Education

A bill to amend the National School Lunch Act to remove the requirement that schools participating in the school lunch program offer students specific types of fluid milk, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1991

Amends the National School Lunch Act to remove the requirement that schools participating in the school lunch program offer students specified types of fluid milk (while retaining the requirement that they offer fluid milk).

Student Counseling and Assistance Network Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1991

Student Counseling and Assistance Network Act of 1991 - Directs the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) to establish information and counseling services within the Department of Education (the Department) to: (1) collect information on existing programs of effective early intervention providing financial aid information and dissemination and of exemplary precollege guidance and counseling and college admission counseling; (2) establish a national clearinghouse at the Department for information on such programs and coordination among existing clearinghouses; and (3) offer assistance to schools and institutions to implement such programs. Directs the Secretary to award grants and enter into contracts to: (1) develop model precollege and college admission counseling programs, including tools and resources for dissemination to students and parents; (2) train school counselors and admission officers to work with parents and other individuals and agencies in the community so that information on student counseling and assistance programs is widely available; and (3) evaluate student counseling and assistance programs under this Act and recommend any necessary modifications. Gives preference to grant applicants that can recruit economically disadvantaged, minority, and other at-risk students. Includes among entities eligible to receive such grants and contracts public and nonprofit private entities concerned with the availability of higher education assistance. Directs the Secretary to develop, maintain, and widely disseminate an annual comprehensive and detailed guide to postsecondary services, products, and systems. Requires such guide to: (1) be publicly available in electronic and hard copy formats, updated at least semiannually; and (2) include specified types of information from public and private sources. Directs the Secretary to: (1) identify and develop policies, programs, and methods for cross-linking and integrating information relevant to postsecondary education; (2) within six months after enactment of this Act, establish an intra-agency Working Group to consider standard formats for data and efforts needed to cross-link existing data bases and to recommend data bases that can be integrated and made publicly accessible within specified periods; and (3) review such recommendations and report to the Congress, within one year after such enactment and biennially thereafter, on activities to encourage cross-linking and integration of postsecondary information products and services. Establishes a Task Force on Public Access, to be appointed by the Secretary, to recommend improvements in the Department's dissemination of postsecondary information Directs the Secretary to establish a Student Counseling and Assistance Network (SCAN). Requires SCAN to: (1) provide public access, through computers, toll-free telephone hotlines and other means, to information collected for the guide and other information on student aid and college admissions; (2) provide use of electronic mail and conferencing services involving students, parents, educators, and administrators, to improve secondary school curricula choices, study skills guidance, understanding of postsecondary options, and participation in postsecondary education; (3) promote public use of telecommunications and access to Department postsecondary information; (4) evaluate other electronic technologies for such dissemination purposes; and (5) study standards to improve handling such information. Directs the Secretary to establish a pricing policy, including reduction or waiver of any user fees, for public access to information provided under this Act. Requires such policy to establish different prices for commercial and noncommercial uses, and allows it to establish multiple levels of services and prices. Prohibits the ability to pay from being a barrier to access or participation in SCAN. Requires such policy to be developed within one year after enactment of this Act and to incorporate the views of the public. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on Department information cross-linking and integration, public access, dissemination, and related issues. Authorizes the Secretary to award eligible entities grants and contracts to develop and deliver public service announcements and paid advertising messages that encourage individuals to seek higher education and use SCAN services. Gives preference to applicants that can recruit economically disadvantaged, minority, and other at-risk students. Requires publication of guidelines for applications and public comment. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1994 for the following programs under this Act: (1) counseling programs; (2) database and hotline; and (3) national information programs (reserving at least half of the funds for national information for grants to entities providing targeted messages to economically disadvantaged minority populations.

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require hospitals receiving medicare payments for graduate medical education programs to incorporate training in disease prevention and health promotion, and to prohibit reductions in payment rates for direct and indirect medical education costs.

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1991

Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require hospitals receiving payments under the Medicare program for graduate medical education programs to incorporate into such programs training in disease prevention and health promotion. Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from making any reductions in Medicare payments for direct and indirect graduate medical education costs beyond those provided in law by January 1, 1991.

A bill to change the name of the Centers for Disease Control to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1991

Changes references to the Centers for Disease Control (in one case a reference to the Federal Center for Disease Control) to references to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control in the Comprehensive Smoking Education Act, the Education Amendments of 1978, the Veterans' Benefits and Services Act of 1988, the Public Health Service Act, the Health Omnibus Programs Extension of 1988, the Health Research Extension Act of 1985, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, and a Federal law relating to paint poisoning prevention.

Persian Gulf War Veterans Educational Benefits Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1991

Persian Gulf War Veterans Educational Benefits Act of 1991 - Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to include the Persian Gulf War under the definition of "period of war" for purposes of determining eligibility for various benefits for war veterans, their spouses, and their dependents. Increases the monthly stipend available to members of the all-volunteer active-duty armed forces and the Selected Reserve for educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill veterans' educational assistance program. Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned, and the Secretary of Transportation with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service of the Navy, to provide educational assistance to members of the Selected Reserve who: (1) during the Persian Gulf War, served on active duty for more than 180 days of continuous service; and (2) were discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable. States that such educational assistance may be provided for a program of education beyond the baccalaureate degree level. States that in the case of a member of the Selected Reserve called to active duty in connection with the Persian Gulf War: (1) the period of such active duty may not be considered in determining the expiration date for eligibility for educational assistance benefits provided under the Montgomery GI Bill; and (2) the member may not be considered to have been separated from the Selected Reserve for purposes of commencement of the delimiting period for use of such benefits. Provides that in the case of an active-duty or Reserve member student who fails to complete a course of study under the veterans' educational assistance program due to being called to active duty in connection with the Persian Gulf War, both the amount of educational assistance received and the time spent pursuing that course of study will not be counted against such student for purposes of general entitlement under the veterans' educational assistance program. Excludes courses for which the student has already received full credit from inclusion in such provision. Restores the full amount available to such student veteran as if the interrupted course had not been taken. States that such exclusion shall apply to members of the Selected Reserve pursuing courses under the armed forces educational assistance program. Allows the Secretary of Defense to repay a certain percentage of the student loans granted under the Higher Education Act of 1965 in the case of officer personnel in grades below major or, in the case of the Navy, lieutenant commander. (Currently, such repayment is authorized for certain enlisted and reserve personnel only.) Makes all members of the armed forces called or ordered to active duty in connection with the Persian Gulf War eligible for deferment of student loans granted under the Higher Education Act of 1965 during the continuance of such duty. States that such period shall not be counted against the grace period otherwise available. States that all direct or discretionary spending contained in this Act is to be considered emergency expenditures for purposes of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act).

Osteoporosis and Related Bone Disorders Research, Education, and Health Services Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1991

Osteoporosis and Related Bone Disorders Research, Education, and Health Services Act of 1991 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMSD), the Director of the National Institute on Aging (NIA), and the Director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDKD) to expand and intensify research on osteoporosis and related bone disorders. Requires, with respect to osteoporosis and related bone disorders: (1) the NIAMSD Director to increase the number of Specialized Centers of Research; (2) the NIA Director to increase the number of program project grants devoted to creating centers of excellence; and (3) the NIDDKD Director to increase the number of grants in osteoporosis. Authorizes appropriations. Establishes in the Department of Health and Human Services the Interagency Council on Osteoporosis and Related Disorders and the Advisory Panel on Osteoporosis and Related Disorders. Authorizes appropriations for the Advisory Panel. Requires the NIAMSD Director to make grants or enter into contracts to establish a Resource Center on Osteoporosis and Related Disorders to: (1) disseminate information about research results, services, and educational materials to health professionals, patients, and the public; and (2) coordinate leadership training for the development of health professional resource networks. Requires grant and contract recipients to establish: (1) a central computerized information system to, among other matters, translate scientific and technical information into information readily understandable by the general public; and (2) a national toll-free telephone information line. Requires the grant or contract recipient to charge fees for providing information, but allows exceptions for individuals and organizations unable to pay. Authorizes appropriations.

Anti-Apartheid Act Amendments of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1991

Anti-Apartheid Act Amendments of 1991 - Title I: Sanctions Against Investment in, and Exports to, South Africa and Other Measures (Except Import Restrictions) to End Apartheid - Part A: Amendments to the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986 and Other Laws - Amends the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986 to prohibit any investments in South Africa by U.S. persons. Makes exceptions to such prohibition for: (1) investments in a business enterprise 90 percent owned and controlled by South Africans economically and politically disadvantaged by apartheid; and (2) investments made by certain individuals during any period and to the extent that such investments are considered South African emigrant non-resident assets and subject to transfer or disposition restrictions. Authorizes a person to apply for, and the President to grant for good cause, a waiver of such prohibition for up to 180 days. Requires U.S. controlled South African entities that are subject to the investment prohibition and that employ more than 24 South Africans economically and politically disadvantaged by apartheid to: (1) notify employees and employee organizations not less than 90 days prior to termination of the U.S. investment in such entity; and (2) enter into good faith negotiations with representative trade unions regarding the terms of such termination. Prohibits the exportation or reexportation to South Africa of any goods or technology subject to U.S. jurisdiction. Prohibits any such exportation or reexportation by any person subject to U.S. jurisdiction. Exempts from such prohibition publications, donations of food, clothing, and medical supplies, commercial sales of agricultural commodities and products, and goods and technology for use in the gathering or dissemination of information by news media organizations subject to U.S. jurisdiction. Makes such prohibitions inapplicable to: (1) any goods that are the direct product of technology of U.S. origin under a written agreement entered into on or before April 20, 1988, and that are exported within one year of the enactment of this Act; (2) economic assistance or human rights programs for disadvantaged South Africans, South African blacks or other nonwhite South Africans, or victims of apartheid in South Africa; and (3) contributions to charitable organizations engaged in social welfare, public health, religious, educational, or emergency relief activities in South Africa. Repeals specified provisions of the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986 that: (1) prohibit certain exports to, imports from, and investments in South Africa; (2) set forth U.S. policy toward the recruitment and training of black South Africans; and (3) prohibit U.S. intercession with any foreign government regarding export activities of certain U.S. nationals in South Africa who are not implementing the Code of Conduct. Revises the definition of "loans" for purposes of such Act to prohibit short-term trade financing, sales on open account, and rescheduling of existing loans. Adds other definitions for purposes of such Act. Prohibits any U.S. agency or entity involved in intelligence activities from engaging in any form of cooperation with the Government of South Africa (specifically including the authorities administering Namibia so long as Namibia is illegally occupied). Prohibits any U.S. agency or entity from engaging in any form of cooperation with the armed forces of South Africa. Prohibits funds made available by the Congress from being obligated or expended for any expense related to any prohibited cooperation. States that the President should not: (1) assign or detail any member of the U.S. armed forces to serve as a defense or military attache in South Africa; or (2) accredit any individual to serve as a defense or military attache at a South African diplomatic mission in the United States. Repeals provisions of the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1987 concerning restrictions on intelligence agency cooperation with South Africa. Prohibits the Secretary of Energy from authorizing any person to engage, directly or indirectly, in the production of special nuclear materials in South Africa. Revises penalty provisions of the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986. Establishes within the Department of State a Coordinator of South Africa Sanctions who shall be responsible to the Secretary of State for matters pertaining to the implementation of sanctions against South Africa. Directs the Coordinator to place emphasis on activities related to strategically important trade in oil, coal, computers, specialized machinery and arms, and to financial credits. Sets forth the responsibilities of the Secretary of State in leading and coordinating the activities of other agencies in implementing and enforcing the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986 and in monitoring other nations' economic relations with South Africa. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on actions to monitor and enforce such Act and on economic relations between South Africa and each of its trading partners. Establishes an Interagency Coordinating Committee on South Africa to coordinate and monitor the implementation of such Act. Revises provisions of such Act regarding the Code of Conduct and expanded participation in the South African economy. Requires Federal agencies to make efforts to assist businesses more than 90 percent (currently, 50 percent) owned by black or nonwhite South Africans. Amends the Export Import Bank Act of 1945 to require the Bank to insure or participate in the extension of credit to businesses more than 90 percent owned (currently, majority owned) and controlled by black or nonwhite South Africans. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to permit the use of a specified amount of funds authorized for economic development assistance for assistance to disadvantaged South Africans. Specifies that such assistance may include scholarships, the promotion of the participation of disadvantaged South Africans in trade unions and private enterprise, alternative education and community development programs, and training and other assistance (including legal aid) for South African journalists. Lists major trade union federations in South Africa as examples of recipients of U.S. assistance to the labor movement. Earmarks a specified amount of such funds for refugee education and assistance for South Africans. Prohibits any U.S. person from providing transport to South Africa of a commercial quantity of crude oil or refined petroleum products. Includes in such prohibition transport on a vessel of U.S. registry or on a vessel owned by a U.S. person. Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from issuing any mineral lease to any national of the United States which is controlled by any foreign person who purchases, acquires, owns, or holds any investment in South Africa or who exports crude oil or refined petroleum products to South Africa. Authorizes the President to waive such prohibitions under specified conditions. Part B: Policy Statements; Reports; Studies; and Other Miscellaneous Provisions - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) direct the Attorney General to conduct an antitrust investigation of the South African controlled international diamond cartel; (2) direct the Secretary of Commerce and the Commissioner of Customs to study the feasibility of identifying at the port of entry the national origin of diamonds entering the United States; and (3) ensure effective and rigorous enforcement of a prohibition on the importation into the United States of uncut South African diamonds by taking specified measures. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the President should eliminate all honorary consuls of South Africa in the United States and forbid expansion of South Africa's embassy staff; and (2) approval of temporary U.S. visas should be granted on a case-by-case basis after considering South Africa's record of allowing its citizens, including apartheid opponents, to travel to the United States. Requires the President to study and report to the Congress on measures to reduce South Africa's foreign exchange earnings from gold. Directs the Secretary of State to report to the Congress on South Africa's involvement in international terrorism. Title II: Sanctions Against South African Imports Into the United States - Prohibits the importation into the United States of any article from South Africa, except: (1) strategic minerals which the President certifies to the Congress are essential for military or economic purposes and are not available from alternative reliable suppliers or through improved manufacturing processes, conservation, recycling, and economical substitution; and (2) publications. Specifies that such prohibition includes: (1) krugerrands or any gold coin minted in South Africa or offered for sale by the Government of South Africa; (2) uranium hexafluoride that has been manufactured from South African uranium or uranium oxide; and (3) fish or seafood which are products of South Africa. Exempts from such prohibition any imports from business enterprises in South Africa that are wholly-owned by persons economically or politically disadvantaged by apartheid. Requires the President to confer with other industrialized democracies in order to reach cooperative agreements to impose sanctions against South Africa to bring about the dismantling of apartheid. Requires the President to report to the Congress concerning such efforts. Requires (currently, encourages) the President to seek United Nations Security Council adoption of the same sanctions against South Africa as are imposed by the United States. Requires (currently, authorizes) the President to impose penalties against foreign persons taking significant commercial advantage of U.S. sanctions against South Africa or comparable sanctions of other industrialized democracies. Includes as such a penalty the restriction of such a person from contracting with U.S. Government entities. Allows the President to waive such penalties for foreign persons of an industrialized democracy that is a party to a cooperative agreement to impose sanctions against South Africa. Requires the President to revoke such waiver if the industrialized democracy is not adequately enforcing the measures provided for under the agreement. Requires that information concerning the extent to which import restrictions are being enforced by other industrialized democracies be included in the Secretary of State's annual report to the Congress. Sets forth provisions pertaining to committee referral in the House of Representatives of joint resolutions pertaining to import restrictions. Requires the President, through the Secretary of Commerce, to submit periodic reports to the Congress setting forth the average amounts of imports of coal or any strategic and critical material entering the United States from each member and observer country of the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance. Requires the President to report annually to the Congress on the program to reduce U.S. dependence on strategic minerals from South Africa. Requires the President to confer with the governments of the African "frontline" states on measures to prevent the circumvention of the import restrictions on South African products imposed under the authority of this Act. Title III: General Provisions - Makes conforming amendments and sets forth the effective date of this Act.

Student Loan Default Prevention Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1991

Student Loan Default Prevention Act of 1991 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (the Act) to lower the amount insured for any lender by the guaranteed student loan (GSL) program (under the Robert T. Stafford Student Loan Program) from 100 percent to 95 percent of the unpaid principal if one-third or more of the principal outstanding during any consecutive two-year period on the lender's loans consists of loans to students for attendance costs at a higher default rate institution. Prohibits guaranty agencies from selling lists of student borrowers who have loans under the Stafford program. Authorizes guaranty agencies to obtain information on the location of a student borrower from State licensing boards. Limits the circumstances under which repayment deferments are granted for loans to parents (PLUS loans). Revises provisions relating to credit bureaus, with respect to notices of delinquency, notices to borrowers, and limitations on reporting. Revises disclosure requirements to set forth special rules under which supplemental loans for students (SLS loans) are not subject to a requirement for disclosure of projected monthly payment amounts if the lender provides the borrower with sample projections of monthly repayment amounts based on specified assumptions. Requires that officers or directors of the accrediting agency or association not be affiliated in any way with a vocational school seeking or obtaining eligibility for the student loan insurance program. Requires eligible lenders under the Stafford Student loan program to request pre-claims assistance within a specified period if the guaranty agency offers such pre-claims assistance for default prevention. Requires that guaranty agencies, within a specified period after receipt of such a request for such pre-claims assistance, to notify each eligible institution of the lenders request for such assistance on such loan. Reduces certain special allowances paid to holders of eligible loans under the Stafford student loan program. Requires eligible institutions under such program to submit certain information to the Secretary if they wish to change their accrediting agency or association. Requires student borrowers, in order to receive any student loan under the Act, to provide the lender at the time of applying for such loan: (1) their driver's license number; and (2) the name and address of their next of kin. Directs eligible institutions to require borrowers to supply the following exit interview information: (1) their address and the address of their next of kin; and (2) their driver's license number. Directs the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) to establish and publicize a toll-free consumer telephone hotline for use by the public, to permit students who allege fraud or unfair practices by eligible institutions to inform the Department of Education. Requires that an institution's graduation and placement statistics be audited by an independent public agency. Sets forth restrictions on institutional promotional activities. Requires institutions to use the same definition of academic year for all student assistance programs under the Act. Establishes a tuition refund policy. Set forth special rules relating to accreditation. Authorizes the Secretary, under a specified procedures, to limit, suspend, or terminate an eligible institution from student assistance program participation whenever: (1) the institution withdraws from a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association during a show cause or suspension proceeding against it; or (2) such an agency or association reports, under a specified arrangement with the Secretary, that the institution was denied accreditation. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations specifying the legal restrictions and the requirements of eligible institutions relating to loan counseling and reporting requirements (including requirements and restrictions on disclosure of borrower records to third parties, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, and other applicable Federal laws).

Student Financial Aid Improvement Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1991

Student Financial Aid Improvement Act of 1991 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to revise needs analysis provisions for Pell Grants and for student aid programs generally, with respect to the following: (1) independent students; (2) prevention of double counting of income in asset computations; (3) exclusion of non-liquid assets (family home, farm, or small business); (4) treatment of award year earnings; (5) restriction of parents not enrolled in a degree or certificate program; and (6) student contribution.

Affordable Education for Americans Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1991

Affordable Education for Americans Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit penalty-free withdrawals from individual retirement plans for qualified higher education expenses of taxpayers (and spouses), their children, or their grandchildren.

Providing amounts from the contingent fund of the House for the expenses of investigations and studies by standing and select committees of the House in the first session of the One Hundred Second Congress.

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1991

Makes available from the contingency fund of the House of Representatives certain amounts for expenditures by the following House committees in the first session of the 102d Congress: Aging; Agriculture; Armed Services; Banking, Finance and Urban Affairs; Children, Youth, and Families; District of Columbia; Education and Labor; Energy and Commerce; Foreign Affairs; Government Operations; House Administration, including the House Information Systems; Hunger; Intelligence; Interior and Insular Affairs; Judiciary; Merchant Marine and Fisheries; Narcotics Abuse and Control; Post Office and Civil Service; Public Works and Transportation; Rules; Science, Space, and Technology; Small Business; Standards of Official Conduct; Veterans' Affairs; and Ways and Means. Limits the use of such funds to investigations and studies, including procurement of consultant services and specialized training for professional staff. Directs the Committee on House Administration, through the House Information Systems, to develop, operate, and improve computer and information services for the House of Representatives.

To amend titles 10 and 38, United States Code, to restore certain education benefits of individuals serving as part of Operation Desert Shield or Operation Desert Storm.

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1991

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

Equal Opportunity for Medical Licensure and Reciprocity Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1991

Equal Opportunity for Medical Licensure and Reciprocity Act of 1991 - Prohibits treating graduates of medical schools outside the United States differently than graduates of medical schools in the United States, including in licensure, reciprocity, employment, promotion, hospital privileges, reimbursement, residency, academic appointments, and professional society membership. Prohibits subjecting graduates of foreign schools who underwent postgraduate training in the United States to different requirements than domestic graduates. Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from making a grant, loan guarantee, or interest subsidy payment to or for a medical school unless the application contains certain assurances. Requires a State to adopt medical licensure and reciprocity standards that provide equal opportunity to graduates of foreign schools who completed postgraduate training in the United States and have obtained a license to practice in any State.

A bill to establish within the Department of Education an Office of Community Colleges.

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1991

Amends the Department of Education Organization Act to establish within the Department of Education an Office of Community Colleges, which is to be administered by the Assistant Secretary of Community Colleges. Transfers to such Assistant Secretary all functions of the Assistant Secretary of Postsecondary Education related to community colleges.

Comprehensive American Health Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1991

Comprehensive American Health Care Act - Title I: Health Care Access for Uninsured and Medically Underserved Individuals - Subtitle A: Tax Credits for Low and Moderate Income Individuals - Amends provisions of the Internal Revenue Code relating to refundable credits to allow a credit for a portion of the qualified health insurance expenses paid by an individual who is not covered by a health plan maintained by an employer of the individual or the individual's spouse. Provides for coordination with advance payments of credits, special rules relating to Medicare-eligible individuals and subsidized expenses, and coordination with the minimum tax. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to enter into an agreement with each State for advance payments of the credit to individuals in the form of certificates usable for the purchase of health insurance. Limits eligibility for advance payments to individuals whose family income is not over a certain ratio to the poverty line and who meet other requirements. Directs the Secretary to establish a program to inform the public of the availability of the health insurance credit. Sets forth special rules regarding self-employed individuals. Excludes expenses paid as a credit from treatment as expenses paid for medical care under provisions relating to itemized deductions. Subtitle B: Rural Health Initiatives - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Prospective Payment Assessment Commission to each submit to the Congress a report recommending a methodology for the elimination of the system of determining separate average standardized amounts for hospitals in large urban, other urban, or rural areas. Amends National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program and Loan Repayment Program provisions of the Public Health Service Act to set forth additional priorities in the approval of applications and the acceptance of contracts. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program payments from gross income. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, notwithstanding any other provision of law, from amounts retained under specified provisions of the Social Security Act, to provide for a demonstration project evaluating the availability, accessibility, and use of prenatal care services by pregnant women residing in rural areas. Amends the Public Health Service Act to increase the authorization of appropriations for area health education centers. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, from amounts made available under existing block grant authorizations, to make grants to county health departments to provide preventive health services. Directs the Secretary to review the requirements in regulations with respect to rural hospitals developed under specified provisions of the Social Security Act, including standards related to staffing requirements, to determine which requirements could be made less administratively and economically burdensome. Title II: Health Care Cost Control - Subtitle A: Medical Malpractice Reform - Applies this subtitle to any civil action against any individual based on professional medical malpractice, in any State or Federal court, for damages for physical injury, or physical or mental pain or suffering, or economic loss. Requires a court, subject to exception and limitation, to award costs and attorney's fees to the prevailing party. Prohibits joint and several liability in actions under this subtitle, except in cases of concerted action. Allows a person to be found liable only for their pro rata share of fault. Requires each attorney in cases under this subtitle to advise the party they represent of the existence of alternative dispute resolution options, including extrajudicial proceedings. Requires the court, if all parties agree to alternative proceedings, to issue an order governing the conduct of the proceedings. Makes such issuance a waiver, by each party subject to the order, of the right to proceed further in court. Subtitle B: Preventive Health Practices Promotion - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a summary of recommended preventive health care practices for elderly individuals entitled to Medicare benefits. Requires distribution of the summary when an individual first becomes eligible for benefits under specified provisions and in conjunction with general mailings to individuals eligible for Medicare benefits. Title III: Long-Term Care and Senior Health Promotion - Subtitle A: Long-Term Care Insurance Promotion - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require that: (1) a long-term care insurance contract be treated as a health insurance contract; (2) amounts received under such a contract be treated as received for personal injuries or sickness; and (3) any employer plan providing qualified long-term care services be treated as an accident or health plan. Adds long-term care services to the definition of medical care in provisions relating to itemized deductions. Prohibits, subject to exception, employer payments for long-term care insurance from being treated as deferred compensation. Prohibits treating amounts paid or incurred for any long-term care insurance contract as deferred compensation in connection with cafeteria plans. Allows a tax credit for a portion of the qualified long-term care premiums paid. Provides for coordination with regard to advance payments of credit and with regard to minimum tax. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to enter into an agreement with each State for advance payments of the credit to individuals in the form of certificates usable for the purchase of long-term care insurance. Limits eligibility for advance payments to individuals whose income is not over a certain ratio to the poverty line and who meet other requirements. Directs the Secretary to establish a program to inform the public of the availability of the credit. Excludes early distributions from qualified retirement plans used to pay for long-term care insurance contracts from the ten percent tax imposed on other early distributions. Prohibits the recognition of gain or loss on the exchange of a contract of life insurance or an endowment or annuity contract for a long-term care insurance contract. Subtitle B: Medicare Benefit Improvements - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to add in-home respite care for chronically dependent individuals to the list of benefits of part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of the Medicare program. Adds home intravenous drug therapy services to the list of entitlement services under Medicare and authorizes payments of certain amounts for the services from the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund. Excludes the services from provisions requiring a deductible payment. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts with agencies or organizations to facilitate payment to providers of the services on a regional basis. Describes the circumstances under which nursing care and home health aide services will be considered to be provided or needed on an intermittent basis. Allows Medicare part B payments to be made for such services. Subtitle C: Senior Health Insurance Consumer Protection - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a procedure for certification by the Secretary of insurance policies for the elderly as meeting minimum standards set forth in this subtitle. Provides for printing of an emblem on policies which meet the standards.

National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1991

National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Act of 1991 - Directs the Secretary of Education to provide financial assistance to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (a private nonprofit organization) for research and development relating to teacher assessment and certification procedures. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1994. Requires the Board to: (1) establish a Research and Development Advisory Committee; and (2) consult with the Secretary and other specified entities in appointing the ten Committee members (with the Secretary selecting two of those). Requires funds under this Act to be used only for research and development of teacher assessment and certification procedures for elementary and secondary school teachers. Requires that priority be given to such activities relating to teaching: (1) the subject areas of mathematics, the sciences, foreign languages, and literacy (including reading, writing, and analytical ability); and (2) special educational populations, including limited English proficient children, gifted and talented children, children with disabilities, and economically and educationally disadvantaged children. Sets the Federal share of the cost of such Board activities at 50 percent. Requires the Board to report annually to the appropriate committees of the Congress. Requires the Secretary of Education, the Director of the National Science Foundation, and the National Research Council to review and comment on the Board's report and to report to such congressional committees on the Board's compliance with this Act.

Women's Equal Opportunity Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1991

Women's Equal Opportunity Act of 1991 - Title I: Federal Civil Rights Remedies - Subtitle A: Federal Remedies for Sexual Harassment in the Workplace - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to allow monetary penalties, to specified maximums, for intentional unlawful employment practices relating to harassment on the basis of sex. Allows a person alleging employment discrimination through sexual harassment to seek temporary or preliminary injunctive relief: (1) without regard to any period of time following the filing of a charge; and (2) without obtaining a right-to-sue letter from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Sets forth criteria for obtaining such relief. Requires courts to expedite proceedings under these provisions. Mandates technical assistance concerning sexual harassment law to employers with fewer than a specified number of employees. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Expansion of Other Federal Civil Rights - Amends Federal law relating to equal rights under the law and the making and enforcing of contracts to declare that: (1) the rights protected are protected against impairment by non-governmental discrimination as well as against imparment under color of State law; and (2) the provisions afford the same protection against discrimination in the performance, breach, modification, or termination of a contract, or in the setting of the terms or conditions thereof, as they do in the making and enforcement of the contract. Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to declare that, for provisions relating to time limits for filing charges, an unlawful employment practice occurs with regard to a seniority system: (1) when it is adopted, an individual becomes subject to it, or a person is injured by its application; and (2) if the system is alleged to have been adopted for an intentionally discriminatory purpose, whether or not that purpose is apparent on the system's face. Applies title VII (Equal Employment Opportunity) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to the Congress, with enforcement as determined by each House of the Congress. Title II: Domestic and Street Crime Violence Against Women - Subtitle A: Safety on College and University Campuses - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to add sexual assault or any other abusive sexual conduct to the list of offenses regarding which certain institutions are required to collect and disclose statistics. Requires each institution to report the statistics to parents or guardians of students as well as to other groups specified by current law. Subtitle B: Stronger Penalties for Federal Sex Offenses - Amends the Federal criminal code to make murder a Class A felony, mandating the death sentence, when done in the course of certain sex offenses, sexual assault, or child molestation, or when the defendant has previously been convicted of sexual assault or child molestation, subject to specified mitigating factors. Sets forth procedures. Requires instructing the jury not to: (1) consider the race, color, religion, national origin, or sex of the defendant or any victim; and (2) recommend a death sentence unless it concludes that it would recommend such sentence regardless of such factors. Requires each juror to sign a certification to such effect. Bars carrying out a death sentence on a woman while she is pregnant. Prohibits requiring any employee of, or a person under contract to provide services to, a State corrections department or the Federal Bureau of Prisons to attend or participate in any execution. Amends Federal criminal code provisions relating to sexual abuse to double the maximum imprisonment for violation of such provisions after a prior conviction under Federal or State law for such an offense. Adds to such provisions a special definition of "sexual act" applicable to individuals under the age of 16. Amends the Controlled Substances Act to provide for increased penalties for distribution of a controlled substance to a woman while she is pregnant. Subtitle C: Enhanced Compensation and Restitution for Victims of Sex Crimes - Pornography Victims' Compensation Act of 1991 - Creates a cause of action against a producer, distributor, exhibitor, or seller of sexually explicit material by a victim of a rape, sexual assault, act of sexual abuse, sexual murder, or other sexual crime, or by the estate, guardian, or survivors of any such victim. Conditions the recovery of damages on proof by a preponderance of the evidence that: (1) the victim was a victim of such an act; (2) the material is obscene, constitutes child pornography, or in the case of sex crimes, is sexually explicit and violent, and was a proximate cause of the offense; (3) the defendant is a producer or distributor of the material or exhibited or sold it to the sexual offender and should have known that the material was sexually explicit; and (4) the sale or transport affects interstate or foreign commerce. Sets forth criteria by which the finder of fact may reasonably infer that such material was a proximate cause of the offense, including unusual similarities between the acts described and the actual offense, testimony of the offender, and testimony of experts who have examined the offender that such material incited the commission of the offense. Authorizes the award of damages for economic loss, compensation for pain and suffering, reasonable attorney's fees, and costs to prevailing plaintiffs. Sets a statute of limitations of six years from the date the right of action first accrued or, in the case of a legal disability, not later than three years after the termination of such disability. Amends the Federal criminal code to allow an order of certain types of restitution in cases involving provisions relating to sexual abuse or sexual exploitation of children. Subtitle D: Reform of Procedure and Evidentiary Requirements in Sex Offense and Other Cases - Amends the Federal Rules of Evidence to allow evidence of similar offenses in criminal or civil sexual assault and child molestation cases. Amends the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to modify the number of peremptory challenges available to specified parties when the offense charged is punishable by imprisonment for more than one year. Amends the Federal criminal code to: (1) prohibit peremptory jury challenges on the basis of race, color, or any other classification that could not lawfully be used by a prosecutor; and (2) give the prosecutor the same right as the defense attorney to challenge the exercise of peremptory challenges on this ground, with the court applying the same standards and granting the same relief. Enacts rules, to be known as the Rules of Professional Conduct for Lawyers in Federal Practice, and includes them as an appendix to provisions of the U.S. Code relating to the judiciary and judicial procedure. Applies the rules to proceedings before a U.S. court or a Federal agency that carries out adjudicatory or quasi-adjudicatory functions. Includes rules relating to: (1) various types of litigation abuses (including conduct to increase litigation expenses or with no substantial purpose other than to distress another person); (2) expediting litigation (including not attempting to delay or prolong proceedings for specified reasons); and (3) a duty to prevent the commission of a crime (including allowing or requiring disclosure of information). Declares that: (1) it is the sense of the Congress that, in determining child custody, credible evidence of physical abuse of a spouse should create a statutory presumption that it is detrimental to the child to be placed in the custody of the abusive spouse; and (2) this paragraph is not intended to encourage States to prohibit supervised visitation. Requires a protective order issued by a court of a State to have the same full faith and credit in a court in another State as in a court of the issuing State. Amends the Federal criminal code to require that a person charged with an offense under provisions relating to sexual abuse be tested for the human immunodeficiency virus: (1) before release pending trial; and (2) six months and twelve months after the initial test. Requires results to be provided to the judicial officer or court and disclosed only to the victim, the attorney for the Government, and the person tested. Requires the U.S. Sentencing Commission to enhance the sentence guidelines if the offender had reason to know that he was infected, except where the offender did not engage or attempt to engate in conduct creating a risk of transmission. Amends the Victims' Rights and Restitution Act of 1990 to require a Governmental department or agency to pay for up to two tests for a sexual assault victim in the twelve months following the assault and a counseling session regarding the tests and the risk of transmission as the result of the assault. Subtitle E: National Task Force on Violence Against Women - Establishes the National Task Force on Violence Against Women to develop a uniform Federal, State, and local law enforcement strategy aimed at protecting women against violent crimes, punishing persons who commit such crimes, and enhancing the rights of the victims. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle F: Prevention of Sexual Assault - Amends the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 to establish a program of grants to States to assist in supporting rape prevention and education programs. Requires: (1) a minimum percentage of the money to be used for programs targeted for junior high school and high school students; and (2) the State to pay the full cost of forensic medical examinations of sexual assault victims. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle G: Domestic Violence Prevention Act of 1991 -Domestic Violence Prevention Act of 1991 - Amends the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act to add increasing public awareness as a purpose of State demonstration grants. Authorizes grants for public information campaigns regarding domestic violence. Requires a State grant recipient to establish a Commission on Domestic Violence. Requires a specified minimum percentage of funds for demonstration grants for prevention of, and provision of immediate shelter and other assistance to, victims of family violence and their dependents to be used for rural areas. Limits law enforcement training grants to private nonprofit organizations that have certain experience. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the Act. Title III: Employment Opportunities - Subtitle A: Glass Ceiling Commission - Glass Ceiling Act of 1991 - Establishes the Glass Ceiling Commission to conduct a study and prepare recommendations concerning: (1) eliminating artificial barriers to the advancement of women and minorities; and (2) increasing opportunities and developmental experiences of women and minorities to foster advancement of women and minorities to executive management and senior decisionmaking positions in business. Establishes the National Award for Diversity and Excellence in American Executive Management, to be evidenced by a medal with its design approved by the Commission. Directs the President, after receiving recommendations from the Commission, to annually present the award to businesses that meet specified qualifications. Allows a recipient business to use the award in its advertising if the business agrees to help other U.S. businesses improve with respect to the promotion of opportunities and developmental experiences of women and minorities regarding executive management and senior decisionmaking positions. Authorizes appropriations. Terminates the Commission and the authority to make awards four years after enactment of this subtitle. Subtitle B: Opportunities in Apprenticeship - Opportunities in Apprenticeship Act of 1991 - Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish in the Department of Labor an outreach and education program to expand the opportunities for women and minorities in apprenticeship programs registered with the Department under the National Apprenticeship Act (registered apprenticeship programs). Directs the Secretary to: (1) identify and develop model preapprenticeship and apprenticeship programs that promote training and employment opportunities for women and minorities, and disseminate information relating to the programs; and (2) provide technical assistance to organizations, institutions, groups, and individuals to promote outreach to, and recruitment of, women and minorities for registered apprenticeship programs. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) award grants for the Federal share of outreach and recruitment to increase the participation of women and minorities in registered apprenticeship programs; and (2) establish a program of grants to sponsors of registered apprenticeship programs to pay the Federal share of providing preapprenticeship training to women and minorities. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of, and report to the appropriate committees of the Congress on, the participation of women and minorities in registered apprenticeship programs. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this subtitle. Subtitle C: Opportunities for Alternative Work Arrangements - Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has made commendable efforts to develop alternative work arrangements through flexible scheduling and job sharing; and (2) OPM should continue efforts to develop and expand alternative work arrangements.

Construction Safety, Health, and Education Improvement Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1991

Construction Safety, Health, and Education Improvement Act of 1991 - Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (the Act) to establish in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) an Office of Construction Safety, Health, and Education (the Office) to ensure safe and healthy working conditions in the performance of construction work. Directs the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary) to: (1) develop mandatory standards for construction safety and health plans and programs established under this Act; (2) assume control of a construction site to both prevent the destruction of any evidence that would assist in the investigation of a fatality, serious injury, or incident, (unless it must be moved or destroyed as a part of rescue operations) and monitor the rescue operations conducted in response to the incident; (3) assist the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health in developing training courses and curriculum for the training of OSHA inspectors and other OSHA employees with duties related to construction safety; (4) advise and consult with construction employer associations, construction employers, construction employees, and labor organizations as to effective means of preventing fatalities and serious injuries in construction work; (5) increase awareness of construction site safety through education, training, and outreach programs; (6) identify construction employers who have high frequency rates of fatalities or serious injuries or patterns of noncompliance with health and safety standards; and (7) carry out specified duties for construction worksite inspections, investigations, reporting, and recordkeeping and for construction safety and health plans and programs. Establishes within OSHA the position of Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Construction who is to: (1) be appointed by the Secretary; (2) coordinate Office activities with those of other offices and directorates within OSHA as they relate to safety, health, and education in the construction industry; and (3) coordinate the activities and advice of the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health with all OSHA activities relating to such matters, ensuring that the Advisory Committee performs its functions under the Act and the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act. Directs the Secretary, with the advice of the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health, to determine the necessary qualifications and training for OSHA inspectors, including: (1) full understanding of the Act and the Secretary's standards and regulations for the construction industry; and (2) at least five years' experience working in the construction industry. Establishes requirements for construction safety and health plans and programs. Requires designation of a project constructor (the constructor) in construction project documents by the construction owner for every construction project covered by the Act. Gives the constructor: (1) responsibility for supervising and controlling all construction work on the worksite; and (2) overall responsibility for the safety and health of all construction employees at the construction worksite, and for performing constructor duties set out in the Act and regulations issued under it. Considers the construction owner as the project constructor if such owner does not designate a constructor. Directs the constructor for a worksite to establish and implement: (1) written safety and health plans by constructors, including the project safety and health programs of construction employers involved in the project; (2) hazard analyses that identify the potential for and provide instructions to prevent hazards in the construction process; and (3) construction process plans that include means to ensure worksite structural stability and worksite inspections. Requires that: (1) constructors designate project safety coordinators (coordinators) for construction projects and notify construction employers of their identity (although such coordinators may not be assigned overall responsibility for project safety); and (2) coordinators, on behalf of constructors, adequately monitor safety at construction sites, prepare project safety and health plans before construction commencement, and ensure construction employers' compliance with reporting requirements. Requires safety and health plans to provide for permit systems under which constructors authorize employers to engage in operations determined to pose a risk of death or serious injury (covered operations). Requires covered operations to include: (1) construction of trenches and excavations; (2) erection and dismantling of scaffolding; (3) demolition of any building or structure; (4) operation of cranes and derricks; (5) operations requiring employees to enter confined or enclosed spaces; (6) operations involving exposure to asbestos and other toxic materials; and (7) other operations designated by the Secretary. Requires constructors, in issuing such permits, to ensure that employers: (1) know of and show intent to comply with requirements of the Act and standards and regulations issued by the Secretary; and (2) have developed safety and health programs that adequately address the hazards of the covered operation. Requires construction employers (employers) involved in construction project worksites to develop and implement project safety programs commensurate with the scope of the work. Requires such programs to require: (1) employers to appoint one competent person for each project to be responsible for general program administration; (2) a competent person to be at each worksite at all times that employers are engaged in construction work; (3) competent persons to inspect worksites frequently and take all necessary actions to eliminate hazards, including work stoppage or removal of affected employees if necessary; (4) provision of prescribed general health and safety training for construction employees; (5) adequate worksite instruction in the recognition of unsafe and unhealthy conditions, applicable standards and regulations, use of construction worksite equipment, and the handling of toxic and harmful substances; (6) emergency evacuation plans, inspection procedures, reporting of incidents, regular safety meetings, and monitoring procedures; (7) a procedure for employees and employee representatives to obtain an immediate inspection or a written evaluation, or both, of a perceived hazardous condition or harmful substance by a qualified person at any time in the construction process; (8) upon determination that such condition or substance presents an imminent danger, for the project constructor to stop work at, or remove affected employees from, the area in which such danger exists; and (9) other requirements, including procedures for monitoring, notification, and safety meetings. Sets forth procedures for emergency waivers of such requirements under specified conditions. Exempts any construction worksite with only one employer and ten or fewer employees from requirements for construction safety and health plans and programs, unless the construction worksite is one at which one of the specified covered operations (under the permit system) occurs. Provides for inspections, investigations, reporting, and recordkeeping. Requires project constructors to submit, before construction work commences, specified types of information necessary for the Secretary to develop and conduct a system of prioritized inspections. Directs the Secretary to establish an effective system for construction worksite inspections. Requires such system to give priority to concentration of enforcement resources on construction worksites and operations with a high potential for fatalities or serious injuries, giving due weight to: (1) employers' and owners' worksite compliance records; and (2) frequency and severity rates of fatalities, serious injuries, and incidents attributable to particular owners and employers and particular types of construction projects, worksites, and operations. Prohibits such priority system from limiting: (1) inspections based on complaints by construction employees on their representatives or complaints of imminent dangers; or (2) inspections following up prior enforcement actions or proceedings. Prohibits the Secretary from excluding from construction worksite inspections any construction owner or employer. Requires project constructors to make and maintain accurate records concerning fatalities, serious injuries, and incidents at a worksite. Requires project constructors to report to the Secretary by telephone or telegraph, within four hours after its occurrence, any incident involving construction work that results in: (1) a serious injury; (2) a fatality; or (3) a structural failure. Requires such reports to specify certain information. Directs the Secretary to conduct site inspections to investigate all such reports of incidents, as the Secretary prescribes. Requires such inspections as soon as practicable or at least within 24 hours after receipt of the telephone or telegraph report, unless site conditions would make inspection dangerous. Requires the project constructor to prevent destruction of evidence. Directs the Secretary to make public a narrative description of the occurrence. Requires the project constructor, at project completion or at one-year intervals during the project, to report to the Secretary all fatalities and serious injuries and all structural failures. Requires such report to provide specified information. Grants the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health specified powers to carry out its functions under the Act and under the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act. Limits the terms of members of such Committee. Directs the Secretary to respond in writing within 60 days to any recommendation made by a majority of members of such Committee. Requires any State construction safety and health plan to comply with specified requirements for State plans under the Act and to provide for development and enforcement of requirements at least as effective as those imposed by the Act and the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States for administering and enforcing this Act. Sets forth formulas for determining the Federal share of such grants. Directs the Secretary to report to the President and the Congress: (1) annually on certain general subjects as these relate to the construction industry, including the operation of the Office; and (2) within 120 days after three years of Office operation, on whether specified relevant information supports the continued existence of the Office within OSHA or supports enactment of legislation to establish in the Department of Labor a Construction Industry Safety and Health Administration to be headed by an Assistant Secretary of Labor for Construction Safety and Health.

Commercialization of Alternative Energy Sources and Energy Conservation Technology Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1991

Commercialization of Alternative Energy Sources and Energy Conservation Technology Act of 1991 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 2000 to implement certain provisions of the Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1976. Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to extend from 1995 to the year 2000 the period of reduced tax rates on certain fuels containing alcohol. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 2000 to implement: (1) certain provisions of the Biomass Energy and Alcohol Fuels Act of 1980; and (2) a loan guarantee program for the design and construction of coal liquefaction and oil shale facilities. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish such a program. Amends the IRC to provide a 20 percent energy investment credit for cogeneration equipment. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to authorize appropriations for FY 1991 through 1993 for: (1) the State Plan program; (2) the energy conservation program for schools and hospitals; and (3) the weatherization assistance program. Amends the National Energy Extension Service Act to authorize appropriations for FY 1991 through 1993. Amends the Solar Energy and Energy Conservation Bank Act to repeal the termination of the Solar Energy and Energy Conservation Bank. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to reestablish such Bank. Authorizes appropriations for the Bank's operation. Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to direct the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) to monitor certain petroleum product imports and increase the duties on such imports according to prescribed guidelines.

To authorize the Secretary of Education to make a grant to Stetson University for the construction of library facilities.

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1991

Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award a grant to Stetson University of Deland, Florida, for the construction of additional library facilities to hold its Federal depository library collection. Authorizes appropriations.

To establish within the Department of Education an Office of Community Colleges.

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1991

Amends the Department of Education Organization Act to establish within the Department of Education an Office of Community Colleges, which is to be administered by the Assistant Secretary for Community Colleges. Transfers to such Assistant Secretary all functions of the Assistant Secretary of Postsecondary Education related to community colleges.

Individual Retirement Options Improvement Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1991

Individual Retirement Options Improvement Act of 1991 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the ten percent penalty tax on early distributions from qualified retirement plans: (1) first-time homebuyer distributions; (2) qualified higher education expenses; and (3) qualified catastrophic illness expenses. Allows an additional deduction for 50 percent of the contributions made to individual retirement plans.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States pertaining to prayer.

United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1991

Constitutional Amendment - Declares that nothing in the Constitution shall be construed to prohibit individual or group prayer in public schools or other public institutions. States that no person shall be required by the United States or by any State to participate in prayer.

To establish an Albert Einstein Congressional Fellowship Program.

United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1991

Authorizes the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate to enter into an agreement with the Triangle Coalition for Science and Technology Education to establish an Albert Einstein Congressional Fellowship Program providing for two fellowships within the House and two fellowships within the Senate in each fiscal year, beginning in FY 1991. Provides for the agreement only if the Triangle Coalition for Science and Technology meets certain program requirements.

The following named persons to be Members of the Board of Trustees of the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation for the terms indicated: For the remainder of the term expiring August 11, 1992: Timothy W. Tong, of Arizona, vice Sam E. Keith, Jr. For a term expiring August 11, 1996: Donald J. Sutherland, of New York, vice R. James Woolsey, term expired.

United States · United States Senate · 19 February 1991

A bill to amend the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act to establish a center to study and support improved trade and economic relations among Western Hemisphere countries.

United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1991

Amends the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act to authorize the Commissioner of Customs to make a grant to assist an institution of higher education in establishing in Texas a Center for the Study of Western Hemispheric Trade, which shall promote and study trade between Western Hemisphere countries. Authorizes appropriations.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide that the unrelated business tax on colleges and universities shall apply to revenues from broadcasting athletic events and to certain other athletics-related revenues and to provide that scholarships received for travel, research, and living expenses are excluded from gross income.

United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1991

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the unrelated business taxable income of a college or university includes: (1) income derived from radio or television broadcasting of any athletic event; (2) amounts which would not be allowable as deductions by a contributor; (3) amounts contributed by a booster club or similar organization for athletic activities; and (4) all deductions directly connected with such funds. Excludes from gross income scholarships for travel, research, and living expenses (including room and board).

Lead Battery Recycling Incentives Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1991

Lead Battery Recycling Incentives Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate regulations for persons who generate, transport, store, recycle, or dispose of spent lead-acid batteries. Requires the Administrator, in developing such regulations, to conduct an analysis of the economic impact of the regulations on the recycling industry. Sets forth required elements of such regulations, including specific requirements for: (1) the storage and transfer of batteries by generators; (2) recordkeeping by battery generators, transporters, and recyclers; and (3) management practices of recyclers. Directs battery retailers to accept from customers spent lead-acid batteries of the same type and quantity as the batteries sold. Requires transporters to acquire an identification number from the EPA or the State enforcing this Act. Directs the Administrator to implement education activities to inform the public about the environmental and safety hazards associated with improper handling and disposal of spent lead-acid batteries. Authorizes appropriations. Applies such requirements to batteries which are transported to or managed by a lead-acid battery recycling facility, a secondary lead smelter, or any facility that prepares batteries for recycling. Requires producers or importers of lead-acid batteries to recycle, for the ten-year period beginning 24 months after this Act's enactment, an amount of spent lead equal to at least the amount determined by multiplying the amount of lead in the batteries produced or imported by such persons by the recycling percentage established by the Administrator. Authorizes compliance with such requirement by: (1) reclaiming lead from such batteries and using it in the production of new batteries; (2) purchasing reclaimed lead from secondary lead smelters for purposes of producing new batteries or shielding; or (3) purchasing recycling credits. Directs producers or importers to report annually to the Administrator on the amount of virgin and secondary lead used in new lead-acid batteries produced or imported by such persons. Sets the recycling percentage at 80 percent. Increases such percentage by two points annually. Authorizes the Administrator to reduce or waive the two percent increase if the rate exceeds 95 percent. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations to allow: (1) producers of lead-acid batteries to create credits for recycling an amount of batteries greater than required; and (2) producers or importers of new batteries to purchase such credits for purposes of complying with this Act. Sets forth minimum requirements for the credit system. Applies battery recycling requirements to persons who produce or import more than 10,000 pounds of new lead-acid batteries annually. Sets the recycling percentage at 90 percent if the Administrator fails to promulgate recycling regulations.

Lead Exposure Reduction Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 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 such 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 Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, to establish: (1) standards for laboratory analysis of lead in paint films, soil, and dust; and (2) certification programs to assure the quality and consistency of such analyses, unless voluntary accreditation programs are operating nationwide. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control, to establish parallel standards and certification programs for laboratory analysis of lead in blood. 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 Secretary of Commerce to evaluate and develop standards and testing protocols for emerging products and techniques for detecting lead in paint films and dust. Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress on the efficacy and effectiveness of various abatement and management techniques in reducing lead dust levels. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to establish a program and develop standards for the evaluation of products and procedures for encapsulating or removing lead-based paint. Directs the Administrator to publish a list of products and procedures that meet performance standards. 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 or other indicators of elevated lead body burden. 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.

Oil Recycling Incentives Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1991

Oil Recycling Incentives Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from identifying used oil or affiliated materials as hazardous wastes under the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Defines "affiliated materials" as used oil filters and any materials used for cleaning up after changing oil that are contaminated with used oil. Provides that any fuel derived from used oil that does not meet used oil specifications established by the Administrator and would otherwise be identified as a hazardous waste shall be deemed to be a hazardous waste. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations for persons who generate, store, transport, recycle, or dispose of used oil. Requires the Administrator, in developing such regulations, to conduct an analysis of the economic impact of such regulations on the used oil recycling industry. Provides that regulations for used oil generators shall: (1) prohibit the storage of used oil in an underground storage tank unless such tank meets requirements under this Act; (2) prohibit the storage of used oil for more than 12 months; (3) require generators to transfer such oil to specified permitted used oil recycling or disposal facilities or transporters; and (4) require generators to keep specified records on such oil. Requires used oil transporter regulations to provide that such transporters: (1) acquire identification numbers from EPA; (2) meet applicable financial responsibility requirements; and (3) keep specified records. Includes intermediate storage requirements in transporter regulations. Provides that used oil recycler regulations shall require recyclers to: (1) keep specified records; (2) test fuel produced from the recycling process before departure from the facility; and (3) obtain certain permits. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations for exempt refineries that recycle used oil as necessary to protect human health and the environment. Sets forth minimum requirements for such regulations. Requires used oil disposal and affiliated material regulations to prohibit mixing used oil with any hazardous waste identified under the Solid Waste Disposal Act unless the mixture is stored, treated, or disposed of at a permitted facility. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations requiring owners or operators of new and existing recycling facilities to have class permits. Sets forth permit requirements. Provides for annual inspections of such facilities to assure permit compliance. Sets forth requirements for interim class permits. Exempts from permit requirements: (1) facilities which refine at least 10,000 barrels daily of crude oil into petroleum products, are classified as S.I.C. number 2911 (pursuant to the Office of Management and Budget Standard Classification Manual) facilities, and at which the amount of refined used oil is equal to no more than the amount of used oil that the owner is required to recycle and the used oil contains less than a specified amount of halogens; and (2) facilities which compound or blend lubricating base oil into finished lubricant products as their principal activity, are classified as S.I.C. number 2899 or 2992 facilities, and whose volume of used oil compounded or blended into such products is no more than ten percent of the lubricating base oil compounded or blended annually. Exempts from used oil regulation requirements on-site activities at facilities classified as S.I.C. number 4911 facilities. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations governing such facilities. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations establishing specification standards for fuel derived from used oil to be burned in furnaces and boilers. Sets forth requirements to take effect if the Administrator fails to promulgate used oil regulations by the applicable deadline. Requires the Administrator to implement education programs to inform the public and small businesses about the environmental and safety hazards associated with improper handling and disposal of used oil and the benefits derived from used oil recycling. Authorizes appropriations. Sets forth labeling requirements for oil packages and oil filters to encourage the recycling and return of used oil to collection centers. Requires States to develop plans for making information available to the public about recycling of used oil and oil filters. Directs the Administrator to establish a toll-free telephone line to give out information about State used oil recycling programs. Requires producers or importers of lubricating oil to recycle for a period of ten years an amount of used oil equal to at least the amount determined by multiplying the amount of lubricating oil produced or imported that year by such persons by the recycling percentage established by the Administrator. Authorizes such individuals to comply with this Act by: (1) recycling (through re-refining) used oil or purchasing re-refined oil for purposes of producing lubricating oil; or (2) purchasing recycling credits under this Act. Requires producers and importers to report annually to the Administrator on the amount of oil produced or imported by such persons. Requires a producer or importer to be treated as having recycled two units of used oil for each unit of re-refined oil or lubricant base stock purchased. Directs the Administrator to establish a recycling percentage that is two points higher than the existing recycling rate for lubricating oil. Provides for increases in such percentage of two points annually for ten years. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations allowing recyclers to create credits for used oil recycling and producers or importers of lubricating oil to purchase such credits. Provides that such regulations shall require: (1) specified records to be kept by recyclers and by importers or producers; and (2) recyclers to sell or distribute in commerce such oil as specification used oil, off-specification used oil, industrial specification used oil, or re-refined oil. Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress on such regulations and to include: (1) a discussion of the effects of such regulations on the oil industry and the environment; and (2) an evaluation of the level of the recycling percentage and whether such percentage should be increased in future years. Requires an updated version of such report to be submitted within ten years of this Act's enactment. Applies recycling requirements to persons who import or produce more than 100,000 gallons of lubricating oil annually. Sets the recycling percentage at 40 percent if the Administrator fails to promulgate such regulations.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States should take a leadership position in calling for worldwide carbon dioxide emissions reductions at the first meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on a Framework Convention on Climate Change to be held in Washington, D.C. on February 4th - 14th, 1991.

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1991

Expresses the sense of the Senate that it should be U.S. policy to specify reductions in the national emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases by a date certain and to assume a leadership position in negotiating an international climate protection treaty that contains specific commitments to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, including: (1) achieving agreements by industrialized nations to reduce current carbon dioxide emissions, by developing nations to limit their growth in emissions from fossil fuel combustion, and by all countries to limit the release of carbon dioxide due to deforestation and to take steps to cut emissions of other greenhouse gases; (2) establishing an international fund to help developing countries achieve such objectives, a mechanism for continuing international cooperation for development of efficient policies for future emissions reductions, and institutional mechanisms to facilitate cooperation in research, observation, and analysis, information exchange and reporting, technology development and transfer, and technical training and public education. Urges the United States to support, at the February 1991 negotiating session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for a Framework Convention on Climate Change, the establishment of a process that will allow negotiations of substantive provisions to accomplish each of these elements for inclusion in the convention that is to be concluded in June 1992.

Hans M. Mark, of Texas, to be a Member of the Board of Trustees of the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation for a term expiring April 17, 1996. (Reappointment)

United States · United States Senate · 6 February 1991

Persian Gulf War Veterans' Assistance Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1991

Persian Gulf War Veterans' Assistance Act of 1991 - Includes the Persian Gulf War under the definition of "period of war" for purposes of eligibility for various veterans' benefits for war veterans, their spouses, and their dependents. Makes veterans of the Persian Gulf War and their spouses eligible for veterans' pension benefits. Deems Persian Gulf War veterans who develop an active psychosis within two years after termination of that war to have incurred such disability in active military service for purposes of medical care provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Makes veterans of the Persian Gulf War (the War) eligible for drugs and medicines required due to being permanently housebound or in need of regular aid and attendance. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish readjustment counseling to any veteran who served on active duty after May 7, 1975, in an area at a time during which hostilities occurred in such area. Defines "hostilities" as an armed conflict comparable to the danger members are subjected to in combat with enemy forces during a period of war. Allows the survivors of veterans of the War who die before the date of enactment of this Act to file a claim for reimbursement for burial and funeral expenses with the Department within two years after the enactment of this Act. Authorizes veteran representatives of the War to be included on the Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education. Makes each veteran who served on active duty for his or her required duty period eligible for housing loan benefits under the veterans' home loan program. Provides for the waiver of an annuity reduction for individuals reemployed as health-care specialists within the Veterans Health Services and Research Administration of the Department. Limits such waivers to only those individuals recruited to replace health-care specialists serving in the War or needed to serve members of the armed forces injured during the War. Includes as health-care specialists physicians, dentists, podiatrists, optometrists, nurses, physician assistants, dental auxiliaries, medical technicians, and medical support personnel. Directs the Secretary to establish an information and referral system by means of a toll-free telephone number to provide information and referrals for counseling relating to readjustment counseling, general counseling, and other mental health services to veterans of the War, as well as their spouses and dependents, with regard to the psychological consequences of such War. Authorizes appropriations. States that all direct or discretionary spending contained in this Act is to be considered emergency expenditures for purposes of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act).

Economic Assistance Reform Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1991

Economic Assistance Reform Act of 1991 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the International Security and Development Cooperation Act of 1985 to repeal provisions relating to the earmarking of foreign assistance program funds. Authorizes the President to furnish assistance for infrastructure development. Specifies that such assistance shall include: (1) development of energy resources; (2) programs of reconstruction following natural or manmade disasters and programs of disaster preparedness; and (3) programs designed to help solve special development problems in the poorest countries and to make possible proper utilization of infrastructure and related projects funded with earlier U.S. assistance. Authorizes the President to furnish assistance to: (1) schools and libraries outside the United States serving as study and demonstration centers for ideas and practices of the United States; and (2) hospital centers for medical education and research outside the United States, founded or sponsored by U.S. citizens. Authorizes appropriations for foreign economic assistance by regions of the world. Specifies such regions as: (1) Africa; (2) Asia; (3) Central America; (4) Europe; (5) Latin America and the Caribbean; and (6) the Near East. Requires the Administrator of the Agency for International Development (AID) to administer the programs, projects, and activities for which such funds are appropriated. Requires that on or after October 1, 1991, authorizations of appropriations shall be made with reference to such regions. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should continue to make efforts to improve the management of the foreign assistance program, including efforts to: (1) streamline the project development process; (2) increase decentralization of field missions; (3) reduce the number and increase the duration and sustainability of projects which are funded; (4) decrease recurring costs; (5) prepare a more detailed analysis of the impact of AID projects for inclusion in the annual congressional presentation materials; (6) expand overseas tours for personnel and streamline mid-level management; (7) streamline the contract process; and (8) coordinate the U.S. economic assistance effort. Requires the Administrator of AID to report to the Congress concerning proposals to improve the management of the foreign assistance program. Requires the President to conduct a study on the feasibility and impact of reducing the number of countries receiving economic assistance and the feasibility of incorporating the AID into the Department of State. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the foreign assistance program should be funded on a two-year cycle; (2) the President should begin preparing a foreign assistance budget for FY 1994 and 1995; (3) funds appropriated for foreign assistance should remain available for expenditure without fiscal year limitations; and (4) the appropriations and authorization committees of each House of the Congress should hold joint hearings on the foreign assistance program and should coordinate their duties with the Committee on the Budget of each House of the Congress. Increases from ten to 25 percent the percentage of funds that may be transferred between foreign assistance accounts. Removes a limitation on the amount by which an account may be increased through the receipt of transferred funds. Revises the restrictions on economic aid to debtor countries to allow such aid for a period of three years after a default of one calendar year if the President certifies that the likelihood of repayment by such country would be increased by such waiver.

Nontraditional Employment for Women Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1991

Nontraditional Employment for Women Act - Amends the Job Training Partnership Act (the Act) to define "nontraditional employment," as applied to women, to refer to occupations or fields of work where women comprise less than 25 percent of the individuals employed. Requires service delivery area (SDA) job training plans to include: (1) goals for the training of women in nontraditional employment and the training-related placement of women in nontraditional employment and apprenticeship; (2) a description of efforts to be undertaken to accomplish such goals, including efforts to increase awareness of such training and placement opportunities; and (3) procedures for annual reporting of the extent to which the SDA has met such goals and of a statistical breakdown of women trained and placed in nontraditional occupations, including specified types of information. Requires the State Governor's coordination and special services plan also to include such goals and descriptions of efforts for the training and placement of women in nontraditional employment under the Act and the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act. Directs the State job training coordinating council to: (1) review, summarize, and annually disseminate the results of SDAs' and Governor's efforts to train and place women in nontraditional employment; and (2) obtain from the sex equity coordinator under the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act a summary of activities and an analysis of results under that Act and disseminate such summary annually. Requires State education coordination grant recipients to provide statewide coordinated approaches, including model programs, to train, place, and retain women in nontraditional employment. Allows the use of funds under title II (Training Services for the Disadvantaged) of the Act for outreach activities relating to education, training, work experience, and retention of women in nontraditional employment. Directs the Secretary of Labor to use a specified portion of funds for national activities under the Act for FY 1992 through 1995 to make grants to States to develop demonstration and exemplary programs to train and place women in nontraditional employment. Limits such grants to no more than six per fiscal year. Allows States receiving such assistance to award grants to service providers and SDAs under specified conditions. Directs the Secretary of Labor to report, with recommendations, to the Congress within five years on the extent of success of States and SDAs, and the effectiveness of such demonstration programs, in training, placing, and retaining women in nontraditional employment. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to mean that the Congress is taking a position on the issue of comparable worth. Provides that failure to meet the goals in this Act shall not itself constitute a violation of title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or any other Federal law prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, or age.

Business and Education Partnership Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1991

Business and Education Partnership Act of 1991 - Title I: Model Schools - Part A: Model High Schools of Science and Mathematics - Authorizes the Secretary of Education (the Secretary), in consultation with the Director of the National Science Foundation (the Director), to make up to ten grants to business and education partnerships to pay the Federal share of the costs of planning, establishing and operating high schools of science and mathematics. Provides for technical review panels and special rules for selection of grantees. Sets the Federal share at 50 percent for the first four years and 25 percent for the fifth and sixth years. Requires the Secretary, in consultation with the Director, to evaluate and report annually to the Congress on the effectiveness of the assisted schools. Requires each partnership receiving such a grant to report to the Secretary, within six years after enactment of this Act, giving a detailed description of the assisted program and its history and costs. Directs the Secretary to distribute such report to all local educational agencies (LEAs). Part B: Model Technology High Schools - Authorizes the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretaries of Labor and Commerce, to make up to ten grants to business and education partnerships to pay the Federal share of the costs of planning, establishing, and operating model technology high schools with strong academic programs. Provides for technical review panels, and special rules for selection of grantees. Sets the Federal share at 50 percent for the first four years and 25 percent for the fifth and sixth years. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with such Secretaries, to: (1) set forth specified data requirements for such partnerships; and (2) report annually to the Congress on the effectiveness of assisted schools. Requires each partnership receiving such a grant to report to the Secretary, within six years after enactment of this Act, giving a detailed description of the assisted program and its history and costs. Directs the Secretary to distribute such report to all LEAs. Part C: Governor's Schools - Authorizes the Secretary to make up to ten grants to State Governors to pay the Federal share of the costs of planning, establishing, and operating an experimental high school in the State to test innovative programs designed to improve student achievement. Requires such programs to address at least one of the following areas: (1) stimulating high achievement among students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds; (2) dropout prevention; (3) enrichment programs for outstanding students; (4) attracting outstanding teachers to public education; (5) greater teacher control of curriculum and school structure, and greater teacher accountability; (6) coordination between the high school and a college or university; and (7) other critical educational problems determined by the Governor. Provides for technical review panels and special rules for selection of grantees. Sets the Federal share at 50 percent for the first four years. Requires each Governor receiving such a grant to report to the Secretary describing and assessing the effectiveness of assisted schools, two years after enactment of this Act and biennially thereafter. Directs the Secretary to: (1) report to the Congress on the various schools assisted under this part and the outcomes of their innovative programs, within four years after enactment of this Act; and (2) distribute such report's findings to clearinghouses and LEAs. Part D: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1997 to carry out this title. Title II: Training Grants for Community College and Small Business Consortia - Authorizes the Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator of Small Business Administration and the Secretaries of Labor and Commerce, to make up to 40 grants to community colleges participating in an eligible consortium with two or more small businesses (which are in the same industry or use the same technology, and which have common educational needs) to pay part or all of the costs of developing and providing training and retraining programs for the consortium's workers, especially nonsupervisory workers. Limits the amount of each grant. Provides for technical review panels and special rules for selection of grantees. Sets forth provisions relating to application of antitrust laws. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 to carry out this title.

A concurrent resolution to establish an Albert Einstein Congressional Fellowship Program.

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1991

Authorizes the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate to enter into an agreement with the Triangle Coalition for Science and Technology Education to establish an Albert Einstein Congressional Fellowship Program providing for two fellowships within the House and two fellowships within the Senate in each fiscal year, beginning in FY 1991. Provides for the agreement only if the Triangle Coalition for Science and Technology meets certain program requirements.

Small Disadvantaged Business Fair Share Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1991

Small Disadvantaged Business Fair Share Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense (the Secretary), acting through the Defense Contract Administration Services, to increase outreach to small disadvantaged businesses (SDBs) that are potential contractors or subcontractors with the Department of Defense (DOD). Prohibits the Secretary from entering into a contract with a contractor unless the contractor includes a plan to spend at least ten percent of the contract on subcontracting with SDBs. Requires the Secretary to withhold ten percent of the amounts to be paid to the prime contractor for direct payments to subcontractors who are SDB's. Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1987 to increase from five to ten percent the goal set for subcontract awards to historically Black colleges and universities, small businesses, minority-owned media, and minority institutions. Revises requirements for the awarding of subcontracts to small businesses and minority institutions to require: (1) 50 percent of the cost of contract performance incurred for personnel to be expended for employees of the entity (in the case of a contract for services); and (2) that the entity will perform the work for at least 75 percent of the cost of manufacturing (in the case of a contract for the procurement of supplies). Allows the Secretary to decrease such amounts by up to ten percent when determined necessary. Provides that, in lieu of meeting such requirements, an entity may agree that at least 75 percent of personnel costs under a contract shall be expended for entity employees and that the entity will perform at least 75 percent of the manufacturing work in the case of contract for procurement of supplies. Allows non-manufacturing work in the case of a contract for procurement of supplies. Allows a non-manufacturing entity to submit and have considered its offer for a procurement contract for the supply of a product, but requires such business concern to: (1) be primarily engaged in the wholesale or retail trade; (2) be a small business concern; (3) be a regular dealer in the product to be offered to the DOD; and (4) make certain representations that it will supply the product of a domestic small business manufacturer or processor, unless a waiver is granted by the Secretary under specific circumstances. Requires the Secretary to make every effort to increase the number of contracts available to small and minority business entities under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1987. Requires, as a condition of approval of a contract with the DOD, that the contract bid must be accompanied by documentation certifying that the potential contractor is in compliance with the equal opportunity provisions of specified Federal regulations. Requires periodic certification updates. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations to administer this Act by a certain deadline.

Persian Gulf War Veterans Benefits Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1991

Persian Gulf War Veterans Benefits Act of 1991 - Title I: General Veterans Benefits - Amends Federal veterans' benefits provisions to include the Persian Gulf War under the definition of "period of war" for purposes of eligibility for various veterans' benefits for war veterans, their spouses, and their dependents. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide standby inpatient hospital care and medical services to those veterans authorized to receive hospital, nursing home, or domiciliary care and medical treatment within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Authorizes the Secretary to furnish counseling services in any Department facility to any veteran: (1) who is a former prisoner of war; and (2) while in active military service in a theater of combat operations during a period in which hostilities occurred in such theater. Makes veterans who serve on active duty during the Persian Gulf War for at least 90 days eligible for dental benefits provided to veterans through the Department. Makes veterans of the Persian Gulf War suffering from war-related psychosis within two years of the end of such War eligible for treatment through the Department for a service-connected disability. Presumes such psychosis to be service-connected for purposes of eligibility for such treatment). Makes veterans of any war (currently, specified wars and conflicts) eligible for payment for certain drugs and medicine required as a result of being permanently housebound or in need of regular aid and attendance. Bases the payment of dependency and indemnity compensation to surviving spouses on the age of the surviving spouse, with the amount decreasing as the age increases. States that such amounts shall be based on the pay grades of veterans dying between January 1, 1957, and the last day of the month in which the Persian Gulf War ends if such is larger than the amount provided when based solely upon the age of the surviving spouse. Increases from $50,000 to $75,000 the amount of life insurance available to veterans under the Servicemen's Group Life Insurance and the Veterans' Group Life Insurance programs. Makes Persian Gulf War veterans eligible for such increased coverage. Title II: Veterans Education Benefits - Increases the monthly stipend available to members of the all-volunteer active-duty armed forces and the Selected Reserve for educational assistance provided under the Montgomery GI Bill armed forces and veterans' educational assistance programs. Increases such stipend annually by the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for such year. Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned, and the Secretary of Transportation with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service of the Navy, to provide educational assistance to members of the Selected Reserve who: (1) during the Persian Gulf War, served on active duty for more than 180 days of continuous service; and (2) were discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable. States that such educational assistance may be provided for a program of education beyond the baccalaureate degree level. States that, in the case of a member of the Reserve called to active duty in connection with the Persian Gulf War: (1) the period of such active duty may not be considered in determining the expiration date for eligibility for educational assistance benefits provided under the Montgomery GI Bill; and (2) the member may not be considered to have been separated from the Reserve, for purposes of commencement of the delimiting period for the use of such benefits. Provides that, in the case of an active-duty or Reserve member student who fails to complete a course of study under the armed forces or veterans' educational assistance programs due to being called to active duty in connection with the Persian Gulf War, both the amount of educational assistance received and the time spent pursuing that course of study will not be counted against such student for purposes of general entitlement under such educational assistance program. Restores the full amount available to such student veteran program. Restores the full amount available to such student veteran as if the interrupted course had not been taken. States that such exclusion shall apply to members of the Selected Reserve pursuing courses of study (and similarly interrupted) under the armed forces educational assistance program. Title III: Veterans Housing Programs - Entitles each veteran who served on active duty in the Persian Gulf War for 90 days or more to guaranteed veterans' housing loans provided through the Department. Authorizes the Secretary to provide direct loans for housing purposes to the following veterans: (1) any active-duty or reserve member who meets applicable credit requirements and is unable to obtain a loan from a private lender at the interest rate authorized for guaranteed home loans because of the possibility of service in connection with the Persian Gulf War; and (2) any veteran who applies for such loan within one year after returning from at least 90 days of continual service in the Persian Gulf or within one year after being released from hospitalization incident to such service, is discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, cannot obtain a reasonable loan from a private lender, and meets applicable credit requirements. Title IV: Military Personnel Benefits - Requires the Secretary of Defense to ensure that the Secretaries of the military departments provide appropriate benefits explanations to reserve members who were called to active duty in connection with the Persian Gulf War and are released from such active duty upon completion of their required service period. Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to detail Department personnel at each principal site at which such reserve members are released from such duty for preseparation counseling. Directs the Secretary of Defense to prescribe regulations to allow reserve personnel ordered to active duty in connection with the Persian Gulf War to use commissary and exchange stores during the 180-day period following their release from such duty to the same extent as for active-duty members of the armed forces. Entitles reserve members called to active duty in connection with the Persian Gulf War to certain transitional health care benefits after release from such active duty until: (1) 60 days after release from such active duty; or (2) the date such member is covered by a health plan sponsored by a private employer. Title V: Internal Revenue Matters - States that, for purposes of applying the internal revenue laws with respect to the tax liability of individuals performing military service in the Persian Gulf, the period of such services, as well as 60 days thereafter, shall be disregarded in determining whether certain required acts were performed within the required time period as prescribed under the Internal Revenue Code. Includes those hospitalized for injuries attributable to Persian Gulf services under those eligible for such extension. Includes spouses of such personnel, as well as persons in a missing status under such provision. Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to the permissible time period before the gain from the sale of a principal residence is recognized for tax purposes to extend such period in the case of a reserve member performing active duty in the armed forces to one year after such member is released from such active duty. Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to the exceptions to the ten-percent additional tax on early distributions from qualified retirement plans to add as an exception to such additional tax any distribution from an individual retirement plan if made to a Persian Gulf War reservist during the qualified distribution period. Defines the qualified distribution period for such personnel as the period which: (1) begins on the date such service is first performed; and (2) ends 180 days after termination of such service. Title VI: Small Business - Veterans Entrepreneurship Promotion Act of 1991 - Defines terms used in this Act. Amends the Small Business Act to direct the President to establish Government-wide goals annually for procurement contracts awarded to small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans, including veterans of the Persian Gulf War. Increases the Government-wide goals for small business participation (including veteran-owned small businesses) from 20 percent to 25 percent of the total value of all prime contract awards for each fiscal year. Mandates that: (1) the Government-wide goal for participation by small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans be at least five percent of such contract and subcontract awards; and (2) certain reports submitted to the Small Business Administration (SBA) and to the Congress include the extent of participation in the Federal procurement process by small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans. Declares it the policy of the United States to grant small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans the maximum opportunity to participate in the performance of Federal contracts and subcontracts. Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (the Administrator) to implement an outreach and information dissemination program for small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans. Outlines the parameters of a loan assistance program implemented by the SBA for small businesses owned and controlled by veterans. Requires the Administrator to study and report to the Congress and the President on methods to reduce costs incurred by veterans during the loan application process. Directs the Administrator to take steps to ensure that small businesses owned by veterans have access to SBA programs providing entrepreneurial training, business development assistance, counseling, and management assistance. Authorizes the SBA to make grants for veterans' outreach programs with governmental and private sector entities. Mandates the establishment of an interagency working group to develop a comprehensive outreach program for veterans of the Persian Gulf War and veterans affected by reductions in armed forces personnel. Requires certain Government agencies to collect information on: (1) businesses owned and controlled by veterans; and (2) the number of such businesses that are first-time recipients of Government contracts. Amends the Small Business Economic Policy Act of 1980 to require the President to report annually to the Congress on small businesses owned and controlled by veterans and by veterans with service-connected disabilities. Amends the Small Business Act to provide for an Associate Administrator or Veterans Programs who shall be responsible for programs of assistance to small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans. Requires the SBA to enter into negotiations with any Federal agency to perform any specific Government procurement contract through the services of small businesses owned and controlled by veterans. Outlines contracting procedures. Establishes within the SBA a veterans business opportunity and development assistance program to assist exclusively small business concerns eligible under the program's parameters. Vests responsibility for the coordination and formulation of policies relating to Federal assistance to such concerns with the Associate Administrator for Veterans Programs. Restricts an individual's eligibility under the Program to business concerns only. Establishes a Division of Program Certification and Eligibility in the Office of Veterans Programs. Requires the Administrator to present an annual program status report to the Congress. Establishes the National Veterans Business Council to: (1) review Federal and State initiatives relating to business concerns owned by veterans; and (2) report annually to the President and the Congress regarding private and public sector initiatives and multiyear goals for veteran-owned businesses. Terminates the Council three years after its first meeting. Amends the Small Business Act to authorize appropriations. Title VII: Other Matters - Repeals a Federal provision containing certain limitations on the payment of unemployment compensation (prohibiting such payment before a certain time period and limiting the aggregate amount of such payment) with respect to discharged or released members of the armed forces. Makes military personnel called to active duty in the Persian Gulf eligible for the deferment of student loan repayments in the case of loans made under the Higher Education Act of 1965, such deferment lasting during the continuance of such duty. States that such deferment period shall not be counted against the grace period that is available to all individuals with respect to such loans made under such Act.

School Improvement and Flexibility Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1991

School Improvement and Flexibility Act - Title I: Improvement of Student Performance - Directs the Secretary of Education to report by January 1, 1994, on the administration of public schools in ten to 15 States, identifying and analyzing the impact of new legal, regulatory, and organizational requirements (promulgated since 1980) that affect educational practices. Requires impact analysis of mandated curricula and student-teacher ratios and data collection and paperwork requirements. Requires such report to include recommendations on how best to simplify Federal or State regulations so that more resources can be used to improve student performance. Title II: Educational Performance Agreements for School Restructuring - Establishes a national program of educational performance agreements for school restructuring, under which: (1) local authorities develop proposals for enabling students to achieve higher performance; (2) schools with such proposals are allowed to combine Federal, State, and local funds under specified Federal laws relating to the education of special needs students, drug education, and training programs (and to waive certain restrictions under such programs); (3) Federal, State, and local protections with respect to civil rights, nondiscrimination, and safety will be upheld; and (4) States will make available funds necessary to plan, develop, monitor, and evaluate local performance agreements. Provides that funding combinations and waiver restrictions may include such types of programs under specified Federal laws in the case of: (1) training programs at the secondary level for children in vocational education courses; and (2) special needs programs at the elementary level for disadvantaged children served under chapter 1 title I of ESEA. Provides for: (1) authority of other Federal agencies; (2) limitations; (3) sunset of combination authority after the sixth year of the agreement; (4) audits; (5) State assurances and State educational performance agreements; (6) local performance agreements and local review and assessment; and (7) evaluation and report to the Congress. Title III: Incentives for Program Improvement - Provides for education program improvement, accountability measures, and incentives under the following Federal laws: (1) the General Education Provisions Act; (2) the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965; (3) the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act; (4) the Adult Education Act; (5) the Bilingual Education Act; and (6) the Dwight D. Eisenhower Mathematics and Science Education Act. Waives certain repayment requirements for violations of administrative regulations if the State, local educational agency, or other educational entity recipient has sustained improved educational performance over the year or program period in question.

Lead Battery Recycling Incentives Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1991

Lead Battery Recycling Incentives Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate regulations for persons who generate, transport, store, recycle, or dispose of spent lead-acid batteries. Requires the Administrator, in developing such regulations, to conduct an analysis of the economic impact of the regulations on the recycling industry. Sets forth required elements of such regulations, including specific requirements for: (1) the storage and transfer of batteries by generators; (2) recordkeeping by battery generators, transporters, and recyclers; and (3) management practices of recyclers. Directs battery retailers to accept from customers spent lead-acid batteries of the same type and quantity of the batteries sold. Requires transporters to acquire an identification number from the EPA or the State enforcing this Act. Directs the Administrator to implement education activities to inform the public about the environmental and safety hazards associated with improper handling and disposal of spent lead-acid batteries. Authorizes appropriations. Applies such requirements to batteries which are transported to or managed by a lead-acid battery recycling facility, a secondary lead smelter, or any facility that prepares batteries for recycling. Requires producers or importers of lead-acid batteries to recycle, for the ten-year period beginning 24 months after this Act's enactment, an amount of spent lead equal to at least the amount determined by multiplying the amount of lead in the batteries produced or imported by such persons by the recycling percentage established by the Administrator. Authorizes compliance with such requirement by: (1) reclaiming lead from such batteries and using it in the production of new batteries; (2) purchasing reclaimed lead from secondary lead smelters for purposes of producing new batteries or shielding; or (3) purchasing recycling credits. Directs producers or importers to report annually to the Administrator on the amount of virgin and secondary lead used in new lead-acid batteries produced or imported by such persons. Sets the recycling percentage at 80 percent. Increases such percentage by two points annually. Authorizes the Administrator to reduce or waive the two percent increase if the rate exceeds 95 percent. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations to allow: (1) producers of lead-acid batteries to create credits for recycling an amount of batteries greater than required; and (2) producers of new batteries to purchase such credits for purposes of complying with this Act. Sets forth minimum requirements for the credit system. Applies battery recycling requirements to persons who produce or import more than 10,000 pounds of new lead-acid batteries annually. Sets the recycling percentage at 90 percent if the Administrator fails to promulgate recycling regulations.

Oil Recycling Incentives Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1991

Oil Recycling Incentives Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from identifying used oil or affiliated materials as hazardous wastes under the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Defines "affiliated materials" as used oil filters and any materials used for cleaning up after changing oil that are contaminated with used oil. Provides that any fuel derived from used oil that does not meet used oil specifications established by the Administrator and would otherwise be identified as a hazardous waste shall be deemed to be a hazardous waste. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations for persons who generate, store, transport, recycle, or dispose of used oil. Requires the Administrator, in developing such regulations, to conduct an analysis of the economic impact of such regulations on the used oil recycling industry. Provides that regulations for used oil generators shall: (1) prohibit the storage of used oil in an underground storage tank unless such tank meets requirements under this Act; (2) prohibit the storage of used oil for more than 12 months; (3) require generators to transfer such oil to specified permitted used oil recycling or disposal facilities or transporters; and (4) require generators to keep specified records on such oil. Requires used oil transporter regulations to provide that such transporters: (1) acquire identification numbers from EPA; (2) meet applicable financial responsibility requirements; and (3) keep specified records. Includes intermediate storage requirements in transporter regulations. Provides that used oil recycler regulations shall require recyclers to: (1) keep specified records; (2) test fuel produced from the recycling process before departure from the facility; and (3) obtain certain permits. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations for exempt refineries that recycle used oil as necessary to protect human health and the environment. Sets forth minimum requirements for such regulations. Requires used oil disposal and affiliated material regulations to prohibit mixing used oil with any hazardous waste identified under the Solid Waste Disposal Act unless the mixture is stored, treated, or disposed of at a permitted facility. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations requiring owners or operators of new and existing recycling facilities to have class permits. Sets forth permit requirements. Provides for annual inspections of such facilities to assure permit compliance. Sets forth requirements for interim class permits. Exempts from permit requirements: (1) facilities which refine at least 10,000 barrels daily of crude oil into petroleum products, are classified as S.I.C. number 2911 (pursuant to the Office of Management and Budget Standard Classification Manual) facilities, and at which the amount of refined used oil is equal to no more than the amount of used oil that the owner is required to recycle and the used oil contains less than a specified amount of halogens; and (2) facilities which compound or blend lubricating base oil into finished lubricant products as their principal activity, are classified as S.I.C. number 2899 or 2992 facilities, and whose volume of used oil compounded or blended into such products is no more than ten percent of the lubricating base oil compounded or blended annually. Exempts from used oil regulation requirements on-site activities at facilities classified as S.I.C. number 4911 facilities. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations governing such facilities. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations establishing specification standards for fuel derived from used oil to be burned in furnaces and boilers. Sets forth requirements to be effective if the Administrator fails to promulgate used oil regulations by the applicable deadline. Requires the Administrator to implement education programs to inform the public and small businesses about the environmental and safety hazards associated with improper handling and disposal of used oil and the benefits derived from used oil recycling. Authorizes appropriations. Sets forth labeling requirements for oil packages and oil filters to encourage the return of used oil to collection centers. Requires States to develop plans for making information available to the public about recycling of used oil and oil filters. Directs the Administrator to establish a toll-free telephone line to give out information about State used oil recycling programs. Requires producers or importers of lubricating oil to recycle for a period of ten years an amount of used oil equal to at least the amount determined by multiplying the amount of lubricating oil produced or imported that year by such persons by the recycling percentage established by the Administrator. Authorizes such individuals to comply with this Act by: (1) recycling (through re-refining) used oil or purchasing re-refined oil for purposes of producing lubricating oil; or (2) purchasing recycling credits under this Act. Requires producers and importers to report annually to the Administrator on the amount of oil produced or imported by such persons. Requires a producer or importer to be treated as having recycled two units of used oil for each unit of re-refined oil or lubricant base stock purchased. Directs the Administrator to establish a recycling percentage that is two points higher than the existing recycling rate for lubricating oil. Provides for increases in such percentage of two points annually for ten years. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations allowing recyclers to create credits for used oil recycling and producers or importers of lubricating oil to purchase such credits. Provides that such regulations shall require: (1) specified records to be kept by recyclers and by importers or producers; and (2) recyclers to sell or distribute in commerce such oil as specification used oil, off-specification used oil, industrial specification used oil, or re-refined oil. Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress on such regulations and to include: (1) a discussion of the effects of such regulations on the oil industry and the environment; and (2) an evaluation of the level of the recycling percentage and whether such percentage should be increased in future years. Requires an updated version of such report to be submitted within ten years of this Act's enactment. Applies recycling requirements to persons who import or produce more than 100,000 gallons of lubricating oil annually. Sets the recycling percentage at 40 percent if the Administrator fails to promulgate such regulations.

To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prevent double-counting of income in the conduct of needs analysis for student assistance under that Act.

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1991

Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prevent double-counting of income in the conduct of needs analysis for student assistance programs under such Act.

Nontraditional Employment for Women Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1991

Nontraditional Employment for Women Act - Amends the Job Training Partnership Act (the Act) to define "nontraditional employment", as applied to women, to refer to occupations or fields of work where women comprise less than 25 percent of the individuals employed. Requires service delivery area (SDA) job training plans to include: (1) goals for the training of women in nontraditional employment and the training-related placement of women in nontraditional employment and apprenticeship; (2) a description of efforts to be undertaken to accomplish such goals, including efforts to increase awareness of such training and placement opportunities; and (3) procedures for annual reporting of the extent to which the SDA has met such goals and of a statistical breakdown of women trained and placed in nontraditional occupations, including specified types of information. Requires the State Governor's coordination and special services plan to include such goals and descriptions of efforts for training and placement of women in nontraditional employment under the Act and the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act. Directs the State job training coordinating council to: (1) review, summarize, and annually disseminate the results of SDAs' and Governor's efforts to train and place women in nontraditional employment; and (2) obtain from the sex equity coordinator under the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act a summary of activities and an analysis of results under that Act and disseminate such summary annually. Requires State education coordination grant recipients to provide statewide coordinated approaches, including model programs, to train, place, and retain women in nontraditional employment. Allows the use of funds under title II (Training Services for the Disadvantaged) for outreach activities relating to education, training, work experience, and retention of women in nontraditional employment. Directs the Secretary of Labor to use a specified portion of funds for national activities under the Act for FY 1992 through 1995 to make grants to States to develop demonstration and exemplary programs to train and place women in nontraditional employment. Limits such grants to no more than six per fiscal year. Allows States receiving such assistance to award grants to service providers and SDAs under specified conditions. Directs the Secretary of Labor to report, with recommendations, to the Congress within five years on the extent of success of States and SDAs, and the effectiveness of such demonstration programs, in training, placing, and retaining women in nontraditional employment. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to mean that the Congress is taking a position on the issue of comparable worth. Provides that failure to meet the goals in this Act shall not itself constitute a violation of title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or any other Federal law prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, or age.

To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to permit alternative methods for qualifying "ability-to-benefit" students for Federal student financial aid.

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1991

Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to permit alternative methods to testing for qualifying "ability-to-benefit" students for Federal student financial aid. Restores certain options (involving receiving a general education diploma (GED) or certain counseling and remedial or developmental education, or involving a State determination process) for the qualification of ability-to-benefit students. Continues the testing requirement for such students at proprietary institutions (as mandated by the Student Default Initiative Act of 1990). Separates institutional eligibility requirements under student aid programs from compliance with ability-to-benefit provisions.

Elementary School Counseling Demonstration Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 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.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a deduction for tuition paid by parents for the college education of their children or paid by certain independent taxpayers for their own college education.

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1991

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual a deduction for 30 percent of the amount of tuition expenses paid to one or more eligible educational institutions for the education of any of the taxpayer's dependent children or the independent taxpayer. Reduces such deduction by five percent for each $1,000 by which the adjusted gross income of the taxpayer exceeds the applicable limit.

National High-Performance Computing and Networking Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1991

Department of Energy High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish: (1) a High-Performance Computing Program; (2) a management plan to carry it out; and (3) a national multigigabit-per-second computer network to be known as the Federal High-Performance Computer Network. Directs the Secretary to promote education and research in high-performance computational science and related fields that require the application of high-performance computing resources by making the Department of Energy's computing resources more available to undergraduate and graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and faculty from the Nation's educational institutions. Directs the Secretary to establish at least two Collaborative Consortia to undertake research, development, testing, and the dissemination of information with regard to high-performance computing hardware and associated software and networking technology. Requires each consortium to be comprised of a lead institution which is a DOE-owned national laboratory with experience in applications requiring high-performance computing resources. Provides for Government and private-sector cooperation in carrying out this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to provide funds and make contracts to carry out this Act. Sets forth provisions governing the title to inventions and creations produced or discovered as a result of research and development under this Act. Provides for the confidentiality of trade secrets or privileged or confidential commercial or financial information. Authorizes the Secretary to protect such information for up to five years after development. Authorizes appropriations.

National Energy Security Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1991

National Energy Security Act of 1991 - Title I: Findings and Purposes - Sets forth the energy efficiency and development purposes of this Act. Title II: Definitions - Sets forth definitions used in this Act. Title III: Energy Efficiency - Subtitle A: Industrial, Commercial, and Residential - Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act (ECPA) to mandate that the construction of new public housing units comply with energy efficiency performance standards. Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act (NECPA) to direct the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) to: (1) promulgate guidelines for State government procedures that would enable the assignment of energy efficiency ratings to residential buildings; (2) establish a technical assistance program for State or local organizations adopting residential energy efficiency rating systems; and (3) undertake joint ventures to encourage commercialization of technologies developed in a research and development program intended to improve energy efficiency and productivity in energy intensive industries and industrial processes. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary to report triennially to the Congress on energy efficiency policy options that would decrease domestic oil and energy consumption by specified percentages. Amends the Energy Security Act to repeal provisions regarding energy targets. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish voluntary guidelines for energy efficiency audits of industrial facilities and insulation in such facilities; (2) conduct an education and technical assistance program to promote the use of such guidelines; and (3) report on them annually. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to provide financial and technical assistance to support the voluntary development of a national program to establish energy efficiency ratings for windows. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Information Administration to expand the scope and frequency of certain energy efficiency data and to report on it annually to the Congress. Directs the Secretary of Energy to provide financial and technical assistance to support voluntary development of a national energy efficiency rating program for lamps and luminaries. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to prescribe labeling rules for them. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) to direct the Secretary to report to the Congress concerning evaluations of: (1) electric lights and utility distribution transformers; and (2) minimum energy efficiency performance standards of electric motors and pumps. Subtitle B: Federal Energy Management - Amends NECPA to prescribe energy management requirements for energy conservation and efficiency in Federal buildings. Directs the Administrator of the General Services Administration: (1) to conduct an analysis of significant energy consuming products in the Federal Supply Schedule; and (2) to develop a method to identify products which offer cost-effective opportunities to reduce energy consumption and costs. Requires the Administrator of the General Services Administration to consider fuel efficiency and cost savings when evaluating bids for the purchase of passenger vehicles and light trucks. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on: (1) the funding of Federal energy efficiency projects; and (2) a biennially updated demonstration plan for energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies in Federally-owned facilities. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Utilities - Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to permit State-regulated electric utilities to charge rates that will make their investments in energy efficiency and conservation measures as profitable as their investments in new facilities construction. Requires the Secretary to report to the President and the Congress on: (1) the extent to which State-regulated electric utility rates reflect least-cost planning; (2) specified effects of least-cost planning; and (3) the extent to which ratemaking methodologies implementing least-cost planning take into account the impact of such measures upon electric utilities' rate of return on investment. Prescribes guidelines for conservation grants to State regulatory authorities. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle D: Used Oil Energy Production - Amends EPCA to prescribe market incentive guidelines for the reuse of used oil. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on the implementation of the recycled oil program. Subtitle E: Insular Areas Energy Assistance - Sets forth guidelines for Federal financial assistance to Insular area governments for renewable energy and energy efficiency measures to reduce their dependence on imported fuels. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Renewable Energy - Subtitle A: CORECT - Amends the EPCA to name a certain interagency working group the Committee on Renewable Energy Commerce and Trade (CORECT). Requires CORECT: (1) to promote the export of United States renewable energy and energy efficiency products and technologies; (2) to promote the development and application in lesser-developed countries of renewable energy and energy efficiency resource technologies; and (3) to provide in-country technical training and financial assistance. Authorizes CORECT to establish renewable energy industry outreach offices in the Pacific Rim and in the Caribbean Basin. Requires the Secretary to report biennially to the Congress on the range of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies available to meet the energy needs of developing countries. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Renewable Energy Initiatives - Amends the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technology Competitiveness Act of 1989 to direct the Secretary to solicit proposals and provide financial assistance for joint ventures with respect to: (1) oil and diesel fuel displacement using specified renewable energy sources; and (2) training individuals from developing countries in the United States in the operation and maintenance of renewable energy equipment and of energy efficiency equipment. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to report to certain congressional committees an evaluation of opportunities to minimize waste from processes in the U.S. industries. Subtitle C: Hydropower - Prohibits any State or interstate water pollution control agency from making as a prerequisite to certification any requirements not needed to ensure that discharges resulting from a hydroelectric project will comply with statutory requirements. Amends the Federal Power Act to direct the Federal Power Commission, when issuing a hydroelectric power project licenses, to consider the recommendations of the Secretary under whose supervision the project reservation falls concerning its adequate protection and utilization. Exempts from application of the Federal Power Act any project with a power production capacity of 1500 kilowatts or less. Requires the Secretary to study and report to certain congressional committees on cost-effective opportunities to increase hydropower production at existing federally-owned or operated water regulation, storage, and conveyance facilities. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Coal Technology and Electricity - Subtitle A: Coal and Coal Technology - Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct an advanced coal-based technology research and development program aimed at controlling sulfur and nitrogen oxides at greater proficiency levels; (2) periodically report to the Congress on the program's status; (3) conduct a research and development plan with respect to technologies for non-fuel use of coal; and (4) submit to certain congressional committees a plan for the export of U.S. coal. Establishes the Clean Coal Technology Export Coordinating Council (Council) to: (1) expand the export and use of clean coal technologies (especially in lesser developed countries); and (2) develop a comprehensive data base and information dissemination system regarding their potential need and availability. Requires the Secretary to: (1) report to certain congressional committees regarding the status of technologies for combining coal with other materials; and (2) conduct a research, development, and demonstration program for utilizing "ultra-clean coal-water slurry" in diesel locomotive engines. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a data base containing all transportation rates for specified modes of transporting domestic coal for a certain period; (2) study the rates and distribution patterns of domestic coal to determine the impact of Federal policies upon such patterns; and (3) report the data base and study results to the Congress. Subtitle B: Electricity - Declares that for purposes of the Clean Air Act certain physical or operational changes to an electric utility steam generating unit undertaken for purposes of pollution control shall not be treated as a modification if the change does not increase the potential emission of the specific regulated pollutant above the pre-existing potential. Sets conditions for finding such a unit in compliance with technology requirements regarding nitrogen oxide emissions. Requires the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on physical impediments to the transfer of excess electrical energy from regions with surplus electrical energy to those experiencing shortages. Title VI: Research, Development, Demonstration and Commercialization Activities - Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish priorities according to prescribed criteria for energy research and development and commercialization; and (2) submit to the Congress an accompanying management plan which shall be revised biennially. Requires the Secretary to implement a program: (1) promoting the development and commercialization of new and advanced natural gas utilization technologies; (2) of research and development to increase the recoverable natural gas resource base; and (3) of research, development, and commercialization of specified high efficiency heat engines. Authorizes appropriations. Title VII: Strategic Petroleum Reserve - Amends the EPCA to direct the Secretary to implement a program for ensuring that: (1) crude oil stored at the Strategic Petroleum Reserve will be increased at a specified daily rate; and (2) the petroleum product needs of the Department of Defense will be met by requiring importers to provide petroleum products according to prescribed percentage guidelines. Title VIII: Outer Continental Shelf - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to add a new title: the "Coastal State and Community Outer Continental Shelf Impact Assistance Act". Establishes the Coastal State and Community Outer Continental Shelf Impact Assistance Fund, to be funded by a specified percentage of all new revenue attributable to an Outer Continental Shelf lease any part of which is within 200 geographical miles of the coast line. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to transmit impact assistance from such Fund annually to coastal States according to prescribed guidelines. Requires a recipient coastal State to prioritize allocation of such revenue among its subdivisions which are socially or economically impacted by Outer Continental Shelf mineral development. Directs the Secretary to report to certain congressional committees on the availability of Outer Continental Shelf areas for oil and gas leasing, development and production. Title IX: Oil and Gas Leasing in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge - Subtitle A: Statement of Purpose and Policy and Definitions - Declares that it is the congressional purpose to: (1) authorize competitive oil and gas leasing development on the Arctic Coastal Plain in a manner consistent with environmental and wildlife protection; and (2) provide a new funding source for energy-related projects to enhance energy security and reduce dependence on imported oil. Subtitle B: Congressional Determination of Compatibility - Declares that it is congressional policy that oil and gas activities on the Coastal Plain which are conducted with no significant adverse impact upon fish, wildlife, and the environment shall be deemed compatible with the purpose of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and that no further compatibility findings by the Secretary of the Interior (the Secretary) are required under the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act. Subtitle C: Coastal Plain Competitive Leasing Program - Directs the Secretary to establish and implement a competitive oil and gas leasing program that will result in an environmentally sound program for Coastal Plain resources exploration, development, and production. Declares that this title is the sole authority for leasing on the Coastal Plain. Directs the Secretary to promulgate rules and regulations to implement this title. Declares that the Congress finds that the "Final Legislative Environmental Impact Statement" (April 1987) on the Coastal Plain satisfies the legal requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Sets forth the administrative parameters for: (1) lease sales and lease terms; (2) antitrust review by the Attorney General; (3) exploration and development and production plans; (4) plan approval; (5) bonding requirements; and (6) lease suspension and cancellation. Allows the Secretary to cancel leases in any areas of particular environmental sensitivity. Requires the Secretary's consent for lease assignments or subletting. Mandates that lessees unite to the greatest extent practicable in collectively adopting and operating under a cooperative or unit plan for oil pools and gas fields. Provides for the confidentiality of privileged or proprietary information regarding development activities which must be furnished to the Secretary. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of this title. Provides for adjudication of lease controversies. Sets forth joint, several, and strict liability for environmental damages and removal costs resulting from oil pollution or the discharge of hazardous substances. Provides for judicial review of complaints regarding regulations issued by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the Congress regarding the leasing program under this Act. Repeals certain limitations applicable to subsurface interests owned by the Inupiat Eskimo people. Provides for expedited judicial consideration of any claims for relief by certain Alaskan corporations. Subtitle D: Coastal Plain Environmental Protection - Directs the Secretary to promulgate environmental protection regulations which ensure that Coastal Plain activities will result in no significant adverse effect on fish and wildlife, their habitat, and the environment. Requires site-specific assessment and mitigation. Designates the Sadlerochit Spring area as a special area for wildlife conservation and environmental protection. Authorizes the Secretary to exclude such area from leasing and to designate other Coastal Plain areas as special areas requiring protection. Directs the Secretary to prepare and periodically update a facilities construction and siting plan for oil and gas development and transportation. Authorizes the Secretary to grant rights-of-way and easements across the Coastal Plain in a manner that does not adversely affect fish, wildlife, and the environment. Requires the Secretary to conduct additional studies to monitor the human, marine, and coastal environments. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations providing for bi-annual facility inspections for compliance with environmental and safety regulations. Provides funding for a ten-year period for environmental monitoring and enforcement on the Coastal Plain. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) consult with the Department of Transportation and the State of Alaska about the State's role in monitoring and enforcing the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act; and (2) report annually to the Congress regarding the environmental monitoring activities. Subtitle E: Land Reclamation and Reclamation Liability Fund - Makes leaseholders fully responsible and liable for land reclamation within the Coastal Plain and other Federal lands adversely affected by lease activities. Requires establishment of the Coastal Plain Liability and Reclamation Fund within six months of a commercial discovery within the Coastal Plain. Directs the Secretary to collect fees based upon the crude oil volume entering the trans-Alaska pipeline. Prescribes revenue collection and expenditure procedures. Subtitle F: Disposition of Oil and Gas Revenues - Sets forth an allocation schedule for revenue distribution related to oil and gas leasing within the Arctic National Refuge, Alaska. Mandates that revenues distributed to the United States from such oil and gas leases be deposited into the Energy Security Fund. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make such funds directly available to the Secretary of Energy for a list of specified energy projects transmitted to the Congress as part of the first budget submitted by the President following the initial deposit of funds in the Energy Security Fund. Subtitle G: Export Restrictions - Prohibits the export of crude oil produced from Coastal Plain lands except in specified circumstances. Title X: Natural Gas - Provides that for purposes of the Natural Gas Act a certificate of public convenience and necessity is not required for the construction of a transportation service facility. Requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to issue a certificate of public convenience and necessity for such transportation service immediately upon initiation of transportation service rendered by such a facility. Prescribes administrative procedures for rate schedules, accounts and records, and rate base treatment. Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to authorize FERC to permit: (1) any interstate pipeline to transport natural gas; and (2) the construction of natural gas transportation facilities for interstate commerce. Outlines administrative procedures for FERC compliance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) with respect to natural gas transportation. Declares FERC the lead agency for NEPA compliance purposes. Sets forth administrative procedures for rates and charges, utilization of rulemaking procedures, and review of FERC orders. Declares that the formation or operation of an independent producer cooperative shall only be an illegal antitrust law violation if anticompetitive effects substantially outweigh the procompetitve effects. Outlines the scope of State jurisdiction over persons with service area determinations with respect to vehicular natural gas sales for resale and for transportation. Title XI: Transportation and Alternative Fuels - Motor Vehicle Fuel Efficiency Act of 1991 - Subtitle A: Corporation Average Fuel Economy - Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to direct the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe average fuel economy standards for passenger automobiles and light trucks manufactured in model years 1996 through 2001, and for those manufactured in model years 2002 and thereafter. Requires such Secretary to determine the maximum feasible average fuel economy achievable according to prescribed formulas for passenger automobiles, light trucks, or class of light trucks manufactured during such model years. Provides that credits for exceeding average fuel economy standards may be transferred among manufacturers and among vehicle classes of a manufacturer. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to issue rules implementing such a credit trading system. Grants average fuel economy credits for small passenger automobiles manufactured with airbags for either driver seating position only, or for both the driver and front seat outboard seating positions. Directs the Secretary of Energy to distribute at least 100 explanatory booklets each year to every dealer and an additional number if requested. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to assess an excessive fuel consumption fee upon a manufacturer whose average fuel economy does not meet certain statutory standards. Replaces civil penalties for such non-compliance with the excessive fuel consumption fee according to prescribed guidelines. Establishes the Excessive Fuel Consumption Fund. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make payments from the Fund for purposes of: (1) providing financial assistance to State programs encouraging voluntary removal from the marketplace of pre-1980 model-year automobiles; and (2) funding other energy conservation programs. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to report annually to the Congress regarding the Fund's financial condition and operations. Requires the Secretary of Energy to adopt rules necessary to review and approve State programs that qualify for financial assistance for the older vehicle scrappage program. Mandates that as a prerequisite to Federal assistance at least 50 percent of scrappage program costs be paid from non-Federal funds. Subtitle B: Alternative Fuels - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to enter into cooperative agreements and joint ventures with local or regional transit authorities in urban areas of over 100,000 population to demonstrate the feasibility and safety of using natural gas or other alternative fuels for mass transit. Mandates that as a prerequisite to such a cooperative agreement or joint venture at least 25 percent of the demonstration costs be borne by the local or regional transit authority. Authorizes the Secretary to grant priority to any entity that demonstrates that the use of alternative fuels for mass transit would have a signficant effect on the ability of an air quality region to comply with regulations governing ambient air quality. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary of the Department of Labor to implement a technician training and certification program for the vehicle installation of equipment that converts gasoline or diesel-fueled vehicles to run solely on alternative fuels. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Electric Vehicle Technology Development and Demonstration - Electric Vehicle Technology Development and Demonstration Act of 1991 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) identify by a specified deadline the nonattainment areas in which conventionally fueled vehicles contribute significantly to that nonattainment and in which the use of electric vehicles could contribute to attainment of National Ambient Air Quality Standards; (2) designate nonattainment areas eligible to participate in a specified electric vehicle research and demonstration program; (3) solicit applications from manufacturers to sell, warranty, and service electric vehicles in eligible nonattainment areas; and (4) report to the Congress on the program's status. Authorizes appropriations. Title XII: Advanced Nuclear Reactor Commercialization - Civilian Advanced Nuclear Reactor Commercialization Act of 1991 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to implement a comprehensive program to encourage the deployment of advanced nuclear reactor technologies according to specified guidelines, including appropriate steps for development and submission for certification by the Nuclear Regulatory Commision (NRC) of completed standard designs for commercial nuclear reactors (or their components). Requires the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on progress in certifying standard designs and setting forth certification program plans. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on the results of public meetings implemented to develop information upon which to base decisions with respect to the commercialization of advanced nuclear reactor technologies. Outlines the parameters within which the Secretary must: (1) encourage siting, financing, licensing, construction, and operation of facilities for the generation of commercial electric power from nuclear fission in regions where a need for additional electric generating capacity exists; and (2) commercialize promising advanced nuclear reactor technologies for commercial electric power generation. Authorizes appropriations. Restricts appropriations to those specifically set forth under this Act. Requires the NRC to recommend to the Congress legislative changes found necessary for timely licensing consistent with public safety of commercial nuclear power reactors. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on: (1) his assessment of commercial nuclear reactor technologies in use or under development in other nations; and (2) the annual status of the advanced nuclear reactor commercialization program. Title XIII: Nuclear Reactor Licensing - Nuclear Reactor Licensing Act of 1991 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to require the NRC to hold a hearing before granting a combined license to construct and operate a nuclear reactor. Title XIV: Uranium - Subtitle A: Uranium Enrichment - Uranium Enrichment Act of 1991 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to repeal the existing statutory contracting requirements applicable to uranium enrichment enterprises. Establishes the United States Enrichment Corporation as a wholly-owned Government corporation to conduct uranium marketing and enrichment activities as a commercial, profitable, self-financing enterprise. Sets forth the Corporation's corporate office and powers and vests its management in an Administrator (appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate). Grants the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) general supervision over such Administrator only with respect to national security and health and environmental concerns. Establishes a Corporate Board whose members shall be appointed by the President, and who shall advise the Administrator and the Secretary regarding Corporation matters. Prescribes guidelines for: (1) Corporation personnel; (2) certain property transfers from the Department of Energy; (3) the Corporation's capital structure; and (4) Corporation pricing policies, including user charges for decommissioning, decontamination, and remedial activities. Requires the Corporation to make annual status reports to certain congressional committees, the President, and the Secretary. Prescribes licensing and taxation guidelines for the Corporation. Sets guidelines for payments in lieu of taxes by the Corporation to States and local governments. Requires the Administrator to make recommendations to the President and the Congress by specified dates regarding the transfer of the Corporation's functions and assets to private ownership. Establishes the Uranium Enrichment Decontamination and Decommissioning Fund to cover the Corporation's decommissioning and decontamination expenses. Applies Federal environmental and occupational safety and health law to the Corporation as though it were privately owned. Exempts the Corporation from sequestration because the maximum deficit amount has been exceeded under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). Prohibits the Corporation's total FY 1991 expenditures from exceeding its total FY 1991 receipts. Subtitle B: Uranium - Uranium Security and Tailings Reclamation Act of 1991 - Sets forth findings, purposes, and definitions of this title. Directs the Corporation to establish for a minimum five-year period a voluntary overfeeding program to be made available to its enrichment services customers. ("Overfeeding" means the use of uranium in the enrichment process in excess of the amount required at the transactional tails assay, thus reducing customers' power costs). Provides that the resultant savings shall be credited to such customers. Establishes the National Strategic Uranium Reserve, consisting of 50,000,000 pounds of natural uranium, to be restricted to military purposes and Government research under the control of the Secretary. Confers continuing responsibility upon the Secretary for promotion of the domestic uranium industry, but without using any supervisory authority over the Corporation. Directs the Secretary to develop recommendations and implement Government programs promoting domestic uranium exports. Restricts all uranium purchases by Federal entities to uranium purchased from domestic producers. Exempts the Tennessee Valley Authority from such restriction. Subtitle C: Remedial Action for Active Processing Sites - Provides that remedial action costs such as decontamination, decommissioning, and reclamation at an active uranium or thorium processing site shall be borne by specified licensees for any activity resulting in byproduct material. Sets forth a reimbursement schedule for: (1) individual active site uranium licensees; (2) all active site uranium licensees; and (3) thorium licensees. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations governing such reimbursement. Authorizes appropriations. Title XV: Public Utility Holding Company Act Reform - Defines an "exempt wholesale generator" (EWG) as a corporate entity engaged exclusively in the business of selling electric energy at wholesale (including ownership or operation of electric energy production facilities). Requires approval of certain rates or charges by the State commission having jurisdiction over them with respect to rates or charges for facility construction or electric production. Declares that an EWG shall not be considered an "electric utility company" under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 (PUHCA) (thus exempting it from coverage by such Act). Permits holding companies that are exempt under PUHCA to: (1) own and maintain an interest in one or more EWGs; and (2) acquire and hold securities in one or more EWGs. Retains Securities and Exchange Commission jurisdiction over specified securities activities by a registered holding company with respect to EWGs. Declares that ownership of one or more EWGs shall not result in the owner's being considered as primarily engaged in the sale of generation of electric power under the Federal Power Act (thus ensuring that a non-utility company which acquires an EWG is not required to divest itself of certain business interests in "qualifying facilities" - small power production facilities or cogeneration facilities). Permits the filing of a declaration by an electric utility company that it intends to avoid purchasing electric energy from EWGs. Makes such declaration irrevocable for up to a ten-year period. Prohibits such company from: (1) purchasing electric energy from any EWG during such period; (2) acquiring or owning an interest in the business of an EWG during such period; or (3) offering to sell electric energy from an EWG in whose business it would acquire or own an interest after such declaration expires.

A joint resolution to designate the month of March, 1991 and the month of March, 1992, as "Women's History Month".

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1991

Designates the months of March 1991 and March 1992 as Women's History Month.