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1,001 records in US in 1991

Records

Bill· SS. 190 (102nd)referred

Spark M. Matsunaga Concurrent Payment of Retired Pay and Compensation Benefits Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1991

Spark M. Matsunaga Concurrent Payment of Retired Pay and Compensation Benefits Act - Permits retired members of the armed forces to be paid retirement pay concurrently with compensation for any service-connected disability if the person's entitlement to such retirement pay is based solely on: (1) age; (2) length of service; or (3) both. Reduces the amount of retirement pay, in the case of individuals receiving both types of pay, by a specified percentage of the disability compensation which decreases as the disability rating increases. Prohibits any reduction in the retirement pay of a disabled person when the disability rating is total.

Bill· SS. 182 (102nd)referred

A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for jurisdiction, apprehension, and detention of members of the Armed Forces and certain civilians accompanying the Armed Forces outside the United States, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1991

Provides that members of the armed forces and persons accompanying the armed forces outside the United States who engage in conduct which would constitute a criminal offense within the maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States shall be guilty of a like offense against the United States and shall be subject to prosecution and punishment under the Federal criminal code. Prohibits a member of the armed forces from being so tried while subject to trial by court-martial for the same conduct. Prohibits persons employed by the armed forces outside the United States from being so tried if such persons are not nationals of the United States. Prohibits prosecution for such an offense in the United States if a foreign government has prosecuted such person for the conduct constituting such offense. Authorizes specified Federal officials to approve a prosecution which is otherwise prohibited under the grounds of prosecution by the foreign government in certain instances. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to designate a person to apprehend and detain outside the United States any person reasonably believed to have engaged in conduct which constitutes a criminal offense in the United States. Provides for release of such person to civilian law enforcement authorities of the United States for judicial proceedings. Authorizes a properly-designated member of the armed forces to deliver to the appropriate authorities of a foreign country an individual alleged to have engaged in illegal conduct, if: (1) the appropriate authorities of such country request such delivery for trial; and (2) such delivery is authorized by a treaty or an agreement to which the United States is a party.

Bill· SS. 178 (102nd)referred

A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to authorize the appointment of health care professionals to the positions of the Surgeon General of the Army, the Surgeon General of the Navy, and the Surgeon General of the Air Force.

United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1991

Requires the appointment by the President of health-care professionals to the positions of the Surgeon General of the Army, the Surgeon General of the Navy, and the Surgeon General of the Air Force.

Bill· SS. 185 (102nd)referred

AIDS Control Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1991

AIDS Control Act of 1991 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the Centers for Disease Control to keep records of cases of individuals infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate regulations to require that, as a condition of receiving a license, any entity which collects or distributes blood or blood components or derivatives: (1) test all donors for the HIV; and (2) allow directed and autologous blood donations. Requires that recipients of grants under provisions relating to population research and family planning programs provide individuals with certain information concerning prevention of infection with the HIV. Prohibits the Secretary from making a grant under title XXV (Prevention of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) of the Public Health Service Act to support a project for education, testing, or counseling concerning acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) unless the State requires that: (1) physicians and medical technicians report to public health authorities the names and addresses of HIV-infected individuals; and (2) such reporting be carried out in accordance with State laws regulating confidentiality of records for individuals with sexually transmitted diseases. Prohibits the Secretary from making a grant under such title and any State from obligating or expending any funds made available under such Act unless the State requires notification of the spouse of an AIDS-infected patient. Prohibits a State from obligating or expending funds made available under such title unless the State closes all bathhouses where a pattern of continuous homosexual sexual activity or continuous illegal intravenous drug use occurs. Prohibits the use of funds under such title: (1) to provide individuals with hypodermic needles or syringes so that they may use illegal drugs, or to distribute bleach for cleaning needles for such use; (2) to promote condoms as a method to prevent the spread of AIDS or to provide condoms; (3) to provide AIDS education, information, or prevention materials and activities that promote or encourage, directly or indirectly, homosexual sexual activities; or (4) unless the State requires marriage license applicants to be tested for infection with the HIV and both individuals to be notified of each test result. Amends the Federal criminal code to create a new chapter regarding public health preservation. Makes it unlawful for any individual to knowingly donate or attempt to donate blood, semen, or organs if that individual knows he or she is infected with the HIV, is a member of certain groups (including African and Haitian immigrants, hemophiliacs, prostitutes, homosexuals, and intravenous drug users) at high risk of contracting AIDS, or has engaged in activity which places such person at high risk of contracting AIDS. Provides for criminal fines and imprisonment. Requires the Director of the Bureau of Prisons to test each person incarcerated in a Federal penal or correctional institution for the HIV infection at the time of entry, annually, and at any other appropriate time. Requires reports on positive test results to be made to the Director of the Centers for Disease Control. Requires that prisoners testing positive for HIV infection be placed in separate residential facilities and be restricted from holding any employment in the institution which may increase transmission of HIV. Prohibits the induction or retention in the armed forces, other than in a retired status, of a person infected with HIV. Requires individuals to be tested for HIV infection prior to induction. Requires members of the armed forces to be tested for the HIV infection: (1) at least once a year; (2) whenever admitted to any medical facility of the uniformed services or of the Veterans Administration (effective March 1989, Department of Veterans Affairs) for in-patient care; and (3) at other times as the Secretary concerned considers appropriate. Amends the Veterans' Benefits and Services Act of 1988 to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide for a program of routine testing of each VA patient for infection with the HIV. Requires the VA to provide pre- and post-test counseling. Amends Federal law relating to veterans' benefits and confidentiality of certain medical records to require a physician or professional counselor to disclose information or records indicating that a patient or subject is infected with the HIV to a spouse or sexual partner. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate regulations requiring the recipient of funds under specified provisions of the Public Health Service Act to routinely test for infection with the HIV, and provide pre- and post-testing counseling, to each person receiving treatment for tuberculosis, substance abuse, or a sexually transmitted disease. Directs the President, under specified provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act, to add infection with HIV and syphilis to the list of dangerous contagious diseases in specified Federal regulations.

Bill· SS. 181 (102nd)referred

A bill to direct the Secretary of the Army to determine the validity of the claims of certain Filipinos that they performed military service on behalf of the United States during World War II.

United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1991

Directs the Secretary of the Army to issue a certificate of service to Filipino nationals whom the Secretary determines to have served with or for the U.S. Army in the Philippine Islands during World War II. Entitles such persons to the same rights and benefits as other persons performing the same type of service in the Islands during such war.

Bill· SS. 177 (102nd)referred

A bill to amend section 1086 of title 10, United States Code, to provide for payment under the CHAMPUS Program of certain health care expenses incurred by certain members and former members of the uniformed services and their dependents to the extent that such expenses are not payable under medicare, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1991

Amends Federal armed forces provisions relating to the provision of health benefits for certain current military personnel and their dependents under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) to repeal a provision which disallows such benefits to persons entitled to hospital insurance benefits under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Authorizes the payment through CHAMPUS insurance coverage of items and services for which payment is also made under Medicare, with a reduction in the amount payable through CHAMPUS by the amount already covered for such items and services through Medicare. Requires a person claiming a benefit through CHAMPUS for covered items and services to certify the cost charged for such items and services, as well as the amount of such costs already covered under applicable Medicare provisions.

Bill· SS. 126 (102nd)referred

A bill to exempt section 721 of the Defense Production Act of 1950 from termination.

United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1991

Amends the Defense Production Act of 1950 to exempt from termination a provision of such Act which authorizes the President to review and prohibit certain mergers, acquisitions, and takeovers that the President determines would threaten or impair national security.

Bill· SS. 203 (102nd)referred

A bill to provide for periods of military, naval, or air service in the Persian Gulf region in connection with Operation Desert Shield to be disregarded in determining the time for performing certain acts required by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1991

Disregards the period of service in the Persian Gulf in connection with Operation Desert Shield, including any period of hospitalization outside the United States as a result of injury received while serving in such region, and the next 180 days thereafter, in determining the time for performing certain tax-related acts required under the Internal Revenue Code.

Bill· SS. 118 (102nd)referred

A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to authorize former members of the Armed Forces who are totally disabled as the result of a service-connected disability to travel on military aircraft in the same manner and to the extent as retired members of the Armed Forces are entitled to travel on such aircraft.

United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1991

Provides for travel privileges on military aircraft for any former member of the armed forces who has a service-connected disability rated total by the Veterans Administration (effective March 1989, Department of Veterans Affairs).

Bill· SS. 133 (102nd)referred

Legal Fees Equity Act of 1989

United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1991

Legal Fees Equity Act of 1989 - Delineates criteria for the award of attorneys' fees to parties in judicial and administrative proceedings against the United States and State or local governments. Sets a maximum hourly rate of $75 for the award of attorneys' fees in civil actions. Prescribes guidelines under which courts and administrative officers are authorized to deny or reduce attorneys' fees. Requires monetary judgments to be reduced by the amount of attorneys' fees (but not more than 25 percent) where a monetary judgment is awarded and a Federal fee-shifting statute applies. Requires applications for an award of attorneys' fees to be made within a specified time after a decision has been entered. Prohibits an award of attorneys' fees where the Government can demonstrate the claims have become moot due to a change in Government policy and the pendency of such action was not a material factor in such policy change. Denies attorneys' fees for services performed subsequent to the time a written offer of settlement is made to a party, if such offer is not accepted and the relief finally obtained by the party is not more favorable to the party than the offer of settlement. Requires the Comptroller General to report annually to the President and the Congress on the amount of attorneys' fees awarded in judicial or administrative proceedings against Federal, State, or local governments. Imposes limitations on any executive or military department or any agency, board, or commission respecting the employment and compensation of outside private counsel. Authorizes such a body to retain outside private counsel only upon certification of need by the Attorney General (in accordance with set regulations). Sets a maximum hourly rate at $75. Requires the Attorney General, after consultation with the Office of Management and Budget, the Office of Personnel Management, and other agencies, to implement regulations governing the circumstances in which Federal agencies can retain outside private counsel.

Bill· SS. 176 (102nd)referred

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the payment of incentive special pay to Department of Veterans Affairs psychologists who obtain certain board certification in a professional specialty.

United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1991

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay special incentive pay to psychologists employed within the Veterans Health Services and Research Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Requires any such psychologist, in order to receive such incentive special pay, to: (1) agree to serve in the Department for at least one year; and (2) receive a Diplomate in Psychology diploma from the American Board of Professional Psychology or another advanced degree as determined by the Secretary.

Bill· SS. 21 (102nd)open

A bill to provide for the protection of the public lands in the California desert.

United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1991

Title I: Wilderness Additions - Designates specified lands in California as additions to the National Wilderness Preservation System. States that non-designated areas within the California Desert Conservation Area (CDCA) have been adequately studied for inclusion in the System and are therefore released from otherwise applicable restrictions. Designates certain lands within the CDCA as the White Mountains Wilderness Study Area. Permits wilderness area livestock grazing on lands where such practice existed prior to enactment of this Act. Reserves Federal water rights on wilderness area lands. Title II: Death Valley National Park - Establishes the Death Valley National Park which subsumes the Death Valley National Monument. Withdraws the additional lands from further exploitation under the mining laws. Requires the Secretary of the Interior (the Secretary) to determine the validity of any unpatented mining claims within such additional lands and whether the United States should acquire any mineral rights in such lands. Title III: Joshua Tree National Park - Establishes the Joshua Tree National Park which subsumes the Joshua Tree National Monument. Withdraws the additional lands from further exploitation under the mining laws. Requires the Secretary to determine the validity of any unpatented mining claims within such additional lands and whether the United States should acquire any mineral rights in such lands. Title IV: Mojave National Park - Establishes the Mojave National Park which subsumes the East Mojave National Scenic Area. Withdraws Federal lands within the Park from further exploitation under the mining laws. Requires the Secretary to determine the validity of any unpatented mining claims within the Park and whether the United States should acquire any mineral rights in such lands. Authorizes the Secretary to regulate mining in such Park. Allows grazing only to the extent allowed in current permits. Continues the validity of existing rights-of-way for specified activities. Directs the Secretary to prepare a Park management plan. Designates the Granite Mountains Natural Reserve within the Park. Authorizes the Secretary to construct a visitors' center and acquire lands. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: National Park Wilderness - Designates as wilderness the Death Valley National Park Wilderness, the Joshua Tree National Park Wilderness Additions, and the Mojave National Park Wilderness. Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Secretary to transfer Red Rock Canyon State Park Additions in the CDCA to California. Establishes the Desert Lily Sanctuary within the CDCA. Establishes the Indian Canyons National Historic Site, which shall be cooperatively managed by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. Authorizes the Secretary to exchange Federal mineral interests in lands in California for private mineral interests in wilderness areas and national parks designated by this Act. Directs the Secretary to insure nonexclusive access to such wilderness areas and parks by Indian people for traditional cultural and religious purposes. Preserves existing rights of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Title VII: Military Activities - Provides that nothing in this Act shall preclude, limit, or otherwise affect low level overflights of military aircraft in the California desert in the same location and degree as existed prior to enactment of this Act. Withdraws from appropriation under the public land laws and reserves for military use by the Secretary of the Navy specified lands in California known as the China Lake Naval Weapons Center in Inyo, Kern, and San Bernardino Counties and Chocolate Mountain in Imperial and Riverside Counties. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to manage such lands' nonmilitary uses, subject to closure by the Secretary of the Navy for security or safety purposes. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to develop a management plan for such lands. Requires the Secretary of the Navy to prevent and suppress brush and range fires with reimbursable assistance from the Bureau of Land Management. Requires the Secretaries to enter into a memorandum of understanding concerning the management plan which includes the provision of fire control assistance upon request. Requires the Secretary of Defense to notify the Secretary of the Interior whenever withdrawn lands are being used for defense-related purposes other than those specified, including the effect of such different use. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to delegate management responsibilities for China Lake to the Secretary of the Navy. Requires the Secretary of the Navy to report annually to the Secretary of the Interior, who shall then report to the appropriate congressional committees on the status of natural and cultural resources on such withdrawn lands. Terminates land withdrawals under this Act 15 years after this Act's enactment. Requires the Secretary of the Navy to publish a draft environmental impact statement on the continued or renewed withdrawal of lands under this Act. Requires such Secretary to hold a public hearing in California before the withdrawal's termination. Requires the Secretary of the Navy to maintain a decontamination program for such lands during their withdrawal. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the appropriate congressional committees on decontamination efforts. Requires the Secretary of the Navy to notify the Secretary of the Interior, at least three years before the termination of the withdrawal, whether an extension is going to be requested and, if not, to what extent such lands are contaminated with hazardous materials. Requires the Secretary of the Navy to decontaminate relinquished lands, but if such decontamination is not practicable or economically feasible, authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to refuse to accept such lands. Requires the Secretary of the Navy to then: (1) warn the public of risks of entry; (2) conduct only decontamination activities on such lands after the expiration of the withdrawal; and (3) report to the Secretary of the Interior and the Congress on the status of such lands. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to publish the acceptance of withdrawn lands, indicating when such lands will be open and under what conditions. Exempts the United States from liability for injuries or damages resulting from nonmilitary activity on withdrawn lands. Authorizes an extension of the Navy's use of the El Centro Ranges in Imperial County, California, through January 1, 1990, subject to resource protection requirements.

Bill· SS. 127 (102nd)open

Veterans Benefits and Health Care Amendments of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1991

Veterans Benefits and Health Care Amendments of 1991 - Title I: Compensation - Part A: Generally - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to increase the rates of, and limitations on, Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation and dependency and indemnity compensation to coincide with benefit increases under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act. Requires such rate increases to be published in the Federal Register. Part B: Radiogenic Disabilities - Extends the presumption of service-connection, for purposes of eligibility for veterans' disability compensation, to cover members of the reserves who participated in a radiation-risk activity while serving on active duty for training or inactive duty for training. Amends Federal provisions relating to the payment of disability compensation due to certain diseases and disabilities presumed to be service-connected to remove the current limitation on the required manifestation period (either 40 or 30 years from the date on which a veteran last participated in a radiation-risk activity). Adds cancer of the salivary gland and cancer of the urinary tract to the list of diseases that will be presumed to be service-connected for purposes of such disability compensation. Requires the Secretary, within 210 days after enactment of this Act, to identify at least three military activities which likely would have exposed individuals to levels of ionizing radiation above background levels. Requires the Secretary to identify at least three additional activities by October 1 of FY 1991 through 1993. Requires the Secretary, immediately after identifying each additional activity, to direct the Veterans' Advisory Committee on Environmental Hazards to evaluate, make findings, and report on whether participation in such activities resulted in exposure comparable to that resulting from a radiation-risk activity as defined under current law. Requires the Secretary to list each such activity unless the Advisory Committee's report and all other evidence indicate that such activity did not result in comparable exposure to that of veterans participating in radiation-risk activities. Requires the Secretary to make certain reports. Part C: Agent Orange Exposure and Vietnam Service - Veterans' Agent Orange Exposure and Vietnam Service Benefits Act of 1991 - Establishes a presumption of service connection, for the purposes of eligibility for veterans' disability compensation, for each of the following diseases incurred by individuals who served in Vietnam during the Vietnam era, if such diseases become manifest to a disability degree of ten percent or more: (1) non-Hodgkins lymphoma; (2) each soft-tissue sarcoma; and (3) chloracne. Provides a presumption of service-connection in the case of a Vietnam veteran suffering from a disease associated with effects of exposure to certain dioxins or other herbicide agents during such service in Vietnam. Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations listing a positive association between any disease and the biological effects of exposure to an herbicide agent in Vietnam. Requires the Secretary to update such list continually. Requires the Secretary, in prescribing and revising such list, to obtain by contract the determinations and estimates of a contract scientific organization. Requires such organization to: (1) determine which diseases have any degree of association with the biological effects of exposure to a herbicide agent; and (2) estimate the extent of association between each such disease and each such biological effect. Requires the organization to determine such association specifically with respect to lung cancer and each other cancer. Outlines contract provisions required in such agreements between the Secretary and the scientific organization, including surveys, evaluations, and periodic determinations. Requires such scientific organization to provide reports to the Secretary and the Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committees (veterans' committees) regarding its determinations and evaluations. Requires such organization to determine, in the event of a positive association, whether there is a reasonable basis for concluding that a Vietnam veteran with the highest level of exposure to that herbicide agent in Vietnam was exposed to such agent under the circumstances necessary for such biological effects. Requires a report from the organization to the Secretary and the veterans' committees when no such reasonable basis is found. Requires the Secretary to make certain determinations and follow-up reports after receiving such reports from the contract scientific organization, including the issuance of a report to the veterans' committees and the promulgation of positive association regulations, if necessary. Requires benefits to be continued even though a disease is removed from the list of diseases having positive associations. Terminates such contracting authority ten years after the first day of the fiscal year in which a scientific organization transmits its first report to the Secretary. Provides interim regulations and special effective dates. Directs the Secretary to compile and analyze all clinical data that: (1) are obtained by the VA in connection with examinations and treatment of veterans for disabilities related to exposure to certain herbicides or to service in Vietnam; and (2) are likely to be scientifically useful in determining the association, if any, between the disabilities of such veterans and their exposure to such herbicides and other toxic substances. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the veterans' committees concerning such analysis and its results. Directs the Secretary to consult with the Director of the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) before compiling and analyzing such information. Requires the Director of OTA to review each annual report submitted by the Secretary and transmit to the Secretary an evaluation of the contents of each report. Directs the Secretary to establish and maintain a system for the collection and storage of voluntarily contributed samples of blood and tissue of veterans who performed active service in Vietnam during the Vietnam era. Outlines provisions concerning the security and authorized uses of such specimens, as well as limitations on the acceptance of such samples. Requires the Secretary to consult with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to the extent that an agreement has been reached with NAS serving as the contract scientific organization for the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to consult with the Director of OTA if no agreement is made with NAS. Directs the Secretary to establish a program to provide for studies of the feasibility of conducting additional scientific research on health hazards resulting from: (1) exposure to dioxin; (2) exposure to other toxic agents in herbicides used in support of U.S. and allied military operations in Vietnam during the Vietnam era; and (3) active military, naval, or air service there. Requires the Secretary to report to the veterans' committees on the results of such studies. Requires the Secretary to consult with NAS before undertaking such studies and requires NAS to review such studies and report recommendations to the Secretary and the veterans' committees to the extent provided under any agreement between the Secretary and NAS. Amends the Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 1988 to require the Secretary to annually furnish updated information to individuals listed in the Department of Veterans Affairs Agent Orange Registry on health risks resulting from exposure to dioxin or other toxic agents in herbicides as a result of service in Vietnam during the Vietnam era. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to the veterans' committees on the research being conducted to develop treatments for psychological absorption of dioxin and other toxic agents used in herbicides by the United States in Vietnam, including research relating to exposure to dioxin and other toxic agents outside Vietnam. Extends through December 31, 1993, the eligibility for hospital and nursing home care for veterans exposed to toxic substances in Vietnam. Title II: Health Care - Part A: Mental Health - Authorizes the provision of health care and services for veterans of World War I or II, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam Era, or any other area during a period in which hostilities occurred who have been diagnosed to be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to such services even though such disorder has not been determined to be service-connected. Requires the VA to accomplish an evaluation of a veteran within seven days after referral of such veteran to a Department health-care facility from a Vet Center (a center for treatment of veterans with mental illness disabilities). Expands eligibility for readjustment counseling at Vet Centers to include veterans of wars prior to Vietnam and veterans of service in any areas in which U.S. personnel were subjected to danger from armed conflict comparable to that occurring in battle with an enemy during a period of war. Directs the Secretary to establish and operate up to five VA health-care facilities as centers of mental illness research, education, and clinical activities, taking into account appropriate geographic distribution of such facilities. Precludes the Secretary from designating any health-care facility as a center unless the facility has (or may reasonably be anticipated to develop): (1) an arrangement with an accredited medical school or graduate school of psychology which provides education and training in psychiatry and psychology through regular rotation through such center so as to provide training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness; (2) an arrangement under which nurses, social workers, or other allied health personnel receive education and training in mental health care through regular rotation through such facility; (3) the ability to attract the participation of scientists who are capable of ingenuity and creativity in research into the causes, treatment, and prevention of mental illness and into models for furnishing care and treatment to veterans suffering from mental illness; (4) a policymaking advisory committee to advise the directors of such facility and center on policy matters pertaining to the activities of such center; and (5) the capability to conduct effectively evaluations of the activities of such center. Authorizes appropriations. Declares that activities of clinical and scientific investigation at each center shall be eligible to compete for the award of funding from funds appropriated for the Department's medical and prosthetics research account and shall receive priority insofar as funds are awarded to projects for mental illness. Requires the Chief Medical Director (CMD) to ensure that: (1) research activities carried out through such centers include an appropriate emphasis on the psychosocial dimension of mental illness and on models for furnishing care and treatment to veterans suffering from mental illness; and (2) useful information produced by the centers is disseminated throughout the Veterans Health Services and Research Administration (HSRA). Requires the Secretary to submit to the veterans' committees an annual report on activities and effectiveness of the centers. Directs the Special Committee on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder to submit to the Secretary and veterans' committees no later than February 15 of each of the years 1991 through 1993 a report on the Committee's evaluation of the results of a study required under the Veteran's Health Care Amendments of 1983 relating to the diagnosis and treatment of veterans suffering from PTSD. Directs the Secretary to comment to the veterans' committees concerning such report. Requires the Committee to update certain reports required of the Committee under the Veterans' Health Care Act of 1984 and requires the Secretary to comment to the veterans' committees concerning such updates. Directs the Secretary, in certain papers required to be submitted to the President annually, to identify the amounts in the appropriations requests for the VA that are estimated to be obligated for payments and treatments for veterans suffering from PTSD, and for education, training, research, and the operation of the National Center on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Requires the Secretary to ensure to the extent practicable that there are Department PTSD treatment units in locations readily accessible to veterans residing in rural areas of the United States. Part B: General Health - Authorizes the VA to furnish wheelchairs, prosthetic devices, and other medically necessary supplies and services as part of veterans' outpatient care when necessary either to obviate the need for hospital admission or in preparation for hospital admission. Provides outpatient dental care when medically necessary in preparation for hospital admission or for a veteran otherwise receiving other outpatient care or services. Increases the maximum cost limitation for the provision of certain home health care services to disabled veterans. Makes permanent the program of community-based contract veterans' alcohol and drug treatment program (currently expires September 30, 1991). Extends through FY 1995 the authority to provide contract care to U.S. veterans in the Veterans Memorial Medical Center in the Philippines. Extends the authorization of appropriations for the upgrading and replacement of equipment and facilities for such Center through FY 1995. Decreases such annual authorization amount from $1,000,000 to $500,000. Earmarks the first $50,000 of grants appropriated to the Center for educating and training hospital personnel. Expands the current authority of the Secretary to acquire and provide housing for homeless veterans in order to allow entities to provide transitional housing for veterans recovering from substance abuse or mental illness disabilities. Extends such program through 1993. Establishes in the Treasury the Transitional Housing Fund for the provision of housing and loans to assist veterans in recovering from alcohol or drug dependence or abuse disabilities. Outlines loan conditions and conditions for veterans residing in housing provided. Requires the Secretary to issue guidelines for the operation of such residences. Requires the director of either each medical center or each regional office of the VA to make an assessment of the needs of homeless veterans living within the area served, including needs for health care, education and training, employment, shelter, counseling, and outreach services. Requires the director of each medical center to develop a plan for each of FY 1991 through 1993 for the provision of outreach and other services to meet the needs identified. Requires actions taken under such plans to be coordinated with other programs of the VA and Federal, State, or local governments. Requires the director to disseminate information regarding services provided to homeless veterans by the medical center or other facilities of the VA. Directs the Secretary to conduct a pilot program to determine the effectiveness of providing, through community-based organizations, domiciliary care (including medical services) to homeless veterans. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts with community-based organizations for the provision of such care. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1993. Authorizes the Secretary to reprogram certain previously-appropriated funds to such program if it is found to be effective. Authorizes the Secretary to accept donations of funds or services in order to expand the medical services provided to homeless veterans through the Department. Amends the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Amendments Act of 1988 to extend through FY 1993: (1) the authorization of appropriations for medical programs of the Department; (2) earmarked amounts for the conversion of unused space in urban VA facilities into domiciliary care beds for homeless veterans; and (3) earmarked amounts for the furnishing of care and services to homeless veterans who have chronic mental illness disabilities. Amends the Veterans' Benefits and Services Act of 1988 to extend its program for mentally ill homeless veterans. Extends through FY 1991 a pilot program under the Veterans' Benefits and Services Act of 1988 for the provision of mobile health-care clinics for the treatment of veterans residing at least 100 miles from a VA treatment facility. Requires the Secretary to establish the Advisory Committee on Prosthetics and Special-Disabilities Programs to advise the Secretary and the CMD on the coordination of VA and non-VA programs, and the adequacy of funding, for prosthetics and special disabilities programs administered by the Secretary. Requires a report. Includes within the definition of "medical services" for coverage under Federal veterans' benefits provisions services to achieve pregnancy in a veteran or a veteran's spouse when such services are necessary to overcome a service-connected disability impairing the veteran's procreative ability. Directs the CMD to appoint an advisory committee to advise the CMD on the exercise of authority to furnish such services. Authorizes use of the Special Therapeutic and Rehabilitation Activities Fund of the VA for the payment of travel and related expenses necessary for the training of employees in the administration of therapeutic and rehabilitative services. Directs the Secretary, during FY 1991-1995, to conduct a compensated work therapy and therapeutic residence pilot program (CWTTR). Directs the Secretary to establish nonprofit corporations for the making of contracts for conducting work therapy programs under the CWTTR program at no less than ten or more than 15 VA medical centers operating such programs. Requires the Secretary to be assured from a nonprofit corporation that it will operate a therapeutic residence for eligible veterans in conjunction with an existing compensated work therapy program at a medical center. Allows for the provision of in-kind services from the Secretary to the corporation, including technical and clinical advice, supervision of activities, and minor maintenance and repairs to a therapeutic residence. Authorizes the Secretary to lend amounts to a corporation in order to assist such corporations to lease or purchase property for use as therapeutic residential treatment centers. Provides loan limits and other administrative provisions concerning such loans. Directs the Secretary to transfer to the Veterans Health Services and Research Administration no less than ten residences acquired by the VA for use for such centers. Requires each such property to be leased to a nonprofit corporation for operation as a therapeutic residence under the pilot program. Outlines lease conditions and other administrative provisions concerning the establishment of nonprofit corporations for therapeutic residences. Requires each such corporation to submit to the Secretary annual reports providing a detailed statement of its operations, activities, and accomplishments during the preceding year. Requires the Secretary to report to the veterans' committees concerning each such corporation and its participation under the pilot program. Requires the Secretary, under the pilot program, to operate residences as therapeutic residences for the furnishing of transitional housing solely for veterans who are furnished compensated work therapy under applicable Federal law. Authorizes the Secretary to purchase, lease, or otherwise acquire residential housing for the purpose of furnishing such transitional housing for veterans being furnished compensated work therapy. Outlines the following conditions for the operation of such transitional housing: (1) that only qualified veterans and a house manager live in such residence; (2) that each resident (other than the house manager) pay the VA rent for the period of residence in such housing; (3) that, in the establishment and operation of such housing, the Secretary must comply with all local zoning, building, and other similar requirements; and (4) that the residence meet the State and community fire and safety requirements applicable to property used for similar purposes. Authorizes the Secretary to provide for free room and subsistence for a house manager. Requires the CMD to be responsible for the management, maintenance, and disposition of property acquired for such transitional housing. Authorizes the Secretary to dispose of such property when no longer used for such purpose. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary to report to the veterans' committees on the experience under the pilot program. Allows the Secretary to authorize the establishment of one or more nonprofit corporations to provide a flexible funding mechanism for the conduct of VA compensated work therapy programs for veterans (including homeless veterans) in such community or communities as the Secretary may designate. Requires such corporations to be established solely for such programs. Requires funds received by such a corporation for the conduct of such programs to be transferred to the Special Therapeutic and Rehabilitation Activities Fund. Outlines administrative provisions concerning the establishment and operation of each such nonprofit corporation, including provisions concerning: (1) the board of directors and executive officers; (2) general powers; (3) applicable State law; and (4) accountability and oversight. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress no later than February 1, 1993, on the experience under the program. Prohibits the establishment of any nonprofit corporation for such purposes after September 30, 1993. Authorizes the use of the Special Therapeutic and Rehabilitation Activities Fund for the purchase of property to be used for transitional housing under this Act. Directs the Secretary to report to the veterans' committees the Secretary's evaluation, findings, and conclusions regarding the provision of such alternative noninstitutional care. Extends through FY 1995 the pilot program for the furnishing of preventive health-care services for veterans by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to implement annually at each VA facility a major preventive health-care and health-promotion initiative for any veteran receiving other care and services administered through the Secretary. Limits expenditures for such programs and initiatives through FY 1995. Directs the CMD to designate an official in such Administration as the Director of Preventive Health-Care and Health-Promotion Programs. Requires such Director to prepare guidance regarding, to be responsible for coordinating and evaluating, and to advise the CMD on, all activities carried out under such programs and initiatives. Requires the Secretary to submit to the veterans' committees an interim and final report on experiences under the pilot program. Authorizes the Secretary to provide: (1) service dogs trained to assist quadriplegic individuals in the performance of daily living tasks to quadriplegic veterans who have a service-connected disability; and (2) signal dogs trained to provide hearing assistance to deaf persons to veterans having a service-connected hearing impairment and in need of such assistance. Authorizes the Secretary to pay travel to and from their homes incurred in becoming adjusted to such dogs. Directs the Secretary to report to the veterans' committees concerning a backlog that has occurred in the procurement of prosthetic appliances in FY 1989, for the failure to furnish certain other prosthetic appliances, and the actions planned by the Secretary to prevent a recurrence of such problem. Increases from $500 to $1,000 the total amount that may be expended on any veteran in a 12-month period for such services and treatment. Repeals the authority of the Secretary to furnish tobacco to veterans receiving hospital or domiciliary care. Directs the Secretary to establish a task force to recommend policies and legislation for the elimination of inconsistencies among provisions of law relating to veterans' eligibility for certain health-care benefits. Directs the Secretary to review the report submitted by the task force and either approve the recommendations for legislation contained therein or prepare alternative legislative proposals appropriate for the elimination of the inconsistencies identified by the task force. Requires a report to the veterans' committees concerning the recommendation of such legislative proposals. Directs the Secretary to provide Department-furnished outpatient medical services to any former prisoner of war for any disability. Part C: Health-Care Personnel - Veterans Health-Care Personnel Act of 1991 - Authorizes the payment of special pay on the same basis as that given to registered nurses to those health-care professionals who are furnishing direct care to patients or services incident to direct patient care. Increases the limitation on the amount authorized to be paid as special pay to certain individuals in the HSRA of the VA. Requires increases in such pay of a specified amount or more to be reported by the Secretary to the veterans' committees. Includes coverage of HSRA personnel under Federal employees' collective bargaining rights and procedures. Revises provisions concerning disciplinary actions and grievances within the HSRA. Directs the Secretary to establish and conduct a dependent care assistance program, which meets certain requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, for the care of dependents of employees of the HSRA. Requires such program to be implemented no later than June 1, 1991. Requires current representatives of the field of paramedics to assist in the establishment of cooperative arrangements to provide for the training of health and paramedical personnel in order to improve the manpower utilization of such personnel. Requires such arrangements to be implemented no later than February 1, 1991. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1994 for making grants for such cooperative programs. Directs the CMD of the VA to conduct a pilot program at no less than five VA medical facilities during FY 1991 through 1993 in order to determine the effect on employees of VA pay and personnel management practices. Requires the CMD to establish certain alternative pay and personnel management practices, such as increasing certain pay differentials for day versus evening duty, utilizing registered nurses in new ways for the furnishing of direct patient care, and establishing a collaborative practice committee involving physicians, nurses, and other direct health-care personnel. Requires various reports between the CMD, the Secretary, and the veterans' committees relating to the results of such pilot program. Directs the Secretary to pay special incentive pay to psychologists employed within the HSRA. Requires psychologists receiving such special pay to hold diplomas in psychology from a recognized institution unless the Secretary determines that such psychologists are not needed to furnish appropriate psychological services for veterans. Outlines the educational and licensure requirements for social workers employed in the HSRA of the Department. Exempts individuals already employed by the Department of such capacity before the enactment of this Act from such requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to convert donated space in Department facilities for use as a child care center without reimbursement. Directs the Secretary to require each director of a Department medical center to: (1) assess the need of employees at such center for child-care services; and (2) submit an annual report to the Secretary containing the director's findings concerning such needs and a proposal of how such needs could be met. Requires the directors to consult with appropriate employee representatives in making such assessment. Part D: Special Pay for Physicians and Dentists - Department of Veterans Affairs Physicians' and Dentists' Compensation Act of 1991 - Revises provisions of Federal law relating to special pay for VA physicians and dentists. Authorizes the Secretary of VA, in order to recruit and retain highly qualified physicians and dentists, to provide special pay to such individuals under regulations prescribed by the Secretary after the Secretary has received the recommendations of the CMD. Conditions such special pay on the execution of a written agreement by the physician or dentist to perform a period of obligated service within the HSRA. Provides that such individual is not entitled to such special pay during the first three years of such service, except at the discretion of the CMD for full-time services. Prohibits special pay for those physician and dentist positions for which there is no significant recruitment and retention problem. Sets forth requirements of a written agreement, including provisions providing for: (1) a covered period of one to four years; (2) refunding of special pay for unfulfilled services; (3) the waiver of such refund requirement due to circumstances beyond the control of the physician or dentist; and (4) terms under which the Secretary and the physician or dentist may terminate the agreement. 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 by a physician with exceptional qualifications within a specialty. Requires all special pay for such full-time physicians to be personally approved by the CMD on a case-by-case basis. Sets forth conditions and limitations to the payment of such special pay. Directs the Secretary to provide special pay to part-time eligible physicians based upon similar factors. Requires the Secretary to pay each such physician an amount of special pay equal to the proportion of full-time service that physician performs. Directs the Secretary to provide special pay to eligible full-time and part-time dentists based upon similar factors. Prohibits a physician from receiving such special pay while also receiving special pay for serving in certain executive positions. Allows scarce specialty pay (another form of special pay that rewards scarce specialty areas of practice) for a physician or dentist serving as a chief of staff only if it is necessary to recruit or retain qualified physicians or dentists for such position and only if the CMD personally approves such specialty pay. Requires, with regard to the payment of special pay, determinations: (1) that there are extraordinary difficulties in recruitment or retention; and (2) of whether there are extraordinary difficulties in a specific geographic location in the recruitment or retention of qualified physicians or dentists. Sets forth considerations for determinations with respect to extraordinary recruitment and retention difficulties and the payment of special pay for individual medical facilities of the VA. Requires the director of an individual facility, in such a case, to recommend the payment of such special pay to the CMD and wait 45 days after which such pay would become effective unless disapproved by the CMD. Provides for delegation of the approval power of the CMD. Prohibits special pay from being paid to a physician or dentist who: (1) is employed on a less than half-time basis or on an intermittent basis unless the CMD determines it is the most cost-effective way of providing needed medical or dental services at a VA facility; (2) occupies an internship or residency training position; or (3) is a reemployed annuitant. Reinstates the payment of special pay under this Act for full-time physicians or dentists of the HSRA who had been receiving special pay under primary, full-time, and tenure categories before the authority for the payment of that special pay was repealed. Reinstates similarly the payment of special pay under the primary and tenure categories for part-time physicians and dentists of the HSRA. Outlines the manner in which special pay is to be considered for purposes of other benefits laws for Federal employees. States that it is 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-VA 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 a physician or dentist within the HSRA who had previously received special pay under the full-time, primary, or tenure categories (repealed by this Act) and had elected not to have such pay treated as basic pay for purposes of retirement and annuity amounts to elect to treat the special pay provided under this Act as basic pay for such purposes. Title III: Education and Employment - Extends through 1993 the period in which a Vietnam era veteran will be considered as such for purposes of eligibility for job training, counseling, and placement services. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to expand an employment and training program implemented under the Veterans' Benefits Amendments of 1989 in order to furnish employment and training information and services under such program in more than ten geographically dispersed areas of the United States. Requires the Secretary to make certain determinations with regard to the success of such program before undertaking such expansion. Requires the Secretary to report to the veterans' committees on such expansion. Requires the Secretary to utilize disabled veterans' outreach program specialists or local veterans' employment representatives and other resources in implementing such expansion. Makes persons receiving outpatient medical care or services pending discharge from active military service eligible for veterans' vocational rehabilitation if such persons are being treated at a hospital under contract or agreement with the Secretary of Defense. Extends by one year the period of automatic disenrollment for veterans' educational assistance benefits to allow for the filing of a claim for such benefits. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter into an agreement with an individual whereby the individual agrees to perform work-study service and the Secretary deducts the allowance otherwise payable to such individual from indebtedness resulting from any overpayment received by such individual under VA-administered education, rehabilitation, or training benefits. Authorizes the Secretary, in order to reduce or eliminate such individual's indebtedness, to waive certain work-study program eligibility requirements and limitations, as well as certain debt collection requirements. Prohibits such an agreement from continuing in force after the individual's debt has been liquidated. Requires the Secretary to compensate such an individual for work-study services performed after such debt has been liquidated. Authorizes the Secretary to approve the pursuit of flight training for an individual entitled to post-Vietnam era veterans' educational assistance if: (1) such training is necessary for the attainment of the individual's vocational objective; (2) the individual possesses a valid pilot's license and meets all medical requirements necessary for a commercial pilot's license; and (3) the flight school courses are approved by the Federal Aviation Administration and the State. Sets forth the amount of assistance and other conditions for such flight training, including receipt by the Secretary of a certificate from the individual and institution involved of the flight training completed and the tuition and other fees. Establishes within the Department of Labor the Advisory Committee on Veterans Employment and Training to: (1) assess the employment and training needs of veterans; (2) determine the extent to which programs and activities of the Department of Labor are meeting such needs; and (3) carry out necessary activities to make certain reports and recommendations required in this section. Directs the Secretary of Labor to consult with and seek the advice of the advisory committee with respect to the employment and training needs of veterans. Requires the advisory committee to report annually to the Secretary of Labor on the employment and training needs of veterans, including recommendations for legislation or administrative or other appropriate action. Requires the Secretary to transmit such annual reports to the Congress together with comments. Requires advisory committee appointments to be made within 60 days after enactment of this Act. Title IV: Housing - Makes permanent (currently ends September 30, 1990) the requirement for the VA to notify and counsel veterans about the impact of, and alternatives to, foreclosure when the veterans default on a VA-guaranteed home loan. Allows the VA to sell vendee loan assets (collateral) either: (1) with recourse; or (2) without recourse only if the amount received by the Department is at least equal to the unpaid balance of the loan. Extends through FY 1992 the authority for certain home loan lenders to review appraisals. Makes permanent certain current Federal provisions concerning default procedures and property management with regard to home loans guaranteed by the VA. Exempts individuals obtaining VA-guaranteed home loans from the requirement that individuals obtaining federally guaranteed loans of over $150,000 disclose their lobbying activities. Directs the VA, at the request of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, to issue certificates of veteran status to veterans seeking certain benefits under laws administered by HUD. Authorizes the VA to issue such certificates without reimbursement. Limits the time during which a veteran may apply for waiver of a home-loan debt to the one-year period following the date on which the VA notified the debtor of the indebtedness. Requires that debt notices for home-loan and non-home-loan debts inform the recipient of his or her right to apply for a waiver and the procedures for such application. Title V: Insurance - Increases from $10,000 to $20,000 the maximum amount of Service Disabled Veterans' Insurance available to those veterans who are eligible for a waiver of premiums due to total and permanent disability. Increases from $40,000 to $90,000 the maximum amount of Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance available to veterans who have received a specially-adapted housing grant. Title VI: Minority Affairs - Amends the Department of Veterans Affairs Act to assign as one of the functions of the Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs the review and assessment of the effects of policies, programs, and activities of the VA on minority veterans and the monitoring of access of such veterans to services and benefits under laws administered by the VA. Defines "minority veterans" as veterans who are black, Native-American, Hispanic-American, Asian-American, Pacific Islander-American, or women. Reestablishes, as of October 1, 1990, the Advisory Committee on Native Americans. Requires reports from such Committee concerning the plight of Native Americans and their access to services and benefits of the VA. Terminates such Committee 90 days after their second report is transferred to the veterans' committees. Title VII: Miscellaneous - Defines "minor child" for purposes of eligibility for burial in national cemeteries as a child under 21 years of age or under 23 if the person is pursuing a course of instruction at an educational institution. Authorizes the Secretary to provide for flat grave markers in a section of the Florida National Cemetery that had installed preplaced grave liners as of a specified date. States that the prohibition on the payment of attorneys' fees in connection with VA benefits proceedings applies only where the individual is applying for such benefits, and not when the Government is proceeding against a person to collect an indebtedness or in cases in which other attorneys' fees statutes apply. Modifies certain administrative reorganization requirements within the VA. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into enhanced use agreements (a written agreement for the use of a VA facility consistent with the Department's mission in return for the payment of consideration to the VA) with respect to designated property and to direct the disposal of such property. Provides lease terms and other conditions with respect to such agreements. Requires the Secretary, before designating a property for an enhanced-use lease, to conduct local hearings to consider the proposed lease and its possible effects on the local community. Requires the veterans' committees to be notified of any such designation. Requires a specified notice to be published in the Federal Register. Allows the Secretary to initiate action for the disposal of leased property no longer needed by the VA to the lessee by requesting the Administrator of General Services to carry out a special disposition of such property. Requires notice of a special disposition to be provided to the veterans' committees and published in the Federal Register. Requires funds received by the VA under an enhanced-use agreement to be deposited into the nursing home revolving fund and administered as part of that fund. Outlines provisions concerning construction standards, exemption from State and local taxes, and limitations on the number of enhanced-use agreements. Terminates the authority to enter into such leases as of September 30, 1994. Makes standards relating to disqualification of Federal judges applicable to judges serving on the Court of Veterans Appeals. Makes all funds in the Department's Medical Care account exempt from sequestration under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). Extends from three to 12 months the period during which a veteran with no spouse or dependent children may be furnished domiciliary or nursing home care by the VA before such veteran's pension is reduced. Provides that, when a veteran's pension payments are so reduced, up to $10,000 of the benefits withheld shall be repaid to the veteran upon discharge. Increases from $1,500 to $6,000 the value of the estate allowed a hospitalized incompetent veteran without dependents before the VA suspends the veteran's compensation or benefits. Increases from $500 to $2,000 the amount to which an estate must be reduced before such benefits may be resumed. Prohibits the Secretary from delegating the functional and technical supervision of the performance of security and law enforcement functions within the VA to any official outside the Office of the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to report to the veterans' committees concerning security and law enforcement matters with the VA. Amends the Department of Veterans Affairs Act to increase the number of people authorized to be appointed by the Secretary to a commission formed for the purpose of selecting individuals for the position of the CMD whenever a vacancy in such position occurs.

Bill· SS. 23 (102nd)open

Veterans' and Survivors' Compensation Indexing Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1991

Veterans' and Survivors' Compensation Indexing Act - Requires annual cost-of-living increases in the rates of veterans' disability compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation, and in the clothing allowance for disabled veterans. Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to publish such new rates in the Federal Register. Authorizes the Secretary to adjust administratively the rates of disability compensation payable to persons who are not in receipt of compensation for service-connected disability or death.

Bill· SS. 147 (102nd)referred

Federal Death Penalty Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1991

Federal Death Penalty 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 information to be excluded where its probative value is substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice, confusion of the issues, or misleading of 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. Includes as threshold aggravating factors for homicide that the defendant: (1) intentionally killed the victim; (2) intentionally inflicted serious bodily injury which resulted in death of the victim; (3) intentionally participated in an act, contemplating that the life of a person would be taken and the victim died as a direct result of the act; (4) attempted to kill the President of the United States; or (5) intentionally engaged in an act constituting reckless disregard for human life, knowing that the act created a grave risk of death to someone other than the participants, and the victim died as a direct result of the act. Sets forth special aggravating factors with respect to the crimes of treason, espionage, homicide, and attempted murder of the President. States that no person under the age of 16 may be sentenced to death. 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. Requires the court to instruct the jury not to consider the race, color, national origin, creed, or sex of the defendant in its consideration of the sentence. Establishes procedures for appeal from a death sentence. Requires the Court of Appeals, upon considering the record and the information and procedures of the sentencing hearing, to affirm the decision if: (1) the sentence was not imposed under influence of passion, prejudice, or arbitrariness; and (2) the information supports the finding of aggravating factors. Requires the court to provide a written explanation of its determination. Prohibits requiring any employee of any State department of corrections, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, or any provider of services under contract to participate in any execution if contrary to his or her moral or religious convictions. 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) murders committed by prisoners in Federal correctional institutions; (2) kidnappings which result in the death of any person; (3) 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); (4) "murder for hire"; (5) murder in the aid of a racketeering activity; (6) engaging in a criminal enterprise activity which results in death; and (7) other specified offenses.

Bill· SS. 80 (102nd)open

A bill to establish a national military park to commemorate the Battle of Corinth in the State of Mississippi.

United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1991

Establishes the Corinth National Military Park in Mississippi to commemorate and interpret the events of the Battle of Corinth fought on October 3 and 4, 1862. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to prepare and submit a general management plan to appropriate congressional committees. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· SS. 156 (102nd)referred

International Military Education and Training Reform Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1991

International Military Education and Training Reform Act of 1991 - Requires at least ten percent of funds appropriated for international military education and training under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to be available for programs to train: (1) foreign civilian officials in administering military establishments and budgets; and (2) foreign military and civilian officials in maintaining military judicial systems and codes of conduct. Makes funds available for "nation building" training only in countries in which no individual could be expected to carry out such activities and in which a freely elected head of government has requested such training. Requires all trainees under such programs to receive instruction to promote adherence to: (1) protecting civilians and prisoners from harm and intimidation; (2) reporting to proper authorities all human rights abuses by military forces; and (3) accepting the authority of elected civilian officials.

Bill· SS. 78 (102nd)referred

Veterans Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1991

Veterans Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 1991 - Increases the rates of compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation, and the clothing allowance payable to veterans with service-connected disabilities and their survivors. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to adjust administratively the rates of disability compensation payable to persons who are not in receipt of compensation for service-connected disability or death.

Bill· SS. 107 (102nd)referred

Veterans Compensation Rates Adjustment Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1991

Veterans Compensation Rates Adjustment Act of 1991 - Increases the rates of compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation, and the clothing allowance payable to veterans with service-connected disabilities and their survivors. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to adjust administratively the rates of disability compensation payable to persons who are not in receipt of compensation for service-connected disability or death.

Bill· SS. 41 (102nd)referred

Veterans Compensation Rates Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1991

Veterans Compensation Rates Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 1991 - Increases the rates of compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation, and the clothing allowance payable to veterans with service-connected disabilities and their survivors. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to adjust administratively the rates of disability compensation payable to persons who are not in receipt of compensation for service-connected disability or death.

Bill· SS. 68 (102nd)referred

A bill 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 · 14 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.

Bill· SS. 1 (102nd)referred

Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Increase and Agent Orange Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1991

Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Increase and Agent Orange Act of 1991 - Title I: Compensation Rate Increases - Increases the rates of veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children. Title II: Agent Orange Exposure and Vietnam Service - States that the following diseases will be presumed to be service-connected for purposes of eligibility for veterans' disability compensation, if they become manifest to a degree of disability of ten-percent or more in a veteran who served on active duty in Vietnam during the Vietnam era: (1) non-Hodgkins lymphoma; (2) each soft-tissue sarcoma, with specified exceptions; and (3) chloracne, if it becomes manifest to such degree within one year after the last date the veteran performed active duty in Vietnam. Provides that, in the case of a Vietnam veteran exposed to certain dioxins or other herbicide agents during service in Vietnam, specified diseases listed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and identified as having a positive association with the biological effects of exposure to such herbicide agent shall be considered to have been incurred in or aggravated by such service, even though there is no record of such disease having occurred during such service. Presumes that Vietnam veterans having such disease were exposed to such dioxin or herbicide during their Vietnam service, unless there is affirmative evidence to the contrary. Authorizes the Secretary to extend the applicability of this section to those exposed to the same type of dioxins or herbicides outside of Vietnam while on active duty. Provides a presumption of service-connection in the case of a Vietnam veteran suffering from a disease associated with effects of exposure to certain dioxins or other herbicide agents during such service in Vietnam. Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations listing a positive association between any disease and the biological effects of exposure to an herbicide agent in Vietnam. Requires the Secretary, in prescribing and revising such list, to obtain by contract the determinations and estimates of a contract scientific organization. Requires such organization to: (1) determine which diseases have any degree of association with the biological effects of exposure to a herbicide agent; and (2) estimate the extent of association between each such disease and each such biological effect. Requires the organization to determine such association specifically with respect to lung cancer and each other cancer. Outlines contract provisions required in such agreements between the Secretary and the scientific organization, including surveys, evaluations, and periodic determinations. Requires such scientific organizations to provide reports to the Secretary and the Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committees regarding their determinations and evaluations. Requires such organization to determine, in the event of a positive association, whether there is a reasonable basis for concluding that a Vietnam veteran with the highest level of exposure to that herbicide agent in Vietnam was exposed to such agent under the circumstances necessary for such biological effects. Requires a report from the organization to the Secretary and the veterans' committees when there is no such reasonable basis found. Requires the Secretary to make certain determinations and follow-up reports after receiving such reports from the contract scientific organization, including the issuance of a report to the veterans' committees and the promulgation of positive association regulations, if necessary. Requires benefits to be continued even though a disease is removed from the regulations listing diseases having positive associations. Terminates such contracting authority ten years after the first day of the fiscal year in which a scientific organization transmits its first report to the Secretary. Provides interim regulations and special effective dates. Directs the Secretary to compile and analyze all clinical data that: (1) are obtained by the Department in connection with examinations and treatment of veterans for disabilities related to exposure to certain herbicides or to service in Vietnam; and (2) are likely to be scientifically useful in determining the association, if any, between the disabilities of such veterans and their exposure to such herbicides and other toxic substances. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the veterans' committees concerning such analysis and its results. Directs the Secretary to consult with the Director of the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) before compiling and analyzing such information. Requires the Director of OTA to review each annual report submitted by the Secretary and transmit to the Secretary an evaluation of the contents of each report. Directs the Secretary to establish and maintain a system for the collection and storage of voluntarily contributed samples of blood and tissue of veterans who performed active service in Vietnam during the Vietnam era. Outlines provisions concerning the security and authorized uses of such specimens, as well as limitations on the acceptance of such samples. Requires the Secretary to consult with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to the extent that an agreement has been reached with the NAS serving as the contract scientific organization for the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to consult with the Director of OTA in the event of no agreement with NAS. Directs the Secretary to establish a program to provide for the conduct of studies of the feasibility of conducting additional scientific research on health hazards resulting from: (1) exposure to dioxin; (2) exposure to other toxic agents in herbicides used in support of U.S. and allied military operations in Vietnam during the Vietnam era; and (3) active military, naval, or air service there. Requires the Secretary to report to the veterans' committees on the results of such studies. Requires the Secretary to consult with the NAS before undertaking such studies and requires the NAS to review such studies and report recommendations to the Secretary and the veterans' committees, to the extent provided under any agreement between the Secretary and the NAS. Amends the Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 1988 to require the Secretary to annually furnish updated information listed in the Department of Veterans Affairs Agent Orange Registry on health risks resulting from exposure to dioxin or other toxic agents in herbicides as a result of service in Vietnam during the Vietnam era. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to the veterans' committees on the research being conducted to develop treatments for physiological absorption of dioxin and other toxic agents used in herbicides by the United States in Vietnam, including research relating to exposure to dioxin and other toxic agents outside Vietnam. Extends through December 31, 1993, the eligibility for hospital and nursing home care for veterans exposed to toxic substances in Vietnam.

Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 19 (102nd)referred

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution altering Federal budget procedures.

United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1991

Constitutional Amendment - Requires the Congress prior to each fiscal year to adopt a statement in which total Federal outlays do not exceed total receipts, unless a three-fifths vote of both Houses authorizes a specific excess. Prohibits any increase in the public debt unless three-fifths of both Houses of the Congress enacts legislation permitting otherwise. Permits any revenue-increasing bill to become law only if approved by a majority of the whole number of both the Senate and the House of Representatives by rollcall vote. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to the Congress. Authorizes an alternative budget in which total outlays exceed receipts, if accompanied by an explanation of the need for the excess. Waives these provisions automatically when a declaration of war is in effect. Authorizes their waiver during other military conflicts, but only by joint congressional resolution that becomes law.

Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 10 (102nd)referred

A joint resolution declaring the policy of the Congress that military force be used against Iraq only as a last resort and then only in a manner consistent with the Constitution of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1991

Expresses U.S. policy: (1) to maintain a strong military establishment to protect this nation from military attack; (2) to rely first on the moral force of a united world embodied in the United Nations (UN), using its military might to assure compliance with noncombatant UN sanctions, and resorting to war only as a last resort; (3) to take all corrective action necessary to redress, rectify, or prevent: occupation and seizure of another nation by military aggression; an aggressor nation profiting from its aggression; hostage taking; the violation of foreign embassies; the manufacture or possession of weapons of mass destruction prohibited by treaty, by the norms of decency, or by UN declaration; the assumption of authoritarian governmental powers; and any other actions threatening the stability and peace of a neighboring state or region; and (4) that its first response to such violations shall be the isolation of the offending nation by the unilateral imposition of sanctions and by the promotion of similar sanctions by the UN. Approves and reconfirms the conditions imposed by the UN for the lifting of the embargo against Iraq (i.e., the freeing of all hostages, the complete removal of the Iraqi presence in Kuwait, the restoration of the legitimate Kuwait Government, and the return of compensation for all Kuwaiti property appropriated, damaged, or destroyed). Urges adoption by the UN of two additional conditions: (1) that the Iraqi Government destroy all chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons and all means of manufacturing such weapons and agree to UN on-site verification; and (2) that the independence of the Iraqi parliament be restored and free elections be monitored by the UN. Declares that the Congress has the exclusive responsibility under the Constitution to declare war and that offensive Iraqi military action against Iraq is clearly "war" as contemplated by the Constitution. Directs that the authorities exercised by the President in carrying out the UN embargo against Iraq (as an alternative to the use of offensive military force) remain in force until full compliance by Iraq with UN Security Council resolutions, or until at least January 1, 1992, whichever comes first. Prohibits offensive military action against Iraq before January 1, 1992, unless Iraq takes significant military or other action that endangers the lives of residents or troops in other countries. Requires that, in the event of Iraqi noncompliance by such date, the policy regarding the use of military force be reevaluated by the U.S. Government in concert with the UN Security Council.

Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 20 (102nd)referred

Collective Security in the Persian Gulf Resolution

United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1991

Collective Security in the Persian Gulf Resolution - Sets forth the immediate goals (unconditional Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait, restoration of sovereignty to Kuwait, and the protection of the lives of American citizens held hostage in Iraq and Kuwait) and the long-term goals (security and stability of the region and the promotion of a new world order by unprecedented and effective use of the mechanisms of collective security action) of U.S. policy in the Persian Gulf region. Authorizes the President to use U.S. armed forces in hostilities in the region: (1) for purposes of U.S. participation in collective security actions to implement specified U.N. Security Council resolutions intended to restore the sovereignty of Kuwait or to deter and defend against further Iraqi aggression; and (2) to respond to any acts of intended harm to American citizens or nationals. Directs the United States to continue to emphasize and: (1) take all necessary steps to secure adequate sharing by countries of the region and of the industrialized world of the responsibilities associated with collective security actions in the region, including the costs of military deployments and participation in economic sanctions; and (2) rely upon the procedures and instrumentalities of the United Nations system to sustain effective multilateral support for such actions. Requires the President to submit periodic reports to specified congressional officials providing a detailed description of the continuing U.S. participation in collective security actions in the region, the circumstances requiring the continuation of such participation, and the results of U.S. efforts undertaken in accordance with the goals set forth in this Act. Establishes Senate and House Leadership Groups to facilitate deliberation and executive-legislative consultation on critical decisions relating to U.S. participation in collective security actions pursuant to this Act. Sets forth provisions with respect to the composition of such groups and combined meetings. Requires the President, unless urgent circumstances do not permit, to consult with and seek advice from the Congressional Leadership Groups or a Combined Congressional Leadership Group regarding developments in the involvement of U.S. armed forces in hostilities in the region. Sets forth congressional priority procedures for congressional actions on joint resolutions requiring the President to disengage forces from hostilities within a specified number of days. Prohibits the use of funds appropriated or otherwise available for any activity which would have the purpose or effect of violating any provision of law enacted pursuant to this Act.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 35 (102nd)referred

Concerning United States assistance to the Soviet Union.

United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1991

Supports the provision of specialized technical assistance to support market reforms and democratization in the Soviet Union and emergency assistance in response to natural disasters. Opposes foreign assistance to the Soviet Union other than specialized technical assistance until: (1) there is a significant reduction in the number of Soviet intercontinental ballistic missiles and in Soviet defense expenditures; (2) economic and military aid to the Cuban Government is eliminated; (3) further major reforms of the Soviet economic and legal systems occur; and (4) Soviet troops are removed from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 2 (102nd)open

Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution

United States · United States Congress · 12 January 1991

Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution - Authorizes the President to use U.S. armed forces against Iraq pursuant to United Nations Security Council Resolution 678 to implement Resolutions 660, 661, 662, 664, 665, 666, 667, 669, 670, 674, and 677 (summarized below) after making available to the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate his determination that: (1) the United States has used all appropriate diplomatic and other peaceful means to obtain compliance by Iraq with such resolutions; and (2) those means have not been and would not be successful. Declares that this Act constitutes specific statutory authorization for the use of U.S. armed forces required under the War Powers Resolution. Requires the President to report to the Congress every 60 days on the status of efforts to obtain compliance by Iraq with the U.N. resolutions. RESOLUTION 660-AUGUST 2, 1990: Condemns Iraqi invasion of Kuwait and demands immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Iraqi forces. RESOLUTION 661-AUGUST 6, 1990: Imposes trade embargo and financial sanctions against Iraq and Iraqi-occupied Kuwait. (Medical supplies and humanitarian foodstuffs are exempt from the trade embargo.) RESOLUTION 662-AUGUST 9, 1990: Declares Iraq's annexation of Kuwait null and void and demands that Iraq rescind the annexation. RESOLUTION 664-AUGUST 18, 1990: Demands that Iraq permit immediate safe departure of foreign nationals from Iraq and Kuwait. Demands rescindment of Iraq's orders to withdraw diplomatic immunity and close diplomatic missions in Kuwait. RESOLUTION 665-AUGUST 25, 1990: Calls upon states to enforce the trade embargo against Iraq and Iraqi-occupied Kuwait. RESOLUTION 666-SEPTEMBER 14, 1990: Provides for humanitarian provision of any necessary food and medical supplies to Iraq and Kuwait. RESOLUTION 667-SEPTEMBER 16, 1990: Demands that Iraq protect diplomatic personnel and premises and take no action that hinders the performance of their duties. RESOLUTION 669-SEPTEMBER 24, 1990: Authorizes Sanctions Committee to examine requests for assistance from states confronted with special economic problems related to the sanctions. RESOLUTION 670-SEPTEMBER 25, 1990: Requires states to cooperate with air embargo and to detain any ships that are being used to violate the sanctions. (Food and medical supplies being shipped for humanitarian reasons are exempt, but subject to authorization.) RESOLUTION 674-OCTOBER 29, 1990: Reminds Iraq that it is liable under international law for any loss, damage, or injury arising in regard to Kuwait and third states and their nationals as a result of Iraq's invasion and occupation of Kuwait. RESOLUTION 677-NOVEMBER 28, 1990: Condemns Iraqi attempts to alter Kuwait's demographic composition and destroy Kuwaiti civil records. Mandates steps to be taken by the U.N. to safeguard the demographic composition of Kuwait. RESOLUTION 678-NOVEMBER 29, 1990: Authorizes member states to use all means necessary to uphold the above resolutions and restore international peace and security in the region, unless Iraq fully complies with the above resolutions on or before January 15, 1991.

Law· HJRESH.J.Res. 77 (102nd)enacted

Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution

United States · United States Congress · 12 January 1991

Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution - Authorizes the President to use U.S. armed forces against Iraq pursuant to United Nations Security Council Resolution 678 to implement Resolutions 660, 661, 662, 664, 665, 666, 667, 669, 670, 674, and 677 (summarized below) after making available to the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate his determination that: (1) the United States has used all appropriate diplomatic and other peaceful means to obtain compliance by Iraq with such resolutions; and (2) those means have not been and would not be successful. Declares that this Act constitutes specific statutory authorization for the use of U.S. armed forces required under the War Powers Resolution. Requires the President to report to the Congress every 60 days on the status of efforts to obtain compliance by Iraq with the U.N. resolutions. RESOLUTION 660-AUGUST 2, 1990: Condemns Iraqi invasion of Kuwait and demands immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Iraqi forces. RESOLUTION 661-AUGUST 6, 1990: Imposes trade embargo and financial sanctions against Iraq and Iraqi-occupied Kuwait. (Medical supplies and humanitarian foodstuffs are exempt from the trade embargo.) RESOLUTION 662-AUGUST 9, 1990: Declares Iraq's annexation of Kuwait null and void and demands that Iraq rescind the annexation. RESOLUTION 664-AUGUST 18, 1990: Demands that Iraq permit immediate safe departure of foreign nationals from Iraq and Kuwait. Demands rescindment of Iraq's orders to withdraw diplomatic immunity and close diplomatic missions in Kuwait. RESOLUTION 665-AUGUST 25, 1990: Calls upon states to enforce the trade embargo against Iraq and Iraqi-occupied Kuwait. RESOLUTION 666-SEPTEMBER 14, 1990: Provides for humanitarian provision of any necessary food and medical supplies to Iraq and Kuwait. RESOLUTION 667-SEPTEMBER 16, 1990: Demands that Iraq protect diplomatic personnel and premises and take no action that hinders the performance of their duties. RESOLUTION 669-SEPTEMBER 24, 1990: Authorizes Sanctions Committee to examine requests for assistance from states confronted with special economic problems related to the sanctions. RESOLUTION 670-SEPTEMBER 25, 1990: Requires states to cooperate with air embargo and to detain any ships that are being used to violate the sanctions. (Food and medical supplies being shipped for humanitarian reasons are exempt, but subject to authorization.) RESOLUTION 674-OCTOBER 29, 1990: Reminds Iraq that it is liable under international law for any loss, damage, or injury arising in regard to Kuwait and third states and their nationals as a result of Iraq's invasion and occupation of Kuwait. RESOLUTION 677-NOVEMBER 28, 1990: Condemns Iraqi attempts to alter Kuwait's demographic composition and destroy Kuwaiti civil records. Mandates steps to be taken by the U.N. to safeguard the demographic composition of Kuwait. RESOLUTION 678-NOVEMBER 29, 1990: Authorizes member states to use all means necessary to uphold the above resolutions and restore international peace and security in the region, unless Iraq fully complies with the above resolutions on or before January 15, 1991.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 34 (102nd)referred

Expressing the sense of the Congress that the President should develop a plan for increased financial contributions by nations allied with the United States which benefit from the commitment of United States military forces in the Persian Gulf.

United States · United States Congress · 12 January 1991

Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should develop a plan for nations allied with the United States in the Persian Gulf crisis to bear a more equitable share of the costs of Operation Desert Shield on the basis of such countries' relative economic capability, military commitment, and security interests in the region.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 33 (102nd)passed

Regarding United States policy to reverse Iraq's occupation of Kuwait.

United States · United States Congress · 12 January 1991

Declares that the Congress: (1) is firmly committed to reversing Iraq's occupation of Kuwait; and (2) supports the continued application of international sanctions and diplomatic efforts to pressure Iraq to leave Kuwait. Authorizes the continued use of American military force to enforce the United Nations economic embargo against Iraq, to defend Saudi Arabia from direct Iraqi attack, and to protect American forces in the region. Pledges continued support for sustaining the policy of increasing economic and diplomatic pressure against Iraq, maintaining military options, and seeking to increase the military and financial contributions made by allied nations. Declares that: (1) the Constitution requires the President to obtain authorization from the Congress before initiating new offensive military action or waging war against Iraq or Iraqi forces; and (2) the Congress does not rule out the enactment at a later time of a declaration of war or other congressional authorization for the use of force. Sets forth priority procedures for, and commits the House leadership to, swift consideration of any presidential request to authorize the use of force against Iraq.

Bill· HRH.R. 517 (102nd)referred

To waive age restrictions preventing the enlistment or appointment in the Armed Forces of the President, Vice President, Members of Congress, and heads of executive agencies.

United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1991

Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to accept original enlistments in a regular or reserve component of the armed forces or the Coast Guard of the President, Vice President, Members of Congress, and the heads of executive agencies, notwithstanding existing age limitations. Waives provisions concerning required retirement for age in the case of such persons.

Bill· HRH.R. 518 (102nd)referred

To provide additional life insurance under the Servicemen's Group Life Insurance Program for members of the Armed Forces assigned to duty in the Persian Gulf region in connection with Operation Desert Shield.

United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1991

Provides that, notwithstanding the current $50,000 limit on the amount of life insurance available to active-duty military personnel under the Servicemen's Group Life Insurance Program, a policy purchased by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for military personnel assigned to active duty in the Persian Gulf in connection with Operation Desert Shield shall automatically provide such member an additional $50,000 coverage. Allows such member to elect in writing not to receive such additional insurance, or to receive such additional insurance in increments of $10,000. Terminates the additional insurance when such duty in the Persian Gulf is completed. Extends such insurance for an additional period if the member sustains an injury or illness in connection with such duty.

Bill· HRH.R. 512 (102nd)referred

To provide for a bonus to veterans of World War II.

United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1991

Provides for a payment to each veteran of World War II. Specifies that the amount of any payment made under this Act shall be equal to the total amount appropriated to carry out this Act divided by the number of veterans eligible to receive such payment.

Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 1 (102nd)failed

A joint resolution regarding United States policy to reverse Iraq's occupation of Kuwait.

United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1991

Declares that the Congress: (1) is firmly committed to reversing Iraq's occupation of Kuwait; and (2) supports the continued application of international sanctions and diplomatic efforts to pressure Iraq to leave Kuwait, but does not rule out declaring war or authorizing the use of force at a later time. Authorizes the use of American military force to enforce the United Nations economic embargo against Iraq, defend Saudi Arabia from direct Iraqi attack, and protect American forces in the region. Pledges continued support for sustaining the policy of increasing economic and diplomatic pressure against Iraq, maintaining U.S. military options, and seeking to increase the military and financial contributions made by allied nations. Declares that: (1) the Constitution vests all power to declare war in the Congress; and (2) the Congress will expeditiously consider any presidential request for a declaration of war or for authority to use military force against Iraq. Sets forth congressional priority procedures for consideration of a joint resolution declaring war or authorizing military force against Iraq.

Bill· HRH.R. 475 (102nd)referred

War Cost Disclosure Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1991

War Cost Disclosure Act of 1991 - Requires the President to seek a declaration of war from the Congress before directing U.S. armed forces to engage in any hostile action or other act of war against any nation. Directs the President, whenever seeking a declaration of war or whenever U.S. armed forces are introduced into hostilities or situations described in the War Powers Resolution of 1973, to report within 48 hours to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate on: (1) the circumstances necessitating the introduction of U.S. armed forces; (2) the constitutional and legislative authority under which such introduction will take place; (3) the level of U.S. and foreign casualties expected; (4) the estimated scope, duration, and cost of the hostilities; (5) the proportion of the total cost which will be paid by U.S. allies; (6) what Federal programs should be cut and what Federal revenues should be increased to pay for military action; and (7) how U.S. armed forces personnel needs will be met and whether the draft should be reinstated to meet such needs. Requires the Comptroller General to review such report. Provides for revisions of the President's report whenever the data on cost or casualties provided by the Comptroller General exceed the estimates provided by the President.

Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 62 (102nd)referred

Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution

United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1991

Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution - Authorizes the President to use U.S. armed forces pursuant to United Nations Security Council Resolution 678 to achieve the implementation of specified other Security Council resolutions concerning Iraq's aggression against Kuwait. Requires the President, prior to exercising such authority, to make available to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate his determination that: (1) the United States has used all appropriate diplomatic and other peaceful means to obtain compliance by Iraq with such resolutions; and (2) those efforts have not been and would not be successful in obtaining such compliance. Declares that this Act grants specific statutory authorization to use such forces pursuant to the War Powers Act. Requires the President, at least every 60 days, to submit to the Congress a summary on the status of efforts to obtain compliance by Iraq with such resolutions.

Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 63 (102nd)referred

To declare that a state of war exists between the United States and the Government of Iraq.

United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1991

Declares a state of war between the United States and the Government of Iraq. Authorizes and directs the President to employ the entire U.S. armed forces and the resources of the U.S. Government to carry out war against the Iraqi Government. Pledges all of the resources of the country to a successful termination of the conflict.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 25 (102nd)referred

Expressing the sense of the Congress that notwithstanding previous debate disagreement and votes taken authorizing the use of military force in the Persian Gulf, all Members of Congress now desire to express their unified support for the President of the United States and for American and allied forces.

United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1991

Expresses the support of all Members of the Congress, notwithstanding previous debate, disagreement, and votes taken, for the action taken by the President in the Persian Gulf and for American and allied military forces involved.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 28 (102nd)referred

Expressing the sense of the Congress that the President should continue to levy stringent economic sanctions against Iraq, rather than resort to military action, and that any decision to use offensive military action must be executed only with the full consent of the Congress.

United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1991

Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the President should continue to levy stringent economic sanctions against Iraq, rather than resort to military action; and (2) any decision to use offensive military action must be executed only with the full consent of the Congress.

Bill· HRH.R. 469 (102nd)referred

To provide automatic extensions of time for the filing of tax returns, and the performance of other tax-related acts, by members of the Armed Forces of the United States serving in Operation Desert Shield.

United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1991

Extends the time for performing certain tax-related acts postponed by reason of service in a combat zone to individuals in the Armed Forces serving in the Persian Gulf region as part of Operation Desert Shield.

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