Education

Legal Services Reauthorization Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1991

Legal Services Reauthorization Act of 1991 - Amends the Legal Services Corporation Act to authorize appropriations for the Legal Services Corporation for FY 1992 through 1996. Revises prohibitions on the use of Corporation funds for lobbying purposes. Requires the Corporation to: (1) arrange for evaluations to determine whether Corporation grant, corporation, or financial assistance recipients are providing comprehensive, economical, and effective legal assistance to eligible clients; and (2) conduct monitoring and investigations into allegations that a recipient has violated applicable requirements. Sets forth provisions concerning investigation procedures. Directs the Board of Directors of the Corporation to provide for the enforcement of requirements with respect to such recipients. Permits the Corporation to suspend, reduce, or terminate financial assistance or deny an application for refunding (after affording the recipient an opportunity to correct the failure) when: (1) there has been a substantial failure to comply with applicable requirements; or (2) evaluations demonstrate that a recipient has consistently failed to provide economical and effective legal assistance. Authorizes the Corporation to deny an application for refunding when the Corporation has identified an applicant for financial assistance that is better able to provide comprehensive, economical, and effective legal assistance for the geographic area served by the recipient. Revises provisions concerning notice to recipients prior to the suspension or termination of assistance or the denial of a refunding application. Prohibits the annual level of assistance from being reduced by more than five percent or $20,000, whichever is less, unless the recipient has been afforded notice and, at the recipient's request, a timely and fair hearing. Sets forth Corporation monitoring requirements. Requires the Corporation to develop criteria for evaluating the capability and performance of recipients. Places restrictions on the bringing of a class action suit by a recipient against the Federal Government or any State or local government. Requires recipients to adopt policies to attempt to negotiate settlements and to use alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, where appropriate, before filing suit. Prohibits the use of Corporation funds to alter, revise, or reapportion a congressional or State legislative district. Places restrictions on the use of Corporation funds for legal assistance for aliens. Revises requirements for governing bodies of grant or contract recipients to require a recipient's governing body to be comprised of (in the majority) attorneys who are appointed by State, county, or local bar associations the memberships of which represent a majority of the attorneys practicing law in the locality in which the recipient is to provide legal assistance. Sets forth requirements for governing bodies. Prohibits recipients from soliciting professional employment from a prospective client if: (1) the client has made known to the recipient a desire not to be solicited; (2) the solicitation involves coercion, duress, or harassment; or (3) the solicitation is made to urge the client to initiate litigation without a proper factual basis for the complaint. Prohibits the use of Corporation funds for initiating the defense of a person in a proceeding to evict such person from a public housing project if the person has been convicted of the illegal sale or distribution of a controlled substance and the proceeding has been brought by a public housing project agency because such person threatens the health or safety of other tenants or employees of such agency. Prohibits recipients from engaging in precomplaint settlement negotiations, filing a complaint, or pursuing litigation against a defendant unless a written retainer agreement which enumerates the facts on which the claim is based has been signed by the plaintiffs. Requires the Corporation to study the feasibility of a system of competition in the awarding of grants or contracts for legal assistance. Repeals prohibitions on the use of Corporation funds for providing legal assistance for proceedings concerning the desegregation of schools, violations of the Military Selective Service Act, or desertion from the armed forces. Revises recordkeeping requirements for recipients. Prohibits the use of alternative corporations to evade the provisions of this Act. Defines an "alternative corporation" as a group which has a single identity of interest with a recipient. Revises provisions concerning harassment and abuse of the legal process to authorize (currently, require) any court to award reasonable costs and attorneys' fees to a defendant if the Corporation commenced an action for purposes of harassment or retaliation or maliciously abused the legal process, or its actions were frivolous, unreasonable, or without foundation. Authorizes the Corporation to recover such costs from the recipient against whom the award was made by offsetting the amount against future grant awards. Prohibits the Corporation from deducting more than five percent annually from a grant for such purposes. Requires grants and contracts made for 1992 through 1996 to be made for at least 12 months.

To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require institutions of higher education to disclose foreign gifts.

United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1991

Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require institutions of higher education to disclose gifts from or contracts with foreign sources in reports to the Secretary of Education. Sets forth provisions for: (1) report contents; (2) additional disclosures for restricted and conditional foreign gifts or contracts; (3) relation to other reporting requirements; (4) public inspection of such reports; and (5) enforcement and regulations.

Adoption Amendments of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1991

Adoption Amendments of 1991 - Replaces Public Health Service Act provisions authorizing appropriations for adolescent family life demonstration projects with provisions requiring set-aside, for such projects, of a specified amount appropriated for the Health Resources and Services Administration. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for a limited amount of adoption expenses. Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1988 and 1989 to extend to October 1, 1993, the termination date of a test program for reimbursement of adoption expenses of members of the armed forces. Amends Part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance Program) of title IV of the Social Security Act to prohibit payments to a State under provisions relating to foster care and adoption assistance if any public agency responsible for adoption placement has failed to fully disclose to prospective adoptive parents all information regarding the child's health. Amends the Public Health Service Act to mandate grants to two States to establish demonstration programs to provide maternal health certificates to low-income pregnant females residing or awaiting residence in a maternity home. Requires eligible maternity homes to provide specified services, including room and board, medical care, and counseling and services concerning health, adoption, education, vocation, or employment. Requires that such homes accept the certificates as full payment. Directs the Secretary of Education to develop a model curriculum for educating individuals on issues of adoption that are relevant to the field of social work. Requires the curriculum to be appropriate for secondary, postsecondary, and continuing education settings. Authorizes appropriations.

David T. Kearns, of Connecticut, to be Deputy Secretary of Education, vice John Theodore Sanders.

United States · United States Senate · 23 April 1991

Social Work Support Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1991

Social Work Support Act of 1991 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to add references to graduate programs in social work or references to social workers to provisions relating to: (1) the composition of the National Advisory Council on Education for Health Professionals; (2) discrimination on the basis of sex in admission to training programs; (3) a health professions data reporting system; (4) assistance for construction of teaching facilities for health personnel, including in connection with a regional health professions program; (5) federally insured loans to graduate students in health professions schools; (6) student loan funds; (7) scholarships for first-year students of exceptional financial need; (8) grants for scholarships for students from disadvantaged backgrounds; (9) a loan repayment program regarding service on the faculties of certain health professions schools; (10) grants and contracts for educational assistance for students from disadvantaged backgrounds; (11) grants to schools with sufficient graduation of students from disadvantaged backgrounds; (12) grants to schools that offer the first or last two years of education for such graduate degrees; (13) grants and contracts for faculty and curriculum development and development of clinical training sites; (14) residency training programs in preventive medicine; (15) training of physician assistants; and (16) training with respect to acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Amends the Public Health Service Act to add references to graduate programs in social work to provisions relating to: (1) an advisory council on health professions education; (2) sex discrimination in training programs; (3) a health professions data reporting system; (4) construction of educational facilities; and (5) financial assistance to students.

A bill to amend subpart 4 of part A of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to mandate a 4-year grant cycle and to require adequate notice of the success or failure of grant applications.

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1991

Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require that grants and contracts awarded under Special Programs for Students from Disadvantaged Backgrounds be awarded for a period of four years or more. Requires each individual or entity desiring such a grant or contract to submit an application to the Secretary of Education. Directs the Secretary to institute procedures to ensure that such applicants receive adequate notice of their applications' success or failure prior to the beginning of each grant period.

A bill to reauthorize the Star Schools Program Assistance Act, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1991

Amends the Star Schools Program Assistance Act (the Act, which provides for demonstration grants to eligible telecommunications partnerships for telecommunications facilities and equipment, instructional programming, and technical assistance, to improve instruction in mathematics, science, foreign languages, and other subjects such as vocational education) to broaden the program to include improvement of instruction in literacy skills and service to underserved populations including the disadvantaged, illiterate, limited English proficient, and disabled. Directs the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) to award program grants for a two-year period, and allows such grants to be renewed for additional two-year periods in accordance with continuing eligibility provisions added by this Act. Extends through FY 1998 the authorization of appropriations for Star Schools Program Assistance. Eliminates certain limitations on the period and aggregate amount of program grants to any one eligible telecommunications partnership (while retaining a maximum limit on the amount of such a grant for any one fiscal year). Requires that, of the funds available to the Secretary in any fiscal year under this Act, at least: (1) 25 percent be used for the cost of instructional programming; and (2) 25 percent be used for telecommunications facilities and equipment. Makes 75 percent the maximum limit on the Federal share of program costs (rather than the exact amount of such share). Requires the Department of Education and any other Federal agency operating a Star Schools program to coordinate assisted activities under such programs. Adds to the list of eligible telecommunications partnerships under the Act private (as well as public) entities with experience and expertise in planning and operating a telecommunications network, including those involved in telecommunications through cable, telephone, or computer. Directs the Secretary to permit applicants for funds under the Act and applicants for funds under the Classrooms of the Future Act to submit a single application for such assistance. Revises application requirements to include provisions for: (1) training of instructors in using the facilities and equipment and in integrating programs into class curriculum; (2) assurances that instructional and training programming will be designed in consultation with professionals who are expert in the subject matter and grade level; (3) specific inclusion of students who are disadvantaged, limited English proficient, disabled, or illiterate among traditionally underserved students who will benefit; (4) use of existing telecommunications equipment, where available, in benefitting traditionally underserved students; (5) coordination of funds under the Act with those received under the Classrooms of the Future Act (if a single application is submitted for both); and (6) descriptions of activities and services. Includes as examples of activities or services to be assisted: (1) making programs accessible to individuals with disabilities through mechanisms such as closed captioning, as much as possible; (2) linking networks together around issues of national importance such as elections; (3) sharing curriculum materials between networks; (4) providing teacher and student support services; (5) incorporating community resources such as libraries and museums into instructional programs; and (6) providing teacher training to early childhood development and Head Start teachers and staff. Requires that a telecommunications company (such as a cable, telephone, computer, or public or private television network) will participate in the partnership and will donate in-kind equipment for telecommunications linkages (under grant application requirements). Provides that describing how traditionally underserved students will participate in the benefits of the assisted telecommunications facilities, equipment, technical assistance, and programming is required only of applicants who have not previously received funds under the Act. Sets forth provisions for continuing eligibility. Requires, for grant renewal, that an eligible telecommunications partnership demonstrate in their application that they will both continue to provide services in the subject areas and geographic areas previously assisted and use all such grant funds to provide expanded services by: (1) increasing the number of students, schools, or school districts served; (2) providing new courses of instruction; or (3) serving new populations of underserved individuals, including children or adults who are disadvantaged, limited English proficient, disabled, illiterate, lacking high school diplomas or equivalents, or incarcerated individuals, or older individuals. Requires renewed grant funds to supplement and not supplant services provided previously. Allows renewed grant funds to be used to provide programs for adults at times other than the school day, in order to maximize the use of telecommunications facilities and equipment. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to reduce the rights and protections provided to individuals with disabilities under the Americans With Disabilities Act or the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act.

Nursing School Clinics Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1991

Nursing School Clinics Act of 1991 - Title I: Amendment to the Indian Health Care Improvement Act - Amends the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to authorize grants to schools of nursing to establish clinics to: (1) address the health care needs of Indians; and (2) provide primary health care services to Indians who reside in or near Indian country or in medically underserved rural areas. Allows the grants to be used for clinical training program development, clinical faculty enhancement, and scholarships. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Amendment to the Public Health Service Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the use of a limited amount of funds appropriated to carry out provisions relating to health professional student assistance for grants to schools of nursing to: (1) establish clinics to provide primary care services in medically underserved rural areas or in areas on or near Indian country; and (2) clinical training program development, faculty enhancement, and student scholarships. Title III: Amendments to the Social Security Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to include nursing clinic services in the definition of "medical and other health services." Adds nursing clinic services to the scope of covered benefits under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits for the Aged and Disabled) of the Social Security Act. Excludes such services from the application of provisions requiring a deductible. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require Medicaid coverage of nursing clinic services.

American Technology Preeminence Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1991

American Technology Preeminence Act of 1991 - Title I: Department of Commerce Research and Technology - Technology Administration Authorization Act of 1991 - Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Commerce, to carry out the activities of the Under Secretary for Technology and the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy, for: (1) Office of Under Secretary; (2) Technology Policy; (3) Japanese Technical Literature; (4) Clearinghouse on State and Local Initiatives on Productivity, Technology, and Innovation; and (5) National Technical Information Service (NTIS). Requires operating costs for certain NTIS activities to be recovered primarily through fees. Mandates a report by the Secretary to the Congress responding to a specified Inspector General's Report and containing certain information and certifications. Amends the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 and the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1988 and 1989 to change references to the Under Secretary for Economic Affairs to references to the Under Secretary for Technology in provisions relating to: (1) membership on the Advisory Council on Federal Participation in Sematech; and (2) the conduct of a study on Federal participation in Sematech. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for: (1) Electronics and Electrical Measurements; (2) Manufacturing Engineering; (3) Chemical Science and Technology; (4) Physics; (5) Materials Science and Engineering; (6) Building and Fire Research; (7) Computer Systems; (8) Applied Mathematics and Scientific Computing; (9) Technology Assistance; and (10) Research Support Activities. Earmarks certain amounts. Limits funds transfers among the line items. Declares that, subject to specified exceptions, this Act contains the complete authorizations of appropriations for NIST for a specified fiscal year. Authorizes the Secretary to pay the Federal share of a pilot program under existing provisions to assist a country or countries in the development of comprehensive industrial standards. Amends the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (NIST Act) to remove provisions limiting the amount NIST may, without specific appropriations, spend for construction or improvement of buildings or facilities. Requires: (1) NIST fire research and building technology programs to be combined for administrative purposes only, and separate budget accounts to be maintained; and (2) a report to the Congress on the combination and matters related to the two programs. Directs the Secretary, through the NIST Director, and the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to jointly prepare and, subject to appropriations, carry out a plan for research to develop the fire technology and materials for an all fire resistant aircraft cabin interior. Amends the NIST Act to authorize financial assistance to U.S. citizens for research and technical activities on Institute programs. Authorizes, where shortages exist, recruitment and employment at NIST of foreign nationals admitted to the United States for permanent residence who intend to become U.S. citizens. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary to carry out the extramural industrial technology services programs of NIST under specified provisions, to be available for: (1) Regional Centers for the Transfer of Manufacturing Technology; (2) State Technology Extension Program; and (3) Advanced Technology Program. Requires competitive merit review of extramural programs. Amends the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 to remove provisions requiring cooperative agreements between NIST and State technology extension services to expire on September 30, 1991. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the National Advisory Committee on Semiconductor Research and Development Act of 1988. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary to make any adjustments in salary, pay, retirement, and other employee benefits which may be provided for by law. Prohibits awarding a contract or subcontract with funds authorized under this title for an article or material produced or manufactured in a foreign country whose government unfairly maintains in government procurement a significant and persistent pattern or practice of discrimination against U.S. products or services which results in identifiable harms to U.S. businesses. Makes ineligible to receive a contract or subcontract from the Department of Commerce any person who fraudulently affixes a "Made in America" label to a product. Authorizes the Secretary, in certain circumstances, to award to a domestic firm a contract that, under competitive procedures, would be awarded to a foreign firm. Title II: Advanced Technology Program Amendments - Emerging Technologies and Advanced Technology Program Amendments Act of 1991 - Amends the NIST Act to authorize the Secretary, through the Director, to make grants and enter into contracts and cooperative agreements under the Advanced Technology Program, including as a method for participating in U.S. joint research and development ventures (joint ventures). Limits the amount of any such contract or award (currently, any such contract or cooperative agreement). Replaces provisions entitling the Federal Government to a share of the licensing fees and royalty payments to a business or joint venture with provisions requiring each agreement with a business or joint venture that receives an award to specify a test for determining whether the venture is a commercial success and, if so, provide for recoupment to the Federal Government. Sets forth eligibility requirements for company participation in the Program. Requires assistance under the Program to be designed to support high risk projects with potential for eventual substantial widespread commercial application. Requires title to any intellectual property arising from assistance under the Program to vest in a company or companies incorporated in the United States. Allows the United States to retain a license in connection with such property. Allows a limited percentage of the funds appropriated for the Program to be used for standards development and technical activities by NIST in support of the purposes of the Program. Authorizes the Secretary, in carrying out NIST extramural funding programs, to retain amounts to pay for NIST's management of the programs. Title III: Amendments to the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 - Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to remove fiscal year limitations from provisions requiring that each Federal agency transfer an amount to NIST for the Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer. Repeals provisions mandating demonstration projects in technology transfer. Adds references to intellectual property to provisions defining "cooperative research and development agreement." Amends the definition of "Federal agency" to include any agency of the legislative branch. Authorizes the Secretary to use appropriated funds to cover the cost of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award program to the extent such funds are needed in excess of the funds available under specified provisions. Adds to the duties of the Secretary, through the Under Secretary for Technology, that of serving as a focal point for discussions among U.S. companies on topics of interest to industry and labor. Title IV: National Commission on Reducing Capital Costs for Emerging Technology - Establishes the National Commission on Reducing Capital Costs for Emerging Technology to develop recommendations to increase the competitiveness of U.S. industry by encouraging investments in research, the development of new process and product technologies, and the production of those technologies. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Studies and Reports - Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to establish the High-Resolution Information Systems Advisory Board to monitor and foster the development of U.S.-based high-resolution information systems industries (defined as the equipment and techniques to create, store, recover, and play back high-resolution images and accompanying sound). Authorizes appropriations. Amends the National Science and Technology Policy, Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976 to mandate an annual report to the Congress on each major science and technology project in which more than one country is participating and which has a total estimated cost over one billion dollars. Modifies the required contents of the biennial national critical technologies report to the President. Allows a product or process to be considered a national critical technology if it is essential for U.S. long-term national security or economic prosperity (currently, national security and economic prosperity). Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress, with annual updates, regarding: (1) civilian industries necessary for a robust manufacturing infrastructure and critical to economic security; (2) major research and development being undertaken, and substantial investments being made, by the Federal Government in each of the critical industries; and (3) a ten-year plan of major public and private efforts needed to ensure growth and stability of each critical industry. Establishes the Commission on Technology and Procurement to analyze the effect of Federal Government procurement laws, procedures, and policies on the development of advanced technologies in the United States and to make recommendations on changing Federal policy to promote the development of advanced technologies. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees on the feasibility of establishing and operating a Federal Online Information Product Catalog (FEDLINE) at the National Technical Information Service (NTIS) to serve as a comprehensive inventory of information products and services disseminated by the Federal Government and assist agencies and the public in locating Federal Government information. Authorizes the NTIS Director to retain and use all monies received to fund obligations and expenses through the end of a specified fiscal year. Amends the National Technical Information Act of 1988 to add producing and disseminating information products in electronic format to the duties of the NTIS. Establishes the National Quality Council to take certain actions regarding quality performance in business, education, government, and all other sectors. Establishes in the Treasury the National Quality Performance Trust Fund to receive all funds received by the Council. Makes amounts in the Fund available to the Council without further appropriation. Prohibits the Council from accepting private donations from a single source in excess of a specified amount per year. Requires approval of two-thirds of the Council to accept donations from a single source over a certain amount per year. Amends the National Science and Technology Policy, Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976 to replace provisions establishing and setting forth the membership and functions of the Federal Coordinating Council for Science, Engineering, and Technology with provisions relating to the membership and functions of the Council and assistance to the Council by other Federal agencies. Directs the Secretary to contract with the National Research Council for a thorough review of international product testing and certification issues. Mandates a report to the Secretary, the President, and the Congress. Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to report to the Congress: (1) proposing a strategy for improving the university research capabilities of States which historically have received relatively little Federal research and development funding; and (2) on the feasibility and advisability of using the National Science Foundation's Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research as a model for similar programs in other Federal departments and agencies which fund research and development. Directs the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees regarding a plan for coordination of Commerce Department efforts with other Federal agencies concerning high-resolution information systems. Title VI: Lead Exposure Hazards - Requires NIST to recommend to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) technical criteria and implement a voluntary accreditation program with respect to laboratory analysis of lead in paint, films, soil, and dust. Requires that funds for implementing the program be provided to NIST by the EPA Administrator. Allows funds received through charges for accreditation services to be used by NIST for operating costs. Requires NIST, subject to the availability of funds, to recommend to the EPA Administrator protocols, criteria, reference materials, and minimum performance standards to be used in the evaluation of emerging products and techniques for detecting lead in paint films and dust and to ensure reliable, accurate, and effective lead detection technologies. Requires NIST, subject to the availability of funds, to recommend to the EPA Administrator performance criteria and standards for lead paint encapsulants and for strippers.

Operation Coastal Shield of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1991

Title I: General Provisions - Operation Coastal Shield of 1991 - Sets forth congressional findings and purposes with respect to coastal and Great Lakes water quality. Title II: Coastal Water Quality - Amends the Clean Water Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) issue guidance to States for implementing water quality criteria, developing water and sediment quality-based effluent limitations, and implementing water quality related controls on nonpoint sources; (2) submit a workplan to specified congressional committees on a five-year schedule for developing and revising criteria for pollutants found in coastal waters; (3) issue or revise at least five new criteria and revise at least five existing criteria biennially for pollutants which pose the greatest risk to coastal waters; and (4) publish biological criteria for assessing and protecting coastal water quality and habitat to complement pollutant-specific criteria. Requires a coastal State, whenever the State reviews water quality standards, to adopt coastal water quality standards for pollutants for which water quality criteria and information have been issued. Requires criteria issued by the Administrator to take effect immediately as interim coastal water quality standards for States that fail to adopt approvable standards. Directs the Administrator to publish information on methods for measuring water quality criteria for pollutants that may pose risks to coastal and Great Lakes water quality on bases other than pollutant-by-pollutant criteria. Requires applicants for Federal permits to conduct activities which may result in discharges into navigable waters to obtain a certification from the State in which the discharge will originate that such activities will not contribute to a failure to achieve water quality standards. Directs coastal States to develop coastal water quality protection programs for restoring and protecting coastal water quality. Requires such programs to: (1) incorporate requirements of specified Acts; (2) identify coastal waters for which standards cannot be expected to be maintained and waters that currently meet standards but are threatened by increases in pollution; (3) establish a priority ranking for such waters and implement schedules for developing water quality restoration plans for those waters; (4) provide for a system of allocating and exchanging discharge reduction credits and pollution offsets among sources of conventional pollutants and nutrients into coastal waters; (5) establish a system through which a State authority certifies that the issuance or renewal of a discharge permit or the undertaking of any activity subject to the requirements of a coastal water quality restoration plan complies with such requirements; and (6) ensure public participation in the program and include procedures to ensure compliance with the program. Sets forth: (1) requirements for coastal water quality restoration plans; and (2) approval procedures for such plans and for coastal water quality protection programs. Directs the Administrator to develop water quality restoration plans for States that fail to do so. Requires the Administrator to issue orders to, or commence civil actions against, persons failing to comply with coastal water quality protection program requirements. Authorizes citizen suits against the United States and other governmental authorities for violations of such requirements. Prohibits the issuance or renewal of permits for discharges into estuaries nominated for the National Estuary Program, except in compliance with specified guidelines. Directs the Administrator to review and revise guidelines to prevent the degradation of coastal water quality and to reflect changes made by this Act. Authorizes State Governors to request the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to enter into a cooperative agreement to permit a State and its political subdivisions to enforce requirements for marine sanitation devices. Requires such agreements to authorize States or political subdivisions to assess and retain required penalties. Directs the Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service and the Administrator to notify the fish and game and water pollution control authorities of each coastal State of the funds available under the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act to finance shoreside pumpout stations for marine sanitation devices. Requires the Administrator to review and revise standards for marine sanitation devices to prevent discharges from vessels equipped with Type III marine aviation devices. Directs the Administrator to: (1) identify pollution control measures for controlling the introduction of pollutants into coastal waters from nonpoint sources; (2) develop techniques for evaluating the effectiveness of such measures; and (3) make available to State and local authorities technical guidance for implementing and monitoring such measures. Requires the Administrator, with respect to best management practices for industry, to identify releases of pollutants that may cause risks to human health or the environment and to prohibit or restrict the production of such pollutants to eliminate such risks. Revises provisions concerning the purposes of management conferences under the National Estuary Program. Requires such conferences to be convened for periods of at least five years (currently, up to five years). Permits the extension of a conference for an additional five years if the affected Governors concur in the extension and the extension is necessary to meet requirements. Revises approval and implementation procedures for conservation and management plans under the Program. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants for the implementation of such plans. Extends the authorization of appropriations for Program activities. Authorizes appropriations to the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and the Director to participate in the development and implementation of such plans. Requires the Administrator to issue orders to, or commence civil actions against, persons failing to comply with requirements concerning national estuaries. Title III: Coastal and Great Lakes Contaminated Sediments Remediation Program - Directs the Administrator to conduct a survey and report to the Congress on bottom sediment contamination in the Great Lakes and U.S. coastal waters. Declares that the purpose of such survey is to assess the severity of such contamination, identify areas for which additional pollution reduction requirements may be required, and determine the order of priority for undertaking remedial actions. Requires the Administrator to publish: (1) criteria for sediment quality; and (2) information on the factors necessary to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of aquatic ecosystems. Authorizes persons to petition for the development of criteria for pollutants. Requires the Administrator to approve a petition if the pollutant, when present in sediments, is preventing: (1) the attainment of a balanced, indigenous population of fish, shellfish, or wildlife; or (2) recreation in and on the Great Lakes or coastal waters. Directs the Administrator to: (1) issue national sediment remediation standards to govern remediation projects involving contaminated sediments; and (2) issue standards to establish temporary maximum permissible concentrations of pollutants or contaminants during the duration of projects for sediment contamination. Requires the Administrator, when publishing sediment quality criteria for a pollutant, to issue guidance on the imposition by the appropriate permitting authority of sediment-based effluent limits that will prevent the violation of such criteria. Directs the Administrator to publish guidelines to govern projects to clean up contaminated sediments. Provides for the review and revision of such guidelines at least once every five years. Requires the Administrator, with the approval of a State Governor, to implement sediment remediation projects for locations posing the greatest risks to human health and the environment. Prohibits the Administrator, in selecting such sites, from selecting any site listed as a priority under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 and for which there is reasonable likelihood of remediation under such Act. Authorizes approprations. Title IV: Monitoring Coastal Waters - Establishes the National Coastal Water Quality Monitoring Task Force. Requires the Task Force to: (1) implement a national strategy for conducting coastal water quality monitoring programs; (2) identify all Federal water quality monitoring programs and incorporate those programs into the national strategy; (3) develop a memorandum of understanding among appropriate Federal agencies to implement such strategy; (4) develop coastal water quality monitoring guidelines; and (5) select high priority coastal waters and approve, implement, or disapprove coastal water quality monitoring programs for such waters. Directs the Task Force to issue quidelines to assist in the development and implementation of such programs. Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to require Regional Marine Research Boards to establish monitoring committees comprised of individuals with technical expertise in coastal water quality monitoring programs. Requires the Boards, acting through such committees, to: (1) recommend areas for individual monitoring; (2) submit recommendations to the Task Force; (3) develop coastal water quality monitoring programs for high priority coastal waters selected by the Task Force; (4) provide for public participation in such programs; (5) provide technical guidance for the implementation of such programs; and (6) review the effectiveness of such programs and make necessary modifications. Sets forth requirements for coastal water quality monitoring programs and approval procedures for programs submitted by the committees to the Task Force. Requires the Under Secretary, the Administrator, and State Governors to ensure compliance with such programs. Deems requirements of approved programs to be requirements of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 and requires such programs to be submitted for approval as part of coastal zone management programs under the coastal Zone Management Act of 1972. Directs the Administrator or a State permitting authority to incorporate monitoring requirements into discharge permits. Title V: Compliance and Enforcement - Amends the Clean Water Act to authorize the use of specified civil and administrative penalties for beneficial mitigation projects. Increases the maximum on class II civil penalties authorized to be assessed under such Act. Prohibits Federal agencies from entering into any contract for the procurement of goods or services if the contract is to be performed at any facility owned or operated by a person who has: (1) repeatedly violated a discharge permit or the requirements of a nonpoint source management program or categorical standard with respect to the treatment of pollutants; or (2) been in repeated noncompliance with an estuary conservation and management plan. Authorizes the Administrator to commence administrative enforcement actions against Federal agencies to enforce this Act. Permits partial program withdrawal of State discharge permit programs if the Administrator determines that a State is not administering part of a program in accordance with applicable requirements. Requires permits to take effect upon issuance unless the permittee demonstrates that: (1) he will be irreparably harmed; and (2) there is a likelihood that he will succeed on the merits in an administrative hearing or civil action to review the permit's conditions. Prohibits Federal agencies from undertaking any development project or awarding any grant for an activity that may adversely affect the quality of navigable waters in any State with a pattern of: (1) continuing and chronic violations of coastal water quality standards; or (2) continuing and chronic failure to maintain a designated use under such standards. Requires Federal agencies which own or operate facilities that discharge pollutants into navigable waters (and that would qualify as major dischargers if industrial facilities) to develop and submit to the Administrator environmental auditing plans for such facilities. Directs industrial dischargers and publicly owned treatment works that discharge pollutants into navigable waters and that have repeatedly violated discharge permits or consent decrees to conduct biannual environmental audits of such facilities until they are no longer in violation of applicable requirements. Requires major dischargers, prior to the renewal of a permit, to provide to the Administrator an environmental audit conducted during the six-month period preceding the renewal. Sets forth requirements for audits and auditors. Requires the Administrator to: (1) issue regulations establishing eligibility requirements for certification of environmental auditors and continuing education requirements for maintaining the certification; and (2) issue guidance to States on the development of State programs for certification of environmental auditors. Directs States having navigable waters that do not meet applicable water quality standards to post and maintain signs at each place of public access to such waters indicating the standards such waters fail to meet and the health and environmental effects which may occur as a result of such failure. Title VI: Financing - Subtitle A: Discharge Fees - Establishes the Coastal Defense Fund. Provides for the deposit of specified fines, penalties, and payments collected under the Clean Water Act and the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 into the Fund. Requires the Administrator to use Fund revenues to supplement funding for activities associated with administering the discharge permit program. Directs the Administrator to establish a National Coastal Discharge Permit Fee System to collect fees from coastal dischargers. Declares that the objectives of the System are to: (1) recoup the costs to Federal, State, and local governments of administering coastal discharge permit programs; (2) provide economic incentives to dischargers to eliminate or reduce the volume of toxicities of their effluents; and (3) supplement funding for discharge permitting programs under the Clean Water Act. Provides for the deposit of fees and penalties collected under the System into the Fund. Makes persons failing to pay fees liable for civil penalties. Provides for a hardship exemption to fees under certain conditions. Requires the Administrator, upon the petition of a coastal State, to waive the application of the System to such State if the amount of discharge fees collected under a State system is equivalent to the amount that would be collected by the System. Prohibits such waiver if the State uses fees solely to support State water quality programs. Makes industrial users of publicly owned treatment works liable for fees and requires users to pay fees to the authority responsible for controlling the treatment works. Directs the authority to retain such fees and use them to enforce water quality programs. Requires the Administrator to establish a fee schedule under the System that provides for the assessment of fees at least once a year and for the triennial adjustment of fees. Subtitle B: General Authorizations - Extends through FY 1999 the authorization of appropriations under the Clean Water Act for: (1) specified research, investigations, training, and information; (2) grants to States for pollution control programs; (3) nonpoint source pollution control in rural areas; (4) interagency agreements to maintain water quality; (5) the clean lakes program; and (6) nonpoint source pollution management programs. Extends the general authorization under such Act through FY 1999. Subtitle C: State and Local Financing - Authorizes States to use up to 15 percent of monies available in water pollution control revolving funds under the Clean Water Act to provide financial assistance to financially restricted communities. Permits loans to be made to such communities on terms of up to 40 years. Authorizes a fund to be used to reduce the principal of a debt obligation of a municipality or intermunicipal or interstate agency incurred after April 1, 1991, by up to 34 percent. Adds to the list of projects eligible for revolving fund assistance: (1) approved combined stormwater and sanitary sewer control programs; and (2) Great Lakes protection programs. Provides that: (1) annual principal and interest payments for loans made with revolving fund monies will commence no later than three years (currently, one year) after the completion of the project; and (2) amounts used for administering a fund shall not exceed four percent of amounts allotted to a State, or $400,000, whichever is greater (currently, four percent of all grant awards to such fund). Extends the allotment formula with respect to such funds. Raises the ceiling on the dollar amount to be reserved for planning purposes. Extends the authorization of appropriations for such funds through FY 1999.

Higher Education Tribal Grant Authorization Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1991

Higher Education Tribal Grant Authorization Act of 1991 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior (the Secretary) to make grants to Indian tribes (tribes) to permit them to provide financial assistance to individual Indian students for the cost of attendance at institutions of higher education. Provides that such grants shall come from appropriations for supporting higher education grants for Indian students under the authority of the Snyder Act. Prohibits the Secretary from placing any restrictions not expressly authorized by this Act on the use of funds provided to an Indian tribe under this Act. Provides that this Act shall not affect any Federal trust responsibilities. Prohibits any termination, modification, suspension, or reduction of grants under this Act which is only for the convenience of the administering agency. Allows any tribe to qualify for such a grant by filing: (1) a notice of intent to administer such a student assistance program, if such tribe obtains funds for educational purposes similar to those authorized in this Act pursuant to a contract under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA) (contracting tribe); or (2) an application for such a grant, if the tribe does not have such an ISDEAA contract (noncontracting tribe), under guidelines for programs under ISDEAA. Presumes an Indian tribe which has qualified for such a grant to continue to be eligible for such a grant for each succeeding fiscal year, unless the Secretary revokes such eligibility for a specified cause, involving failure to submit annual financial statements and program descriptions to the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) or biennial financial audits to the Secretary, or independently evaluated failure to comply with standards relating to eligible students, programs, or institutions of higher education, satisfactory progress, or allowable administrative costs, as determined under ISDEAA contracts. Sets forth procedural safeguards relating to such revocations, including written notice, opportunity and technical assistance to make corrections, and hearing and appeals applicable under ISDEAA. Directs the Secretary to continue to determine the amount of program funds to be received by each grantee under this Act by the same method used for determining such distribution in FY 1991 for tribally-administered and BIA-administered programs of grants to individual Indians to defray postsecondary expenses. Provides for additional amounts to cover program administrative costs, determined for: (1) contracting tribes, by the method used by the grantee during the preceding ISDEAA contract period; and (2) noncontracting tribes, by the ISDEAA regulations governing such determinations, as in effect at the time of the grant application. Provides for a single grant to each grantee during any fiscal year, combining such program and administrative funds. Requires the grant to be maintained in a separate account. Requires the tribes to use such grants to make grants to individual Indian students to meet, on the basis of need, any educational expense of attendance in a postsecondary education program (as determined under ISDEAA contracts), to the extent such expense is not met through other sources or cannot be defrayed through the action of any State, Federal, or municipal Act (except that nothing in these provisions is to be interpreted as requiring any priority in consideration of resources). Allows use of such grants also for program administrative costs, within the specified limits. Bars use of grant funds for study at a divinity school or department or for any religious worship or sectarian activity. Sets forth provisions for grant payments. Requires that interest or any other income on grant funds: (1) be used only for the same purposes as the grants; (2) be the property of the tribe or tribal organization; and (3) not be taken into account by Federal officers or employees in determining whether to provide assistance, or the amount of assistance, under any Federal law. Sets forth requirements relating to investments and deposits of such funds. Provides that such funds shall not be considered for purposes of underrecovery or overrecovery determinations by any Federal agency for any other funds. Directs the Secretary to report biennially to the Congress on the programs established under this Act, including specified items. Requires that: (1) grant applications, and application modifications, be reviewed and approved by personnel under the direction and control of the Director of the Office of Indian Education Programs; and (2) required reports be submitted to such personnel. Requires that specified provisions of the ISDEAA be applicable to grants provided under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to issue regulations relating to discharge of duties specifically assigned to the Secretary by this Act. Prohibits the Secretary from issuing regulations in all other matters relating to the details of planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of grants under this Act. Provides that regulations issued under these provisions shall not have the standing of a Federal statute for purposes of judicial review. Sets forth procedures for retrocession of programs assisted under this Act. Makes any such retrocession requested by a tribe effective on a date specified by the Secretary not more than 120 days after such request, or such later date as may be mutually agreed upon by the Secretary and the tribe. Requires the Secretary, if such program is retroceded, to provide any tribe served by such program at least the same quantity and quality of services. Requires the tribal governing body requesting the retrocession to specify whether the retrocession shall be to: (1) a contract administered by the tribe, or a tribal entity, under the authority of the ISDEAA; or (2) a BIA-administered program.

Preventive Health Services for Older Americans Amendments of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1991

Preventive Health Services for Older Americans Amendments of 1991 - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to include as preventive health services: (1) educational programs on fall prevention; and (2) medication management screening and education to prevent incorrect medication and adverse drug reactions.

To promote traditional family values.

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1991

Expresses the sense of the Congress with respect to promoting the traditional family and traditional family values by public laws, policy, and education.

World Summit for Children Implementation Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1991

World Summit for Children Implementation Act of 1991 - Provides for assistance in implementing the plan of action adopted by the World Summit for Children. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the U.S. Government should commit to increasing participation in the special supplemental food program for women, infants, and children under the Child Nutrition Act (the WIC program) by 20 percent per year in FY 1992 through 1996, to reach full participation by the end of FY 1996; and (2) specified amounts should be appropriated for the WIC program in FY 1992 and 1993 to reach such full participation goal. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the commitment to provide full funding for the Head Start Program, contained in the Human Services Reauthorization Act of 1990, should be implemented in order that the goal of full participation of all eligible three- to five- year-old children can be reached by FY 1994; and (2) specified amounts should be authorized for such funding in FY 1992 through 1994. Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to undertake a Children's Vaccine Initiative. Requires that the Director of the National Vaccine Program: (1) plan and coordinate the Initiative; and (2) ensure that the Public Health Service conducts vaccine research, production, and delivery activities under the Initiative in collaboration with non-governmental institutions and with other Federal agencies to ensure the full use of U.S. scientific and industrial capacity to prevent infectious disease. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 and 1993. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 and 1993 for contributions to the United Nations Children's Fund for activities to promote child health and other assistance programs for children (to carry out specified provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961). Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (the Act) to authorize appropriations for FY 1992 and 1993 for special health needs of children and mothers under the Child Survival Fund. Requires that specified amounts of funds under various provisions for FY 1992 and 1993 be reserved only for such specified child survival activities. Expresses the sense of the Congress that authorization, in such amounts as may be required, should be granted to the President to exercise the (Public Law 480) debt authority with respect to least developed countries that are pursuing reforms to promote long-term economic development (as provided in specified provisions of the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954, as amended by the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990). Amends the Act to establish a Vitamin A Deficiency Program. Reserves for such Program specified amounts in FY 1992 and 1993 from funds for development assistance for agriculture, rural development, and nutrition. Requires that specified amounts from certain funds authorized for health-related activities under the Act in FY 1992 and 1993 be reserved for replicable community-based comprehensive reproductive health service programs that broaden other health programs by including strategies that specifically address women's reproductive health needs. Sets forth examples of such strategies, as well as congressional intent that such programs be planned and designed in consultation and participation with those whose needs they serve, and congressional encouragement for using international private voluntary organizations in building such programs. Amends the Act to direct the President, in carrying out provisions for development assistance for health-related activities to promote, encourage, and undertake activities relating to research on, and treatment and control of, acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in developing countries. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 and 1993, for such purpose, to the International AIDS Prevention and Control Fund. Provides that such amounts shall be in addition to other amounts available for such purpose. Amends the Act to reserve specified amounts in FY 1992 and 1993, from funds for development assistance for education and under the provisions of the Act, for international basic education, including early childhood education, primary education, teacher training, other support activities, and adult literacy training. Expresses the sense of the Congress that at least specified minimum amounts should be appropriated for the Migration and Refugee Assistance account, and that at least specified minimum portions of such funds should be reserved for programs of refugee assistance overseas (in addition to amounts available for programs for Soviet, Eastern European, and other refugees resettling in Israel). Amends the Act to replace provisions for certain disadvantaged children in Asia with provisions for assistance to children in exceptionally difficult circumstances. Includes among such children street children, AIDS orphans, other orphaned and abandoned children, and children displaced by armed conflict, poverty, famine, or other disasters. Reserves specified minimum portions of certain funds under the Act in FY 1992 and 1993 for assistance for such children. Requires that such assistance be made available in accordance with policies and general authorities under certain disaster assistance provisions. Directs the President to report annually to the Congress on U.S. contributions to the achievement of the goals of the World Summit for Children, including U.S. efforts to achieve such goals in the United States and in other countries, with an analysis of past, current, and planned funding levels.

A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to establish a demonstration program to allow drug-addicted mothers to reside in drug abuse treatment facilities with their children, and to offer such mothers new behavior and education skills which can help prevent substance abuse in subsequent generations, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1991

Amends the Public Health Service Act to mandate grants to establish at least six projects in which addicted mothers in residential drug abuse treatment facilities are allowed to have their children reside with them during treatment. Authorizes appropriations.

A bill to provide financial assistance for the establishment of the Hiram Rhodes Academic Science Complex at Alcorn State University in Claiborne County, Mississippi.

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1991

Authorizes the Secretary of Education to provide financial assistance to Alcorn State University to establish the Hiram Rhodes Revels Academic Science Complex. Authorizes appropriations.

A bill to amend the Head Start Act to fund the Head Start program as an entitlement program, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1991

Amends the Head Start Act to fund the Head Start Program as an entitlement program. Authorizes appropriations for the Head Start Program and for the longitudinal study of Head Start participants. Excludes such funds from new budget authority, outlays, deficits, or surplus, for purposes of: (1) the U.S. Government budget submitted by the President; (2) the congressional budget; or (3) the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act).

National Training Center for Afro-American Museum Professionals Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1991

National Training Center for Afro-American Museum Professionals Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the National Park Service, to: (1) provide for the operation and maintenance of, and technical assistance for, the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center (the Museum), in Wilberforce, Ohio; and (2) construct a National Training Center at the Museum to prepare professionals for our Nation's museums. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes. Directs the Secretary of Education, acting through the Museum, to: (1) contract with a consortium of institutions of higher education to implement a program of Afro-American professional museum studies at such National Training Center of the Museum; and (2) provide scholarships and loans for students in those studies. Authorizes appropriations. Terminates the National Afro-American History and Culture Commission (established by the National Center for the Study of Afro-American History and Culture Act) 30 days after the enactment of this Act. Provides that ultimate governance of the Museum shall rest with a Board of Governors established by the Congress in consultation with the State of Ohio.

Education Savings Bonds Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1991

Education Savings Bonds Improvement Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income any income from U.S. savings bonds used to pay tuition and fees of any grandchild at an institution of higher learning or vocational school. (Current law limits the exclusion to educational expenses of the taxpayer, spouse, or dependent.)

Antarctic Oil Spill Protection Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1991

Amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to set forth the Antarctic Oil Spill Protection Act of 1991. Makes it unlawful for any person or vessel subject to U.S. jurisdiction to discharge oil into the Antarctic Treaty area. Prescribes civil penalties for violations of this Act. Increases such penalties if a discharge is the result of gross negligence or willful misconduct of the responsible party. Authorizes the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to request the Attorney General to bring civil actions to recover such penalties. Requires persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction who discharge oil from a vessel into the Antarctic Treaty area, and owners or operators of vessels from which oil is discharged into such area, to remove the oil, restore the affected environment, and compensate persons for removal and restoration costs and damages. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations requiring potential dischargers to maintain evidence of financial responsibility to cover such costs and damages. Requires owners or operators of more than one vessel operating in such area to maintain financial responsibility only with respect to the vessel having the maximum potential for liability. Permits the Secretary to take the following actions with respect to vessels that do not produce evidence of financial responsibility: (1) deny the vessel entry to any U.S. facility in Antarctica; or (2) detain the vessel at the facility. Subjects vessels without evidence of financial responsibility at such facilities to seizure and forfeiture by the United States. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations requiring owners or operators of vessels operating in Antarctica to submit plans for responding to substantial threats of an oil discharge into the Antarctic marine environment. Lists plan requirements. Prohibits vessels without approved plans from operating in the Antarctic Treaty area. Absolves the United States from liability for damages resulting from actions or omissions relating to response plans. Requires the United States to retain civil penalties collected under this Act and restoration and removal costs and damages in a revolving trust account to be used for Antarctic Treaty area protection and for the environmental education and training of U.S. Antarctic Program personnel. Directs the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on whether existing laws and regulations are adequate to ensure the safe navigation of U.S. vessels in the Antarctic Treaty area.

Antarctic Environmental Protection Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1991

Antarctic Environmental Protection Act of 1991 - Amends the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978 to require the Director of the National Science Foundation to: (1) prepare, periodically update, and implement a waste management plan for waste produced or disposed of in Antarctica by U.S. citizens; and (2) issue regulations requiring U.S. citizens in Antarctica to comply with specified waste management practices. Requires the Director to establish a long-term program for the removal of specified wastes. Requires the Director to implement an environmental education and training program for all persons engaged in the U.S. Antarctic Program. Directs the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to issue regulations requiring all vessels to: (1) install compaction, storage, and incineration equipment in the construction of any vessel built after the promulgation of such regulations; (2) stockpile waste, plastic, and other garbage (other than untreated sewage) outside of the Antarctic Treaty area or at U.S. facilities in Antarctica; (3) incinerate waste if stockpiling interferes with the operation of a vessel or affects the life and safety of the crew as long as such incineration is conducted in incinerators designed to eliminate harmful emissions; and (4) discharge waste, plastic, and other garbage at reception facilities outside of the Antarctic Treaty area. Makes it unlawful for any U.S. citizen to charter, contract for, or employ a vessel unless such citizen has certified to the Secretary that the vessel will comply with the requirements of this Act. Makes it unlawful for any vessel or U.S. citizen to: (1) discharge hazardous substances into the Antarctic marine environment; (2) dispose of plastic or other garbage into such environment; and (3) dispose of food waste or discharge sewage within 12 nautical miles of the closest land or ice shelf. Makes vessels used in the violation of this Act liable in rem for any civil penalty. Requires U.S. citizens who discharge a hazardous substance into the Antarctic Treaty area, and owners or operators of vessels from which hazardous substances are discharged into such area, to remove the hazardous substance, restore the affected environment, and compensate persons for removal and restoration costs and damages. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations requiring potential dischargers to maintain evidence of financial responsibility to cover such costs and damages. Requires owners or operators of more than one vessel operating in such area to maintain financial responsibility only with respect to the vessel having the maximum potential for liability. Permits the Secretary to take the following actions with respect to vessels that do not produce evidence of financial responsibility: (1) deny the vessel entry to any U.S. facility in Antarctica; or (2) detain the vessel at the facility. Subjects vessels without evidence of financial responsibility at such facilities to seizure and forfeiture by the United States. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations requiring owners or operators of vessels operating in Antarctica to submit plans for responding to substantial threats of a hazardous substance discharge into the Antarctic marine environment. Lists plan requirements. Prohibits vessels without approved plans from operating in the Antarctic Treaty area. Absolves the United States from liability for damages resulting from actions or omissions relating to response plans. Requires the United States to retain civil penalties collected under this Act or restoration and removal costs and damages in a revolving trust account to be used for Antarctic Treaty area protection and for the environmental education and training of U.S. Antarctic Program personnel. Adds violators of Antarctic marine pollution prevention and response requirements to the list of violators subject to civil penalties. Provides for increases in existing penalties. Requires the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to develop and implement an environmental monitoring program for Antarctica. Directs the Administrator to: (1) inspect U.S. facilities in Antarctica biannually to assess compliance with this Act and obligations under the Antarctic Treaty; and (2) provide the results of such inspections to the public. Requires regulations promulgated pursuant to the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978 to include requirements for specially-protected areas. Establishes deadlines for the promulgation of specified regulations concerning: (1) the designation as pollutants of substances liable to create health hazards or harm Antarctica; and (2) actions to prevent or control the discharge of pollutants in Antarctica. Applies the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to all Federal activities in Antarctica.

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 with respect to the discharge, or repayment, of student loans of students who agree to perform services in certain professions.

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1991

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend discharge of indebtedness provisions to loan cancellation programs of banks and institutions of higher education. Includes under such program loans made to students by institutions of higher education to repay other loans. Permits the institution to repay such other loans.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 with respect to the discharge, or repayment, of student loans of students who agree to perform services in certain professions.

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1991

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend discharge of indebtedness provisions to loan cancellation programs of banks and institutions of higher education. Includes under such program loans made to students by institutions of higher education to repay other loans. Permits the institution to repay such other loans.

Silvio Conte Center National Fish and Wildlife Refuge Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1991

Silvio Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to designate refuge boundaries within the lands and waters of the Connecticut River basin. Authorizes the Secretary to acquire the lands and waters for inclusion in the refuge. Establishes the Silvio Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge when sufficient property has been acquired that can be effectively managed as a refuge. Directs the Secretary to: (1) identify additional areas outside the refuge but within the basin, the conservation of which would further the purposes of the refuge; (2) identify activities outside the refuge but related to the basin that may adversely affect those purposes; and (3) provide assistance to, education for or with, or enter into cooperative agreements with private and public entities with respect to the wise use and management of those additional areas and activities. Establishes the Silvio Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge Advisory Committee. Authorizes the Secretary to construct, administer, and maintain within the refuge up to four Silvio Conte National Fish and Wildlife Education Centers. Authorizes appropriations.

A joint resolution designating September 12, 1991, as "National D.A.R.E. Day".

United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1991

Designates September 12, 1991, as National DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Day.

Radon Testing for Safe Schools Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1991

Radon Testing for Safe Schools Act of 1991 - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish guidelines on testing for and remediating radon in school buildings. Requires local educational agencies located in areas designated as priority radon areas to conduct radon tests in school buildings owned or operated by such agencies. Directs the Administrator to designate such areas by September 30, 1991. Makes test results available for public review. Requires individuals testing for radon to be approved by the Administrator or a State pursuant to a radon proficiency program. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) the Administrator to implement radon remediation measures for local educational agencies; and (2) grant assistance for implementing such measures and for conducting additional radon tests.

International Cooperation Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1991

International Cooperation Act of 1991 - Title I: Statement of Policy; Economic Assistance Programs - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to revise policy provisions. Declares that it should be U.S. policy that the financial, material, and human resources authorized by this Act should serve the following goals: (1) to promote and consolidate democratic values, market principles, and peace; (2) to protect against transnational threats; and (3) to meet humanitarian needs. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should: (1) concentrate development assistance in countries which will make the most effective use of such assistance; (2) focus development assistance on activities which the United States can provide most effectively and which meet the particular economic assistance requirements of a country; and (3) not provide assistance if the relevant sector or economic policies of a country are unfavorable to the sustainability or impact of the assisted project. Authorizes the President to provide development assistance to support economic growth and democratic development and to address humanitarian needs and global problems. Authorizes appropriations for development assistance for FY 1992. Permits the President to use development assistance funds for: (1) capital and infrastructure assistance; (2) development education programs to educate U.S. citizens about developing countries; and (3) assistance to nongovernmental organizations to strengthen their capacity to carry out programs for the economic and social development of developing countries. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the well-being of countries is affected by how the world's environment and physical resource base are managed and that consumption patterns, systems of industrial and agricultural production, and the use of natural resources have an impact on long-term development and growth and survival of all countries; (2) environmentally responsible management of physical resources is necessary by countries to insure their availability for future generations and to assure that the burdens of improved resource management do not fall disproportionately on the poor; and (3) economic assistance programs should assist countries in carrying out programs and policies that promote environmentally sound economic development. Declares that recipient countries should bear a share of the costs of development assistance programs under this Act. Prohibits economic assistance from being used for military or paramilitary purposes. Exempts from such prohibition assistance involving the participation of military personnel in training activities and conferences. Authorizes the President to: (1) make investments in, loans for, and guarantees assuring against losses incurred in, projects in developing countries that meet specified private sector criteria; and (2) make loans (currently, issue guarantees against losses incurred in connection with loans) for housing and urban projects. Revises provisions concerning the housing and urban development guarantee program. Prohibits assistance for such projects if the credit subsidy associated with the borrower would exceed 25 percent. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the President to furnish assistance to countries and organizations to strengthen administration of justice in developing countries and emerging democracies. Permits the President to provide such assistance if a country: (1) has recently emerged or is in the process of emerging as a democracy; or (2) has recently emerged or is emerging from civil strife and has a democratically elected government or is making substantial progress toward a democratic form of government. Authorizes appropriations. Revises provisions concerning international narcotics control. Permits funds for economic support assistance, foreign military financing, or international military education and training to be transferred and consolidated with funds for international narcotics control if: (1) such assistance is withheld from the country for which it was allocated because of laws that require the withholding of assistance from countries that have not cooperated with the United States or taken steps to halt illicit drug production and trafficking; and (2) such funds are used for assistance to countries that have taken significant steps to halt illicit drug production or trafficking. Makes provisions of law that prohibit assistance to countries in default on obligations owed to the United States inapplicable with respect to narcotics-related assistance. Revises congressional reporting requirements with respect to international narcotics production and trafficking. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 for such assistance. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 for American schools, libraries, and hospital centers abroad. Permits the President to use funds available under this title for grants to, or contracts with, nongovernmental organizations to enable such organizations to: (1) purchase debt obligations owed by developing countries to commercial lending institutions, foreign governments, or other parties; and (2) cancel such obligations subject to the President's approval, to the extent that such country makes available assets or policy commitments to promote the goals of this Act. Authorizes grantees or contractees to retain interest earned on the proceeds of debt-for-development or debt-for-environment purchases or exchanges pending the disbursement of such proceeds and interest for the purposes for which assistance was provided. Authorizes Federal agencies to: (1) furnish services and commodities on an advance-of-funds or reimbursement basis to friendly countries, international organizations, and nongovernmental organizations; and (2) contract with individuals for personal services abroad or in the United States to perform such services in lieu of Federal employees. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 for international disaster assistance. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 for grants to international organizations. Permits the President to withhold contributions from an organization if such organization is denying Israel or other designated countries the right to participate in such organization's activities. Withholds contributions from Libya, Iran, Cuba, and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). Authorizes the withholding of contributions from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East unless the Agency assures that no U.S. contribution is used to assist any refugee who: (1) is receiving military training as a member of the PLO or any other guerrilla organization; or (2) has engaged in any act of terrorism. Declares that the President should (currently, requires) seek evaluation and auditing of programs of the United Nations, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the International Development Association, the International Finance Corporation, the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, the Inter-American Development Bank, the Inter-American Investment Corporation, the African Development Bank, the African Development Fund, the Asian Development Fund, and the Asian Development Bank. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 for operating expenses of the agency (administering agency) designated by the President to administer this title and of the Office of Inspector General of such agency. Permits such agency to expend funds in advance of appropriations to maintain operations at posts abroad for up to three days. Declares that the President should establish a program performance evaluation capacity to: (1) develop a program performance information system to afford such agency's managers a means for monitoring achievement of impact and interim performance of the agency's major programs; (2) prepare and disseminate reports on the agency's progress in meeting development objectives for major assistance categories and recipient countries; (3) strengthen the implementation of foreign assistance projects; and (4) coordinate with the Inspector General of such agency to ensure complementarity of efforts. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the sustained participation of U.S. private voluntary organizations, cooperatives, and credit unions that are engaged in development activities serves as an important means of improving the lives of the poor in developing countries; (2) sustained participation of U.S. colleges and universities in the economic development programs of developing countries is vital to such countries' achievement of economic growth and open democratic political systems; and (3) such sustained participation would be enhanced by providing such organizations the opportunity to participate in the planning, development, and implementation of programs involving such organizations. Encourages the President to establish a partnership with such organizations to achieve the attainment of goals concerning development assistance. Title II: Military Assistance and Related Assistance and Sales Programs - Chapter I: Consolidation and Revision of Accounts - Revises policy provisions concerning military assistance. Revises the President's authority to furnish military assistance to friendly countries to permit the President to: (1) finance the sale of defense articles or services; or (2) finance the procurement of such articles (under certain circumstances) by any member country of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) or any major non-NATO ally through leases from U.S. commercial suppliers. Requires sales under the Defense Trade and Export Control Act (formerly, the Arms Export Control Act) which are wholly paid from funds made available on a grant basis under this Act or were transferred or made available under former authorities prior to this Act's enactment to be priced to exclude the costs of salaries of members of the U.S. armed forces (other than members of the Coast Guard) and unfunded estimated costs of civilian retirement and other benefits. Permits the financing of the procurement of defense articles and services not sold by the U.S. Government only if the country or international organization proposing to make such procurement has signed an agreement with the United States specifying the conditions under which the procurement may be financed. Requires such agreements to grant the U.S. Government the right to deobligate any furnished funds that have not been committed for an approved use three years after the effective date of such an agreement. Authorizes assistance provided under this chapter to be on a grant, credit, or guarantee basis. Outlines criteria to be considered by the President in determining the terms of assistance. Outlines disbursement procedures for funds used to finance the procurement of defense articles and services. Makes such assistance available to a foreign country to make payments to the United States for credits or loans for defense articles or services granted under predecessor military sales or foreign assistance legislation. Revises provisions concerning eligibility for the receipt of defense articles or services and makes them applicable to the financing of such articles or services. Makes defense articles sold or leased under the Defense Trade and Export Control Act or furnished under predecessor foreign assistance or military sales legislation subject to the eligibility provisions of this title. Raises the ceiling on the value of defense articles and services authorized to be made available under certain emergencies. Revises and combines provisions concerning transfers of excess defense articles. Authorizes the transfer of: (1) excess defense articles (currently, nonlethal articles) to countries for which a foreign military financing program was justified in the fiscal year in which the transfer is authorized; and (2) excess property of the Coast Guard on the same basis as Department of Defense property is transferred. Declares that decisions to furnish foreign military financing assistance should take into account whether such assistance will: (1) contribute to an arms race; (2) increase the possibility of outbreak or escalation of conflict; or (3) prejudice the development of multilateral arms control arrangements. Permits such assistance to be provided for civic action in Africa. Authorizes appropriations for such assistance for FY 1992. Revises provisions concerning the location of stockpiles. Places a ceiling on the value of additions to stockpiles during FY 1992. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 for: (1) international military education and training; and (2) peacekeeping activities. Removes conditions on the type of arms on the U.S. Munitions List that may be provided for antiterrorism assistance. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 for antiterrorism assistance. Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Arms Export Control Act. Revises a provision regarding the Guaranty Reserve Fund and redesignates the Fund as the Foreign Military Loan Liquidating Account. Repeals a provision concerning the availability of funds for procurement of defense articles and services outside the United States. Permits the President to waive requirements under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 concerning the disposition of defense articles and services furnished before the effective date of this title. Chapter 2: Foreign Military Sales Program - Amends the Arms Export Control Act to rename such Act as the Defense Trade and Export Control Act. Repeals a provision concerning purposes for military sales or leases. Deems references to the Arms Export Control Act to be references to the Defense Trade and Export Control Act. Authorizes the President, by notifying the Congress, to designate a country as a major non-NATO ally or terminate such a designation. Deems Australia, Egypt, Israel, Japan, and the Republic of Korea to have been so designated by the President. Revises provisions concerning presidential certifications and congressional procedures for certain arms transfers. Raises the threshold on the dollar amount of defense equipment or services on which the President is required to submit specified certifications. Deems to be defense articles or services (for purposes of import and export controls) articles or services having military or intelligence applications. Requires articles and services that have gained a predominant civil application to be removed from the U.S. Munitions List. Disqualifies for financing under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 for 12 months any contracts of a person convicted or debarred for a violation of international traffic in arms regulations under the Defense Trade and Export Control Act. Authorizes the President to impose controls to prevent the proliferation of nuclear-capable missiles and chemical, biological, and related weapons. Permits charges for defense articles sold or licensed or approved for export after September 30, 1991, to exclude nonrecurring costs of research on or development or production of such articles. Replaces the authorities of specified Federal officials under the Defense Trade and Export Control Act with the authority of the President. Repeals an exemption to a prohibition on the resale of military firearms furnished to foreign governments. Repeals provisions concerning: (1) reports and price availability estimates; (2) discrimination; (3) restraint in arms sales to Subsaharan Africa; (4) foreign military sales credit standards; (5) foreign military sales to less developed countries; and (6) the crediting of registration fees. Title III: Overseas Private Investment Corporation; Trade and Development Agency - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to revise provisions concerning the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC). Limits the amount of OPIC's equity investments under a pilot program to 49 percent per project for projects in Eastern Europe. Directs OPIC to give preferential consideration in its investment insurance, reinsurance, and guarantee activities to investment projects sponsored by or involving U.S. small business or cooperatives. Permits OPIC to establish a revolving fund to be available solely for a pilot equity finance program. Authorizes (currently, requires) OPIC to charge fees for any service performed under this title. Provides for annual (currently, triennial) financial audits of OPIC. Authorizes the Inspector General of the administering agency (currently, the Agency for International Development) to conduct audits, investigations, and security activities with respect to OPIC. Eliminates OPIC's exemption from Federal taxation. Revises the authorities of the Director of the Trade and Development Agency (replaces the Trade and Development Program). Requires the Agency to disseminate information about its activities to the private sector. Sets forth the duties of the Inspector General of the administering agency with respect to the Agency. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992. Title IV: Special Authorities, Restrictions on Assistance, and Reports - Revises provisions concerning special authorities of the President with respect to the furnishing of assistance and arms export sales, credits, and guaranties. Raises the ceilings on the amount of arms sales or leases, foreign assistance, and foreign currencies authorized to be furnished or used under the President's special authority to waive restrictions on assistance. Raises the ceilings on the amounts of such assistance that may be provided to any one country. Exempts from such limitation assistance for countries that are the victims of active (currently, Communist or Communist-supported) aggression. Authorizes the President to use funds (other than funds for foreign military financing or international military education and training) under this Act for unanticipated contingencies. Places an annual ceiling on such assistance. Prohibits such assistance from being used for gifts to foreign officials. Makes specified amounts of economic support and foreign military financing assistance available for emergency use to promote economic, political, or military stability. Authorizes the President to adopt as a U.S. contract or obligation any contract with a U.S. or third-country contractor that had been funded with assistance prior to the termination of such assistance. Applies assistance termination provisions to any provision of law concerning such terminations. Revises provisions concerning prohibitions on assistance. Adds to the list of restrictions prohibitions on assistance for: (1) a country whose government engages in a consistent pattern of human rights violations; (2) a country whose elected head of government is deposed by a military coup; and (3) a country that is a major drug producing or transit country if the country has not cooperated with the United States and has not taken adequate steps to control the illicit cultivation, production, trafficking, and abuse of narcotic and psychotropic drugs. Exempts from such prohibition assistance: (1) that is important to U.S. national interests, provided that such assistance will further U.S. nonproliferation objectives; (2) for the alleviation of suffering resulting from a natural or man-made disaster; (3) that benefits needy people; and (4) that will be furnished through nongovernmental organizations to promote respect for human rights and democracy. Prohibits the provision of such assistance until the President reports to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Requires the President to maintain a list of Communist countries for purposes of restricting assistance. Authorizes the President to remove or exempt a country from the list or prohibitions on assistance, provided that such removal or exemption is reported to the Speaker of the House and the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Directs the President to report to such individuals on the rescission of a determination that a country provides support for international terrorism. Prohibits assistance to any country which is more than one year in arrears to the U.S. Government on loan payments under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 or former authorities of the Arms Export Control Act. Prohibits economic assistance from being made available to: (1) any organization or program which supports or manages a program of coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization; or (2) any foreign nongovernmental organization which performs or promotes abortion as a method of family planning. Requires funds for voluntary family planning services to be available only for projects which offer a broad range of family planning methods and services. Declares that the President should consider, in determining whether to provide economic assistance, whether assistance would be furnished to support any project designed to increase exports of agricultural, textile, or apparel commodities from developing countries that: (1) would be in direct competition with U.S. exports; and (2) can be expected to cause injury to U.S. exporters of the same or a similar commodity. Prohibits economic assistance from being used to influence the outcome of any election. Prohibits U.S. armed forces detailed to provide defense services, military education and training, or management of overseas military assistance programs from performing combat duties outside the United States in connection with such services. Outlines required elements of annual congressional presentation documents on foreign assistance. Revises provisions regarding U.S. assistance policies and human rights. Directs the President to report annually to the Congress on human rights practices in countries that are members of the United Nations. Revises provisions concerning congressional notification for program changes. Title V: General Provisions - Revises provisions regarding presidential authorities under this Act. Authorizes the President to designate an agency to administer economic assistance under this Act. Revises provisions regarding general authorities. Permits contracts which entail commitments for the expenditure of funds under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to be extended for up to ten (currently, five) years. Revises provisions regarding administrative uses of funds. Permits funds to be used for programs under the Agricultural Act of 1949 and the Food for Progress Act of 1985. Removes funding limitations on assistance for the construction of living quarters, offices, schools, and hospitals abroad and for assistance to schools educating dependents of personnel abroad. Permits economic assistance funds to be used to reimburse Federal or State agencies or institutions of higher education that detail employees for economic assistance programs that require specialized technical skills. Provides that if an amount appropriated for any fiscal year to carry out a provision of this Act is less than the authorization amount and the provision calls for earmarked funds, such funds shall be deemed to be reduced to an amount bearing the same ratio to such funds as the amount appropriated bears to the authorization amount. Sets forth provisions concerning the generation and use of local currencies. Revises provisions concerning the use of local currencies owned by the United States. Authorizes nongovernmental organizations to invest local currencies accrued as a result of economic assistance provided by this Act and other specified Acts and to use interest earned on investments for assistance purposes. Revises provisions concerning the use of private enterprise for the procurement of commodities and defense articles. Authorizes the use of Federal facilities for technical assistance purposes when such facilities are not competitive with private enterprise. Revises provisions concerning procurement standards and procedures. Allows (currently, requires) the use of excess personal property or property already owned by a Federal agency (if a substantial savings would occur) in lieu of, or supplementary to, the procurement of new items for U.S.-assisted programs. Revises provisions concerning the use of excess property. Removes a ceiling on the amount of domestic excess property that may be held. Prohibits excess property from being used for economic assistance purposes unless approval is given and the President makes specified determinations regarding such property. Authorizes the use of economic assistance funds to pay transportation charges on shipments by the American National Red Cross and by registered U.S. private voluntary organizations. Revises provisions concerning personnel. Permits personnel detailed to foreign governments or international organizations to be assigned on a leave without pay status. Authorizes the detailing of Department of Defense personnel to any civil office to carry out this Act. Revises provisions concerning discrimination against U.S. personnel. Title VI: Technical and Conforming Provisions - Prohibits U.S. courts from declining on the ground of the Federal Act of State Doctrine to make a determination on the merits of international law in any case in which claim of title or right to property is asserted by any party, based upon a confiscation after January 1, 1959, by a state in violation of international law. Exempts from such prohibition cases in which: (1) an act of a foreign state is not contrary to international law or cases with respect to a right to property acquired pursuant to an irrevocable letter of credit issued in good faith prior to the time of taking; or (2) the President determines that application of such doctrine is required by U.S. foreign policy interests. Amends Federal provisions governing coins and currency to grant the Secretary of the Treasury: (1) responsibility with respect to foreign credits owed to or by the United States; and (2) sole authority to establish for all foreign currencies or credits the exchange rates at which such currencies are to be reported by Federal agencies. Authorizes the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission, at the request of the President, to report on the value of any property of any U.S. person expropriated by a foreign government. Prohibits Federal employees from effecting arrests in foreign countries as part of foreign police actions with respect to narcotics control. Lists exceptions to such prohibition. Prohibits Federal employees from interrogating or being present during the interrogation of any U.S. person arrested in a foreign country with respect to narcotics control efforts without such person's written consent. Exempts from such prohibition members of the U.S. armed forces carrying out responsibilities under Status of Forces arrangements. Makes technical and conforming amendments to specified Acts. Repeals specified Acts. Title VII: Special Assistance Initiatives - Chapter I: Development Fund for Africa - Authorizes project and program assistance for development in Subsaharan Africa. Requires the purpose of such assistance to be to help the poor majority of men and women in Subsaharan Africa to participate in a process of long-term development through economic growth that is equitable, participatory, environmentally sustainable, and self-reliant. Provides that such assistance should also promote sustained economic growth, encourage private sector development, promote individual initiatives, and help to reduce the role of central governments in areas more appropriate for the private sector. Declares that: (1) the local-level perspective of the rural and urban poor in Subsaharan Africa should be taken into account during the planning process for project assistance under this Act; and (2) consultations should be undertaken with private and voluntary organizations which have demonstrated effectiveness in or commitment to the promotion of local grassroots activities on behalf of development in Subsaharan Africa; (3) local people should be consulted and involved in projects that have a local focus; and (4) the President should ensure that development activities expand the participation and integration of African women in certain critical sectors. Requires assistance provided by this Act to emphasize projects to address critical sectoral priorities for development. Authorizes assistance to promote national economic policy reforms. Requires such reforms to include provisions to protect vulnerable groups, especially poor farmers and the urban poor, from possible negative consequences of such reforms. Designates as the critical sectoral priorities for long-term development: (1) increased agricultural production and the maintenance and restoration of renewable natural resources; (2) improved health conditions; (3) voluntary family planning services; (4) improved relevance and efficiency of education; and (5) development of income generating opportunities for the unemployed and underemployed. Imposes minimum levels of assistance for certain critical sectors. Declares that assistance provided under this Act should be concentrated in countries that will make the most effective use of such assistance. Allows assistance to be made available to: (1) assist Subsaharan African countries to increase their capacity to participate in donor coordination mechanisms at the country, regional, and sector levels; and (2) assist sector projects supported by the Southern African Development Coordination Conference. Authorizes assistance to South Africa for: (1) grants to nongovernmental organizations promoting efforts to foster a just society and help the victims of apartheid; (2) assistance to political detainees and prisoners and their families and to support actions of black community organizations to resist, through nonviolent means, the enforcement of apartheid policies; and (3) activities to assist in an end to apartheid and in the establishment of a society based on nonracial principles. Permits such grants to be only for organizations whose character and membership reflect the objective of a majority of South Africans for an end to apartheid and for interracial cooperation and justice. Authorizes appropriations. Expresses the sense of the Congress that there should be periodic evaluations of the progress of the administering agency in achieving assistance goals in Subsaharan Africa. Chapter 2: Assistance for Eastern Europe - Sets forth U.S. policy and objectives with respect to assistance for Eastern Europe. Declares that the United States should provide assistance for eligible East European countries that are taking steps toward: (1) political pluralism; (2) economic reform; (3) respect for human rights; and (4) a willingness to build a friendly relationship with the United States. Defines an eligible East European country as Poland, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Bulgaria, Romania, Yugoslavia, and any other East European country taking such steps. Requires the basic objectives of such assistance to be the promotion of democracy and the encouragement of free market systems. Lists authorized types of assistance. Permits the President to furnish assistance to eligible East European countries. Provides that any authority in the Support for East European Democracy (SEED) Act of 1989 to furnish assistance for Poland or Hungary may be deemed to authorize assistance for any eligible East European country. Permits the President to use any funds made available for assistance for Eastern Europe under the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1991 to provide balance of payments support with respect to eligible East European countries. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should use the authorities provided under the SEED Act and this Act to provide stabilization assistance to assist Hungary, Czechoslovakia, and other East European countries the President deems appropriate. Authorizes appropriations. Permits the President to: (1) designate Enterprise Funds for any country in Eastern Europe in the same manner and with the same authorities and limitations applicable to the Enterprise Funds for Poland and Hungary established pursuant to the SEED Act; and (2) provide funding and support to the Funds. Authorizes U.S. agencies that are authorized to provide assistance or conduct programs for Poland or Hungary pursuant to the SEED Act to provide such assistance or conduct such programs for eligible East European countries. Permits the President to authorize agencies to implement programs for management and technical assistance for governments and private enterprises in Eastern European countries. Makes appropriations to carry out this chapter available for contracting with individuals for personal services. Chapter 3: Multilateral Assistance Initiative for the Philippines - Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the United States should participate with multilateral financial institutions and other bilateral donors in an economic reform and development program in the Philippines; and (2) a commitment of resources by the United States, donors, and such institutions and a reform effort and leadership role by the Government of the Philippines will be necessary to ensure economic growth in the Philippines and enhanced participation of the Filipino people in the democratic process. Authorizes the President to provide assistance to promote the goals of this Act. Links such assistance to progress by the Government of the Philippines in implementing its economic, structural, judicial, and administrative reform program. Authorizes appropriations. Limits the amount of appropriations for FY 1992. Expresses the sense of the Congress that prior to requesting additional amounts to carry out this Act, the President should take into account: (1) the progress being made by the Philippines toward achieving reform objectives; (2) the extent of participation by the bilateral donors and multilateral financial institutions; and (3) the efforts to coordinate the assistance program. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the coordination of objectives and programs by donors, institutions, and the Government of the Philippines is critical to the success of the multilateral assistance program; (2) all donors should simplify procurement and disbursement procedures to ensure that conditions on the provision or use of assistance are complementary; and (3) the Philippines should establish internal procedures that will ensure the most effective use of such assistance. Title VIII: Presidential Contingency Fund - Authorizes appropriations to the President for FY 1992 for unanticipated contingencies in programs within the International Affairs Budget Function. Title IX: Authorizations for Fiscal Year 1993 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 to carry out programs for which appropriations for FY 1992 are authorized by this Act.

Electing Representative Edwards of Oklahoma to the Committee on Education and Labor.

United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1991

Elects Representative Edwards of Oklahoma to the House Committee on Education and Labor.

A bill to amend the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act to provide grants to States to fund State domestic violence coalitions, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1991

Amends the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide grants to States to fund eligible State domestic violence coalitions. Makes eligible for such grants nonprofit statewide coalitions whose: (1) membership includes a majority of programs for victims of domestic violence in the State, and is representative of such programs; and (2) purpose is to provide services, community education, and technical assistance to such programs to establish and maintain shelter and related services for domestic violence victims and their children. Includes among authorized uses of grant funds: (1) working with judicial and law enforcement agencies to encourage appropriate responses to domestic violence cases and examine specified issues; (2) working with family law judges, child protective services agencies, and children's advocates to develop appropriate responses to child custody and visitation issues in domestic violence cases, as well as cases of both domestic violence and child abuse; and (3) conducting public education campaigns regarding domestic violence. Authorizes appropriations. Sets forth reporting requirements.

Elementary School Counseling Demonstration Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1991

Elementary School Counseling Demonstration Act - Authorizes appropriations for the Secretary of Education to make demonstration grants to local education agencies to establish effective and innovative elementary school counseling programs that can serve as national models. Directs the Secretary to establish an Office of School Counseling, headed by a Director, in the Department of Education.

International Medical Graduates Anti-Discrimination Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1991

International Medical Graduates Anti-Discrimination Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the National Repository for Physician's Records. Requires the Repository, on request of an applicant for physician licensure in a State to: (1) maintain and verify documents on the applicant's educational background and credentials; and (2) provide such information to medical licensing boards and related entities. Establishes the Advisory Council on Medical Licensure to monitor the Repository for its first three years. Authorizes appropriations. Prohibits: (1) discrimination against an international medical graduate (defined as a graduate from a medical school outside the United States or Canada), on the basis of the international medical degree of the graduate, in facets of medical practice such as licensing, hiring, or granting clinical or hospital privileges or peer-review process; and (2) requiring an international graduate to provide additional information or meet additional requirements that would not be required from a graduate of a school in a State or Canada. Provides for grants to the Federation of State Medical Boards for developing and administering a single national medical licensing examination or set of examinations. Authorizes appropriations. Makes it unlawful for a graduate medical residency training program to deny a residency to an international medical graduate if such a residency cannot be filled by a graduate of a U.S. or Canadian medical school. Authorizes relief in the form of damages and specific performance. Requires such a program, to the extent practicable, to ensure that all residencies offered, and for which funds are available, are filled in accordance with these provisions. Mandates a report to the Congress comparing the treatment of graduates from U.S. and Canadian medical schools with international medical graduates.

Omnibus Adoption Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1991

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

School-Based Meals for Older Individuals and Intergenerational Programs Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1991

School-Based Meals for Older Individuals and Intergenerational Programs Act of 1991 - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to establish a program for school-based meals for older individuals and intergenerational activities for older individuals and elementary and secondary school students. Directs the Commissioner on Aging to make grants to States for the establishment and operation of projects that: (1) are carried out in elementary and secondary schools; (2) provide hot meals to older individuals while such schools are in session, during the summer, and (unless waived by the State) on weekdays in the school year when the schools are not in session; (3) provide intergenerational activities in which older individuals and students interact at such schools; (4) provide social and recreational activities for older individuals at such schools; (5) develop and maintain skill banks to inform school officials of the skills and preferred activities of older individuals, so that they may serve as tutors, teacher aides, living historians, special speakers, playground supervisors, and lunchroom assistants, and assistants in such schools; and (6) provide opportunities for older individuals to participate in school activities and use school facilities. Sets forth application procedures. Requires annual program evaluation reports by: (1) States receiving such grants, to the Commissioner; and (2) the Commissioner, summarizing such State reports, to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations. Prohibits program funding for a fiscal year unless certain other programs receive funding for that year which exceeds their FY 1990 levels.

Lead Exposure Reduction Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1991

Lead Exposure Reduction Act of 1991 - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to prohibit the importing, manufacturing, processing, or distribution in commerce of certain products containing more than a specified percentage of lead. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to modify the allowable lead percentage for such products under certain conditions. Permits the Administrator to extend dates for compliance with such requirements for one year and to establish a performance standard for lead leaching from plumbing fittings and fixtures in lieu of the applicable restriction if such standard is at least as protective of human health and the environment as such restriction. Requires the Administrator to waive such requirements with respect to certain toys and recreational game pieces that are collectible items and scale models intended for adult acquisition. Directs the Administrator to publish regulations banning the sale of lead solder to plumbers and plumbing supply wholesalers and retailers. Prohibits the sale or promotion of: (1) any packaging which may be used for food for human consumption (or any food in such packaging) that includes any additive to which lead has been intentionally introduced, beginning 24 months after this Act's enactment; and (2) any packaging or product in packaging that includes such an additive, beginning 48 months after this Act's enactment. Sets allowable concentration levels for the incidental presence of lead in such packaging. Prohibits the sale or promotion of packaging exceeding such levels. Authorizes the Administrator to exempt from such requirements: (1) packaging manufactured prior to this Act's enactment date; and (2) packaging to which lead has been added to comply with Federal, State, or local health or safety requirements. Requires certificates of compliance with lead requirements to be retained by packaging manufacturers or distributors and made available to purchasers. Prohibits the manufacture, import, or distribution in commerce of food cans containing more than .2 percent lead by dry weight. Prohibits the importing, manufacturing, processing, or distributing in commerce of foils for wine bottles containing more than .1 percent lead by dry weight. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to delay the application of such requirements under certain conditions. Prohibits the sale of leaded gasoline at a price lower than that of unleaded gasoline sold at the same establishment. Prohibits, within six months of this Act's enactment, the sale of leaded gasoline for use in motor vehicles (other than farm vehicles) in a metropolitan statistical area or consolidated metropolitan statistical area with a 1980 population of 250,000 persons or more. Requires, effective January 1, 1996, manufacturers or importers of fuels containing lead or lead additives to submit quarterly reports to the Administrator on the lead content and volume of such fuels. Exempts from lead content requirements: (1) paint used by artists; (2) products used for medical purposes; (3) products used in connection with national security; (4) products used in the nuclear industry; and (5) products used in the mining industry to determine the presence of noble metals in geological materials. Directs persons manufacturing, processing, or importing any product containing more than .1 percent lead by dry weight to submit specified information to the Administrator. Exempts owners or operators of recycling facilities and manufacturers, processors, or importers of lead-acid batteries from such requirement. Requires the Administrator to update, and publish a compilation of, such information. Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress on such information and on recommendations for minimizing the release of lead into the environment and preventing human exposure to lead. Permits persons submitting inventory information to claim such information as confidential. Sets forth provisions concerning confidentiality applications. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations that provide for the labeling of products (other than lead-acid batteries) that pose a risk of human exposure to lead. Requires the labeling of toys and recreational game pieces that are collectible items and scale models to disclose that such items contain lead and are not suitable for children. Prohibits: (1) the placement into landfills and incineration of lead-acid batteries; and (2) the disposal of such batteries other than by recycling in accordance with this Act. Prohibits the disposal of batteries except by delivery to: (1) battery retailers or wholesalers; (2) regulated lead smelters or collection or recycling facilities; or (3) automotive dismantlers. Sets forth specified delivery and disposal requirements for battery retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers. Directs battery retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers to accept from customers used batteries of the same type, and in an approximately equal quantity to, the batteries sold. Requires battery retailers to post notices in public areas of retail establishments that: (1) state that it is illegal to throw away motor vehicle or lead-acid batteries; (2) state that Federal law requires battery retailers to accept used batteries for recycling and allows a person to give used batteries to battery collectors, recyclers, or processors or to automotive dismantlers; and (3) encourage recycling of used batteries. Prescribes civil penalties for violations of notice requirements. Makes it unlawful to sell a lead-acid battery that does not bear a permanent label stating that: (1) the battery contains lead; and (2) Federal law requires recycling and the seller must accept the return. Permits the Administrator to issue warnings and citations for noncompliance with battery labeling and notice requirements. Permits the export of lead-acid batteries for purposes of recycling. Directs the Administrator to undertake a program to promote monitoring, detection, and abatement of lead-based paint and other lead exposure hazards. Requires the National Institute of Standards and Technology to establish protocols, criteria, standards, and a voluntary accreditation program with respect to laboratory analysis of lead in paint films, soil, and dust. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control, to establish: (1) protocols, criteria, and standards for laboratory analysis of lead in blood; and (2) certification programs to assure the quality and consistency of such analyses, unless voluntary accreditation programs are operating nationwide. Requires the Secretary of Labor to develop minimum core curricula for technical training courses for lead-based paint abatement workers, supervisors, designers, inspectors, and building owners. Provides that such courses shall address factors associated with lead testing and abatement in various types of housing units. Authorizes the Secretary to evaluate such programs and to encourage State certification programs or the development of national proficiency tests. Requires the Administrator to conduct research and report to the Congress on methods for evaluating emerging products and techniques for detecting lead in paint films and dust. Directs the Administrator to conduct research and report to the Congress on the efficacy of lead abatement and management techniques for housing based on levels of lead in dust and in occupants' blood. Requires the Administrator to conduct research and report to the Congress on products for encapsulating or stripping lead-based paint. Directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology to establish performance criteria and standards for encapsulants and strippers. Requires the Administrator to issue guidelines for the management of lead-based paint debris. Prohibits the funding of travel of EPA employees outside the United States unless such guidelines are issued. Requires the Administrator to undertake a research project on lead exposure in children who have elevated blood lead levels greater than ten micrograms per deciliter. Directs the Secretary of Labor and the Administrator to conduct a long-term research study on the sources of lead exposure in construction workers. Requires the Administrator to sponsor public education and outreach activities to increase awareness of the scope and severity of lead poisoning from household sources, potential exposure to lead in schools and day care centers, and the need for abatement and management action. Directs the Administrator to issue guidelines concerning the action levels for lead in soil. Directs the Administrator to appoint a Coordinator for Lead Activities. Requires the Administrator to award grants to institutions of higher education for purposes of establishing Centers for the Prevention of Lead Poisoning. Limits the Federal share of Center operation costs. Limits grants to two-year periods. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control, to: (1) encourage State public health officials to report blood-lead measurements to the Director; and (2) report to the Congress on the status of such reporting and the feasibility and desirability of instituting a national requirement for mandatory pre-school blood-lead screening. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary, acting through the Director, to establish a blood-lead laboratory reference project to assist State and local governments in establishing and improving the quality of laboratory measurements performed for childhood lead poisoning prevention programs. Requires the Administrator of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry to update a report submitted pursuant to the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 to include information on childhood and adult lead poisoning and estimates of adverse health outcomes associated with lead exposure. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to deem a food to be adulterated if: (1) it is packaged in a container containing solder or another ingredient with a lead content greater than .2 percent by dry weight; or (2) it is ceramic ware and the ability of such ceramic ware to leach lead does not conform with standards for ceramic ware established by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Requires the Secretary to establish standards and testing procedures with respect to lead in ceramic ware. Authorizes appropriations.

Savings and Investment Incentive Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1991

Savings and Investment Incentive Act of 1991 - Title I: Retirement Savings Incentives - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to remove the limitations on deductions for individual retirement plans and provides a cost-of-living adjustment for deductible amounts. Establishes special individual retirement accounts that are nondeductible. Makes such accounts nontaxable if earnings on contributions are held for at least five years. Applies the early withdrawal penalty to distributions made before the end of the five year-period. Title II: Penalty-Free Distributions - Provides exemptions from the ten-percent penalty on early withdrawals from individual retirement plans for: (1) first home purchases; (2) higher education expenses; and (2) financially devastating medical expenses.

To designate September 12, 1991, as "National DARE Day".

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1991

Designates September 12, 1991, as National DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Day.

Expressing the sense of the Congress regarding the Knight Foundation's proposals for reforming the college athletics system.

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1991

Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that: (1) colleges and universities should implement the Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics' (the Knight Foundation's) proposals for reforming the college athletics system; (2) the National Collegiate Athletic Association should consider the Foundation's proposals during its 1992 convention; and (3) Federal legislation should be enacted that protects the college athlete as a student and reforms the current college athletics system.

To amend the National School Lunch Act to extend benefits under the child care food program to children aged 13 to 15.

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1991

Amends the National School Lunch Act to include children aged 13 to 15 under the child care food program.

Native American University Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1991

Native American University Act of 1991 - Establishes a Native American University to provide a program of undergraduate and graduate education for Native American youth in the arts and sciences. Directs the Secretary of Interior, with the consent of the University's Board, to designate a site or an appropriate land area for the establishment of the University. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the University to establish and operate a study program on Native American culture and the care and management of Native Americans by the U.S. Government (including the care and allotment of Indian lands).

Maritime Administration Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1992 and 1993

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1991

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

Indoor Radon Abatement Reauthorization Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1991

Indoor Radon Abatement Reauthorization Act of 1991 - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to extend through FY 1994 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) publication entitled "A Citizen's Guide to Radon"; (2) model construction standards and techniques for controlling radon levels in new buildings; (3) technical assistance and grants to States for radon programs; and (4) regional radon training centers. Makes eligible for State grant assistance activities that: (1) assist public and Indian housing authorities in establishing radon programs; and (2) target outreach and technical assistance to licensed child care facilities in low-income Priority Radon Areas. Requires regional radon training centers to provide training to State and local building code officials on model construction standards and techniques for controlling radon levels. Directs the EPA Administrator, by January 1, 1992, to designate as Priority Radon Areas areas in which the average radon level is likely to exceed the national average by more than a de minimis amount. Requires homes owned by Federal agencies or Government corporations in Priority Radon Areas to be tested for radon before sales contracts to sell such homes are signed. Provides that such testing shall be undertaken on or below the second floor and supervised by a person who has received instruction pursuant to an EPA or approved State program and who uses approved radon measurement devices and methods. Makes test results available to potential buyers of such homes. Requires Federal agencies to adopt procedures to assure that new Federal buildings or schools constructed with Federal funds in Priority Radon Areas conform to model construction standards for controlling radon levels. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to disseminate information on health threats posed by radon, proper radon testing methods, radon mitigation techniques, and Priority Radon Areas to: (1) public housing and Indian housing assisted under the United States Housing Act of 1937 in Priority Radon Areas; and (2) tenants in housing funded by the Secretary in Priority Radon Areas. Authorizes the Administrator to establish a national educational campaign to increase public awareness about radon health risks and to motivate public action to reduce radon levels. Requires the Administrator to study and report to the Congress on the extent of radon contamination in work places. Authorizes the Administrator to undertake diagnostic and remedial efforts to reduce radon in high-risk work places. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Administrator to: (1) evaluate existing efforts to promote radon testing in homes and ways to increase such testing; and (2) report to the Congress on the effectiveness of alternative strategies to promote such testing.

Radon Assessment and Mitigation Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1991

Radon Assessment and Mitigation Act of 1991 - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for: (1) grants and technical assistance to States for radon programs; (2) an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) publication entitled "A Citizen's Guide to Radon"; and (3) model construction standards and techniques for controlling radon levels in new buildings. Limits the Federal share of grants to States for radon programs to 50 percent of a program's cost. Adds to the list of activities eligible for grant assistance: (1) technical assistance to public water supply systems concerning mitigation of radon in public water supplies and public education activities to assist homeowners in the assessment and mitigation of radon in water supplies; (2) activities to adopt new construction standards for reducing radon levels in new buildings; and (3) technical and financial assistance to public interest groups to encourage radon testing and mitigation at local levels. Requires the EPA Administrator to make available final radon control standards and techniques for new buildings by January 1, 1992. Directs the appropriate Federal official to require single family or multifamily housing constructed in a high risk radon area with Federal financial assistance to be constructed in accordance with such standards. Requires regional radon training centers to provide for the training of contractors and others in the building community in the implementation of such standards. Directs the Administrator to establish a radon design award program to provide for annual awards for the best residential design incorporating radon control or mitigation standards. Requires the Administrator to designate high risk radon areas on a biennial basis. Prohibits Federal officials, within one year of the date of designation of an area as a high risk radon area, from approving financing of a residence covered by Federal housing assistance programs, unless such officials have been provided with results of radon tests for the residence. Prescribes civil penalties for persons who knowingly act to reduce the accuracy of such tests. Directs the Administrator to submit to the Congress a plan describing activities to be undertaken by Federal agencies to mitigate radon in Federal buildings. Requires the Administrator to: (1) implement an outreach program to provide information about radon to the medical community; and (2) develop and distribute informational material concerning radon tailored to doctors in general practice and in specialties related to lung cancer. Directs the Administrator, in FY 1992 through 1994, to support at least five applications for regional radon training centers. Authorizes appropriations.

A bill to authorize the Indian American Forum for Political Education to establish a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi in the District of Columbia.

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1991

Authorizes the Indian American Forum for Political Education to establish a memorial on Federal land in the District of Columbia or its environs to honor Mahatma Gandhi. Prohibits the United States from paying any expense of establishing the memorial.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a Federal income tax credit for tuition.

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1991

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a nonrefundable individual income tax credit for the educational expenses (tuition and supplies) of the taxpayer, spouse, or dependents at an eligible private elementary or secondary school, institution of higher education, or vocational school. Limits the credit to $1,000 per student per year.

Urban Schools of America (USA) Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1991

Urban Schools of America (USA) Act of 1991 - Title I: Urban School Improvement - Authorizes appropriations for this title. Directs the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) to reserve five percent of specified funds for competitive grant awards to exemplary school programs. Directs the Secretary to allot, from remaining amounts, to each eligible local educational agency (LEA) with an approved application an amount based on that LEA's relative allocation under certain provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 for education of disadvantaged children (ESEA title I chapter 1). Provides for annual payments to eligible LEAs with approved applications if they comply with certain data collection requirements to monitor progress toward meeting national education goals, and demonstrate such progress. Requires each such LEA to reserve up to five percent of its allotment to make as many grants as practicable, for authorized activities, to community-based organizations or nonprofit partnerships between the LEA and a city-wide collaborative of private sector businesses. Sets limits on the time and the amount of funds to be used for planning purposes. Requires LEAs to use funds under this title to meet national education goals through programs designed to: (1) increase the academic achievement of urban school children to at least the national average; (2) prepare all urban children for school; (3) increase the graduation rates of urban students to at least the national average; (4) prepare urban school graduates to enter higher education, pursue careers, and exercise their responsibilities as citizens; (5) recruit and retain qualified teachers; and (6) decrease the use of drugs and alcohol by urban students, and enhance their physical and emotional health. Sets forth program accountability requirements: (1) in general, for initial grants, renewal grants, and renewal of school participation; (2) for achievement, including demonstration of improvement; and (3) for data collection to monitor progress in achieving national education goals. Authorizes the Secretary to make, from reserved funds, competitive incentive awards to individual schools participating in projects assisted under this title that demonstrate exemplary progress in meeting specified program requirements. Directs the Secretary, by January 1, 1993, to report on the impact of Federal regulations, guidelines, and policies on urban public schools. Requires LEAs desiring to receive an allotment under this Act to establish a local advisory group to: (1) advise on design and conduct of a needs assessment for participating schools; (2) assist in planning for community-wide collaboration in service delivery for youths in participating schools; (3) advise the LEA and the community on how they can work together to use multiple service providers; (4) advise and assist program implementation and review program evaluation; (5) review and approve community-based organizations' applications; (6) advise on strategies for increasing parental involvement and the number of school volunteers and role models; and (7) review community-based programs' progress or national education goals. Allows use of a comparable existing local advisory group to comply with such requirement. Sets forth special rules relating to ranking of schools to determine relative need, in general, on the basis of achievement, poverty, and racial isolation. Requires each LEA receiving a grant to serve between ten and 20 percent of its schools. Requires eligible LEAs to have flexibility to serve homeless children, desegregating students, immigrants, migrants, or other highly mobile populations, within the program assisted under this title. Deems any approved program for any school served under certain ESEA title I chapter 1 provisions to be sufficient to meet the application and program accountability requirements of this title. Title II: School Building Repair and Renovation - Authorizes appropriations to assist eligible LEAs in repairing and renovating instructional facilities in city schools. Directs the Secretary to reserve one percent of such funds for monitoring activities under this title. Directs the Secretary to allot the remainder to eligible LEAs, which shall use such allotment for programs for school building repair and renovation and for programs for school environmental concerns and safety improvement. Directs the Secretary to allocate such funds on the basis of the number of: (1) children from families below the poverty line; (2) school buildings used for instructional purposes; and (3) school buildings more than 25 years old used for instructional purposes. Limits the period covered by a grant application to three years, and requires annual review by the Secretary. Lists types of programs eligible LEAs must conduct with their allotments for: (1) repair and renovation of school buildings; and (2) improvements related to environmental concerns and safety. Title III: Urban School Research - Authorizes appropriations, to carry out this title, for the National Institute for Urban Education (the Institute), established in the Department of Education by this title. Amends the Department of Education Organization Act to create an Assistant Secretary for Urban Education (the Assistant Secretary), who is to establish the Institute in the Department. Directs the Assistant Secretary to: (1) reserve 20 percent of funds for this title for operation of the Institute; and (2) from the remainder of such funds, make allotments to eligible LEAs on the basis of numbers of students. Directs the Institute to: (1) evaluate and disseminate results of activities under title I; (2) conduct research in urban education; (3) serve as a clearinghouse on urban education research findings, policies, and practices; (4) assist LEAs in developing research and evaluation to assess progress toward meeting national education goals; (5) provide training in research and evaluation; (6) design a research and evaluation strategy for assessing progress under this Act; and (7) design and test both common indicators and new multiple-measures of progress toward national education goals. Provides for an Institute Governing Board. Allows LEAs to use of funds under this title for: (1) collaborative and coordinated research and evaluation of educational techniques or approaches in multiple cities served by eligible LEAS; (2) evaluation of projects assisted under title I; (3) dissemination of information on successful projects and approaches under title I; (4) design and implementation of programs for LEA technical assistance to individual schools and teachers involved in title I projects; (5) data and information management services for schools participating in a title I program; (6) staff training in such schools; and (7) evaluation of progress in meeting national educational goals by LEAs receiving assistance under this Act; (8) staff training in test interpretation and use for diagnostic purposes; (9) information for parents on test results and interpretation; (10) research and evaluation technology and training; (11) tools for assessment of students in individualized instruction; (12) research on school policies and practices that may be barriers to student success; and (13) new, multiple, alternative assessments of student progress. Title IV: General Provisions - Establishes the Interagency Council on Urban Schools to: (1) review Federal programs to determine effects on urban schools' ability to meet national education goals; (2) track school progress toward such goals; (3) solicit advice and information for urban education experts and urban school representatives on improvement of Federal programs; (4) review Federal regulations for duplication or contradiction; (5) report annually to the Congress and the President on urban school progress; (6) review and recommend improvement or streamlinig of Federal data collection in urban schools; and (7) conduct research to help urban school practitioners improve school performance. Directs the President to conduct a White House Conference on Urban Education before October 30, 1992. Requires the Conference to: (1) develop recommendations and strategies for improving urban education; (2) marshal the forces of the private sector, governmental agencies at all levels, parents, teachers, communities, and education officials to assist urban schools in meeting national goals; and (3) conduct initial planning for a permanent national advisory commission on urban education. Requires a report to the President. Authorizes appropriations for such Conference. Establishes a National Commission on Urban Education (the Commission). Directs the Commission to: (1) study specified issues relating to urban schools; and (2) report, and recommend changes in Federal legislation, to the President and appropriate congressional committees. Terminates the Commission three years after its first meeting. Authorizes appropriations for the commission. Requires eligible LEAs to use Federal funds received under this Act only to supplement but not supplant non-Federal funds.

National and Community Service Incentive Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1991

National and Community Service Incentive Act of 1991 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for partial cancellation or repayment of certain student loans for borrowers who perform a year or more of specified types of full-time, low-paid voluntary community service. Revises the direct (Perkins) student loan program to provide for partial loan cancellation for full-time volunteer service (comparable to Peace Corps or VISTA service) with a tax-exempt organization. (Current law provides for such partial cancellation for service in the Peace Corps or VISTA.) Revises the guaranteed (Stafford) student loan program to provide for partial loan repayment for service in the Peace Corps or VISTA or for comparable full-time service as a volunteer with a tax-exempt organization. Sets certain maximum compensation limitations as a requirement for specified deferments of Stafford and Perkins loans.

National Radon in Schools Testing Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1991

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

A bill to amend the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Techology Education Act to permit the Secretary of Education to waive certain requirements with respect to the distribution of funds to secondary school programs to permit certain postsecondary institutions to receive such funds, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1991

Amends the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act to direct the Secretary of Education to permit a State to reserve and allocate specified funds for unique drop-out intervention programs offered by postsecondary adult vocational technical schools that serve high school students and provide accredited high school diplomas to them (notwithstanding certain allocation requirements for distribution of funds to secondary school programs).

National Infrastructure Corporation and Advisory Council Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1991

National Infrastructure Corporation and Advisory Council Act of 1991 - Establishes the National Infrastructure Corporation. Vests the powers of the Corporation in its Board of Directors. Establishes the National Infrastructure Advisory Council to provide the Board with the views of the private sector and non-Federal public entities concerning the financing of infrastructure projects. Requires the Board to submit to the President and the Congress an annual operations and expenditures report. Establishes a National Infrastructure Revolving Fund to provide interim financing to major infrastructure projects. Sets forth loan conditions. Authorizes the Corporation to: (1) provide technical assistance to qualified concerns; (2) carry out research and development programs pertaining to infrastructure; (3) establish an infrastructure technology transfer and information assistance program to furnish assistance to State and local governments; (4) establish a National Infrastructure Institute to support infrastructure innovation programs in institutions of higher education; (5) develop and implement a national infrastructure education program; and (6) commission a study to determine the value and worth of infrastructure. Establishes the Commission to Promote Investment in America's Infrastructure to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of creating a type of infrastructure security which would permit pension fund investment in infrastructure. Authorizes appropriations.

National Historic Preservation Act Amendments of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1991

National Historic Preservation Act Amendments of 1991 - Amends the National Historic Preservation Act to: (1) require the Secretary of the Interior to report, at least once every four years, to the President and to the Congress, on a review of threats to properties included in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places; (2) revise requirements for Federal and State historic preservation programs; (3) provide for tribal and Native Hawaiian historic preservation programs; (4) provide for matching grants to States and direct grants to Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations to carry out this Act; (5) require development of a comprehensive preservation education and training program; (6) revise requirements for awarding and apportioning grants under this Act; (7) require adaptive use alternatives for Federal agency historic properties; and (8) provide for disposition of archaeological materials. Requires the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation to study and report to the Congress on the feasibility of establishing a registration program for artifacts removed from domestic and foreign archaeological sites. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Council to call for and organize U.S. leadership and participation in an international conference on the international antiquities trade. Provides that the conference shall be held in 1992 as part of the commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Columbus Discovery Voyage. Amends the National Historic Preservation Act to include within the membership of the council one member of an Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization appointed by the President. Prohibits public access to certain information about historic resources in specified circumstances. Establishes in the National Park Service a National Center for Preservation Technology. Establishes a Preservation Technology Board to: (1) provide leadership, policy advice, coordination, and professional oversight to the Center; (2) advise on priorities and the allocation of funds among Center activities; and (3) submit an annual report to the President and the Congress. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on: (1) the status of the inclusion of artifacts, records, and material remains on the National Register of Historic Places; and (2) the advisability of including traditional cultural practices and lifeways on it.