Defence

Condemning the deliberate and systematic activities of the military authority in Suriname to subvert constitutional democracy in that nation.

United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1991

Condemns the military authority of Suriname for further isolating that country from the international community at the expense of the accelerated suffering of the Surinamese people. Urges Suriname's military to return power to the duly constituted government because of lack of credibility in the promised election to be held within 100 days. Calls upon the Secretary of State to: (1) bring about an immediate cessation of all forms of foreign assistance to Suriname until constitutional democracy is restored; (2) request international financial institutions to terminate funding activities with Suriname until constitutional democracy is restored; (3) utilize the U.S. membership in the Organization of American States, the United Nations, and other international organizations to condemn the military authority in Suriname for its flagrant violation of the principles of constitutional democracy and urge their immediate restoration; and (4) cooperate with other governments in multilateral appeals structured to focus world attention on the situation in Suriname.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for payment under CHAMPUS of certain health care expenses incurred by members and former members of the Uniformed Services (and their dependents) who are entitled to retired or retainer pay and who are otherwise ineligible for such payment by reason of their entitlement to benefits under title XVIII of the Social Security Act because of a disability.

United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1991

Allows payments under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services for certain health care expenses incurred by members and former members of the uniformed services (and their dependents) who are entitled to retired or retainer pay and who are otherwise ineligible for such payments by reason of their entitlement to benefits under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act because of a disability.

To urge the President to seek the formation of a United Nations military command and force for the Persian Gulf.

United States · United States Congress · 7 January 1991

Urges the President to: (1) request an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council to establish a U.N. Military Command and Expeditionary Force for the Persian Gulf; (2) insist that such a force be constituted and supported in a manner by which the international community fairly shares the financial and military responsibilities of the operation; (3) seek the necessary authorization from the Congress for any U.S. armed forces participation as part of such a U.N. force in any offensive military actions against Iraq; and (4) give U.N. sanctions and high-level diplomacy sufficient time to bring about a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

Edson G. Case, of Maryland, to be a Member of the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board for a term expiring October 18, 1995. (Reappointment)

United States · United States Senate · 4 January 1991

A resolution relating to the contribution by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to offset the economic impact of operation Desert Shield.

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1991

Urges the President to request the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to pay: (1) the full cost of Operation Desert Shield; (2) an amount sufficient to establish a U.S. Government-administered fund from which each reserve member will receive the difference between their civilian pay before they were called to active duty and their military pay while they are on active duty for such Operation; (3) an amount sufficient to reimburse the United States for the cost of loans to Egypt the United States has forgiven due to Egypt's participation in such Operation; and (4) an amount to be agreed upon to offset the adverse impact on the U.S economy resulting from the higher oil prices caused by the Persian Gulf crisis.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate concerning U.S. Military Forces in the Persian Gulf region.

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1991

Expresses support for: (1) bipartisan efforts to bring peace to the Persian Gulf region; (2) the diplomatic initiatives undertaken by President Bush, the deployment of U.S. armed forces to the region, and the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 678; and (3) the goals and objectives of Operation Desert Shield. Urges the U.S. armed forces to continue to develop a strategy, plans, and contingency capability to achieve a quick, decisive victory in the event that the use of military force against Iraq becomes necessary.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that Congress must approve any offensive military action against Iraq.

United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1991

Supports: (1) the actions taken by the President to defend Saudi Arabia; and (2) the President's diplomatic and economic initiatives to resolve the Persian Gulf crisis. Demands that Iraq immediately withdraw from its illegal occupation of Kuwait. Finds that: (1) the Constitution vests all power to declare war in the Congress; and (2) any offensive military action taken by the United States against Iraq must be pursuant to an explicit authorization by the Congress before such action may be initiated.

Veterans Compensation Amendments of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Veterans Compensation Amendments of 1991 - Title I: Compensation Rate Increases - Increases the rates of: (1) veterans' disability compensation; (2) additional compensation for veterans' dependents; (3) the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans; (4) dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children; and (5) supplemental dependency and indemnity compensation for disabled adult children. 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. Title II: Future Cost-Of-Living Adjustments - Requires the Secretary to increase such rates at the same time and by the same percentage as any increase in social security benefit amounts paid under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act.

To expand the boundaries of the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County Battlefields Memorial National Military Park.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Amends the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County Battlefields Memorial National Military Park Expansion Act of 1989 to expand the boundaries of the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County Battlefields Memorial National Military Park in Virginia to include specified lands.

Systematic Approach for Value Engineering Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Systematic Approach for Value Engineering Act - Directs Federal executive agency heads to mandate value engineering reviews for Federal contracts for: (1) construction or architectural or engineering services for projects over $2,000,000; and (2) major systems procurement and any subcontract of such a procurement contract for over 20 percent of the total procurement contract amount. Directs heads of executive and military departments and wholly owned Government corporations administering programs that provide grants to State and local governments to enable them to enter into such contracts or subcontracts to require such governments to obtain value engineering reviews as a condition for obtaining program grants. Provides for voluntary value engineering reviews. Provides that the activities and expenses of certain subcontractors shall be included in such a review if the reviewer considers it appropriate. Requires the heads of contracting executive agencies to periodically conduct, or provide for the conduct of, value engineering reviews of their agencies. Requires such Federal officials to establish a system within the agency to ensure that value engineering requirements are conscientiously and effectively implemented. Directs the Inspectors General of each executive agency to submit to the Congress and to each executive agency head a report on the implementation of the value engineering requirements of this Act.

Government Procurement Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Government Procurement Act of 1991 - Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 and Federal armed forces provisions to direct Federal agency heads, in evaluating an offeror's price contained in any bid or proposal for any procurement in excess of $100,000, to treat as containing the lowest price the bid or proposal which will yield the lowest net cost to the Government. Directs such Federal officials, in determining the net costs to the Government, to deduct from the offeror's price any receipts which are likely to accrue to the Government through the offeror's performance of the procurement contract.

To require the President to direct the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to submit to the appropriate committees of the Congress a joint report addressing the question of United States Government responsibility for providing benefits and services to individuals who served with certain voluntary organizations in support of the Armed Forces of the United States stationed in the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam era.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Requires the President to direct the Secretaries of Defense, Health and Human Services, and Veterans Affairs to submit to the appropriate committees of the Congress, no later than 180 days after the enactment of this Act, a joint report addressing the question of Government responsibility for providing benefits and services to individuals who served with certain volunteer organizations in support of U.S. armed forces stationed in Vietnam during the Vietnam era.

To amend section 3104 of title 38, United States Code, to permit retired members of the Armed Forces who have a service-connected disability to receive compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs, without reduction, concurrently with retired pay reduced on the basis of the degree of the disability rating of such retired member.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

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. Expresses the sense of the Congress that, once the Federal budget deficit has been reduced, the Congress should reexamine and eliminate any offset of retired pay by a veteran's disability compensation.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide that the disease of transverse myelitis occurring in a veteran within seven years from the date of the veteran's discharge or release from active duty shall be considered to be service-connected.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Provides that the disease of transverse myelitis occurring in a veteran within seven years from the date of the veteran's discharge or release from active duty shall be considered to be service-connected.

Violent Crime and Drug Control Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Violent Crime and Drug Control Act of 1991 - Title I: Death Penalty - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish criteria for the imposition of the death penalty for Federal crimes. Requires the Government, for any offense punishable by death, to serve notice upon the defendant a reasonable time before trial or acceptance of a plea, that it intends to seek the death penalty and the aggravating factors upon which it will rely. Requires a separate sentencing hearing before a jury, or the court upon motion by the defendant, when the defendant is found guilty or pleads guilty to an offense punishable by death. Allows the defendant and the Government to present any information relevant to sentencing, without regard to the rules of evidence, but permits evidence to be excluded where its probative value is substantially outweighed by the danger of creating unfair prejudice, confusing the issues, or misleading the jury. Specifies mitigating factors which the defendant must establish by a preponderance of the information and aggravating factors which the Government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt. Sets forth special aggravating factors for: (1) espionage, treason, homicide, the attempted murder of the President; and (2) drug offenses punishable by the death penalty (such factors include previous serious drug felony convictions, use of a firearm in committing or furthering certain continuing criminal enterprises, use of minors in trafficking, and lethal adulteration of controlled substances). Directs the court, or the jury by unanimous vote, to impose the death penalty upon a finding of at least one aggravating and no mitigating factor, or one or more aggravating factors which outweigh any mitigating factors. States that no person who was under 18 years of age at the time of the offense may be sentenced to death. Requires the court to instruct the jury not to consider the race, color, national origin, creed, or sex of the defendant or victim in its consideration of the sentence. Establishes procedures for appeal from a death sentence. Requires the court of appeals, upon consideration of the record and the information and procedures of the sentencing hearing, to affirm the decision if: (1) the sentence was not imposed under the influence of passion, prejudice, or any other arbitrary factor; and (2) the information supports the finding of aggravating factors. Requires the court to provide a written explanation of its determination. Sets forth procedures for the implementation of the sentence of death. Limits the circumstances under which the offense of delivering defense information to aid foreign governments is punishable by death. Provides for the imposition of the death penalty for: (1) murder committed by prisoners in Federal prisons; (2) kidnappings which result in the death of any person; (3) hostage takings which result in the death of any person; (4) attempting to kill the President of the United States (if such attempt results in bodily injury or comes dangerously close to causing the President's death); (5) "murder for hire"; (6) murder in the aid of a racketeering activity; (7) international terrorism (where the killing is a first-degree murder); (8) engaging in a criminal enterprise activity which results in death; (9) specified violations of the Controlled Substances Act, the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act, and the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act; and (10) genocide. Increases the minimum sentence to life imprisonment for the crime of bank robbery which results in death. Provides for appointment of counsel in Federal cases where a defendant is charged with a crime with respect to which a sentence of death is sought and is or becomes financially unable to obtain adequate representation. Sets forth additional provisions with respect to: (1) representation before and after review of judgment; (2) standards for competence of counsel; and (3) claims of ineffectiveness of counsel. Authorizes, in the discretion of the court, appointment of counsel for a petitioner who is or becomes financially unable to afford counsel in Federal habeas corpus proceedings involving State prisoners in capital cases. Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) deadlines for collateral attacks on judgments imposing a sentence of death; and (2) stays of execution. Title II: Criminal Justice System Reform - Subtitle A: Habeas Corpus Proceedings Relating to Death Penalty Cases - Amends the Federal judicial code to set forth special habeas corpus procedures in capital cases. Applies such procedures to Federal habeas corpus cases brought by prisoners in State custody who are subject to a capital sentence. Makes the applicability of such procedures contingent upon a State establishing a mechanism for the appointment, compensation, and payment of reasonable litigation expenses of competent counsel in State post-conviction proceedings brought by indigent prisoners whose capital convictions and sentences have been upheld on direct appeal to the court of last resort in the State or have otherwise become final for State law purposes. States that the rule of court on statutes establishing such mechanism must provide standards of competency for the appointment of such counsel. Directs that any such mechanism must offer counsel to all State prisoners under capital sentence and must provide for the entry of an order by a court of record: (1) appointing counsel to represent the prisoner upon a specified finding; (2) finding that the prisoner has rejected the offer of counsel and made the decision with an understanding of its legal consequences; or (3) denying the appointment of counsel upon a finding that the prisoner is not indigent. Provides for a mandatory stay of execution during the post-conviction review initiated pursuant to this Act. Details conditions which will cause such stay to expire. Prohibits a Federal court, if one of such conditions has occurred, from entering a stay of execution or granting relief in a capital case unless: (1) the basis for the stay and request for relief is a claim not previously presented in the State or Federal courts; (2) the failure to raise the claim was the result of State action in violation of the Constitution or laws of the United States, was the result of a recognition by the Supreme Court of a new Federal right that is retroactively applicable, or is due to the fact that the claim is based on facts that could not have been discovered through the exercise of reasonable diligence in time to present the claim for State or Federal post-conviction review; and (3) the facts underlying the claim would be sufficient, if proven, to undermine the court's confidence in the jury's determination of guilt on the offense for which the death penalty was imposed. Imposes time limits on filing for habeas corpus relief. Requires such time limits to be tolled under specified conditions. Requires the district court, upon the development of a complete evidentiary record, to rule on the merits of the claims properly before it. Makes the requirement for a certificate of probable cause inapplicable, with exceptions, where: (1) a second or successive petition is filed; and (2) certain requirements under a unitary review procedure (i.e., a State procedure that authorizes a person under sentence of death to raise, in the course of direct review of judgment, such claims as could be raised on collateral attack) are met. Subtitle B: General Habeas Corpus Reform - Amends the Federal judicial code to prohibit consideration of a habeas corpus claim by a State prisoner unless actual prejudice resulted from the denial of a Federal right and: (1) State action precluded assertion of the right; (2) the Federal right asserted was newly recognized; (3) the factual basis of the claim could not have been discovered through the exercise of reasonable diligence prior to the procedural default; or (4) a constitutional violation asserted in the claim probably resulted in a factually erroneous conviction or a sentence predicated on an erroneous factual determination. Establishes a one-year statute of limitations for habeas corpus actions brought by State prisoners. Vests authority to issue certificates for probable cause for appeal of habeas corpus orders exclusively in the courts of appeals. Permits denial on the merits of habeas corpus writs notwithstanding the failure to exhaust State remedies. Prohibits the granting of a habeas corpus writ with respect to any claim which has been fully and fairly adjudicated in State proceedings. Sets forth provisions with respect to the appointment of counsel. Subtitle C: Exclusionary Rule - Amends the Federal criminal code to bar the exclusion of evidence obtained as a result of a search or seizure carried out under circumstances justifying an objectively reasonable belief that it was in conformity with the fourth amendment. Specifies that evidence shall not be excluded on the ground that it was obtained in violation of a statute, an administrative rule or regulation, or a rule of procedure unless exclusion is expressly authorized by statute or by a rule prescribed by the Supreme Court pursuant to statutory authority.

Surplus Vessel Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Surplus Vessel Act of 1991 - Deems vessels in the national defense reserve that were constructed before 1946 to be surplus property and requires that they be disposed of by the Administrator of General Services by selling them for scrapping in the United States, disposing of 20 vessels the first year after this Act becomes effective, 30 vessels the second year, and not more than 50 vessels each year thereafter. Declares that the authority of the Secretary of Commerce under specified provisions of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 and the Secretary of Transportation under specified provisions of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 shall not apply to vessels deemed surplus under this Act. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to retain 15 of such surplus vessels for use for offshore artificial reefs under specified provisions of Federal law.

Defense Economic Adjustment Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Defense Economic Adjustment Act - Title I: Defense Economic Adjustment Council - Establishes in the Executive Office of the President the Defense Economic Adjustment Council to be co-chaired by the Secretaries of Commerce and Labor. Establishes in the Executive Office an Office of Economic Adjustment, headed by a Director, to provide staff support to the Council. Directs the Council to disseminate information from the Secretary of Defense to Federal, State, and local agencies concerning proposed or pending changes in defense spending which would affect employment in the defense industry. Requires the Council to perform other duties, including: (1) encouraging the preparation of plans for non-defense-related public projects; (2) coordinating and developing information on priority, federally-funded projects and programs pertaining to defense economic adjustment; (3) monitoring job services information banks; and (4) determining criteria for eligibility for assistance under this Act. Directs the Secretary of Defense to provide the pertinent information to the Council a year in advance of any change and to furnish the Council with projected future defense spending levels. Directs the Council to prepare and distribute a Conversion Guidelines Handbook to outline requirements of programs for professional retraining of personnel. Title II: Community Economic Adjustment Planning - Makes eligible for Federal assistance for economic adjustment planning any community which is substantially affected by reduction or elimination of Government defense facilities or curtailment or conclusion of defense contracts. Directs the Council to make available to alternative use committees information on economic development programs of any Federal instrumentality which provides funds that may be used for planning. Requires the Council to report to the Congress at least annually on any such economic development program. Directs the Council to use data from other departments to develop criteria which ensures that assistance is directed to those communities that are most vulnerable economically to reductions in defense expenditures. Requires the Council to publish a semiannual list of eligible communities. Requires excess property resulting from a closing or reduction in a Government-owned facility to be appraised for purposes of resale to the community. Title III: Alternative Use Committees - Requires the establishment of alternative use committees at defense facilities to plan for economic conversion in the event of closure or reduction. Directs such committees to: (1) evaluate the assets of the facilities and the resources and requirements of the local community; (2) develop at least biennially a detailed plan for conversion of the facility to non-defense-related productive activity; and (3) provide retraining and reemployment counseling services. Requires conversion plans to maximize the pool of skills of available personnel and specify in detail the composition of the work force and plant, material, and financing requirements. Penalizes any contractor who fails to submit an alternative use plan or carry out one approved by the Council by making such contractor ineligible for future defense contracts for three years. Title IV: Economic Adjustment Assistance for Workers - Makes displaced workers certified by the local alternative use committees to the Council eligible for benefits for two years under this Act. Includes among such benefits: weekly compensation, vested pension credit, maintenance of health insurance, retraining for civilian work, job search allowance, and reimbursement for relocation expenses. Requires completion of a program of professional retraining before certain employees are eligible for assistance. Directs the Council to enter into agreements with a State or agency in the State administering the unemployment compensation law to disburse benefits under this Act. Requires displaced workers to accept any employment determined by the State agency or Secretary of Labor to be comparable to the former job, or benefits will terminate. Excludes these benefits from other determinations of eligibility for unemployment compensation under any Federal or State law. Title V: Economic Adjustment Fund - Establishes in the Treasury a Workers Economic Adjustment Reserve Trust Fund. Requires defense contractors to pay a specified percentage into the Fund. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to deposit a percentage of the projected savings resulting from a cancellation or cutback in defense spending. Title VI: Use of Certain Research Funds - Requires the Council to define urgent national requirements for nondefense sectors of the economy in any determination of the Secretary of Defense as to how certain research and development funds are to be spent. Title VII: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations.

To amend chapter 47 of title 10, United States Code (the Uniform Code of Military Justice), to establish procedures for the adjudication by courts-martial of sentences of capital punishment.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to establish the procedures under which a court-martial may prescribe the death sentence. States that the sentence of death must be concurred in unanimously by all members of the court-martial. States that the offense in question must be one expressly made punishable by death. Requires the trial counsel to provide the accused in a capital punishment case with notice of the intent to prove the existence of an aggravating factor, which is required before a sentence of death may be pronounced. Lists the possible aggravating factors to be relied upon by the trial counsel, including commiting an offense in the presence of the enemy, presenting a grave risk or causing substantial damage to the national security, attempting to avoid hazardous duty, committing the offense in time of war, committing the offense while confined in prison or while committing a crime of a serious nature, or perpetrating a killing. Requires the military judge in charge, in the presence of the accused and counsel, to instruct the members of the court-martial on the aggravating factors set forth, all applicable requirements and procedures, and the requirement to consider all evidence in extenuation and mitigation before adjudging a sentence of death. Outlines voting procedures to be followed by court-martial members when determining a sentence of death. Prohibits a death sentence from being adjudged unless each member of the court-martial concurs that: (1) at least one aggravating factor has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt; and (2) the aggravating circumstances substantially outweigh any extenuating or mitigating circumstances or are themselves sufficient to justify a sentence of death. Requires any aggravating factors found to be announced by the military judge upon determination of the death sentence.

To transfer a portion of Fort Sheridan, Illinois, to the Department of Veterans Affairs for use as a National Cemetery.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Directs the Secretary of the Army to transfer to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs a portion of Fort Sheridan, Illinois, for use as a national cemetery.

To amend title 38, United States Code, with respect to veterans programs for housing and memorial affairs, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to provide that, after FY 1990, the limitation on the number of homes purchased by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for which loan guaranty defaults occurred which may be financed by a loan made by the Secretary shall cease to have effect. Provides that, as of October 1, 1990, the Secretary may sell any note evidencing such a loan with or without recourse if the amount received is not less than the unpaid balance of such loan. Prohibits the Secretary from selling any note evidencing a loan for which the Guaranty and Indemnity Fund is available before October 1, 1993. Repeals the current December 31, 1990, termination date of such property management provisions. Extends through December 31, 1991, current provisions relating to default procedures and the procedure for real estate appraisals to be followed by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary, at the request of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), to certify whether an applicant for assistance under laws administered by HUD is a veteran. Provides that an applicant for a loan made, guaranteed, or insured by the Department of Veterans Affairs shall not be subject to reporting requirements applicable to requests for, or receipts of, Federal contracts, grants, loans, or cooperative agreements, except to the extent that those requirements are provided for in, or by the Secretary pursuant to, the veterans' housing loan guaranty program. Revises procedures concerning the application made by a veteran to the Secretary for waiver of repayment of any overpayment of benefits made by the Department to a veteran when it is determined that such recovery would be against equity and good conscience. Strikes a $144,000 limit on the amount of a housing loan automatically guaranteed by the United States for an eligible veteran's housing loan. Authorizes the Secretary, during FY 1991 through 1994, to carry out a compensated work therapy and therapeutic transitional housing demonstration program (program). Makes eligible for the program veterans who are furnishing therapeutic and rehabilitative activities through the Department or who are furnished therapeutic work pursuant to activities provided through the Department for such purpose. Authorizes the Secretary, under such program, to operate residences as therapeutic transitional housing solely for such eligible veterans. Limits to 50 the number of such residences authorized to be operated. Authorizes the Secretary to contract with non-profit corporations to conduct compensated work therapy programs under the program. Outlines contracting conditions. Authorizes the contract to allow for the Secretary to furnish the corporation with in-kind services. Allows the Secretary to use procurement procedures to purchase or lease residential housing for the purposes of the program. Outlines conditions for such transitional housing, including the payment of rent for resident veterans. Requires a house manager for each residence used for such housing. Authorizes the Secretary to use any suitable residential property for such housing, including property acquired through default of loans under the veterans' home loan guaranty program. Requires the Secretary to prescribe: (1) a procedure for establishing reasonable rental rates for veterans residing in such housing; and (2) appropriate limits on the period such veterans may reside in such housing. Authorizes the Secretary to dispose of property after use as such housing and to deposit the proceeds into the General Post Fund of the Department. Requires the Secretary to report on the operation of such program after two years of its existence. Authorizes the Secretary to make loans to assist nonprofit organizations in providing transitional housing for veterans who are or recently have been in a program for the treatment of substance abuse. Outlines terms, conditions, and limitations of such loan program. Requires the Secretary to report on the Department's experience with the program 15 months after the first loan under the program is granted. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements with nonprofit organizations and States or political subdivisions to sell real property acquired as the result of a default on a loan made, insured, or guaranteed by the Secretary under the veterans' home loan guaranty program. Sets the following conditions for such agreements: (1) that the Secretary determines that such action will not adversely affect the ability of the Department to fulfill its statutory mission with respect to the veterans' home loan guaranty program; (2) that the entity to which the property is sold agrees to utilize such property solely as a shelter primarily for homeless veterans and their families, to comply with all zoning laws, and to make no use of the property that is incompatible with the area; and (3) that the Secretary determines that there is no significant likelihood of the property being sold for a price sufficient to reduce the liability of the Department or the veteran who defaulted on the loan. Authorizes the Secretary to contract for the provision of rehabilitative and therapeutic services to veterans with any appropriate source, whether or not such source is an element of the Department or any other Federal entity. (Current law allows such contractual arrangements with private industry or other sources outside the Department.) Authorizes the Secretary to provide for flat grave markers in the section of the Florida National Cemetery in which preplaced grave liners were installed before July 30, 1988. Provides for credits to the Guaranty and Indemnity Fund in specified amounts depending on the fiscal year made in the case of a guaranteed or insured loan for a home purchase or for construction with respect to which a veteran has made a down payment of ten percent or more of the total purchase price. Ratifies certain actions and inactions taken by the Secretary or the Secretary of the Treasury with respect to such loans and their fees when taken between October 1, 1990, and the date of enactment of this Act.

Voluntary National Service Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Voluntary National Service Act of 1991 - Title I: Domestic Voluntary Service - Subtitle A: Establishment and Implementation of Program - Establishes a program of voluntary domestic service (the Program) to be administered by the Director of the ACTION Agency (the Director), acting through the Associate Director for Domestic and Anti-Poverty Operations. Makes individuals age 16 or over eligible to apply to serve as full-time or part-time community service volunteers under such program. Sets forth various types of such national community service to meet the unmet needs of States, local governments, or other communities, including educational services, human services, conservation services, public safety services, and service in existing national programs, such as the Peace Corps and VISTA. Provides for application and placement processes and stipends and educational assistance for volunteers. Subtitle B: Provision of Community Services under the Program - Requires each State Governor to designate an administrator with specified duties for the Program in his or her State. Requires a State community service plan as a condition for State receipt of Program grants. Requires each State to provide certain training for volunteers to perform their community service assignments safely and sucessfully. Requires, in addition to such State training, each volunteer to receive training from the sponsoring government agency or organization in skills relevant to the work to be conducted. Directs the Associate Director to: (1) receive and review State community service plans; and (2) make grants to eligible States to assist them in implementing approved plans and paying volunteer stipends. Sets forth requirements, including State enforcement procedures, for preventing worker displacement due to the Program placements. Title II: International Voluntary Service - Amends the Peace Corps Act to provide for one-year placement of overseas volunteers with a private voluntary organization, with an option for an additional year of such service. Authorizes the President to assign up to 200 volunteers to carry out secretarial or clerical duties on the staffs of the Peace Corps respresentatives abroad. Directs the President, acting through the Secretary of Education, to pay up to $6,700 of the principal and interest of educational loans incurred by a volunteer, for each complete year of service performed under this Act (with a limitation of $13,400 on the total of such loan repayment for any individual). Provides that such payments shall be in lieu of the cancellation of Perkins direct student loans under the Higher Education Act of 1965 for service in the Peace Corps. Title III: Police Corps Program - Police Corps Act - Establishes an Office of the Police Corps within the Justice Department, to be headed by a Director appointed by the President and subject to Senate confirmation. Authorizes the Director of the Office of the Police Corps to agree to repay the educational loans of State Police Corps program participants and reimburse them for educational expenses of up to a specified amount following completion of: (1) an educational course of study; (2) Federal training; and (3) four years of State or local police force service. Limits participants in such programs to 15,000 people in each annual graduating class. Declares that the Director's obligation to pay a participant's educational expenses shall be void and the Director shall be entitled to recover from the participant the amount of any interest on an educational loan that the Director has paid if the participant fails to complete the educational study, Federal training, and required service, unless the failure is the result of death or permanent disability. Provides that a dependent child of a law enforcement officer who is not a program participant and who is killed in the line of duty shall be entitled to the educational assistance authorized in this Act without incurring any service obligation. Sets forth selection criteria of and qualifications for participants for State Police Corps programs. Requires each State participating in the Police Corps to make special efforts to seek and recruit minorities without relaxing admission standards. Requires the Director to establish up to three training centers to provide basic law enforcement training to State Police Corps program participants. Requires participants to attend two eight-week training sessions at such training centers and to meet certain performance standards in order to remain in the Police Corps program. Requires the Director to pay participants a weekly stipend during training. Requires a State, in order to participate in the Police Corps program, to submit a plan for implementing such program to the Director for approval. Requires such plan to include specified assurances and to provide that program participants shall be assigned to geographic areas with the greatest need for additional law enforcement personnel and where they will be used most effectively. Requires the Director to report annually to the President and the Congress. Title IV: Nonmilitary Educational Assistance Programs - Requires that individuals who are serving in any of the voluntary programs established or amended under this Act be eligible during their volunteer service (in the same manner as volunteers under the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973) for deferment of repayment of certain student loans under the Higher Education Act of 1965. Title V: All-Volunteer Force Educational Assistance Program - Increases basic benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill program, for both the active duty program and the selected reserve program. Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes appropriations to the ACTION Agency, the Department of Education , the Peace Corps, the Department of Justice, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

To authorize the Secretary of Labor to issue exemplary rehabilitation certificates for certain individuals discharged from the Armed Forces.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Authorizes the Secretary of Labor, in the case of any individual discharged or dismissed from the armed forces under conditions other than honorable, to consider an application for, and issuance to such person of, an Exemplary Rehabilitation Certificate, if it is established that such person has rehabilitated himself, that his character is good, and that his conduct, activities, and habits since he was discharged or dismissed have been exemplary for a reasonable period of time, but not less than three years. Directs the Secretary of Labor to supply to the Secretary of Defense a copy of each such certificate issued, and requires the Secretary of Defense to place such certificate in the military personnel record of the affected individual. Permits the use of both oral and written evidence in the determination of the appropriateness of the certificate, including an appearance in person or by counsel before the Secretary of Labor by the individual being considered. Provides that no Federal or veterans' benefits shall accrue to an individual receiving such a certificate, unless the individual was previously eligible for such benefits under the original discharge or dismissal. Directs the Secretary of Labor to ensure that public employment offices accord to any person so discharged or dismissed but receiving an Exemplary Rehabilitation Certificate special counseling and job development assistance. Directs the Secretary of Labor, no later than January 15 of each year, to report to the Congress the number of cases reviewed under this Act and the number of certificates issued. Authorizes the Secretary to issue regulations, delegate authority, and utilize the services of the Office of Personnel Management in carrying out this Act.

Defense Production Act Amendments of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Defense Production Act Amendments of 1991 -Amends the Defense Production Act of 1950 to restate the defense mobilization preparedness policy of the United States. Places the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in charge of coordinating the efforts to maintain geographical dispersion of defense facilities. (Currently, the Office of Defense Mobilization is in charge of such effort.) Requires executive agencies and departments responsible for defense acquisition to continuously assess the capability of the defense industrial base to satisfy near-term and mobilization production requirements. States that plans and programs to carry out the policy stated above shall duly consider the promotion of efficiency and competition. Repeals as inconsistent with changes made under this Act the National Commission on Supplies and Shortages Act of 1974. Expresses certain congressional findings disapproving the growing U.S. dependency on foreign sources for parts and materials used to manufacture major weapons systems for our national defense, and requests the strengthening of the industrial capability of the United States to independently produce its major weapons systems. Directs the President, before the end of the five-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, to limit to domestic manufacturing and assembly sources those existing or new weapons and weapon parts or components which the President determines are critical to: (1) maintain in case of national emergency or to achieve national mobilization; or (2) establish or maintain essential engineering, research, or development capabilities. Directs the President, in all defense-related procurement actions, to consider: (1) the extent to which domestic sources for the materials or services being procured can meet defense needs for six months following a declaration of war or other hostilities; (2) the effect the procurement would have on U.S. industrial capacity; and (3) a comparison of costs and benefits of acquiring such products off-shore or domestically. Requires the President to report to the Congress on action taken. Authorizes the President to use certain existing incentives to implement these provisions, subject to specified limitations. Directs the President to designate those weapons, weapon systems, and industries determined to be critically needed for the national defense to be given first priority for assistance under this Act for the modernization of manufacturing facilities and equipment and the production of materials. Directs the President to seek to develop the domestic production of materials, services, and skills affecting a critical weapon, weapon system, or industry that is in short supply. Directs the President, in providing such assistance, to give a strong preference to contractors and subcontractors which are small- and medium-sized businesses. Authorizes funds under the Defense Production Act of 1950 to be set aside to guarantee the purchase or lease of advanced manufacturing equipment and related services. Outlines conditions under which small business subcontractors will be given assistance preference by the President. Establishes an information system on the domestic defense industrial base to be incorporated into the Defense Information Network (DINET). Specifies certain reviews and other information required to be included in the analysis of the production base for any major defense procurement project which is included in the information system. Directs the President, in establishing the information system, to require the Secretary of each military department to incorporate in such system a complete analysis of the production base of no fewer than four weapons of such department which are major weapon systems. Requires the President to provide for a strategic plan for maximizing the use and usefulness of the information system by incorporating in such system a complete analysis of the production base for each major system begun after enactment of this Act. Requires interagency consultation and coordination. Directs the President, upon the establishment of the information system, to convene a task force to establish guidelines and procedures to ensure that all Federal departments and agencies acquiring information with respect to the domestic defense industrial base are fully participating in the system. Authorizes appropriations. Extends through FY 1995 the provisions of the Defense Production Act of 1950, except for certain provisions of title I of such Act, which terminate at the end of FY 1992. Extends the authorization of appropriations under such Act. Requires the President to submit an annual report to the Congress on the expansion of productive capacity and supply. Prohibits the use of any authority provided under title I of such Act for the production of chemical or biological weapons except under written authorization by the President. Permits executives being trained and organized in the National Defense Executive Reserve and participating in voluntary agreements or plans of action under direction of the President and pursuant to treaty obligations to be given antitrust and breach of contract immunity when undertaking any emergency actions. Exempts such activities from provisions of the National Advisory Committee Act. Establishes a conflict-of-interests exemption for executives serving in the National Defense Executive Reserve and for those engaged in voluntary planning for defense mobilization purposes. Describes the scope of the exemption and specifies activities to which the exemption shall not extend. Provides notice and financial disclosure requirements. Exempts such activities from provisions of the Advisory Committee Act. Establishes the Congressional Commission on the Evaluation of the Defense Industrial Base Policy to develop criteria for evaluating the national policy for maintaining the strength of the domestic defense industrial base. Requires the Commission to consider the extent to which the authority, policy, plans, budgets, and programs of each Federal agency and department which has any responsibility for maintaining the strength of the domestic industrial base: (1) are adequate for maintaining the strength of the domestic defense industrial base; and (2) are being effectively implemented and sufficiently coordinated with other appropriate departments and agencies. Requires the Commission to submit interim and final reports to the Congress and the President on findings with respect to the domestic defense industrial base, together with recommendations for legislative, administrative, or policy action. Terminates the Commission on September 30, 1992. Authorizes appropriations. Revises certain definitions under the Defense Production Act of 1950. Directs the President to prepare and submit biennially to the Congress the projected capacity and potential prospects for the use of alternative and renewable sources of energy for defense mobilization, industrial preparedness, and related purposes. Extends through FY 1992 a loan guaranty program under the Geothermal Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1974. Repeals specified Federal law made inconsistent by the provisions of this Act, including the National Commission on Supplies and Shortages Act of 1974 which established such Commission to curb dependence on foreign sources for certain natural resources.

To require that the President negotiate with Japan an agreement whereby Japan reimburses the United States for a portion of the costs the United States incurs in providing a military defense of Japan.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Requires the President to seek negotiations with the Japanese Government to reach an agreement requiring the Japanese Government to pay to the United States an annual security fee equal to three percent of the Japanese annual gross national product less the amount actually spent by the Japanese Government for defense for the preceding year. Requires the President, within one year after enactment of this Act, to notify the Congress whether such agreement has been reached. Provides that the Congress should consider legislation imposing import duties on Japanese products to generate revenues equal to such fee if: (1) no such agreement has been reached; or (2) the agreement reached does not satisfy requirements of this Act.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to require that, in the case of defense acquisition programs that are designated as special access program, certain total program cost and program schedule information must be disclosed to Congress after those programs have passed a level of outlays of $50,000,000 or more.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Amends Federal defense acquisition provisions to require the Secretary of Defense to report on program cost and schedule information to the Senate and House Armed Services Committees whenever obligations for a defense special access program (a classified program) exceed $50,000,000.

To provide that funds appropriated to the Department of Defense may not be used to purchase articles of packaged food not packaged in the United States or its possessions.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Prohibits funds appropriated to the Department of Defense from being used to purchase packaged food that was not packaged in the United States or its possessions.

Independent Defense Procurement Corps Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Independent Defense Procurement Corps Act of 1991 - Title I: Independent Defense Procurement Corps - Establishes as an independent agency in the executive branch the Independent Defense Procurement Corps. Requires the Director of the Corps to establish a personnel system for civilian personnel within the Corps. Allows current members of the armed forces to fill the initial staff requirements of the Corps for no longer than five years after enactment of this Act, unless certain conditions have been met. Requires the Corps to carry out all procurement functions of the Department of Defense (DOD). Requires the Corps to: (1) operate as the sole negotiator between the private sector and DOD in defense procurement business; (2) seek and receive evaluations and advice from specified officials within DOD about the need and justification for property and services; and (3) carry out functions and relevant acquisition regulations of DOD relating to the research, development, and production of property and services. Requires the Secretary of Defense to be the chief liaison between DOD and the Corps for purposes of communicating the views of DOD, including the military departments and defense agencies, on acquisition matters. Prohibits a person from serving as Director if such person has been employed by a defense contractor or the Corps, has served on active duty with the armed forces, or has been a consultant to DOD during the three-year period before being nominated as Director. Prohibits a former Director from accepting compensation for a period of five years after leaving office from any person under contract with DOD or the Corps during the period in which such person served as Director. Provides similar three-year limitations for staff members of the Corps. Requires the Director to submit to the President, the Congress, and the Secretary of Defense annual reports on the activities of the Corps. Terminates the position of Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition. Transfers to the Director all procurement functions from various offices within the departments and agencies of DOD. Title II: Inspector General for Defense Procurement - Establishes the Office of the Inspector General for Defense Procurement as an independent office in the executive branch. Requires the Inspector General to appoint: (1) an Assistant Inspector General for Auditing who shall be responsible for auditing the programs and operations of the Corps; and (2) an Assistant Inspector General for Investigations who shall be responsible for supervising the performance of investigative activities relating to such programs and operations. Prohibits a person from serving as Inspector General if such person has been employed by, or has been a consultant to, a person under contract with DOD or the Corps, has served on active duty as an officer in the armed forces, or has been a consultant to DOD during the five-year period ending on the date on which the person is nominated to be Inspector General. Prohibits a former Inspector General from accepting compensation for five years after serving in such position from any person under contract with DOD or the Corps during the period in which the person served as Inspector General. Provides similar three-year limitations for employees of the Office. Prohibits any member of the armed forces, active or reserve, from being appointed to the Office under this Act.

Troubled Defense Programs Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Troubled Defense Programs Accountability Act - Prohibits funds appropriated for a major defense procurement system from being released to the Secretary of the military department concerned until the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition finds, and the Comptroller of the Department of Defense concurs, that the system meets established requirements and criteria (in terms of cost, schedule, technical specifications, and testing). Authorizes the Comptroller to release funds for a system to the extent necessary to enable the system to meet such requirements and criteria. Requires the Secretary of each military department, at the beginning of each fiscal year, to establish a funding schedule (expressed as projected costs for meeting requirements and criteria) for each system. Directs each Secretary to maintain and update such schedules to reflect changes in requirements, criteria, and projected costs. Requires the Comptroller to review such schedules.

To amend section 3104 of title 38, United States Code, to permit retired members of the Armed Forces who have service-connected disabilities to receive compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs concurrently with retired pay, without deduction from either.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Permits certain veterans with service-connected disabilities who are retired members of the uniformed services to receive compensation concurrently with retired pay, without deduction from either.

To provide benefits under the Survivor Benefit Plan to surviving spouses of certain members of the Armed Forces retired before September 21, 1972.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Amends the Uniformed Services Survivor Benefits Amendments of 1980 to entitle certain individuals who were widowed before September 21, 1972, and who are not covered by the Military Survivor Benefit Plan to an annuity.

Desert Shield Burden-Sharing Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Desert Shield Burden-Sharing Act of 1991 - Directs the President to determine whether each foreign country that receives trade benefits from the United States is making a commensurate contribution to the multinational military mobilization carried out in response to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. Requires the President to impose an additional duty to dutiable products and a duty to duty-free products of countries that are found not to be contributing to the mobilization. Provides for the termination of such duties. Establishes the Desert Shield Reimbursement Fund to receive duties collected under this Act. Makes the Fund available solely to reimburse appropriations made to support U.S. participation in the mobilization.

To extend the expiration of the Defense Production Act of 1950 to June 30, 1991.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Amends the Defense Production Act of 1950 to extend its expiration date to June 30, 1991.

To award a congressional gold medal to Joe Kittinger.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal to Joe Kittinger in recognition of his accomplishments as an aviation pioneer. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the sale of bronze duplicates of the medal.

To award a congressional gold medal to the family of Brigadier General Herbert Wassom in honor of the late Brigadier General Herbert Wassom.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal to the family of Brigadier General Herbert Wassom in recognition of the dedicated public service of General Wassom. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the sale of bronze duplicates of the medal.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to remove the time limitation for the use of chapter 34 educational assistance benefits.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Eliminates the delimiting period for the use of educational assistance by eligible veterans.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to require that burials be permitted in national cemeteries on weekends and holidays.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to prescribe the necessary regulations to ensure that burials in national cemeteries be permitted on weekends and holidays.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide that remarriage of the surviving spouse of a veteran after age sixty shall not result in termination of dependency and indemnity compensation.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Provides that remarriage of a veteran's surviving spouse after age 60 shall not result in termination of dependency and indemnity compensation.

Veterans' Compensation Amendments of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Veterans' Compensation Amendments of 1991 - Title I: Compensation Rate Increases - Increases the rates of: (1) veterans' disability compensation; (2) additional compensation for veterans' dependents; (3) the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans; (4) dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children; and (5) supplemental dependency and indemnity compensation for disabled adult children. 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. Title II: Miscellaneous Program Amendments - Authorizes the Secretary to accept gifts, devises, and bequests which enhance the Secretary's ability to provide services and benefits. Allows the payment of parents dependency and indemnity compensation less frequently than monthly if the amount of the annual benefit is less than four percent of the maximum annual rate payable. Prohibits a readjustment in the rating schedule from causing a veteran's compensation amount to be reduced unless an improvement in the veteran's disability is shown to have occurred. Makes the presumptive period (the period after service in a radiation-risk activity during which a disease must become manifest in order to be considered service-connected and, therefore, compensable as disability compensation) for leukemia 40 years (currently, 30). Creates a 40-year presumptive period for members of the reserves who were exposed to atmospheric detonation of a nuclear device during active duty or inactive duty for training and who contract specified diseases or illnesses within such period. Increases the amount of Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance available to a veteran owning a home to the lesser of $90,000 or the amount of the loan outstanding on the home. (Currently, the amount is the lesser of $40,000 or such amount.) Increases from one to two years the required time after discharge or release permitted to qualify for National Service Life Insurance (for service-disabled veterans). Repeals the $144,000 housing loan ceiling for veterans' housing loans which will automatically be guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Ratifies the guaranteeing of loans applied for since December 18, 1989, which would have been guaranteed if this amendment had then been in effect. Makes permanent (currently ends December 31, 1990) the authority of the Secretary to manage real property acquired by the Secretary as a result of a default on a loan guaranteed by the Department. Extends from December 31, 1990, to April 1, 1991, the eligibility for hospital and nursing home care and medical treatment of veterans exposed to a toxic substance during service in Vietnam during the Vietnam era and veterans exposed to ionizing radiation while serving between September 11, 1945, and July 1, 1946. Extends through FY 1991 the authorization of appropriations as well as the authority of the Secretary to make contracts and grants for the care and treatment of veterans in the Veterans Memorial Medical Center in the Philippines. Amends the Veterans' Benefits and Services Act of 1988 to extend through FY 1991 (currently 1990) the authority for the operation of a pilot program for the provision of mobile health-care clinics for veterans residing in isolated areas. Extends through December 31, 1992, the period through which a veteran may be considered a Vietnam veteran for purposes of eligibility for disabled veterans' employment and training programs. Increases from $60 to $90 the monthly pension payment authorized to be paid to a veteran having neither spouse nor child who is institutionalized as incompetent. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out specified administrative reorganizations within the Department involving data processing and information resources management centers. Authorizes the Secretary to use funds currently available for general operating expenses to pay for leases entered into for the collocation of three medical centers of the Department with three administrative centers of such Department. Title III: Agent Orange - Veterans Agent Orange Exposure and Vietnam Service Benefits Act of 1991 - Provides that the disease of chloracne in Vietnam veterans shall be considered to have been service-connected if such disease became manifest to a ten percent or more degree of disability within one year after the last date on which the veteran performed such service in Vietnam. Presumes the following diseases to be service-connected for veterans who performed active service in Vietnam during the Vietnam era, notwithstanding that there is no record of evidence of such disease during the period of such service: (1) non-Hodgkins lymphoma; and (2) soft-tissue sarcoma. 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 a 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 an 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 regarding its determinations and evaluations. Requires such organization to determine, in the case 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 associations regulations if necessary. Requires benefits to be continued even though a disease is removed from the regulations listing diseases having positive associations. Provides special effective dates. Directs the Secretary to compile and analyze all clinical data that: (1) is 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) is 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 National Institutes of Health Research and Grants Division (NIH) before compiling and analyzing such information. Requires the Director of NIH 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 the Medical Follow-up Agency 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 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 veterans 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, 2000, the eligibility for hospital and nursing home care for veterans exposed to toxic substances in Vietnam. Amends the Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 1988 to authorize direct consultation between the Ranch Hand Advisory Committee and Department of the Air Force scientists conducting the Ranch Hand Study (a study of the long-term health effects of exposure to phenoxy herbicides and contaminants). Requires the preparation and submission of annual reports and a final report in connection with such study. Requires the Secretary, upon the request of any Vietnam era veteran who was exposed to dioxins during such service and who has either applied for Department medical care or has filed a claim for, or is in receipt of, veterans' disability compensation, to obtain a blood sample from such veteran to test for the level of a specified dioxin. Requires the Secretary to notify the veteran of test results regarding the likelihood of the veteran's exposure to such dioxin while serving in Vietnam.

Veterans' Compensation Amendments of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Veterans' Compensation Amendments of 1991 - Increases the rates of: (1) veterans' disability compensation; (2) additional compensation for veterans' dependents; (3) the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans; (4) dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children; and (5) supplemental dependency and indemnity compensation for disabled adult children. 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.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to require the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide the same health benefits as are provided to former prisoners of war to veterans who while in active military, naval, or air service evaded enemy capture while behind enemy lines.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Revises the definition of "former prisoner of war," for purposes of eligibility for veterans' health benefits, to include veterans who evaded enemy capture while behind enemy lines for not less than 30 days during a period of war.

To prohibit the collection of parking fees at Arlington National Cemetery.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Prohibits the Secretary of the Army from collecting any fees for parking at Arlington National Cemetery.

Veterans' Compensation Amendments of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Veterans' Compensation Amendments of 1991 - Title I: Compensation Rate Increases - Increases the rates of: (1) veterans' disability compensation; (2) additional compensation for veterans' dependents; (3) the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans; (4) dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children; and (5) supplemental dependency and indemnity compensation for disabled adult children. 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. Title II: Miscellaneous Program Amendments - Authorizes the Secretary to accept gifts, devises, and bequests which enhance the Secretary's ability to provide services and benefits. Allows the payment of parents dependency and indemnity compensation less frequently than monthly if the amount of the annual benefit is less than four percent of the maximum annual rate payable. Prohibits a readjustment in the rating schedule from causing a veteran's compensation amount to be reduced unless an improvement in the veteran's disability is shown to have occurred. Makes the presumptive period (the period after service in a radiation-risk activity during which a disease must become manifest in order to be considered service-connected and, therefore, compensable as disability compensation) for leukemia 40 years (currently, 30). Creates a 40-year presumptive period for members of the reserves who were exposed to atmospheric detonation of a nuclear device during active duty or inactive duty for training and who contract specified diseases or illnesses within such period. States as an exception the disease of leukemia, which is given a 30-year manifestation period in such reserve members. Increases the amount of Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance available to a veteran owning a home to the lesser of $90,000 or the amount of the loan outstanding on the home. (Currently, the amount is the lesser of $40,000 or such amount.) Increases from one to two years the required time after discharge or release permitted to qualify for National Service Life Insurance (for service-disabled veterans). Title III: Agent Orange - Veterans Agent Orange Exposure and Vietnam Service Benefits Act of 1991 - Provides that the disease of chloracne in Vietnam veterans shall be considered to have been service-connected if such disease became manifest to a ten percent or more degree of disability within one year after the last date on which the veteran performed such service in Vietnam. Presumes the following diseases to be service-connected for veterans who performed active service in Vietnam during the Vietnam era, notwithstanding that there is no record of evidence of such disease during the period of such service: (1) non-Hodgkins lymphoma; (2) soft-tissue sarcoma; and (3) melanoma and basal cell carcinoma. 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 an 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 non-Hodgkins lymphoma, each soft-tissue sarcoma, 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 regarding its determinations and evaluations. Requires such organization to determine, in the case 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 provisions ten years after the first day of the fiscal year in which a scientific organization transmits its first report to the Secretary. Provides special effective dates. Directs the Secretary to compile and analyze all clinical data that: (1) is 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) is 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 National Institutes of Health Research and Grants Division (NIH) before compiling and analyzing such information. Requires the Director of NIH 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 the Medical Follow-up Agency 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 NAS. Amends the Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 1988 to require the Secretary to annually furnish updated information to veterans listed in the Department of Veterans Affairs' Agent Orange Registry on health risks resulting from exposure to dioxin or other toxic agents in herbicide 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, 2000, the eligibility for hospital and nursing home care for veterans exposed to toxic substances in Vietnam. Amends the Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 1988 to authorize direct consultation between the Ranch Hand Advisory Committee and Department of the Air Force scientists conducting the Ranch Hand Study (a study of the long-term health effects of exposure to phenoxy herbicides and contaminants). Requires the preparation and submission of annual reports and a final report in connection with such study.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide that remarriage of the surviving spouse of a veteran after age 55 shall not result in termination of dependency and indemnity compensation.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Amends Federal law relating to veterans to provide that the remarriage of a veteran's spouse after age 55 shall not result in termination of dependency and indemnity compensation.

Veterans Compensation Amendments of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Veterans Compensation Amendments of 1991 - Title I: Compensation Rate Increases - Increases the rates of: (1) veterans' disability compensation; (2) additional compensation for veterans' dependents; (3) the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans; (4) dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children; and (5) supplemental dependency and indemnity compensation for disabled adult children. 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. Title II: Miscellaneous Program Amendments - Authorizes the Secretary to accept gifts, devises, and bequests which enhance the Secretary's ability to provide services and benefits. Allows the payment of parents dependency and indemnity compensation less frequently than monthly if the amount of the annual benefit is less than four percent of the maximum annual rate payable. Prohibits a readjustment in the rating schedule from causing a veteran's compensation amount to be reduced unless an improvement in the veteran's disability is shown to have occurred. Makes the presumptive period (the period after service in a radiation-risk activity during which a disease must become manifest in order to be considered service-connected and, therefore, compensable as disability compensation) for leukemia 40 years (currently, 30). Creates a 40-year presumptive period for members of the reserves who were exposed to atmospheric detonation of a nuclear device during active duty or inactive duty for training and who contract specified diseases or illnesses within such period. States as an exception the disease of leukemia, which is given a 30-year manifestation period in such reserve members. Increases the amount of Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance available to a veteran owning a home to the lesser of $90,000 or the amount of the loan outstanding on the home. (Currently, the amount is the lesser of $40,000 or such amount.) Increases from one to two years the required time after discharge or release permitted to qualify for National Service Life Insurance (for service-disabled veterans).

To amend title 38 of the United States Code in order to authorize the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to make scholarship grants to individuals attending medical schools on the condition that such individuals will serve in Veterans' Administration facilities for a certain period of time upon completion of professional training, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Authorizes the Administrator (effective March 1989, Secretary) of Veterans Affairs to provide scholarships of up to $6,000 per school year to medical students who agree to practice for a specified length of time at a Veterans Administration (effective March 1989, Department of Veterans Affairs) facility upon completion of their professional training. Provides the United States with a right to recover expenses against an individual who fails to meet such service condition. Provides that certain qualified veterans and dependents of veterans shall have priority with regard to such scholarships. Authorizes appropriations.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to eliminate the time period in which a veteran has to use his educational benefits.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Repeals certain veterans' education provisions requiring the use of educational benefits within ten years of eligibility (the delimiting period).

World War I Veterans' Pension Act of 1989

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

World War I Veterans' Pension Act of 1989 - Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to direct the Administrator (effective March 1989, Secretary) of Veterans Affairs to pay to each eligible World War I veteran a pension, in addition to any other pensions under current law, at the monthly rate of $150. Outlines eligibility requirements. Directs the Administrator to pay such pension to the surviving spouse of an eligible World War I veteran, or (if there is no surviving spouse) to the child or children of an eligible World War I veteran, at the same monthly rate.

To amend title 38 of the United States Code to promote the care and treatment of veterans in State veterans nursing homes.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Sets forth the amount of reimbursement which the Administrator (effective March 1989, Secretary) of Veterans Affairs shall pay to the States for furnishing domiciliary, hospital, or nursing home care to eligible veterans who receive such care in State facilities.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide that remarriage of the surviving spouse of a veteran after age sixty shall not result in termination of dependency and indemnity compensation.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Provides that remarriage of a veteran's surviving spouse after age 60 shall not result in termination of dependency and indemnity compensation.

Merchant Mariners Fairness Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1991

Merchant Mariners Fairness Act of 1991 - Provides that certain qualified service of a member of the U.S. merchant marine, including a vessel crewmember of the U.S. Army Transport Service, during World War II constituted active military service for purposes of eligibility for various veterans' benefits under the GI Bill Improvement Act of 1977. Requires the Secretary of Defense to issue an honorable discharge under such Act to each merchant marine member whose qualified service warrants such a discharge. Defines "qualified service." Prohibits the payment of any retroactive benefits under this Act. Mandates a processing fee of a specified amount for any benefit application for such qualified service. Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to add references to components or ingredients of equipment, materials, or commodities in certain cargo preference provisions.