Defence

Military Family Preservation Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1991

Military Family Preservation Act of 1991 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to prescribe regulations which prohibit the stationing of a member of the armed forces who is solely responsible for his or her dependents (or who together with a spouse also in the armed forces is solely responsible for such dependents) at a location at which facilities for dependents of such member are not reasonably available. Requires the Secretary of the military department concerned to provide assistance to a member and his or her family to develop alternative plans for the care of dependents when such member is to be stationed at a location lacking adequate dependent care facilities.

To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to the naturalization of certain aliens through service in the Armed Forces of the United States for at least three years.

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1991

Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for the naturalization of an alien who has served at least three years in the U.S. armed forces.

Job Training Partnership Act Amendments of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1991

Job Training Partnership Act Amendments of 1991 - Amends the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) to authorize appropriations for FY 1991 and succeeding fiscal years for: (1) title II (Training Services for the Disadvantaged) part A (Adult and Older Worker Programs); (2) title II part B (Summer Youth Employment and Training Programs); (3) title II part C (Year-Round Youth Services); (4) title IV (Federally Administered Programs) parts C, D, E, F, G, and new H (Veterans' Employment Programs; National Activities; Labor Market Information; National Commission for Employment Policy; Training to Fulfill Affirmative Action Obligations; new Training Institutes); (5) title IV part A (Employment and Training Programs for Native Americans and Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers); and (6) title IV new part I (Youth Opportunities Unlimited Program). Reserves specified amounts for the Veterans' Employment Programs, National Commission for Employment Policy, and the new Training Institutes. Defines "basic skills deficient" as reading or computing skills at or below 8th grade level. Adds the Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs, the Center for Employment Training, and organizations serving older workers to the list of community-based organizations. Revises the definition of "economically disadvantaged" to: (1) refer to income guidelines promulgated each year by the Secretary of Health and Human Services; (2) include those determined eligible for, even if not receiving, food stamps; and (3) include migrant or seasonal farmworkers who meet income level requirements or whose income level during any consecutive 12-month period during the 24 months prior to application meets such requirements. Revises the definition of "supportive services" to include drug and alcohol abuse counseling and referral and individual and family counseling. Includes representatives of local welfare agencies and organizations representing older workers on private industry councils (PICs). Revises requirements for performance standards to: (1) promote delivery of services to the hard-to-serve; and (2) add measurement of increased basic education attainment and occupational skills (as well as the current measurement of increased employment and earnings and reduced welfare dependency). Provides for the following additional factors in performance standards for youth programs: (1) attainment of education and employability competencies; (2) secondary and postsecondary school completion or its equivalent; and (3) enrollment in other education, training, or employment programs or apprenticeships, or enlistment in the Armed Forces. Directs the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary) to report biennially to the Congress on JTPA performance standards. Adds older workers to the special populations for which variations in performance standards must be prescribed. Allows modifications of such special population standards not more than once every two years, with reported reasons. Changes from discretionary to mandatory the authority of State Governors to prescribe variations in performance standards within certain parameters. Requires State Governors to: (1) provide technical assistance to any service delivery area (SDA) which fails two consecutive years; and (3) incorporate the SDA into another contiguous SDA if such alternative arrangements do not result in improved performance within 12 months. Directs the Secretary to enforce such incorporation if the Governor fails to take such corrective actions. Directs the Secretary to establish a universal definition of placement for use in development of performance standards. Requires SDAs, in selecting service providers, to consider provision of support services, including child care. Revises limitations on certain costs for specified programs, including general administrative costs, combined administration and support services costs, and training-related services costs. Prohibits duplication of supportive services which are available free to participants through other services. Prohibits Governors from disapproving any local job training plan or modification on the basis of costs if these are in compliance with these specified limitations. Revises provisions for additional State responsibilities under title I (Job Training Partnership) of the JTPA. Allows the Governor's coordination and special services plan to describe the State's criteria for acceptable verification and documentation of participant eligibility, which, if approved by the Secretary, shall be deemed to meet specified requirements. Requires Governors, in providing certain staff training, to take into account training available through the National Training Institute. Authorizes Governors to adopt certain professional training curricula and administrative competency standards. Includes State agencies primarily responsible for administration of programs for older workers among those which may be represented on the State Job Coordinating Council. Requires State labor market information programs to include training and technical assistance to support comprehensive career guidance and participant outcome activities for local programs assisted under JTPA. Requires identification of any State-imposed or interpreted rule, regulation, policy, or performance standard relating to administration and operation of programs funded by JTPA. Revises program requirements for service delivery systems. Exempts normal tuition charges for training or education from certain requirements for a breakdown of cost components. Allows an SDA which is a city or a county to serve residents of either the city or the county if the city is located within the county and is a separate SDA. Limits the duration of on-the-job training to a period not in excess of that generally required for acquisition of skills needed for that position, but never exceeding six months. Requires on-the-job contracts to: (1) specify types and duration of training and other services; and (2) if an intermediary brokering contractor is used for placements, specify certain additional services and factors. Extends specified minimum wage exemptions to certain SDAs. Revises certain Federal and fiscal administrative provisions. Allows the use of certain advance payment methods when contracting with nonprofit organizations of demonstrated effectiveness. Directs the administrative law judge to reduce or cancel a determination of unallowable expenditures to the extent that specified mitigating circumstances warrant. Requires all entities receiving JTPA funds to follow directives of the applicable Office of Management and Budget Circulars and/or the Common Rules for administrative and cost principles. Requires SDAs to retain and use interest income in a specified manner. Prohibits use of JTPA funds for fees or profits to governmental units, grantees, or subgrantees, but allows such use for reasonable fees or profits to private for profit entities and cost-type administrative service contractors. Requires Governors to report semiannually to the Secretary on the amount of expenditures by each SDA for each fiscal year under title II of JTPA. Directs the Secretary to establish procedures to permit grantees to use current funds for costs of audit resolutions of prior grants. Revises conditions under which the Governor may take corrective action against an SDA for noncompliance with fiscal requirements. Directs the Secretary to take such corrective action if the Governor fails to do so. Revises reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Requires recipients to maintain and provide to the Secretary standardized records of a sufficient number of individual participants to provide an adequate sample size to allow for preparation of national estimates to meet specified requirements. Requires State, administrative entity, and grant recipient reports prescribed by the Secretary to be made annually. Requires such reports to include specified types of information. Requires each recipient, subrecipient, and service provider to maintain records of revenues and expenditures for at least three years following grant period expiration. Revises title II of JTPA (Training Services for the Disadvantaged). Separates the current title II part A (Adult and Youth Programs) into part A (Adult and Older Worker Programs) and part C (Year-Round Youth Services), while retaining the same name for part B (Summer Youth Employment and Training Programs). Sets forth part A (Adult and Older Worker Programs). Revises allotment provisions to establish State set-asides for education, performance incentives, and auditing and administration. Allows individuals, whether employed or unemployed, to be eligible for part A services as long as they are adults (age 22 or older) who are economically disadvantaged. Requires that at least 50 percent of part A program participants in each SDA be individuals who, in addition to being economically disadvantaged adults, are in one or more of the following categories: (1) basic skills deficient; (2) school dropouts; (3) recipients of aid to families with dependent children (AFDC) who either meet specified requirements or have an employability plan under the Social Security Act; or (4) unemployed for the previous six months or longer. (Retains the current provision that allows up to ten percent of program participants in an SDA not to be economically disadvantaged if they have encountered barriers to employment.) Requires SDAs to: (1) make special efforts and expenditures to serve older workers; (2) coordinate delivery of such services with those under the Older Americans Act; and (3) give priority to service providers with demonstrated effectiveness in providing such services. Requires SDAs and State job training coordinating councils to encourage job training service providers to provide child care services at minimal cost to participants. Establishes part A program design requirements, including: (1) assessment of participants' skill levels and service needs; (2) development of service strategies to identify employment goals, appropriate achievement objectives, and appropriate services; (3) review of participant progress; and (4) if appropriate, basic (including language) and occupational skills training. Requires that job search, job search skills training, job club, and work experience be accompanied by other services designed to increase a participant's basic education or occupational skills. Allows an exception from such combination requirement only if: (1) the participant's assessment and service strategy indicate that the additional services are not appropriate; and (2) the activities are not available to the participant through the Employment Service or other public agencies. Allows continued provision of counseling and supportive services to a participant for up to one year after termination from the program. Revises authorized services for which part A program funds may be used. Eliminates employment-generating activities from the list of such authorized services. Divides the lists of such services into direct training, training-related, and participant support services. Revises title II part B (Summer Youth Employment and Training Programs) to limit administrative costs to 15 percent (or 20 percent for grant recipients of $200,000 or less). Requires SDAs to: (1) expend funds for basic and remedial education as described in the State job training plan; (2) assess participant skill levels and service needs and develop a service strategy for participants; and (3) provide follow-up services for participants for whom a service strategy has been developed. Redefines youth as individuals aged 14 through 21, for purposes of part B programs (while retaining the economically disadvantaged condition for eligibility). Sets forth provisions for title II part C (Year-Round Youth Services). Revises allotment provisions to establish State set-asides for education, performance incentives, and auditing and administrative activities. Makes eligible for part C program participation individuals who are economically disadvantaged youth (age 14 through 21) or who are receiving (or are eligible to receive) a free lunch under the National School Lunch Act. Requires that at least 50 percent of participants in an SDA be out-of-school youth, with priority given to school dropouts. Requires that at least 50 percent of such out-of-school youth be in one or more of the following categories: (1) basic skills deficient; (2) school dropout; or (3) pregnant or parenting. Requires that at least 50 percent of the remaining percentage of participants (i.e. in-school youth) be youth who: (1) are basic skills deficient; (2) have poor academic records (at least one year below appropriate grade level for their age); (3) are pregnant or parenting; or (4) have limited English-language proficiency. Provides (in addition to the current exception to the economic disadvantage requirement which allows up to ten percent of part C youth program participants in an SDA to be individuals who are not economically disadvantaged, if they have a barrier to their employment) that an additional 15 percent of such participants may be individuals who are not economically disadvantaged, if they are high school dropouts who have an additional barrier to their employment. Establishes part C year-round youth services program design requirements, including: (1) assessment of participants' skill levels and service needs; (2) development of service strategies to identify achievement objectives, appropriate employment goals, and appropriate services; (3) review of participant progress; and (4) if appropriate, basic (including language) skills training, occupational skills training, pre-employment and work maturity skills training, work experience combined with skills training, and supportive services. Requires that work experience, job search, job search skills training, and job club activities be accompanied by additional services which: (1) are designed to increase a participant's basic education or occupational skills; and (2) may be provided, sequentially or concurrently, under other education and training programs. Allows continued provision of counseling and supportive services to a participant for up to one year after termination from the program. Requires SDAs to establish linkages with the appropriate educational agencies responsible for service to participants. Provides that part C funded authorized youth services may include, but need not be limited to, the services described under the headings of direct training, training related services, and participant support services under part A adult program provisions. Provides that additional authorized youth services under part C may include training or education that is combined with meaningful and constructive community and youth service opportunities in public, nonprofit, and other appropriate agencies, institutions, and organizations. Requires the job training plan to provide for referrals of youth between programs funded under parts B and C. Requires the job training plan to include a description of plans for: (1) training in nontraditional employment; and (2) training-related placement in nontraditional employment and apprenticeships. Revises JTPA title IV part A employment and training programs for Native American and migrant and seasonal farmworkers. Establishes in the Department of Labor a Division of Indian and Native American Programs with administrative responsibility for Native American employment and training programs. Establishes a Native American Human Investment Council. Authorizes the Secretary to waive, under the migrant and seasonal farmworker programs, the requirement of biennial competition for grants for those grantees that: (1) have performed satisfactorily on their existing grant; and (2) submit a satisfactory two-year plan for the succeeding period. Amends JTPA title IV part B provisions for the Job Corps. Revises the age limits for participation in the Job Corps to ages 14 through 24 for all participants. (Current law sets it at ages 14 through 21 for participants in general, with an exception allowing participation through age 24 only for handicapped individuals). Declares that JTPA allows participants to participate concurrently or sequentially in both the Job Corps and title II programs. Increases from ten to 20 percent the allowable number of nonresidential participants enrolled in the Job Corps in any year. Requires that, in enrolling nonresident participants, priority be given to those eligible individuals who are single parents with dependent children. Prohibits use of Department of Labor funds to contract with a nongovernmental agency to administer or manage a Civilian Conservation Center of the Job Corps on public land. Directs the Secretary, as practicable, to provide child care at or near Job Corps centers for individuals who require such care for their children in order to participate in the Job Corps. Requires each Job Corps center to provide alcohol and drug abuse counseling and referral to participants who need such services. Directs the Secretary to provide all nonprofit Job Corps contractors with an equitable and negotiated management fee of not less than one percent of the contract amount. Revises JTPA title IV part D provisions for national activities, including research, demonstration, training and technical assistance. Directs the Secretary to award up to ten grants for juvenile offender demonstration projects, giving priority to SDAs serving demonstration target areas with high proportions of juvenile offenders. Requires such programs to provide: (1) alcohol and drug abuse counseling; (2) close supervision, counseling, and followup of each participant from time of enrollment to six months after enrollment has ended; and (3) at least six months of service to participants. Requires enrollment to be made available to youth referred by schools, youth commissions, courts, and after-care programs. Authorizes appropriations for such programs for FY 1991 and 1992. Directs the Secretary to provide guidance and technical assistance to States and SDAs relating to documentation of participants' eligibility under JTPA title II programs. Revises JTPA title IV part E provisions for labor market information. Directs the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in cooperation with the States, to engage in research and demonstration on organizing and making accessible nationwide information on quarterly earnings, establishment and industry affiliation, and geographic location of employment, for feasibility determination and/or policy research and program evaluation purposes, while ensuring confidentiality and privacy. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress within 12 months on the costs and benefits of such a database under the cooperative labor information program. Includes the Secretary of Health and Human Services among those with whom the Secretary is to cooperate in reviewing and coordinating labor market information systems. Directs the Secretary, through the National Occupational Information Coordinating Committee (NOICC), to report biennially to the Congress on development and maintenance of a common core of labor market information. Increases the authorization of funding for NOICC. Directs NOICC to: (1) give special attention to career development; and (2) conduct research and demonstrations to improve coordination and compatibility of Federal or State human resources data systems, including economic development assistance systems, and to provide support to States in implementing system enhancements. Establishes a new part H, Training Institutes, under title IV of JTPA. Directs the Secretary, before July 1, 1991, to establish a national training institute which develops a network of at least two regional training institutes to improve the services provided by and the management of Federal, State, and local employment and training programs. Authorizes competitive grants or contracts to initiate and maintain such network. Sets forth national and regional institutes' responsibilities for: (1) developing curricula and providing training, technical assistance, and staff development at the institutes and elsewhere; (2) preparing and disseminating training curricula and materials; (3) disseminating innovative and successful models for programs and training; and (4) establishing an institute board of directors. Permits training institutes to charge tuition or fees to offset costs. Directs the Secretary to provide guidance and technical assistance to the network. Authorizes the Secretary to designate the national training institute as the clearinghouse for: (1) innovative materials to enhance knowledge and performance of employment and training personnel; (2) facilitation of communications and coordination; (3) a computer network among themselves and institutions; and (4) linkages with existing human resources clearinghouses. Establishes a new part I, the Youth Opportunities Unlimited Program, of title IV of JTPA. Authorizes the Secretary to establish such national program of Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU) grants to pay 50 percent of the cost of comprehensive education, training, and employment services for youth in high poverty areas in urban and rural areas. Requires such grants to be awarded to the local service delivery area (on behalf of the participating community) in which the target area is located (or to designated grantees if the target area is in a farmworker community, Indian reservation, or Alaskan native village). Authorizes the Secretary to select as grant recipients up to 25 communities in the first year after the program is in effect. Requires that at least one, but not more than three, of such grants be awarded to: (1) designated representatives of Indian reservations and Alaskan native villages; and (2) designated representatives of farmworkers. Makes such grants cover a three-year period, with each year conditional upon compliance. Authorizes participating communities to apply for grants for use on behalf of target areas. Requires that a designated target area have not more than 25,000 population, except in the case of single school districts. Makes all youth aged 14 to 22 in the target area eligible to participate in assisted programs and activities. Requires each participating community to develop an integrated service delivery system in each target area which meets specified minimum criteria for services. Requires such programs to also have an education component, outreach and recruitment efforts, youth program models, and measurable goals and outcomes. Sets forth requirements for maintenance of State and local funding levels, limitations on use of program funds, applications, and Federal and local shares. Directs the Secretary to provide for technical assistance, independent evaluations, and a report to the President and the Congress by March 31, 1995. Establishes a new part J, Disaster Relief Employment Assistance, of title IV of JTPA. Provides emergency disaster relief employment assistance for the reconstruction of areas affected by natural disasters. Directs the Secretary to allocate funds for such program in a timely manner to the Governor of any State within which there is an area which has suffered a major disaster ("disaster area" as declared by the President and defined under the Disaster Relief Act of 1974). Requires the Governor to allocate at least 80 percent of such funds to local governments within such disaster areas, and the remainder for State activities to alleviate the disaster. Requires coordination of State and local governments, disaster relief agencies, and the administrative entities and private industry councils in the SDA within which disaster employment programs are conducted under JTPA. Sets forth authorized uses of funds for employment on projects for victim assistance and repair of facilities and lands, restricting such employment projects to disaster areas. Makes individuals eligible for disaster employment if they: (1) are eligible under JTPA title III (except those actively engaged in a training program); and (2) unemployed as a consequence of the disaster. Limits individual employment to not more than six months for work related to recovery from a single natural disaster. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 and succeeding fiscal years. Provides for training and training-related placement of women in nontraditional employment and apprenticeships (i.e. in occupations or fields of work where women comprise less than 25 percent of those employed). Provides for such nontraditional employment to SDA job training plans, Governor's coordination and special services plans, State job training coordinating council reports and reviews, and State education coordination and grants. Adds nontraditional employment demonstration programs to part D of title IV of JTPA. Directs the Secretary to use a specified amount of part D funds in FY 1990 through 1993 for grants to States to develop demonstration and exemplary programs to train and place women in nontraditional employment. Limits such awards to not more than six grants in each fiscal year. Sets forth: (1) considerations for the Secretary in the grant award process; and (2) limitations on entities to which the States may award grants, and on State use of funds. Sets forth evaluation and reporting requirements. Sets forth nondiscrimination provisions, and declares that nothing in JTPA shall be construed to mean that the Congress is taking a position on the issue of comparable worth. Directs the Secretary of Labor to: (1) lead the Secretaries of Education, Health and Human Services, and other appropriate departments to identify a core set of consistently defined data elements for employment and training programs; and (2) report to the Congress by January 1, 1992, listing recommended data elements and definitions. Sets forth effective date and transition provisions. Declares the sense of the Congress that a recipient (including a nation, individual, group, or organization) of any Federal assistance under this Act should purchase American-made equipment and products in expending such assistance. Directs the Secretary to notify recipients of this declaration.

To amend the Export Administration Amendments Act of 1985 to assist in the export of certain United States defense articles and services, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1991

Amends the Export Administration Amendments Act of 1985 to require the Export-Import Bank, in order to ensure the competitiveness of U.S. exporters in the sale of defense articles and services to North Atlantic Treaty Organization member countries, Japan, Israel, Australia, or New Zealand, to establish a program to provide guarantees for the sale of such items to such countries on terms and conditions fully competitive with the government-sponsored terms and conditions available to exporters from the principal competing countries.

To award a congressional medal in recognition of Edward Vernon ("Eddie") Rickenbacker.

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1991

Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal to William F. Rickenbacker in recognition of Edward Vernon (Eddie) Rickenbacker's: (1) success as an internationally famous race car driver; (2) service in his country as a pilot (with the first U.S. flying unit to participate actively at the front during the First World War); (3) service as a commercial aviation pioneer; and (4) service to his country in the Pacific theater in the Second World War. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates of such medal at a price sufficient to cover costs.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to increase from $50,000 to $75,000 the amount of life insurance provided to members of the Armed Forces under the Servicemen's Group Life Insurance and Veterans' Group Life Insurance programs.

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1991

Increases from $50,000 to $75,000 the amount of life insurance available to current and former military personnel under the Servicemen's Group Life Insurance and the Veterans' Group Life Insurance programs. Expands eligibility for such insurance to include individuals who are members of the Retired Reserve on August 8, 1990 (currently, January 1, 1986).

To amend title 38, United States Code, to include military service performed during the Persian Gulf War within the definition of "period of war" for purposes of veterans benefits under that title attributable to service during a period of war.

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1991

Includes the Persian Gulf War within the definition of "period of war" for purposes of eligibility for veterans' benefits due to military service during a period of war.

Combat Merchant Mariners Benefit Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1991

Combat Merchant Mariners Benefit Act of 1991 - Provides that: (1) service in the U.S. merchant marine during a period of war for a total period equal to at least 12 months shall be considered active duty in determining eligibility for veterans benefits; and (2) such service may be verified by entries in a continuous discharge book, a certificate of discharge to merchant seamen, a certificate of substantially continuous service, or other documentation available from the Secretary of Transportation or the head of any other Federal agency. Limits eligibility to: (1) service on a U.S. vessel on ocean, coastwise, or intercoastal voyages, during a period of war in a combat zone (where such service was rendered to the armed forces in a capacity considered civilian employment or contractual service); (2) any period of forcible detention or internment by an enemy government or hostile force as a result of hostile action against a U.S. vessel while performing such service on the vessel; and (3) any period (up to six months) of service in the War Shipping Administration, the U.S. Maritime Service, or a maritime training program conducted or recognized by the armed forces. Specifies that: (1) the minimum active-duty service requirement of any law administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs shall apply in determining eligibility for veterans' benefits under this Act; (2) the 12-month requirement under this Act shall not apply to an individual who is permanently disabled in the performance of such service while the vessel is subjected to hostile action; and (3) such service may have been rendered before the date of enactment of this Act, but an individual who has performed service before such date shall not be paid veterans' benefits that accrue as a result of the enactment of this Act for any period of accrual before such date.

A bill to provide school-based education and support services and comprehensive family support services to families of members of the Armed Forces of the United States who are serving on active duty, to provide continued coverage under group health plans for the families of members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty during the Persian Gulf conflict, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1991

Directs the Secretary of Defense to make grants to eligible local educational agencies in order to provide: (1) individual and group counseling for children and other family members of military personnel who have been deployed in connection with, or are casualties of, an armed conflict; (2) training and technical assistance for teachers and other school employees to prepare them to address questions and concerns of children of such military personnel; and (3) other appropriate programs, services, and information to address the special needs of such children and other family members of such military personnel resulting from their deployment, return, or resultant medical or rehabilitation needs. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to make grants to appropriate nonprofit organizations (such as the YMCA and Red Cross) that enter into an agreement with the Secretary to furnish family support services to families of military personnel: (1) living in an area outside of a U.S. military installation in which there is a significant concentration of families of members of the reserve serving on active duty in connection with the Persian Gulf; or (2) living at or in the vicinity of an installation or facility of the Department of Defense where there is a demonstrated need to increase case-managed family support services for families of military personnel deployed in connection with a current armed conflict or to consolidate the furnishing of such services through a family support center at such facility. Outlines other grant uses and conditions. Requires funds made available to a military family support center to be used to increase the availability of case-managed family support services at such facility or installation. Provides a $50,000 minimum for each grant. Limits to 15 percent of the grant the amount which may be used to provide actual notice to appropriate military families of the availability of family support services from the grant recipients. Authorizes appropriations. Allows a reserve member called to active duty in connection with the Persian Gulf conflict and covered at the time of such call under an employer-provided group health insurance plan for the member and his or her family to elect to continue coverage under the employer-provided plan in lieu of being provided interim coverage while on active duty under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS). Requires the Secretary of Defense, in the case of such an election, to reimburse the private employer for the cost of continued coverage during the member's period of active duty. Requires the employer to provide continued coverage under the private plan for the beneficiaries of such reserve personnel, unless the plan for all employees of the employer is discontinued. Requires the Secretary to apply requirements and limitations similar to those applicable to the continuation coverage of group health plans under the Internal Revenue Code. States that all direct or discretionary spending contained in this Act is to be considered emergency expenditures related to Operation Desert Shield for purposes of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act).

Military Family Preservation Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1991

Military Family Preservation Act of 1991 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to prescribe regulations which prohibit the stationing of a member of the armed forces who is solely responsible for his or her dependents (or who together with a spouse also in the armed forces is solely responsible for such dependents) at a location at which facilities for dependents of such member are not reasonably available. Requires the Secretary of the military department concerned to provide assistance to a member and his or her family to develop alternative plans for the care of dependents when such member is to be stationed at a location lacking adequate dependent care facilities.

Desert Shield Tax Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1991

Desert Shield Tax Act - Provides that service by a member of the Armed Forces in Operation Desert Shield shall be treated as service in a designated combat zone for purposes of excluding combat pay from gross income and of extending the time for performing certain tax-related acts.

Naval Petroleum Reserve Leasing Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1991

Naval Petroleum Reserve Leasing Act - Authorizes the President to lease Naval Petroleum Reserve Numbered 1 (California) if it is not necessary for national defense purposes. Sets forth leasing and antitrust guidelines. Mandates the use of competitive leasing procedures, minimum royalty payments, and crude oil set asides for sale to small refiners by Reserve lessees. Authorizes the President to take certain steps to arrange and conduct a leasing action. Authorizes the President to acquire privately owned lands or physical improvements within a Naval Petroleum Reserve if a lease of Naval Petroleum Reserve Numbered 1 cannot be arranged. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to authorize the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) to store within the Strategic Petroleum Reserve a Defense Petroleum Inventory of petroleum products (in addition to any other acquisition and storage for such Reserve required by law). Directs the Secretary to obligate the United States share of funds available in the Naval Petroleum Reserve Lease Proceeds Special Account (created by this Act) for the acquisition of 10,000,000 barrels of petroleum products for the Defense Petroleum Inventory. Declares that upon request of the Secretary of Defense: (1) petroleum products acquired for or dedicated to the Defense Petroleum Inventory shall be drawn down and distributed by the Secretary of Energy for the Department of Defense for use, sale, or exchange; and (2) the Secretary of Energy shall acquire and store in the Defense Petroleum Inventory those petroleum products drawn down on behalf of the Department of Defense. Requires the Department of Defense to reimbure the Department of Energy for services rendered under this Act. Establishes the Naval Petroleum Reserve Lease Proceeds Special Account in the Treasury to implement this Act. Funds such Special Account with amounts realized from the lease of any United States interest in Naval Petroleum Reserve Numbered 1. Sets forth a payment scheme under which lease proceeds shall be used to make payments to the State of California. Declares that: (1) the authority to lease under this Act extends to specified sections within Naval Petroleum Reserve Numbered 1; and (2) this Act does not affect the withdrawal of lands provided for in certain school land grants.

Guard and Reserve Family Protection Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1991

Guard and Reserve Family Protection Act of 1991 - Entitles a member of the reserve or National Guard on active duty in connection with the Persian Gulf conflict to special pay if the member: (1) is entitled to military pay at an annual rate of less than $40,000; and (2) receives monthly military pay at a rate which is less than the monthly civilian wages of such member. Establishes the amount of such special pay as the lesser of the difference between the monthly military pay and: (1) the monthly civilian wages; or (2) $3,333.33.

High-Performance Computing and National Research and Education Network Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1991

High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 - Declares that this Act does not apply to computer systems that process classified information or are used in connection with certain defense purposes. Allows Federal agencies and departments to procure prototype or early production models of new high-performance computer systems and subsystems to stimulate hardware and software development. Amends the National Science and Technology Policy, Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976 to direct the President, through the Federal Coordinating Council for Science, Engineering, and Technology (Council), to develop and implement a National High-Performance Computing Plan, to be submitted to the Congress within one year of this Act's enactment and revised at least biennially. Requires the plan to recommend a five-year proposal of goals and priorities for a Federal high-performance computing program. Describes required plan contents, including funding requirements, roles for various Federal agencies, and establishment of a national multi-gigabit-per-second computer network (to be known as the National Research and Education Network (Network). Designates the Council as the lead entity responsible for development and implementation of the plan, directing it to coordinate related activities among Federal agencies and departments and review budget estimates. Directs the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to establish a High-Performance Computing Advisory Panel to provide the Council with an assessment of the plan. Directs each Federal entity involved in high-performance computing to submit, as part of its annual budget request, a report on the role of its activities with regard to the plan and relevant budget requests. Instructs the Chairman of the Council to submit to the President and to the Congress, by March 1 annually, a report on plan achievements and progress. Requires the National Science Foundation to provide for the establishment of the Network by 1996 to link government, industry, and the education community. Designates the Department of Defense, through the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, as the lead agency for research and development of advanced fiber optics technology, switches, and protocols needed to develop the Network. Gives to the National Science Foundation, within the Federal Government, the primary responsibility for connecting colleges, universities, and libraries to the Network. Directs the Council to carry out certain functions, including: (1) developing goals and strategies; (2) identifying the roles of Federal agencies and departments; and (3) overseeing the Network's operation and evolution. Authorizes the National Science Foundation, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Department of Defense, the Department of Commerce, the Department of the Interior, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Environmental Protection Agency to allow Federal research grant recipients to use grant funds to pay for computer networking. Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to report to the Congress on specified matters, including: (1) funding mechanisms for the Network, including user fees, industry support, and continued Federal investment; (2) a plan for the eventual commercialization of the Network; (3) charging commercial information service providers for Network access; (4) charging Network users for commercial services; (5) the technological feasibility of allowing commercial services to use the Network and other federally-funded networks; (6) copyright protection; and (7) resource security and user privacy. Requires the National Science Foundation (NSF) to provide funding to enable researchers to access supercomputers. Sets forth other responsibilities of the NSF, including promoting development of information services that could be provided over the Network. Authorizes appropriations to the NSF for the purposes of this Act. Requires the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to conduct basic and applied research in high-performance computing, with specified emphases. Authorizes appropriations to NASA for the purposes of this Act. Requires the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to: (1) adopt standards and guidelines, and develop measurement techniques and test methods, for the interoperability of high-performance computers in networks and for common user interfaces to systems; and (2) develop benchmark tests and standards for high performance computers and software. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to conduct a study regarding the impact of Federal procurement regulations which require that contractors providing software to the Federal Government share the rights to proprietary software development tools that the contractors used to develop the software.

War Prevention and Arms Transfer Control Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1991

War Prevention and Arms Transfer Control Act - Directs the President to report annually to the Congress on: (1) any country that has acquired conventional arms or weapons of mass destruction at levels that threaten world or regional peace or the security of the United States, its allies, or other nonbelligerent countries; (2) any country that has used armed force to carry out an act of aggression against another country or that threatens to use such force or to use a weapon of mass destruction against another country; (3) any country that supports any terrorist organization or that has supported terrorism against the United States, its allies, or other nonbelligerent countries; (4) any country which is the subject of a United Nations or U.S. blockade or embargo or is determined to threaten world peace; (5) any country that has transferred goods or technology that may be used to produce or transfer conventional arms or weapons of mass destruction to any country meeting the previously-listed criteria; (6) the flow of defense articles and technology for military uses to each country meeting such criteria; (7) governments and persons involved in the transfer of such goods or technology; (8) the steps taken to enforce this Act, the success of such steps, and the governments and persons sanctioned or penalized by such steps; and (9) U.S. efforts to persuade other countries to cooperate in halting the transfer of such goods or technology. Prohibits exports to, imports from, American economic or military assistance to, or the extension of nondiscriminatory trade treatment to, any country listed under the President's report. Requires the publication of a list of dual-use items subject to export controls under the Export Administration Act of 1979. Prohibits the U.S. Government, in addition to imposing applicable penalties under the Arms Export Control Act and the Export Administration Act of 1979, from procuring any goods or services from, transferring any technology to, and granting any security clearances to, all U.S. or foreign persons in violation of this Act. Provides for the forfeiture to the United States of property of concerns that have violated this Act. Makes procurement sanctions inapplicable to any contract entered into before the sanctioned country was listed under this Act if such sanction would threaten the security of third country nationals or would involve massive and unavoidable financial losses to the penalized person or entity.

To amend title 37, United States Code, to increase the amount of foreign duty pay, to expand eligibility for such pay, and to standardize the payment of such pay.

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1991

Increases to $80 monthly the special foreign duty pay authorized for military personnel performing duty in designated foreign areas. Expands the eligibility for such special pay to include all personnel (currenty, enlisted personnel only).

Operation Desert Storm Reserve Forces Health Care Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1991

Operation Desert Storm Reserve Forces Health Care Act of 1991 - Entitles Reserve members called to active duty for more than 30 days in connection with Operation Desert Storm, no matter where such duty is performed, to medical and dental care and other health care benefits currently authorized under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) for dependents of active-duty personnel serving on active duty for more than 30 days. Provides such Reserve personnel with such coverage for 30 days after release from such active duty, unless such member is covered by a private insurance plan prior to the end of such period. States that health care coverage for a condition incurred by an eligible Reserve member before or during the period of training or service in the armed forces may not be prohibited under an insurance plan on the grounds that the condition is a preexisting condition if such care would have been provided had no period of military service occurred. Authorizes the dependents of such Reserve member, during the period of active duty and the 30-day transitional period, to participate in the Uniformed Services Active Duty Dependents Dental Plan, notwithstanding a current requirement under such Plan that the member accept an active-duty commitment of not less than two years. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to define and provide credit for employer health plan contributions for coverage of Operation Desert Storm reservists and their dependents. Makes such credit part of the general business credit of an employer for tax purposes.

Operation Desert Storm Medical Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1991

Operation Desert Storm Medical Protection Act - Provides that, in the case of employer-offered health insurance, an exclusion or waiting period may not be imposed in connection with coverage of a health or physical condition of a person employed and covered under such policy who goes to active military service or training and returns and is reemployed if: (1) the condition arose before or during a person's training or service in the armed forces; (2) such exclusion or waiting period would not be imposed for the condition during a normal period of coverage; and (3) the condition of such person has not been determined by the Secretary to be service-connected.

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: James C. Smith, II, of South Carolina Howard H. Callaway, of Colorado James A. Courter, of New Jersey James A. Courter, of New Jersey, to be Chairman of the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission.

United States · United States Senate · 25 January 1991

High-Performance Computing Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1991

High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 - Declares that this Act does not apply to computer systems that process classified information or are used in connection with certain defense purposes. Allows Federal agencies and departments to procure prototype or early production models of new high-performance computer systems and subsystems to stimulate hardware and software development. Amends the National Science and Technology Policy, Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976 to direct the President, through the Federal Coordinating Council for Science, Engineering, and Technology (Council), to develop and implement a National High-Performance Computing Plan, to be submitted to the Congress within one year of this Act's enactment and revised at least biennially. Requires the plan to recommend a five-year proposal of goals and priorities for a Federal high-performance computing program. Describes required plan contents, including funding requirements, roles for various Federal agencies, and establishment of a national multi-gigabits-per-second computer network (to be known as the National Research and Education Network (Network). Requires the Plan to take into consideration the activities of the Library of Congress. Designates the Council as the lead entity responsible for development and implementation of the plan, directing it to coordinate related activities among Federal agencies and departments and review budget estimates. Directs the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to establish a High-Performance Computing Advisory Panel to provide the Council with an assessment of the plan. Directs each Federal entity involved in high-performance computing to submit, as part of its annual budget request, a report on the role of its activities with regard to the plan and relevant budget requests. Instructs the Chairman of the Council to submit to the President and to the Congress, by March 1 annually, a report on plan achievements and progress. Requires the National Science Foundation (NSF) to provide for the establishment of the Network by 1996 to link government, industry, and the education community. Designates the Department of Defense, through the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, as the lead agency for research and development of advanced fiber optics technology, switches, and protocols needed to develop the Network. Gives to the NSF, within the Federal Government, the primary responsibility for connecting colleges, universities, and libraries to the Network. Directs the Council to carry out certain functions, including: (1) developing goals and strategies; (2) identifying the roles of Federal agencies and departments; and (3) overseeing the Network's operation and evolution. Requires the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to adopt standards and guidelines to provide interoperability, common user interfaces, and enhanced security for the Network. Authorizes the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Department of Defense, the Department of Commerce, the Department of the Interior, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Environmental Protection Agency to allow Federal research grant recipients to use grant funds to pay for computer networking. Requires the Director of the OSTP to report to the Congress on specified matters, including: (1) funding mechanisms for the Network, including user fees, industry support, and continued Federal investment; (2) a plan for the eventual commercialization of the Network; (3) charging commercial information service providers for Network access; (4) charging Network users for commercial services; (5) the technological feasibility of allowing commercial services to use the Network and other federally-funded networks; (6) copyright protection; and (7) resource security and user privacy. Requires the NSF to provide funding to enable researchers to access supercomputers. Sets forth other responsibilities of the NSF, including promoting development of information services that could be provided over the Network. Authorizes appropriations to the NSF for the purposes of this Act. Requires the NASA to continue to conduct basic and applied research in high-performance computing, with specified emphases. Authorizes appropriations to NASA for the purposes of this Act. Requires the NIST to: (1) adopt standards and guidelines, and develop measurement techniques and test methods, for the interoperability of high-performance computers in networks and for common user interfaces to systems; and (2) develop benchmark tests and standards for high performance computers and software. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to conduct a study regarding the impact of Federal procurement regulations which require that contractors providing software to the Federal Government share the rights to proprietary software development tools that the contractors used to develop the software.

Nondevelopmental Items Acquisition Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1991

Nondevelopmental Items Acquisition Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to require the Federal Acquisition Regulation issued under the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) Act to require that: (1) supply procurement requirements of Federal agencies are stated in terms of functions to be performed, performance required, or essential physical characteristics; (2) such requirements are defined so that nondevelopmental items (NDIs) (commercial items already available in the marketplace) may be procured to fulfill such requirements; (3) such requirements are fulfilled through the procurement of NDIs where practicable; and (4) prior to developing new specifications, executive agencies conduct market research to determine whether NDIs are available or could be modified to meet agency needs. Requires the Federal Acquisition Regulation to provide for simplified contracting procedures for such commercial items. Specifies that such items must be items which are sold or traded to the general public in significant quantities in the course of normal business operations. Includes items which require only minor modifications to meet the needs of the procuring agency. Allows the Department of Defense to use procedures under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991 in lieu of such simplified contracting procedures. Requires the Federal Acquisition Regulation to require that: (1) the inspection clause included in each executive agency contract for the acquisition of commercial items takes into account the contractor's past performance and any warranties the contractor may offer to the Government; and (2) Federal agencies take advantage of warranties offered by commercial contractors and use such warranties for the repair and replacement of commercial items. Requires the Federal Acquisition Regulation to direct agencies to require offerors to demonstrate that products being offered are suitable for agency use and meet required product specifications. Requires the Federal Acquisition Regulation to provide guidance to agencies on the use of past performance of products and sources as a factor in award decisions. Requires the Administrator of OFPP to issue guidelines for the training by executive agencies of personnel in the acquisition of NDIs. Amends the OFPP Act to make the advocate for competition for each procuring activity responsible for promoting full and open competition and the acquisition of NDIs and for challenging barriers to such acquisition. Directs the Comptroller General to report to specified congressional committees on the use of market research in support of procurement of NDIs.

A bill to require regular reports to the Congress on the amount of expenditures made to carry out Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm and on the amount of contributions made to the United States by foreign countries to support Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm.

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1991

Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to submit to the Congress monthly reports on Department of Defense obligations and expenditures to carry out Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm and on financial contributions made to the United States by foreign countries in support of each Operation.

To require the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs each to submit to Congress semiannual reports concerning rehabilitative services available under their jurisdiction for members of the Armed Forces participating in the Persian Gulf conflict who experience post-traumatic stress disorder.

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1991

Requires the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs to each submit semiannual reports to the Congress concerning rehabilitative services available to members of the armed forces participating in the Persian Gulf conflict who experience post-traumatic stress disorder.

Defense Production Act Extension and Amendments of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1991

Defense Production Act Extension and Amendments of 1991 - Amends the Defense Production Act of 1950 to extend its expiration date to October 20, 1991. Authorizes appropriations and sets spending limits on such Act through FY 1991. Repeals a provision of such Act which grants immunity from civil and criminal suits and a defense to antitrust law actions for those persons engaging in voluntary agreements for defense preparedness programs and expansion of production capacity and supply. Authorizes the President, with respect to certain Defense Production Act activities, to exempt persons who are employed without compensation and participating in a voluntary agreement on behalf of the United States from Federal antitrust laws or any similar State law for activities engaged in as part of such voluntary agreement. Requires an individual designated by the President to administer such a voluntary agreement or plan of action to provide prior written notice of the time, place, and nature of any meeting to carry out such agreement or plan to the Attorney General, the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission, and the Congress. Outlines requirements for, and limitations to, the antitrust defense for participants in such voluntary agreements or plans of action. Exempts any activity or provision of such agreements or plans from the Federal Advisory Committee Act and other Federal law relating to advisory committees. Authorizes the President to order a priority in the allocation of materials, facilities, and services (currently, only materials and facilities) when requirements of national defense cannot otherwise be met. Requires the President to reach certain determinations concerning the critical shortages of such materials, facilities, and services before exercising such authority.

Persian Gulf Conflict G.I. Bill of Rights Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1991

Persian Gulf Conflict G.I. Bill of Rights Act of 1991 - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to make grants to nonprofit organizations to provide economic assistance to dependents of military personnel deployed in the Persian Gulf who are in need of such assistance because of such deployment. Directs the Secretary to prescribe the purposes for which assistance may be provided, including the provision of food, clothing, mortgage or rental payments, fuel, education, or child care costs. Authorizes appropriations. Provides a service bonus of $10,000 for military personnel serving on active duty for more than 30 days in the Persian Gulf area in connection with the conflict there. Requires such bonus to be paid within 30 days of their separation or release from active duty under honorable conditions. Entitles members of the reserves assigned to active duty in the Persian Gulf to all reemployment rights and benefits currently accruing to veterans of active duty under Federal veterans' benefits provisions. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a program to provide benefits to military personnel who have served in the Persian Gulf area, including housing loan benefits, educational assistance, job counseling and other employment and training benefits and services, drug, alcohol, and family counseling, legal services, and health care for injuries incurred while serving in the Persian Gulf. Authorizes appropriations.

To require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to complete the study required by law of the long-term adverse health effects in humans of exposure to Agent Orange.

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1991

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to expeditiously complete the study required under the Veterans Health Programs Extension and Improvement Act of 1979 concerning the long-term health effects in humans of exposure to Agent Orange. Requires cooperation from the Secretary of Defense in providing necessary assistance and access to military and medical records. Requires annual reports from the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on the study.

Persian Gulf War Criminals Prosecution Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1991

Geneva Conventions Enforcement Act of 1991 - Requires the President to direct the appropriate Government agency to collect and maintain records on the treatment by Iraq of civilians and prisoners of war resulting from its invasion of Kuwait. Directs the President to consult with the Attorney General, the Secretary of State, and the Secretary of Defense to determine the appropriate jurisdiction for the prosecution of Geneva Conventions violations. Requires the President, if prosecution in U.S. courts is deemed inappropriate, to report his determination regarding the treatment by Iraq of civilians and prisoners of war to the United Nations Security Council. Authorizes the President to recommend to the Security Council the establishment of an International Criminal Tribunal for purposes of reviewing and prosecuting charges regarding violations of the Geneva Conventions resulting from Iraq's invasion and occupation of Kuwait.

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide that certain deductions of members of the National Guard or reserve units of the Armed Forces will be allowable in computing adjusted gross income.

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1991

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit an individual taxpayer an income tax deduction for travel, meals, lodging, transportation, and uniform expenses paid or incurred in connection with the taxpayer's performance of services as a member of the armed forces reserves or the National Guard. Excludes the taxpayer's meal and entertainment expenses from deductibility limitations in this context.

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow individuals to transfer separation pay from the Armed Forces into eligible retirement plans.

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1991

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals to transfer separation pay from the armed forces within 60 days after its receipt to an eligible retirement plan.

Puerto Rico Status Referendum Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1991

Puerto Rico Status Referendum Act - Title I - Requires an island-wide referendum to be held in Puerto Rico in which voters will be presented a choice of three status options for Puerto Rico as follows: (1) statehood; (2) independence; or (3) commonwealth. Specifies a date or time period during which such referendum must occur. Provides for a runoff referendum between the two status options which received the largest number of votes if there is not a majority in favor of one of the options. Requires such referendum to include "None of the Above" as an option. Requires the Governor of Puerto Rico to certify to the President and the Congress the results of the referendum. Authorizes any aggrieved person to institute an action to challenge the choice certified by the Governor. Gives a three-judge court exclusive jurisdiction over all such claims. Provides that an appeal from a final judgment of such three-judge court will lie to the U.S. Supreme Court by way of certiorari. Requires the Chairmen of specified congressional committees to introduce the appropriate title (II, III, or IV) of this Act to implement the status selected by the People of Puerto Rico. Declares that enactment of this Act constitutes a commitment by the Congress to implement the status receiving a majority. Makes the implementation legislation effective in accordance with its terms, and upon approval by the people of Puerto Rico in a ratification vote. Directs the Joint Committee on Printing to provide a Referendum Information Booklet to each voter household in Puerto Rico at least thirty days before such referendum. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Statehood - Declares Puerto Rico, upon certification under title I of this Act, to be a State of the United States admitted into the Union on an equal footing with the other States effective January 1 of the 5th calendar year following such ratification. Provides that any lands and other properties that are set aside pursuant to law for the use of the United States shall remain the property of the United States. Requires each Federal agency having control over such lands or property retained by the United States to report to the President and the Congress concerning the continued need for such land or property. Provides for the election of U.S. Senators and Representatives. States that the office of Resident Commissioner shall cease to exist upon the swearing in of the first Member of the House. Increases the permanent membership of the House of Representatives to account for the additional Representatives from Puerto Rico. Continues in force all of the local territorial laws in force at the time of Puerto Rico's admission into the Union. States that all of the laws of the United States shall have the same force and effect within Puerto Rico as on the date immediately prior to the date of admission, with enumerated exceptions. Directs the President to appoint a Commission on Federal laws to survey U.S. laws and to make recommendations to the Congress as to which laws should be made applicable to Puerto Rico. Requires the Commission to report to the Congress on such recommendations. Authorizes appropriations. Provides for the continuation of civil causes of action and criminal offenses. Preserves the right of judicial review of final decisions of the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico or the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico. Reserves authority in the United States for the exercise by the Congress of the power of exclusive legislation over lands held by the United States for defense or Coast Guard purposes. States that Puerto Rico shall always have the right to serve civil or criminal process within such lands for acts committed within the State but outside such lands. Provides that no provision of this title will operate to confer, terminate, or restore U.S. nationality. Directs the heads of all Federal agencies to examine the application of all programs within their jurisdiction and to recommend to the President and to the Commission on Federal Laws necessary changes and additional administrative requirements to properly apply Federal laws in the new State. Provides that effective on the date of admission of Puerto Rico, all Federal programs which provide assistance to individuals shall apply in Puerto Rico as they apply within the several States. Sets forth procedures for distribution of certain entitlement benefits to individuals under specified Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, Food Stamp, and related programs. Provides that all Federal tax laws applicable to all other States shall be applicable to Puerto Rico on and after the date of its admission as a State of the Union. Continues the current Federal tax laws applicable to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico until it becomes a State. Establishes a four-year transitional period for application of Federal income tax laws to Puerto Rico after its admission as a State. Excludes foreign sales corporations (FSCs) created or organized under Puerto Rican laws from such phase-in of Federal income tax laws during the transitional period. Imposes Federal employment, excise, estate, and gift taxes during the transitional period, in the same manner as if the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico were a State, according to a four-year phase-in schedule. Provides for a four-year phase-out of the special Puerto Rico and possession tax credit as it applies to Puerto Rico. Provides that all income and excise taxes collected under Federal internal revenue laws prior to admission of Puerto Rico as a State shall be covered into Puerto Rico's treasury. Prohibits the Legislature of Puerto Rico from imposing additional duties after the Statehood referendum is ratified. Phases out over a specified transitional period any imposed duties in effect before such ratification. Repeals provisions of Federal law with respect to imposing tariffs or duties on articles imported into Puerto Rico. Amends the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act to eliminate the special treatment provided to Puerto Rico with respect to duty-free treatment of Puerto Rican articles imported into the United States. Title III: Independence - Requires the Legislative Assembly of Puerto Rico to provide for the election of delegates to a Constitutional Convention to serve until the proclamation of independence and to draft a Constitution for the Republic of Puerto Rico. Requires such Convention to draft a Constitution establishing a republican form of government which is required to guarantee the protection of fundamental human rights. Provides for the adjustment of U.S. property rights and for the ratification of the Constitution. Requires the Governor to issue a proclamation calling for the election of such officers of the Republic of Puerto Rico as may be required by the Constitution. Provides for a Joint Transition Commission which shall be responsible for expediting the orderly transfer of all functions currently exercised by the United States in Puerto Rico. Requires that the costs of the Transition Commission be evenly divided between the United States and Puerto Rico. Authorizes appropriations for the U.S. share of such costs. Directs U.S. agencies to provide technical assistance to the Commission on a reimbursable basis. Directs that any action arising from the title filed in U.S. Court be stayed and referred to the Joint Transition Commission for resolution. Directs the President, within one month of the certification of elected officers and approval of specified agreements, to: (1) withdraw and surrender all rights of possession, supervision, jurisdiction, control, or sovereignty then existing and exercised by the United States over Puerto Rico; and (2) recognize on behalf of the United States the independence of Puerto Rico. Vests all property, rights, and interest which the United States may have acquired over Puerto Rico, with an exception, in the Republic of Puerto Rico. Withdraws the application of all U.S. laws applicable to Puerto Rico immediately prior to independence. Requires Puerto Rico to recognize all orders and judgments rendered by U.S. or Commonwealth courts prior to independence. Declares that upon the proclamation of independence, the judicial power of the United States shall no longer extend to Puerto Rico. Provides for pending proceedings. Deems the Government of the Republic of Puerto Rico the successor to the Government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Directs the President to notify the Governments with which the United States is in diplomatic correspondence, the United Nations, and the Organization of American States that: (1) the United States has recognized the independence of Puerto Rico; and (2) all obligations and responsibilities of the U.S. Government which arise from any valid international instruments affecting Puerto Rico shall cease. Provides that all matters pertaining to Puerto Rican citizenship shall be regulated pursuant to the Constitution and laws of the Republic. States that upon the ratification under this Act, Puerto Rico shall no longer be deemed to be a part of the United States for the purposes of acquiring U.S. citizenship. States that no person born outside of the United States after such ratification shall be a U.S. citizen at birth if the parents of such person acquired U.S. citizenship solely by virtue of being born in Puerto Rico and whose principle residence continued to be Puerto Rico on or after the Proclamation, unless the parent at the time of such person's birth is a U.S. citizen employed by the Federal Government. Permits certain non-U.S. citizens to enter, lawfully engage in occupations, and establish residence as immigrants, in the United States. Requires that specific arrangements for the use of military areas by the United States in Puerto Rico be negotiated by a task force established by the Joint Transition Commission. Requires such arrangements to come into effect simultaneously with the proclamation of independence. Continues all Federal programs in Puerto Rico until the end of the fiscal year in which independence is proclaimed. Requires that specific arrangements for the continuation or phaseout of Federal programs be negotiated by a Task Force on Economic Assistance established by the Joint Transition Commission. Requires such arrangements to come into effect simultaneously with the proclamation of independence. Directs the Joint Transition Commission to establish a Task Force on Social Security to negotiate agreements necessary for the coordination of the U.S. social security system established by title II of the Social Security Act with a similar system to be established in the new Republic. Provides that such agreement shall: (1) protect the benefit rights of all individuals who have attained benefit eligibility under such title as of five calendar years subsequent to the ratification of this Act; and (2) provide appropriate credit for others who have contributed to such system. Ceases all programs operated under the Social Security Act in Puerto Rico at the end of the fiscal year in which independence is proclaimed. Requires that on December 31 of the year of such proclamation of independence issued under this Act: (1) any amounts remaining in the Unemployment Trust Fund allocable to Puerto Rico shall be transferred to the Republic of Puerto Rico; (2) the Republic of Puerto Rico shall cease to be treated as a State for purposes of Federal law relating to unemployment taxes or benefits; and (3) any person who is a U.S. citizen as described by this Act shall not be treated as an employee with regard to U.S. laws relating to unemployment taxes or benefits. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should continue to maintain an open trading relationship with the Republic of Puerto Rico after a proclamation of independence is issued. States that the President should: (1) seek favorable treatment from other countries for exports from Puerto Rico; and (2) encourage other countries to maintain open trading relationships with Puerto Rico and to designate it as a beneficiary under any preferential trade arrangements. Directs the Joint Transition Commission to establish a Task Force on Trade to consider and develop the manner in which trade between the United States and the Republic of Puerto Rico will be governed following the Proclamation of Independence. Requires the Task Force to submit a report on its deliberations, along with its recommendations, to the President and to specified congressional committees. Applies a specified rate of duty of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule to products of the Republic of Puerto Rico entered or withdrawn from warehouse on or after the date of the proclamation of independence. Amends the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act to include the Republic of Puerto Rico as a beneficiary country to receive duty-free treatment of its eligible articles. Authorizes the President to enter into a trade agreement with the Republic of Puerto Rico that provides for: (1) the reduction or elimination of any duty imposed by the United States; (2) the elimination of any other barriers; and (3) the establishment of a free trade area between Puerto Rico and the United States. Treats the Republic of Puerto Rico as a foreign country on and after the date of proclamation of independence, for purposes of Federal internal revenue laws. Phases out the Puerto Rico and possession tax credit with respect to income or investments from activity in Puerto Rico over a four-year transition period. Limits to certain bona fide individual residents of the Republic of Puerto Rico after its proclamation of independence the eligibility for tax exclusion of income from sources within Puerto Rico. Phases out over a five-year period the covering of certain taxes and customs duties into the treasury of Puerto Rico. Terminates the low-income housing credit with respect to Puerto Rico after ratification of this Act. Continues tax-exempt status for interest on bonds issued by Puerto Rico or its local governments on or before (but not after) the last day of the fifth calendar year beginning after such ratification. Prescribes certain gift tax rules for certain property transfers by a resident of Puerto Rico before the date of proclamation of independence. Directs the Commission to establish a Task Force on Currency and Finance to negotiate an agreement to: (1) assist Puerto Rico in the design and establishment of a deposit insurance system; (2) determine the extent of financial support to be provided for the system by U.S. insurance organizations in which Puerto Rico's financial institutions currently participate; and (3) make the necessary arrangements with respect to the use of U.S. currency by Puerto Rico if requested by Puerto Rico. Maintains until maturity the guarantees provided by the U.S. Government to investors in the secondary market for existing loans which originated in Puerto Rico. Requires the Republic of Puerto Rico to assume the outstanding debts, liabilities, and obligations of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and its municipalities and instrumentalities. Title IV: Commonwealth - Makes this title effective upon the ratification of the Commonwealth under this Act. States that Puerto Rico is a unique juridical status, created as a compact between the People of Puerto Rico and the United States, and enjoys the sovereignty provided by the tenth amendment to the U.S. Constitution with autonomy consistent with its character, culture, and location. Makes this relationship permanent unless revoked by mutual consent. Allows the Governor of Puerto Rico to certify that the Puerto Rico legislature has adopted a resolution that states that a Federal law should no longer apply to Puerto Rico because there is no overriding national interest in having such law apply to Puerto Rico. Provides that a Federal law so certified shall no longer apply to Puerto Rico if a joint resolution approving the recommendation of the Puerto Rican Government is enacted. Sets forth procedures for consideration of such joint resolution. Authorizes the Governor of Puerto Rico to enter into international agreements to promote the international interests of Puerto Rico as authorized by the President. Details procedures for agencies to follow with respect to rulemaking and in carrying out their duties. Provides for judicial review of such rulemaking decisions. Excludes any rule issued relating to legislative matters within the jurisdiction of the Senate Committee on Finance or the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Directs the officials of the Departments of State and Transportation to seek the advice of appropriate officials of Puerto Rico when negotiating any air transportation agreements which would affect air traffic to or from Puerto Rico. Amends the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act to maintain present law with respect to Puerto Rico's special trade arrangements relating to coffee and treatment under the Caribbean Basin Initiative. Includes Puerto Rico as an insular area for purposes of provisions for the consolidation of Federal grants to such areas. Excludes any programs established or operated under the Social Security Act or the Food Stamp Act of 1977 from such a grant consolidation for Puerto Rico. Sets forth procedures for distribution of certain entitlement benefits to individuals under the Food Stamp program. Requires the heads of Federal agencies to consult with the Governor of Puerto Rico as to whether there are special circumstances or qualifications which should be considered in making appointments to specified positions. Requires the President, prior to nominating any person to serve in Puerto Rico whose appointment requires the advice and consent of the Senate, to consult with the Governor as to whether such circumstances or qualifications should be considered in deciding on a nomination. Makes consultation requirements inapplicable with respect to U.S. armed forces, Coast Guard, and law enforcement agency positions. Establishes the Office of Senate liaison for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. States that the purpose of such office shall be to facilitate the exchange of information between the Senate and the Puerto Rican Government. Authorizes appropriations for such Office. Directs the Secretary of State to establish a Passport Office for the Caribbean in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Directs the Secretary and the Attorney General to consult with Puerto Rico's Governor to determine what administrative actions can be taken to expedite the processing of visas. Requires the Secretary and Attorney General to report to the Congress on such consultations by March 15, 1993. Sets forth provisions with respect to antitrust laws and the development of voluntary guidelines designed to alleviate the negative impact of violence, sexually explicit material, and illegal drug use in telecast material and to promote local programming in Puerto Rico. Directs the President to report to the Congress on seven specified Federal properties. Requires such report to include an assessment of: (1) the Federal need for each property; (2) the costs and/or benefits of disposal of each property; and (3) the comments of the Puerto Rican Government regarding each property. States that, unless the President finds that there is a national interest which requires continued Federal ownership, such properties should be transferred to Puerto Rico. Establishes the San Juan National Historic Site Advisory Commission. Requires the Commission to regularly advise the Secretary of the Interior on the operation, management, and administration of the San Juan National Historic Site. Waives the renewal provision of the Federal Advisory Committee Act with respect to the Commission. Requires the Commission to report annually to the Secretary and specified congressional committees. Revises the application of the Puerto Rico and possession tax credit to domestic corporations that derive a portion of gross income from the active conduct of a trade or business within a possession of the United States. Reduces the amount of taxes and customs duties covered into the Puerto Rican treasury according to a specified schedule following ratification of this Act. Continues current social welfare benefit programs in Puerto Rico during the first calendar year following ratification for commonwealth. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, beginning on January 1 of the second calendar year after such ratification, to withhold payments to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, under specified provisions of the Social Security Act, unless certain defined conditions are met. Establishes procedures for the operation of other entitlement programs after Puerto Rico becomes a Commonwealth.

Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1991

Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act - Makes it unlawful for any licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer to sell, deliver, or transfer a handgun to an unlicensed individual unless: (1) after the most recent proposal of such transfer by the individual, the transferor has received a statement of eligibility from the individual, has notified the chief law enforcement officer for such individual's place of residence about the proposed transfer, and either has received a response indicating that such transfer is not prohibited by law or has not received a response indicating otherwise within seven days; (2) the individual has presented to the transferor a statement from the officer, issued in the past ten days, that the individual requires a handgun because of a threat to him or his family; (3) the individual has presented to the transferor a permit to possess a handgun that has been issued in the past five years by the State in which the transfer is to take place under a State law which requires law enforcement verification of the individual's legal qualification to possess a handgun; (4) State law either requires a waiting period of at least seven days or requires that an authorized government official verifies that the information available to such official does not indicate that possession of a handgun by the purchaser would be unlawful; or (5) the transferor has received a report from any system of felon identification established by the Attorney General under the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 that the individual's possession or receipt of the handgun would not violate Federal, State, or local law. Requires the statement of eligibility to include a statement that the individual: (1) is not under indictment for and has not been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year; (2) is not a fugitive; (3) is not an unlawful user of, or addicted to, a controlled substance; (4) has not been adjudicated as a mental defective or committed to a mental institution; (5) is not an alien who is illegally in the United States; (6) has not been dishonorably discharged from the armed forces; and (7) is not a person who has renounced U.S. citizenship. Requires any transferor who, after a transfer, receives a report from such officer that receipt or possession of the handgun by the individual violates the law, to: (1) furnish information about the transfer and the individual to the chief law enforcement officer of the transferor's place of business and the individual's place of residence; and (2) keep confidential any information received which is not otherwise available to the public, with exceptions. Requires a transferor to retain a copy of the individual's statement. Requires the law enforcement officer to destroy any copy of the individual's sworn statement and any record containing information derived from such statement within 30 days, unless such officer determines that the transaction would violate Federal, State, or local law.

A bill to clarify eligibility under chapter 106 of title 10, United States Code, for educational assistance for members of the Selected Reserve.

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1991

Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991 to extend vocational and technical education and training benefits to any member of the Selected Reserve or National Guard who agrees to a six-year service commitment any time after July 1, 1985 (currently, October 1, 1990).

Defense Production Act Extension and Amendments of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1991

Defense Production Act Extension and Amendments of 1991 - Amends the Defense Production Act of 1950 to extend its expiration date to October 20, 1991. Authorizes appropriations and sets spending limits on such Act through FY 1991. Repeals a provision of such Act which grants immunity from civil and criminal suits and a defense to antitrust law actions for those persons engaging in voluntary agreements for defense preparedness programs and expansion of production capacity and supply. Authorizes the President, with respect to certain Defense Production Act activities, to exempt persons who are employed without compensation and participating in a voluntary agreement on behalf of the United States from Federal antitrust laws or any similar State law for activities engaged in as part of such voluntary agreement. Requires an individual designated by the President to administer such voluntary agreement or plan of action to provide prior written notice of the time, place, and nature of any meeting to carry out such agreement or plan to the Attorney General, the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission, and the Congress. Outlines requirements for, and limitations to, the antitrust defense for participants in such voluntary agreements or plans of action. Exempts any activity or provision of such agreements or plans from the Federal Advisory Committee Act and other Federal law relating to advisory committees. Authorizes the President to order a priority in the allocation of materials, facilities, and services (currently, only materials and facilities) when requirements of national defense cannot otherwise be met. Requires the President to reach certain determinations concerning the critical shortages of such materials, facilities, and services before exercising such authority.

A resolution to express the sense of the Senate in support of "OPERATION HOMEFRONT".

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1991

Supports and endorses Operation Homefront as a national grassroots effort to support our servicemen and women participating in Operation Desert Storm and their families. Encourages Federal, State, and local governments and private business and industry to organize Operation Homefront task forces to support the families of such deployed troops and to plan and organize welcome home celebrations for the troops.

A concurrent resolution demanding that the Government of Iraq abide by the Geneva Convention regarding the treatment of prisoners of war.

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1991

Commends the bravery and professionalism of the armed forces. Extends sympathy to the families and loved ones of those killed, missing in action, or taken prisoner by the Government of Iraq. Demands that the Iraqi Government abide by the principles and obligations of the Third Geneva Convention concerning the treatment of prisoners of war and condemns Iraq's failure to do so.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to authorize the appointment of chiropractors as commissioned officers in the Armed Forces to provide chiropractic care, and to amend title 37, United States Code, to provide special pay for chiropractic officers in the Armed Forces.

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1991

Authorizes the appointment of chiropractors as commissioned officers in the Army, Navy, or Air Force Medical Service Corps. Provides special pay to chiropractic officers on active duty for not less than one year. Increases such special pay with service. Authorizes the payment of additional special pay for any 12-month period during which such an officer is not undergoing chiropractic internship training, with appropriate increases for years of service. Requires such an officer, to receive such additional special pay, to execute a written agreement to remain on duty for no less than one year. Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to terminate the payment of such additional special pay at any time, with an appropriate refund required from the officer concerned for any period paid but unserved. Requires an officer who voluntarily terminates service for a period for which a special payment was made to refund the proper amount to the United States.

Capital Punishment Procedures Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1991

Capital Punishment Procedures Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish criteria for the imposition of the death penalty for Federal crimes. Requires the Government, for any offense punishable by death, to serve notice upon the defendant a reasonable time before trial or acceptance of a plea, that it intends to seek the death penalty and the aggravating factors upon which it will rely. Requires a separate sentencing hearing before a jury, or the court upon motion by the defendant, when the defendant is found guilty or pleads guilty to an offense punishable by death. Allows the defendant and the Government to present any information relevant to sentencing, without regard to the rules of evidence, but permits evidence to be excluded where its probative value is substantially outweighed by the danger of creating unfair prejudice, confusing the issues, or misleading the jury. Specifies mitigating factors which the defendant must establish by a preponderance of the information and aggravating factors which the Government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt. Sets forth special aggravating factors for espionage, treason, homicide, and the attempted murder of the President. Directs the court, or the jury by unanimous vote, to impose the death penalty upon a finding that such sentence is justified based on consideration of both the aggravating and mitigating factors. States that no person who was under 18 years of age at the time of the offense may be sentenced to death. Requires the court to instruct the jury not to consider the race, color, national origin, creed, or sex of the defendant or victim in its consideration of the sentence. Establishes procedures for appeal from a death sentence. Requires the court of appeals, upon consideration of the record and the information and procedures of the sentencing hearing, to affirm the decision if: (1) the sentence was not imposed under the influence of passion, prejudice, or any other arbitrary factor; and (2) the information supports the finding of aggravating factors. Requires the court to provide a written explanation of its determination. Sets forth procedures for the implementation of the sentence of death. Limits the circumstances under which the offense of delivering defense information to aid foreign governments is punishable by death. Provides for the imposition of the death penalty for: (1) murder committed by prisoners in Federal prisons; (2) kidnappings which result in the death of any person; (3) hostage takings which result in the death of any person; (4) attempting to kill the President of the United States (if such attempt results in bodily injury or comes dangerously close to causing the President's death); (5) "murder for hire"; (6) murder in the aid of a racketeering activity; (7) international terrorism (where the killing is a first-degree murder); and (8) engaging in a criminal enterprise activity which results in death. Increases the minimum sentence to life imprisonment for the crime of bank robbery which results in death.

Department of Veterans Affairs Health-Care Personnel Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1991

Department of Veterans Affairs Physicians' and Dentists' Compensation and Labor-Relations Act of 1991 - Title I: Physicians and Dentists Special Pay - Revises provisions of Federal law relating to special pay for health-care professionals of the Veterans Health Services and Research Administration (HSRA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (Department). Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in order to recruit and retain highly qualified physicians and dentists, to provide special pay upon the execution of a written agreement between the Secretary and the individual involved requiring the individual to serve a period of obligated service within the HSRA. Provides that such an individual is not entitled to such special pay during the first three years of such service, except at the discretion of the Secretary for full-time service. Prohibits the payment of special pay to those physician and dentist positions for which there are no significant recruitment and retention problems. Outlines requirements of a written agreement, including providing for: (1) a covered period of one to four years; (2) refunding of special pay for unfulfilled service; (3) the waiver of such refund requirement due to circumstances beyond the control of the physician or dentist; and (4) submission to the Secretary of agreements where an individual is entering into a second or subsequent agreement for a specified amount of special pay. Authorizes the Secretary to adjust amounts of special pay to reflect changes in the status of a physician or dentist. Requires an agreement to be specifically approved by the Secretary if the special pay, in combination with the basic pay given to such individuals, will be in excess of Level I of the Executive Schedule of the Federal Government. States that such special approval does not apply to any agreement entered into after FY 1994. Directs the Secretary to provide special pay to eligible full-time physicians based upon specified factors, including: (1) tenure within the HSRA; (2) service in a medical specialty for which it is extremely difficult to recruit and retain qualified professionals; (3) service in certain executive positions; (4) specialty or board certifications; (5) service in a geographic location for which there are extraordinary difficulties in the recruitment or retention of qualified personnel; and (6) service within a medical specialty by an individual with exceptional qualifications. Requires the maximum amount of special pay to be paid to the Chief Medical Director (CMD) and the Deputy Chief Medical Director (DCMD). Provides for special pay for part-time eligible physicians based upon similar factors in an amount equal to the proportion of full-time service that a physician performs. Directs the Secretary to provide special pay to eligible full-time and part-time dentists based upon similar factors. Prohibits physicians and dentists provided special pay and serving in certain executive positions from being paid scarce specialty pay (another form of special pay that rewards scarce specialty areas of practice). Requires, with regard to the payment of special pay, determinations: (1) that there are extraordinary difficulties in recruitment or retention; (2) of the amount of special pay based upon the special pay factors for each individual; and (3) of whether there are extraordinary difficulties in a specific geographic location in the recruitment or retention of qualified physicians or dentists. Outlines considerations for determinations with respect to extraordinary recruitment and retention difficulties and the payment of scarce specialty pay for individual medical facilities of the Department. Outlines the manner in which special pay is to be considered for purposes of other benefits laws for Federal employees. States as the policy of the Congress to assure that total pay for HSRA physicians and dentists is comparable to total pay of other Government physicians and dentists and to the income of non-Federal physicians and dentists. Directs the Secretary: (1) in order to assist in implementing such policy, to obtain measures of income of such non-Department physicians and dentists and to define the bases for pay distinctions; (2) to report to the President quadrennially on appropriate amounts of special pay to HSRA physicians and dentists to carry out such policy; and (3) to report to specified congressional committees annually on the use of authorities under this title. Directs the Secretary to reimburse any full-time board-certified physician or dentist appointed in the HSRA for expenses incurred, up to $1,000 per year, for continuing professional education. Allows the Secretary to authorize the CMD to pay allowances and expenses of certain professional health care personnel appointed by the Secretary as additional personnel necessary for the medical care of veterans in the same manner as the Office of Personnel Management is authorized to pay such allowances and expenses to other Federal employees. Provides agreement effective dates and transition provisions to cover agreements already in effect before the enactment of this Act. Title II: Labor-Management Relations - Directs the Secretary to prescribe the hours and conditions of employment and leaves of absence of the following HSRA employees: physicians, dentists, podiatrists, optometrists, nurses, physician assistants, and expanded-duty dental auxiliaries. Provides that the authority of the Secretary to prescribe regulations with regard to such employees is subject to the right of Federal employees to engage in the collective bargaining process with respect to conditions of employment. States that such collective bargaining may not cover, or have any applicability to, any matter or question arising out of: (1) professional conduct or competence; (2) peer review; or (3) the establishment, determination, or adjustment of employee compensation. Requires any HSRA employee who accepts responsibilities for professional services for remuneration other than assigned responsibilities to work a minimum 80-hour biweekly amount. Outlines such outside activities and responsibilities that such person may not engage in or take on while an employee of the Department. Provides that whenever the CMD brings charges against a Department employee based on conduct or performance and, as a result of those charges, an adverse (disciplinary) action is taken against the employee, the employee shall have the right to appeal the action, either through: (1) a Disciplinary Appeals Board; (2) Department procedures; or (3) grievance procedures provided through collective bargaining, depending on the type of action involved. Requires the Secretary to publish in the Federal Register any proposed regulations concerning the collective bargaining or adverse action procedures. States that Disciplinary Appeals Boards shall have exclusive jurisdiction to review any case: (1) which arises out of a question of professional conduct or competence of an employee of the Department employed on a full-time basis under a permanent appointment; and (2) in which a major adverse action was taken (suspension, transfer, reduction in grade or pay, or discharge). Gives employees involved in such a case the right to: (1) advance written notice of the charges and actions that could be taken if the charges are sustained; and (2) an opportunity to be heard both orally and in writing on such charges. Requires a decision on such case by a deciding official within 21 days after the employee's response to the charges. Allows for a delay in a proposed action for up to one year while an employee seeks counseling or treatment for a condition covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Allows the Secretary to require an employee to make a written or oral response to the charges within 30 days of receipt, with extension for good cause shown. Outlines further administrative action to be taken by the Board in a major adverse action appeal procedure, together with time limitations involved in each step. States that the Secretary's execution of the Board's decision shall be the final administrative action in the case, with the affected employee entitled to judicial review of the order or decision. Requires the Secretary to prescribe procedures for the consideration of grievances of Department employees arising from adverse actions in which each action taken either: (1) is not a major adverse action; or (2) does not arise out of a question of professional conduct or competence. States that Disciplinary Appeals Boards shall not have jurisdiction to review such matters other than as part of a mixed case. States that review of an adverse action shall be provided through either Department procedures or through grievance procedures provided through collective bargaining. Outlines the rights of employees under the Department procedures to: (1) a formal review by an impartial examiner within the Department; (2) a prompt report of findings; (3) a prompt review of the examiner's findings by a higher official; and (4) legal or other representation in adverse action reviews under grievance procedures. Requires the Secretary to appoint Disciplinary Appeals Boards to hear appeals of major adverse actions taken against full-time Department employees based on professional conduct or performance. Authorizes the chairman of such a Board to authorize disclosure to the affected employee of records or information to be reviewed during an appeal procedure. Provides for the protection of the privacy of the individuals whose records are involved. Requires the Secretary to periodically designate Department employees qualified to serve on Disciplinary Appeals Boards and to announce that a list of such qualified employees is available to any person requesting such list. Requires the Secretary to provide training in the functions and duties of such Boards and grievance procedures for employees selected to be on the panel. Title III: Miscellaneous - Requires physician assistants and expanded-function dental auxiliaries to be paid in accordance with a Nurse Schedule in effect on August 14, 1990, until the effective date of a determination by the Secretary to convert those occupations to covered positions under provisions enacted by the Department of Veterans Affairs Nurse Pay Act of 1990. Empowers the CMD with the authority to determine the rates of pay with respect to covered Department regional and central office employees in certain grades. Requires the CMD to prescribe regulations for the adjustment of basic pay rates for such employees in order to assure that those rates are sufficient and competitive. Amends the Veterans' Health Care Amendments of 1986 to extend through FY 1991 a required annual report on the furnishing of nonservice-connected health care services to veterans. Allows full-time employees of the HSRA to receive and retain amounts paid for speeches, appearances, or articles so long as no conflict of interest is created by such actions or articles. Allows the same payments to part-time employees under the same conditions. Allows the Secretary to submit an administrative reorganization plan at any time during the year. Requires a 90-day congressional notification period to expire before the Secretary may implement the reorganization. Defines a covered administrative reorganization as one involving a reduction during any fiscal year in the number of full-time equivalent employees by: (1) 15 percent or more (currently, ten); or (2) by a percent which, when added to the percentage reduction in the number of such employees at a covered office or facility for the preceding fiscal year, is 25 percent (currently, 15) or more. Requires a report from the Secretary to the veterans' committees for the reorganization of any unit of the central office of the Department that is the duty station of 30 or more employees (currently, more than 25 but less than 100). Requires judges of the U.S. Court of Veterans Appeals to receive the salary rate received by judges of the U.S. Court of Military Appeals.

To make ineligible for Federal financial assistance any State or local subdivision of a State that the President determines has an official policy of providing sanctuary to members of the Armed Forces who are attempting to avoid performing a military service obligation.

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1991

Makes ineligible for Federal financial assistance any State or local subdivision of a State that the President determines has an official policy of providing sanctuary to members of the armed forces who are attempting to avoid performing a military service obligation.

Baltic Republics Freedom Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1991

Baltic Republics Freedom Act of 1991 - Prohibits any Federal agency from extending credit with respect to the export of U.S. goods or services to the Soviet Union, unless the President certifies that the overall Soviet military presence in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania does not exceed its overall presence on January 1, 1991.

To amend title 5, United States Code, to provide that civilian employees of the National Guard may not be required to wear military uniforms while performing civilian service.

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1991

Declares that civilian employees of the National Guard may not be required to wear military uniforms while performing civilian service.

To increase opportunities for veterans held as prisoners-of-war during the Vietnam era to participate in Department of Defense procurement actions.

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1991

Deems a Vietnam era veteran who was held as a prisoner of war to be considered a socially and economically disadvantaged individual, thus permitting such individual to be included in a target group of minorities for which the Department of Defense seeks to obligate five percent of all procurement contracts during FY 1991 and 1992. Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1988 and 1989 to include small business concerns owned and controlled by Vietnam era veterans who were held as prisoners of war within those businesses eligible under the minority contract goal for defense procurement contract awards.

To provide for the inclusion as creditable service for purposes of the Retirement Annuity Plan of the Army and Air Force Exchange Service a person's employment with the Army and Air Force Exchange Service before becoming a citizen of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1991

Includes as creditable service for purposes of the Retirement Annuity Plan of the Army and Air Force Exchange Service a person's employment with the Exchange Service prior to becoming a U.S. citizen. Outlines conditions on receiving such credit.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to authorize retired officers of the Armed Forces who are recalled to active duty to be recalled in the highest grade in which the officers served while on active duty.

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1991

Entitles a retired military officer who is recalled to active duty in a grade that is higher than his or her retired grade, upon release from such tour of duty, to placement on the retired list in the highest grade in which he or she served on active duty satisfactorily for not less than three years.

To amend title 37, United States Code, to expand the eligibility of members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces to receive a variable housing allowance and to amend the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940 to expand the protections for members of the Armed Forces on active duty who occupy rental housing.

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1991

Reduces from less than 140 days to 30 days or less the period of active duty required before a member of a reserve component of the armed forces is entitled to a variable housing allowance. Amends the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940 to prohibit an eviction or distress of the dependents of any person who, after the execution of a lease, enters military service, for the period of active military service, regardless of the agreed rental amount, except upon a court action. Strikes the current three-month limitation on the staying of proceedings for eviction or distress.

To increase opportunities for veterans with service-connected disabilities to participate in Department of Defense procurement actions.

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1991

Deems a veteran with a service-connected disability to be a socially and economically disadvantaged individual, thus permitting such individual to be included in a target group of minorities for which the Department of Defense seeks to obligate five percent of all DOD procurement contracts during FY 1991 and 1992. Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1988 and 1989 to include small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans with service-connected disabilities as businesses eligible for the minority contract goal for defense procurement contract awards.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to allow certain retired members of the Armed Forces to elect to be covered under the military Survivor Benefit Plan.

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1991

Removes the requirement that a retired member of the armed forces who was unmarried but later marries or otherwise acquires a dependent child must elect to participate in the military Survivor Benefit Plan within one year of such marriage.

To waive the time limitations relating to the award of the Congressional Medal of Honor to Tibor Rubin for distinguishing himself by acts of valor during the Korean war.

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1991

Waives Federal time limitations relating to awarding military decorations to Army personnel or former Army personnel with respect to awarding the Congressional Medal of Honor to Tibor Rubin for his heroic conduct during the Korean Conflict.

To extend veterans benefits to persons serving in the armed forces between November 12, 1918, and July 2, 1921.

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1991

Defines those members who served in the armed forces between November 12, 1918, and July 2, 1921, as World War I veterans and reinstates their veteran status for purposes of veterans' benefits provisions.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States allowing an item veto in appropriations Acts.

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1991

Constitutional Amendment - Grants the President line item veto authority with respect to appropriations legislation, except for any item of appropriation for the national defense, as determined by legislation enacted by the Congress.