperatives, and credit unions that are engaged in development activities serves as an important means of improving the lives of the poor in developing countries; (2) sustained participation of U.S. colleges and universities in the economic development programs of developing countries is vital to such countries' achievement of economic growth and open democratic political systems; and (3) such sustained participation would be enhanced by providing such organizations the opportunity to participate in the planning, development, and implementation of programs involving such organizations. Encourages the President to establish a partnership with such organizations to achieve the attainment of goals concerning development assistance. Title II: Military Assistance and Related Assistance and Sales Programs - Chapter I: Consolidation and Revision of Accounts - 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. Permits the financing of the procurement of defense articles and services not sold by the U.S. Government only if the country or international organization proposing to make such procurement has signed an agreement with the United States specifying the conditions under which the procurement may be financed. Requires such agreements to grant the U.S. Government the right to deobligate any furnished funds that have not been committed for an approved use three years after the effective date of such an agreement. 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. 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 foreign 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. Raises the ceiling on the value of defense articles and services authorized to be made available under certain emergencies. Revises and combines provisions concerning transfers of excess defense articles. Authorizes the transfer of: (1) excess defense articles (currently, nonlethal articles) to countries for which a foreign military financing program was justified in the fiscal year in which the transfer is authorized; and (2) excess property of the Coast Guard on the same basis as Department of Defense property is transferred. Declares that decisions to furnish foreign military financing assistance should take into account whether such assistance will: (1) contribute to an arms race; (2) increase the possibility of outbreak or escalation of conflict; or (3) prejudice the development of multilateral arms control arrangements. Permits such assistance to be provided for civic action in Africa. Authorizes appropriations for such assistance for FY 1992. Revises provisions concerning the location of stockpiles. Places a ceiling on the value of additions to stockpiles during FY 1992. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 for: (1) international military education and training; and (2) peacekeeping activities. Removes conditions on the type of arms on the U.S. Munitions List that may be provided for antiterrorism assistance. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 for antiterrorism assistance. 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. Authorizes the President, by notifying the Congress, to designate a country as a major non-NATO ally or terminate such a designation. Deems Australia, Egypt, Israel, Japan, and the Republic of Korea to have been so designated by the President. Revises provisions concerning presidential certifications and congressional procedures for certain arms transfers. Raises the threshold on the dollar amount of defense equipment or services on which the President is required to submit specified certifications. Deems to be defense articles or services (for purposes of import and export controls) articles or services having military or intelligence applications. Requires articles and services that have gained a predominant civil application to be removed from the U.S. Munitions List. 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. Authorizes the President to impose controls to prevent the proliferation of nuclear-capable missiles and chemical, biological, and related weapons. Permits charges for defense articles sold or licensed or approved for export after September 30, 1991, to exclude nonrecurring costs of research on or development or production of such articles. Replaces the authorities of specified Federal officials under the Defense Trade and Export Control Act with the authority of the President. Repeals an exemption to a prohibition on the resale of military firearms furnished to foreign governments. Repeals provisions concerning: (1) reports and price availability estimates; (2) discrimination; (3) restraint in arms sales to Subsaharan Africa; (4) foreign military sales credit standards; (5) foreign military sales to less developed countries; and (6) the crediting of registration fees. Title III: Overseas Private Investment Corporation; Trade and Development Agency - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to revise provisions concerning the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC). Limits the amount of OPIC's equity investments under a pilot program to 49 percent per project for projects in Eastern Europe. Directs OPIC to give preferential consideration in its investment insurance, reinsurance, and guarantee activities to investment projects sponsored by or involving U.S. small business or cooperatives. Permits OPIC to establish a revolving fund to be available solely for a pilot equity finance program. Authorizes (currently, requires) OPIC to charge fees for any service performed under this title. Provides for annual (currently, triennial) financial audits of OPIC. Authorizes the Inspector General of the administering agency (currently, the Agency for International Development) to conduct audits, investigations, and security activities with respect to OPIC. Eliminates OPIC's exemption from Federal taxation. Revises 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 administering agency with respect to the Agency. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992. Title IV: Special Authorities, Restrictions on Assistance, and Reports - Revises provisions concerning special authorities of the President with respect to the furnishing of assistance and arms export sales, credits, and guaranties. Raises the ceilings on the amount of arms sales or leases, foreign assistance, and foreign currencies authorized to be furnished or used under the President's special authority to waive restrictions on assistance. Raises the ceilings on the amounts of such assistance 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. Authorizes the President to use funds (other than funds for foreign military financing or international military education and training) under this Act for unanticipated contingencies. Places an annual ceiling on such assistance. Prohibits such assistance from being used for gifts to foreign officials. Makes specified amounts of economic support and foreign military financing assistance available for emergency use to promote economic, political, or military stability. 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. Revises provisions concerning prohibitions 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; and (3) a country that is a major drug producing or transit country if the country has not cooperated with the United States and has not taken adequate steps to control the illicit cultivation, production, trafficking, and abuse of narcotic and psychotropic drugs. 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 man-made disaster; (3) that benefits needy 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 Speaker of the House of Representatives and the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. 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 Speaker of the House and the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Directs the President to report to such individuals on the rescission of a determination that a country provides support for international terrorism. 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. Prohibits economic assistance from being made available to: (1) any organization or program which supports or manages a program of coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization; or (2) any foreign nongovernmental organization which performs or promotes abortion as a method of family planning. Requires funds for voluntary family planning services to be available only for projects which offer a broad range of family planning methods and services. Declares that the President should consider, in determining whether to provide economic assistance, whether assistance would be furnished to support any project designed to increase exports of agricultural, textile, or apparel commodities from developing countries that: (1) would be in direct competition with U.S. exports; and (2) can be expected to cause injury to U.S. exporters of the same or a similar commodity. Prohibits economic assistance from being used to influence the outcome of any election. Prohibits U.S. armed forces detailed to provide defense services, military education and training, or management of overseas military assistance programs from performing combat duties outside the United States in connection with such services. Outlines required elements of annual congressional presentation documents on foreign assistance. Revises provisions regarding U.S. assistance policies and human rights. Directs the President to report annually to the Congress on human rights practices in countries that are members of the United Nations. Revises provisions concerning congressional notification for program changes. Title V: General Provisions - Revises provisions regarding presidential authorities under this Act. Authorizes the President to designate an agency to administer economic assistance under this Act. Revises provisions regarding general authorities. Permits contracts which entail commitments for the expenditure of funds under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to be extended for up to ten (currently, five) years. Revises provisions regarding administrative uses of funds. 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 assistance funds to be used to reimburse Federal or State agencies or institutions of higher education that detail employees for economic assistance programs that require specialized technical skills. Provides that if an amount appropriated for any fiscal year to carry out a provision of 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. 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. Title VI: Technical and Conforming Provisions - 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. Prohibits Federal employees from effecting arrests in foreign countries as part of foreign police actions with respect to narcotics control. Lists exceptions to such prohibition. Prohibits Federal employees from interrogating or being present during the interrogation of any U.S. person arrested in a foreign country with respect to narcotics control efforts without such person's written consent. Exempts from such prohibition members of the U.S. armed forces carrying out responsibilities under Status of Forces arrangements. Makes technical and conforming amendments to specified Acts. Repeals specified Acts. Title VII: Special Assistance Initiatives - Chapter I: Development Fund for Africa - Authorizes project and program assistance for development in Subsaharan 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. Declares that: (1) the local-level perspective of the rural and urban poor in Subsaharan Africa should be taken into account during the planning process for project assistance under this Act; and (2) 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; (3) local people should be consulted and involved in projects that have a local focus; and (4) the President should ensure that development activities 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 national economic policy reforms. Requires such reforms to include provisions to protect vulnerable groups, especially poor farmers and the urban poor, 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; (3) voluntary family planning services; (4) improved relevance 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. Declares that assistance provided under this Act should 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. Authorizes assistance to South Africa for: (1) grants to nongovernmental organizations promoting efforts to foster a just society and help the victims of apartheid; (2) assistance to political detainees and prisoners and their families and to support actions of black community organizations to resist, through nonviolent means, the enforcement of apartheid policies; and (3) activities to assist in an end to apartheid and in the establishment of a society based on nonracial principles. Permits such grants to be only for organizations whose character and membership reflect the objective of a majority of South Africans for an end to apartheid and for interracial cooperation and justice. Authorizes appropriations. Expresses the sense of the Congress that there should be periodic evaluations of the progress of the administering agency in achieving assistance goals in Subsaharan Africa. Chapter 2: Assistance for Eastern Europe - Sets forth U.S. policy and objectives with respect to assistance for Eastern Europe. Declares that the United States should provide assistance for eligible East European countries that are taking steps toward: (1) political pluralism; (2) economic reform; (3) respect for human rights; and (4) a willingness to build a friendly relationship with the United States. Defines an eligible East European country as Poland, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Bulgaria, Romania, Yugoslavia, and any other East European country taking such steps. Requires the basic objectives of such assistance to be the promotion of democracy and the encouragement of free market systems. Lists authorized types of assistance. Permits the President to furnish assistance to eligible East European countries. Provides that any authority in the Support for East European Democracy (SEED) Act of 1989 to furnish assistance for Poland or Hungary may be deemed to authorize assistance for any eligible East European country. Permits the President to use any funds made available for assistance for Eastern Europe under the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1991 to provide balance of payments support with respect to eligible East European countries. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should use the authorities provided under the SEED Act and this Act to provide stabilization assistance to assist Hungary, Czechoslovakia, and other East European countries the President deems appropriate. Authorizes appropriations. Permits the President to: (1) designate Enterprise Funds for any country in Eastern Europe in the same manner and with the same authorities and limitations applicable to the Enterprise Funds for Poland and Hungary established pursuant to the SEED Act; and (2) provide funding and support to the Funds. Authorizes U.S. agencies that are authorized to provide assistance or conduct programs for Poland or Hungary pursuant to the SEED Act to provide such assistance or conduct such programs for eligible East European countries. Permits the President to authorize agencies to implement programs for management and technical assistance for governments and private enterprises in Eastern European countries. Makes appropriations to carry out this chapter available for contracting with individuals for personal services. Chapter 3: Multilateral Assistance Initiative for the Philippines - 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. Title VIII: Presidential Contingency Fund - Authorizes appropriations to the President for FY 1992 for unanticipated contingencies in programs within the International Affairs Budget Function. Title IX: Authorizations for Fiscal Year 1993 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 to carry out programs for which appropriations for FY 1992 are authorized by this Act.

To condemn the treatment of Kurdish and other refugees in Iraq and to urge immediate humanitarian assistance and an end to repression against refugees by the government of Iraq.

United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1991

Condemns the Government of Iraq for its continuing military activities, its slaughter of thousands of innocent civilians, its brutal treatment of Kurds, Shiites, and others, its consistent violations of internationally recognized human rights and its disregard for international covenants. Encourages Turkey and Iran to continue their assistance to the Kurds and other Iraqi refugees. Pledges U.S. assistance to international relief efforts to aid the refugee populations. Calls for sustained humanitarian relief for the refugees. Urges the President to continue his efforts to win international support for those fleeing Iraqi repression and to press the United Nations (U.N.) Security Council to adopt effective measures to assist Iraqi refugees and to enforce the demand that Iraq immediately end its repression of the Kurds and other Iraqi civilians. Urges that the costs of the provision of immediate, urgent assistance to the Kurds and other Iraqi refugees which are not covered by voluntary contributions from participating nations be paid by the Government of Iraq through the reparations accounting procedures established under terms of the U.N. ceasefire agreement with Iraq.

Stating that the Congress is convinced that the perpetuation of Saddam Hussein's rule in Iraq is incompatible with the stated goal of the United Nations Security Council to restore international peace and security to the Middle East, and urges the President to pursue, through the United Nations Security Council, the demand of the expeditious replacement of Saddam Hussein as the leader of Iraq.

United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1991

Considers: (1) the stated goals and actions of Saddam Hussein as a direct indication that his continued rule in Iraq would result in aggression against neighboring states and further genocidal efforts against ethnic and religious groups within Iraq; and (2) the perpetuation of Hussein's rule incompatible with the principles of the United Nations (U.N.) and the goal of U.N. Security Council Resolution 678, which authorizes the use of force to restore international peace and security in the area. Commends the President for his ability to unite and mobilize the community of nations through the U.N. Security Council, providing the leadership necessary to overturn the Iraqi invasion and occupation of Kuwait. Urges the President to mobilize the international community through the Security Council to achieve a resolution demanding the expeditious replacement of Hussein as military and political leader of Iraq.

Expressing the sense of the Congress that the reserve components of the United States armed forces who were deployed in the Persian Gulf conflict should be returned home not later than July 4, 1991.

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1991

Expresses the sense of the Congress that all reserve and National Guard forces deployed in the Persian Gulf conflict should be returned home no later than July 4, 1991.

Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1991

Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 1991 - Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to include certain service in the organized military forces of the Philippines and service as Philippine Scouts within the definition of active U.S. military service for purposes of eligibility for various veterans' benefits for former active-duty military personnel.

A joint resolution to designate December 7, 1991, as "National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day" on the occasion of the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1991

Designates December 7, 1991, as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

A resolution concerning the protection of refugees in Iraq.

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1991

Condemns Iraq's continuing military atrocities, its slaughter of civilians, and its violations of international standards of human rights and the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949. Calls for a U.S. policy in support of democracy and respect for human rights and international law in Iraq. Urges the President to continue his efforts to garner international support for those fleeing Iraq. Encourages Turkey and Iran to continue to assist the refugees and pledges U.S. assistance to international relief efforts for such refugees. Condemns Iraq's use of helicopter gunships to conduct attacks on civilians. Calls upon the President to press the United Nations Security Council to adopt measures to assist Iraqi refugees and to enforce the demand that Iraq end its repression of Iraqi civilians.

Omnibus Adoption Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1991

Omnibus Adoption Act of 1991 - Title I: National Advisory Council on Adoption - Establishes the National Advisory Council on Adoption (the Council), to be appointed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). Terminates such Council after four years. Title II: Adoption Data Collection System - Directs the Secretary of HHS to: (1) report to the Congress, within 30 days, on the status of the implementation of the adoption data collection system required under specified provisions of the Social Security Act, including specific assurances relating to such system; (2) report monthly to the Congress on the progress made in implementing such system; and (3) consult with the Council in developing regulations to carry out such reporting requirements and assurances. Title III: Adoption Education Programs - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to establish a program of fellowships for graduate study in social work, in innovative programs concerning the effects of adoption on the adopted children, their adoptive families, and their biological parents who make an adoption plan. Directs the Secretary of Education to award up to 50 such fellowships. Sets forth provisions for student selection procedures, stipends, payments to institutions, fellowship conditions, consultation with the Council, and an authorization of appropriations for FY 1992 through 1996. Directs the Secretary of Education, within one year after enactment of this Act, to make grants to States to carry out adoption education programs. Sets forth provisions for grants amounts, applications and agreements, program guidelines, consultation with the Council, and an authorization of appropriations for FY 1992 through 1994. Title IV: Adoption Benefits for Federal Employees and Military Personnel - Amends Federal law relating to Federal employees to allow their sick leave (including advance sick leave) to be used for purposes relating to the adoption of a child. Includes prenatal and maternal benefits (other than those relating to a surrogate parenting arrangement) for the biological mother of an adoptive child among the types of benefits which may be provided under Federal employee benefits plans. Directs the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to establish minimum standards for this type of benefits, in accordance with specified guidelines. Amends Federal law relating to members of the uniformed services to require establishment of a program to reimburse them for expenses they incur for prenatal and maternal care provided to the biological mother of a child they legally adopt. Limits such reimbursement to care provided on or after the date on which the member notifies the appropriate administering Secretary. Prohibits such reimbursement for expenses incurred in carrying out a surrogate parenting arrangement. Includes prenatal care among types of authorized care for military dependents. Includes care for preexisting conditions among the types of authorized care for adopted children of uniformed service members. Defines adopted child, for purposes of Federal law relating to members of the uniformed services, as a child with respect to whom a written plan of adoption has been entered into pursuant to the laws of the State in which the child resides. Directs OPM and the Secretary of Defense to coordinate their development of regulations and guidelines to carry out their responsibilities under this title, and to consult with the Council in such development. Title V: Adoption Tax Credit - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to establish a refundable tax credit for certain amounts of adoption expenses, for taxpayers at certain income levels. Title VI: Maternal Health Certificates Program - Directs the Secretary of HHS, within 180 days after enactment of this Act, to establish a program to provide maternal health certificates for eligible pregnant women to use to cover expenses incurred in receiving services at a maternal and housing services facility. Bases eligibility on an individual's having an annual individual income of not greater than 175 percent of the applicable official poverty line income. Determines such income without taking account of: (1) the income of any parent or guardian of the individual; or (2) the income of an estranged spouse who has been living apart from the woman for at least six months. Prohibits finding an individual ineligible for such program solely on the grounds that they do not receive aid under the State plan for aid for families with dependent children (AFDC) under the Social Security Act. Sets limits on the amount of expenses which such program certificates may cover. Directs the Secretary of HHS to consult with the Council in developing regulations for such program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1994 for such maternal health certificates program. Title VII: Rehabilitation Grants for Maternity Housing and Services Facilities - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to carry out a program to make grants to eligible nonprofit entities for rehabilitation of existing structures for use as facilities to provide housing and services to pregnant women. Sets forth provisions for such grant program authority, applications, limitations on numbers and amounts of grants, and reporting requirements. Directs the Secretary of HUD to consult with the Council in issuing such program regulations. Authorizes appropriations for such program for FY 1992 through 1994. Title VIII: Sense of Congress Regarding Changes in State Adoption Laws - Expresses the sense of the Congress that each State should adopt and enforce specified types of adoption laws, rules, or regulations, which include provisions for: (1) disclosure of all relevant information, including background information (except actual identification of the child or biological parents), to the prospective adoptive parent, with criminal penalties for unauthorized disclosure, (2) pre-placement investigations of the prospective adoptive parent; (3) disclosure to the court of all costs incurred by or on behalf of each party to the adoption; (4) guaranteed adequate legal representation for the biological mother; (5) filing of a petition for adoption with the appropriate court within one year after placement; and (6) coverage by the health plan of the adoptive parent of pregnancy and childbirth expenses (excluding surrogate parenting arrangements) for the child and the biological mother, or for any dependent child of the plan enrollee, and plan coverage of pre-existing conditions of adopted children.

To amend title 32, United States Code, to provide that performance of honor guard functions at funerals for veterans by members of the National Guard may be recognized as a Federal function for National Guard purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1991

Deems the performance of honor guard functions by members of the National Guard at funerals for veterans as Federal functions for which appropriated funds may be used.

To strengthen the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended.

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1991

Amends the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938 to replace references to: (1) "agent" with "representative"; and (2) "propaganda" with "promotional or informational materials." Includes within the definition of "representative of a foreign principal" any person who engages in political activities for purposes of furthering commercial, industrial, or financial operations with a foreign principal. Excludes from such definition any incorporated, nonprofit membership organization organized under U.S. laws that is registered under the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act, that has obtained tax-exempt status, and whose activities are directed in whole by U.S. citizens. Provides that a foreign principal shall be considered to control a person in major part if: (1) such principal holds more than 50 percent equitable ownership in such person; or (2) subject to rebuttal evidence, such principal holds from 20 to 50 percent equitable ownership in such person. Includes within the definition of "political consultant" any person who distributes political promotional or informational materials to a Federal officer or employee, in his or her capacity as an officer or employee. Requires representatives of foreign principals who have filed registration statements to file supplements to such statements with the Attorney General on January 31 and July 31 of each year. Authorizes representatives with accounting systems using different fiscal years to petition the Attorney General to permit the filing of statements at the close of the first and seventh month of such fiscal year in lieu of the required dates. Repeals an exemption to registration requirements for persons representing foreign governments whose defense is deemed vital to the defense of the United States. Provides that the exemption from the registration requirement for individuals providing legal representation for a foreign principal before a U.S. agency shall apply only to representation before the Patent and Trademark Office. Requires persons relying on exemptions from registration requirements to notify the Attorney General. Imposes civil penalties upon persons who have: (1) failed to file registration statements; or (2) omitted a material fact or made false statements on registration statements. Authorizes the Attorney General to serve civil investigative demands on persons in control of materials relevant to investigations concerning violations of registration requirements. Redesignates the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938 as the Foreign Interests Representation Act.

Missing Service Personnel Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1991

Missing Service Personnel Act of 1991 - Requires the responsible armed forces commander, after receiving notice that a person under his command is missing, to conduct an informal investigation to determine such person's whereabouts and, if appropriate, to place such person in a missing status. Requires the commander, if a person has been placed in such status, to notify the officer holding general court-martial authority over such person (or, in the case of a missing civilian, the Secretary concerned), who shall convene a board of initial inquiry within 45 days. Requires such board to: (1) investigate evidence relating to the disappearance of such person; (2) recommend whether to continue such person in a missing status or make a finding that such person has deserted, is absent without leave, or is dead; and (3) report its recommendations and findings. Provides for the convening of a board of further inquiry, if a board of initial inquiry recommends that such person be continued in a missing status, within one year of such recommendation. Requires such board to analyze any information which has become available since the board of initial inquiry issued its report, to determine whether such person should be continued in a missing status or declared dead, and to report its findings. Directs the Secretary concerned, upon the written request of a member of the immediate family of a missing person who, before the date of the enactment of this Act, was determined by the Secretary to be dead, to: (1) convene a board of further inquiry to determine whether such finding of death should be upheld or such person should be placed in a missing status; and (2) report its findings. Requires the Secretary, within three years after a board of further inquiry recommends a missing status for any person, to reconvene such board to review such status. Specifies the composition of such boards. Directs the Secretary to invite each member of the immediate family of the missing person to the meetings of a board of initial inquiry unless attendance would place such member in danger. Requires the Secretary to: (1) invite family members of missing persons to meetings of boards of further inquiry; (2) schedule such meetings at convenient locations and times; (3) provide such family members with reasonable notice of such meetings; and (4) open such meetings to the general public. Authorizes each board to hold meetings, take testimony, receive evidence, and secure directly from any U.S. department or agency any information necessary to carry out its duties. Provides for the appointment of counsel by the officer or Secretary concerned to represent the missing person. Requires that, if a board determines that a missing person is dead, it shall include in its report a detailed description of the location and date of death, whether the body has been recovered, and whether a licensed practitioner of forensic medicine determined that the body recovered is that of the missing person. Prohibits any such board from declaring a missing person dead unless: (1) evidence other than the passage of a period of less than 50 years suggests that such person is dead; (2) no evidence which reasonably suggests that such person is alive is in the possession of the Government; (3) representatives of the Government have made a complete search of the area where such person was last seen (unless the United States is not granted access to such area); and (4) Government representatives have checked the records of the government or entity having control over the area where such person was last seen (unless the Government is not granted access to such records). Provides for judicial review of determinations of death upon the filing of a written petition by any member of the missing person's immediate family. Directs the Secretary concerned to make certain that such person's personnel file contains all information in the possession of Federal departments and agencies pertaining to the disappearance or whereabouts of such person. Requires the Secretary to make certain that, if classified information is withheld, such file contains: (1) a notice that the information exists; and (2) a notice of the date of the most recent review of the classification status of the information. Sets forth penalties for knowingly withholding information pertaining to the disappearance or whereabouts of a missing person from that person's personnel file. Requires the Secretary concerned to make the contents of such file available to a member of the immediate family of such person upon written request.

To amend Public Law 99-572 concerning the Korean War Memorial.

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1991

Amends Federal law to require the American Battle Monuments Commission to obtain, by October 28, 1993, a building permit for the construction of a memorial on Federal land in the District of Columbia or its environs to honor members of the U.S. armed forces who served in the Korean War.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to deny any deduction for certain oil and hazardous substance cleanup costs.

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1991

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to disallow a deduction for certain costs incurred in connection with any oil discharge or hazardous substance release. Provides an exception to such rule for any taxpayer who has a complete liability defense or qualifies for a liability limitation with respect to such discharge or release. Provides a limitation on the use of the net operating loss deduction to offset deductions disallowed by this Act.

Acknowledging the sacrifices that military families have made on behalf of the Nation and designating November 25, 1991, as "National Military Families Recognition Day".

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1991

Declares that the Congress acknowledges and appreciates the commitment, devotion, and sacrifices of present and former military families. Designates November 25, 1991, as National Military Families Recognition Day.

Expressing the sense of Congress that President Bush should seek a complete cessation of Soviet aid to Cuba during the upcoming American-Soviet summit.

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1991

Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) President Bush should place Soviet cessation of aid to Cuba high on his list of objectives for the upcoming U.S.-Soviet summit meeting; (2) a Soviet cutoff of aid to Cuba should remain a high priority in U.S.-Soviet relations until the Soviet Union ends it economic and military support to the Castro regime; and (3) a democratically-elected government in Cuba should remain a significant goal of American foreign policy.

Boots and Saddles Historic New Mexico Forts Study Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1991

Boots and Saddles Historic New Mexico Forts Study Act of 1991 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Directors of the Bureau of Land Management and of the National Park Service, to study specified historic military forts occupied during the Civil War and Indian campaigns in New Mexico and to develop alternative means of interpreting and preserving such forts. Requires a report to specified congressional committees. Authorizes appropriations.

To prohibit arms transfers to certain countries unless the President certifies that a state of war does not exist between such country and Israel and that such country has accorded formal recognition to the sovereignty of Israel.

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1991

Prohibits: (1) the sale or transfer of defense articles or services and design and construction services to Bahrain, Yemen, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and the United Arab Emirates; and (2) the transfer to such countries by another foreign country of U.S. defense articles or services. Makes such prohibition inapplicable if the President certifies to the Congress that: (1) a state of war does not exist between the country and Israel; and (2) such country has accorded formal recognition to the sovereignty of Israel.

Human Lessons of Desert Storm Consideration Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1991

Human Lessons of Desert Storm Consideration Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to report to the Congress on appropriate military personnel policy regarding the enlistment, retention, activation, deployment, and assignment of members of the armed forces with respect to situations where both husband and wife are active-duty or reserve members with minor children, where a member is a single parent of minor children, where a member on active duty has immediate family members serving on active duty, and where a reserve member is the only member of a particular profession in a particular area of the United States. Requires the Secretary to include a discussion of whether different personnel policies are in effect or should be implemented with respect to members who have children who are infants, toddlers, elementary school age, or teenagers.

Maritime Administration Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1992 and 1993

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1991

Maritime Administration Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1992 and 1993 - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Transportation for: (1) operating-differential subsidies; (2) operations and training, including maritime education and training and national security support capabilities; and (3) maintaining a surge shipping capability in the National Defense Reserve Fleet in an advanced state of readiness and related programs. Amends Federal law to change from annually to biennially the reporting frequency regarding a report by the Secretary of Transportation to the Congress listing the specific assistance provided by the U.S. Government to the railroad industry during that fiscal year.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a deduction for gifts to the families of members of the Armed Forces killed while serving in Operation Desert Shield or Operation Desert Storm.

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1991

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an itemized deduction for a cash gift made to the surviving family of a member of the armed forces who died of wounds, disease, or injury incurred while serving in Operation Desert Shield or Operation Desert Storm and who was married or had a child. Limits such deduction to $1,000.

Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1991

Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center Act of 1991 - Establishes in the Department of Defense (DOD) a school to be known as the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center (Institute) to: (1) provide instruction in foreign languages to military and civilian personnel of DOD and other Government personnel as approved by the Secretary of Defense; and (2) encourage foreign language instruction throughout educational institutions in the United States in order to meet national defense requirements. Provides for a Commandant of the Institute. Requires the Secretary to assign military staff positions at the Institute. Authorizes the employment of civilians as faculty members.

To provide for the striking of a gold medal to be presented on behalf of the Congress to General Colin L. Powell, United States Army, and to provide for the production of bronze duplicates of such medal for sale to the public.

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1991

Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal to General Colin L. Powell, United States Army, in recognition of his distinguished leadership as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and principal military adviser to the President in the planning and execution of the military response of the United States, in coordination with allied coalition forces, to the invasion of Kuwait by Iraq. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the sale of bronze duplicates of the medal. Authorizes appropriations.

Expressing the sense of Congress that the United States should enforce the United Nations security council cease-fire resolution, provide humanitarian assistance to the Kurdish and other oppressed Iraqi resistance forces and encourage other countries to provide such assistance, and promote the establishment of refugee enclaves within the southern and northern borders of Iraq.

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1991

Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should: (1) uphold the United Nations Security Council resolution certifying that Iraq is no longer engaging in offensive military actions; (2) provide, and encourage other nations to provide, humanitarian assistance to refugees of Iraqi oppression; and (3) promote the establishment of refugee enclaves within the southern and northern borders of Iraq.

The following named persons to be Members of the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission for terms expiring at the end of the first session of the 102nd Congress: Arthur Levitt, Jr., of New York Robert D. Stuart, Jr., of Illinois Alexander B. Trowbridge, of the District of Columbia

United States · United States Senate · 9 April 1991

National Radon in Schools Testing Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1991

National Radon in Schools Testing Act of 1991 - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to provide for mandatory testing of schools for radon contamination. Requires each local education agency (LEA) to: (1) test each school building under its authority within 540 days; (2) submit a report describing the area tested and testing methods to the State Governor within 730 days; and (3) make the results available for public inspection in the administrative offices of such LEA. Requires the Governor of each State to submit to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency a written statement of the status of the testing within 910 days. Requires the testing to be conducted by firms and individuals rated by the Administrator pursuant to the voluntary proficiency program or by a State radon proficiency program. Requires that only radon measurement devices and methods rated under such a program be used. Directs the Secretary of Defense to: (1) carry out testing with respect to any school operated under the Defense Dependents' Education Act of 1978; and (2) test, to the extent feasible and consistent with national security, any building used by the Department of Defense as an overseas school for dependents of members of the armed forces. Provides for the imposition of a civil penalty against an LEA for failure to conduct such testing or knowingly submitting false information regarding such testing. Establishes guidelines for determining the amount of such penalty, taking into account: (1) the significance of the violation; (2) the culpability of the violator; (3) the violator's ability to pay the penalty; and (4) the ability of the violator to continue to provide educational services to the community. Authorizes any individual to file a complaint with the Administrator or with the Governor of the State in which the school building is located with respect to radon in a school building. Directs the Administrator or Governor to investigate and respond (including taking enforcement action where appropriate) within a reasonable period of time when such official receives a complaint containing allegations which provide a reasonable basis to believe a violation has occurred. Authorizes the Administrator to provide financial and technical assistance to LEAs to perform such testing. Authorizes appropriations.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make changes to the earned income tax credit to provide equitable treatment for military families overseas and to clarify and improve current law.

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1991

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make members of the armed forces serving on extended active duty and stationed outside the United States eligible for the earned income credit.

Veterans' Radiation Exposure Amendments of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1991

Veterans Compensation Improvement Act of 1991 - Increases the rates of: (1) veterans' disability compensation; (2) additional compensation for veterans' dependents; (3) the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans; (4) dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children; and (5) supplemental dependency and indemnity compensation for disabled adult children. Requires such increases to be the same percentage as the increase in benefit amounts payable under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make consistent adjustments administratively to the rates of disability compensation payable to certain persons who are not in receipt of compensation for service-connected disability or death. Requires the Secretary to publish such increases in the Federal Register at the same time that OASDI benefit increases are required to be published.

To provide for the establishment of a memorial on Federal land within the District of Columbia to honor members of the Armed Forces who served in World War II, and to express the sense of Congress concerning the United States' participation in that conflict.

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1991

Directs the American Battle Monuments Commission to establish a memorial on Federal land in the District of Columbia or its environs to honor World War II veterans and to commemorate U.S. participation in that conflict. Directs the Commission to plan, design, construct, and oversee the operation of the memorial. Specifies that such design shall provide for accessibility by, and accommodations for, the physically handicapped. Establishes the World War II Memorial Advisory Board to: (1) promote the establishment of the memorial and encourage the donation of private funds for construction and maintenance; (2) assist and cooperate with the Commission in the selection of the site and design for the memorial; and (3) transmit annual reports on its activities to the Congress. Authorizes the Commission to solicit private contributions for such memorial. Establishes a fund in the Treasury which shall be made available to the Commission to carry out this Act. Authorizes Federal funding, in addition to such private funds, for: (1) site preparation, design, planning, and associated administrative costs for establishment of the memorial; and (2) construction, maintenance, and operation of the memorial. Authorizes assistance from specified Federal departments and agencies, including the Library of Congress. Authorizes the transfer of Federal property to the Commission. Authorizes the Commission to purchase suitable property within the District of Columbia for the establishment of such memorial. Urges the Government to encourage 50th anniversary commemorations of the U.S. role in World War II. Urges the Smithsonian Institution and other Federal museums to develop commemorative exhibitions to be shared with academic institutions.

To terminate United States foreign assistance for Jordan.

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1991

Suspends U.S. economic and military assistance to Jordan. Requires the President to: (1) terminate or suspend any trade agreement or treaty providing for most-favored-nation trade treatment to Jordan; (2) deny such treatment to Jordan and subject Jordanian products to the rates of duty set forth in duty column number 2 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States; and (3) make the Generalized System of Preferences under the Trade Act of 1974 inapplicable to Jordan.

To authorize private sector participation in designing, constructing, owning, and operating facilities to provide supplies, equipment, materials or services to support Department of Energy Waste Cleanup and modernization missions.

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1991

Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to enter into 30-year agreements with private contractors for the construction, ownership, and operation of specified waste cleanup and modernization facilities if the facilities: (1) are provided at the contractors' expense; (2) are near a Federal site under the Secretary's jurisdiction; and (3) support defense waste cleanup, research, or modernization efforts. Prescribes agreement guidelines. Precludes the Secretary from entering into an agreement without prior submission to the Congress of a needs justification with respect to the engagement of a private contractor, and a demonstration that the proposed agreement is in the best economic interests of the United States. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress regarding the benefits of the agreements entered into, and recommendations for possible extension of the agreement authority.