Education

Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1991

Connecticut River National Fish and Wildlife Refuge Act - Establishes the Connecticut River National Fish and Wildlife Refuge, consisting of lands, waters, and interests therein of the Connecticut River basin from its source to the sea designated by the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Establishes the Connecticut River National Fish and Wildlife Refuge Advisory Committee. Directs the Secretary to construct, administer, and maintain, in or near the refuge, an aquatic resources and wildlife interpretation and education center, with administrative facilities.

Persian Gulf Conflict Education Equity Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1991

Persian Gulf Conflict Education Equity Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to cancel on a prorated basis a portion of a direct student loan received under such Act by a reserve member of the armed forces who serves on active duty for less than one year in connection with the Persian Gulf conflict. (Current law permits the cancellation of 12.5 percent of the total loan in the case of personnel who serve in a combat zone for at least one year.) Requires every educational institution that offers courses of study approved for armed forces or veterans' educational assistance programs to reimburse each student who is a member of the armed forces for the entire amount of tuition and fees paid with respect to any course such student is unable to complete because of service on active duty in connection with the Persian Gulf conflict. Terminates approval of such institution for purposes of armed forces or veterans' educational assistance programs if such institution does not certify to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs that it is implementing such requirement. Refuses Federal financial assistance to such institution under the Higher Education Act of 1965 if such requirements are not implemented. States that any armed forces or veterans' educational assistance paid to a member of the armed forces shall be considered not to have been paid if the payment is made as a result of the individual's enrollment in a course that the individual is unable to complete due to the person's service on active duty in connection with the Persian Gulf conflict. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on the implementation of this provision.

Link-up for Learning Demonstration Grant Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1991

Link-up for Learning Demonstration Grant Act - Establishes a program of grants to local educational agencies (LEAs) in partnership with other eligible entities for coordinated educational and other student support services for at-risk youth. Makes eligible to apply for such a grant: (1) an LEA that seeks to plan and implement a coordinated services program for at-risk students with at least one other cooperating public agency; and (2) a consortium, including at least one LEA and one cooperating public service agency, formed to coordinate support services for at-risk students. Allows nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, and private enterprises with experience or expertise in providing services for at-risk students also to participate as a cooperating agency with an LEA or consortium in developing, operating, or evaluating such programs. Makes an LEA that is receiving assistance under the Head Start Transition program also eligible for assistance under this Act if it meets certain criteria. Allows educationally deprived students, in chapter 1 eligible schools or students in chapter 1 schoolwide projects, and their family members, to receive services provided by a project under this Act. Allows an eligible LEA to select any school, grade span, or program area for project services, providing such student eligibility requirements are met and the project design is of adequate size, scope, and quality. Allows such grants to be for up to three years, subject to satisfactory progress. Limits the Federal share of project costs to 80 percent. Establishes a Federal Interagency Task Force consisting of the Secretaries of Education, Health and Human Services, and Housing and Urban Development, and other appropriate Federal agency heads, to identify means to facilitate interagency collaboration at Federal, State, and local levels to improve support services for at-risk students. Requires the Task Force to: (1) identify and eliminate program regulations or practices impeding coordination and collaboration; (2) develop and implement plans for jointly funded programs, unified eligibility and application procedures, and confidentiality regulations that facilitate information sharing; and (3) make recommendations to the Congress on legislative action to facilitate coordination of support services. Directs the Secretary of Education to: (1) conduct a study of grantees under this Act to identify regulatory and legislative obstacles to coordinated support services and innovative procedures and programs; and (2) report study results to the Congress with recommendations for legislative action. Authorizes appropriations.

Postsecondary Recognition, Innovation, Deregulation, and Excellence Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1991

Postsecondary Recognition, Innovation, Deregulation, and Excellence Act of 1991 - Title I: General Provisions - Establishes a National Board for Postsecondary Recognition, Innovation, and Improvement (the Board), with members appointed by the Secretary of Education (the Secretary). Title II: Recognition of Institutional Achievements - Part A: Certification of Meritorious Institutions - Directs the Board to prescribe, within one year, at least five criteria for the recognition of postsecondary institutions. Requires such criteria to be new objective measures which can be readily applied to an institution's programs and which can be or already are attained by a significant portion of postsecondary institutions. Requires such criteria to encourage: (1) increasing numbers of disadvantaged and minority students being enrolled and graduated and of minority faculty members being employed; (2) increasing assistance for school-to-work and secondary-to-postsecondary transition; (3) removing barriers to access to education; (4) innovative technologies and strategies for improving instruction; (5) improved evaluation of institutional performance in academic achievement, retention, program efficiency, and student support services; (6) more efficient and economical operations; (7) linkages among various postsecondary sectors; (8) community service; and (9) other goals determined by the Board. Requires annual publication of final form criteria, to be incorporated in Department of Education program regulations, and to be preceded by proposed criteria publication and opportunity for comment by interested persons. Allows any postsecondary institution to submit an application for certification to the Department of Education, if it believes its activities meet or exceed at least a Board-specified proportion of such prescribed criteria, and submits appropriate evidence. Directs the Secretary to review such applications and transmit to Members of Congress the names of institutions within their State or district that have been so certified, for public announcement by such Members and publication thereafter. Part B: Thomas Jefferson Awards for Exemplary Postsecondary Institutions - Directs the Board to prescribe, within one year, criteria to be used in selection of Awards for Exemplary Postsecondary Institutions. Requires such criteria to be designed to annually identify, beginning in 1993, the three most exemplary postsecondary institutions in the United States during the preceding academic year, placing special emphasis on teaching quality, student achievement and improvement, student services, community service, at-risk students' education, and attainment of national educational goals by the year 2000. Requires publication of final form criteria, to be incorporated in Department of Education program regulations, and to be preceded by proposed criteria publication and opportunity for comment by interested persons. Allows any certified postsecondary institution to apply to the Board for such recognition (with a five-year waiting period for previous award recipients), but not if it is in violation of any Federal education statute or regulation. Directs the Board to: (1) select award winners on the basis of peer review panel reviews; and (2) transmit their names, and those of the three nearest runnerups, to the President for announcement at a public ceremony. Sets forth benefits to, and expectations of, award recipients. Title III: Innovation in Postsecondary Education - Part A: TRIO Evaluation and Demonstration Grants - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to provide for certain evaluation and demonstration grants under special programs for students from disadvantaged backgrounds (TRIO programs). Authorizes the Secretary to make up to 20 such competitive grants each fiscal year, divided among the various TRIO programs, to institutions meeting specified requirements. Limits grant duration and amount. Sets forth reporting and information dissemination requirements, and the Secretary's related responsibilities. Authorizes appropriations. Part B: Tate Innovation Endowment Grants - Directs the Secretary to award endowment grants, to provide capital to establish State Innovation Endowment Funds, during each of five successive fiscal years to up to ten States, selected competitively for that five-year period. Requires income from such Funds to be used to provide grants to develop and analyze innovative techniques and support research in areas of postsecondary education that are significant Federal and State concerns. Requires State matching amounts of specified proportions, and repayments under specified conditions. Requires that selected States not have been recipients of such grants during any preceding five-year period. Sets forth provisions for: (1) designation of State agencies; (2) grant agreements; (3) authorized uses of State innovation grants by specified types of eligible consortia; and (4) endowment requirements. Directs the Board to designate the areas of significant Federal concern once each three years, but requires for the first five years that such areas be: (1) improving postsecondary teaching; (2) improving a State's economic competitiveness by improving its postsecondary education; and (3) restructuring elementary and secondary matriculation schedules. Authorizes appropriations. Part C: Demonstration Grants - Establishes a national program of demonstration grants to test innovative ideas and generate data for evaluating and reauthorizing Federal higher education assistance programs. Directs the Board (within one year after enactment of this Act and thereafter no later than three months after enactment of any reauthorization of programs under HEA) to designate and publish topics on which proposals will be accepted for such demonstration project grants. Makes grants awarded on the basis of such topics available during the three succeeding fiscal years. Requires the Board, in establishing such topics to promote innovations in student financial aid, teaching improvement, student services, recruitment, and retention, Federal program administration, regulatory relief, academic achievement, and significant national concerns. Directs the Secretary to conduct a competition for award of up to ten demonstration grants on each of the Board-established topics. Limits grant duration and amount. Sets forth technical assistance, coordination, and reporting requirements. Part D: Expansion of FIPSE Grant Authority - Amends HEA to expand grant authority under the Fund for Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) Program. Adds to the subjects for which FIPSE grants may be awarded: (1) study of methods to improve administrative efficiency and effectiveness, particularly with regard to Federal programs; and (2) demonstrating innovative approaches for international exchanges of faculty and students. Diversifies FIPSE grants and contracts into the following modes: (1) planning grants; (2) development grants; (3) international exchanges grants and contracts; and (4) regular grants and contracts. Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts for each of such modes for FY 1992 through 1996 (1997 in the case of planning grants). Title IV: Regulatory Relief - Directs the Board to report annually to the Congress on the impact of Federal laws and regulations on postsecondary institutions, including analysis of specified factors including the desirability of negotiated rulemaking. Directs the Secretary to report biennially to the Congress on current or anticipated regulatory issues and problems encountered by the Department of Education in implementing and enforcing Federal postsecondary education laws and regulations, including specified descriptions and recommendations. Amends the Department of Education Organization Act to establish an Office of Regulatory Review and Assessment in the Department of Education. Grants the Secretary limited authority to grant a postsecondary institution waivers or modifications of requirements of any Federal education statute or regulation as appropriate to carry out the policies or promote the general purposes of that statute or regulation or HEA in general. Sets forth conditions for, limitations on, and examples of such authorized waivers or modifications. Terminates such authority, and any waiver or modification granted under it, on October 1, 1996. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into up to five performance agreements with States, consortia, and postsecondary institutions, to provide them inducements to achieve specified performance levels and be accountable for such attainment. Authorizes the Secretary, as such inducements, to waive or modify any program requirement for any Federal education program. Limits such agreements' effectiveness to not more than three years, but allows them to be renewed. Directs the Secretary to report annually on the status of such agreements and achievements of performance levels. Authorizes the Secretary to expand the incentives available to participants in the Quality Control Project established pursuant to specified regulations of the Department of Education. Amends HEA to provide for performance inducements under TRIO programs. Authorizes the Secretary to permit an institution, agency, or organization to receive a grant or contract under TRIO programs for a six-year period, under specified conditions relating to prior experience and additional quality control or program improvement standards. Title V: Postsecondary Diffusion Network - Establishes the National Postsecondary Diffusion Network, to promote: (1) awareness and implementation of exemplary educational programs, products, and practices to interested postsecondary institutions nationwide; and (2) the utilization of the knowledge, talents, and services of local staff associated with various educational excellence and recognition efforts. Requires that such Network be designed to improve educational quality through: (1) implementing promising and validated innovations and improvements in educational programs, products, and practices; and (2) providing training, consultation, and related assistance services. Sets forth the Secretary's responsibilities related to such Network's activities. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and contracts for such Network activities to various entities. Sets forth funding criteria for such projects. Directs the Secretary to actively solicit, for Network dissemination, information on innovative educational practices from various specified additional information sources (in addition to information obtained from funded projects). Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1996 for such National Postsecondary Diffusion Network. Makes conforming amendments to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 which delete postsecondary references and rename the National Diffusion Network under such Act the National Elementary and Secondary Diffusion Network.

Mental Health Professional Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1991

Mental Health Professional Act of 1991 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a Mental Health Professionals Scholarship Program. Requires an individual, in order to be eligible for the Program, to be accepted for enrollment or enrolled as a full-time student at a qualifying accredited school in a course of post-baccalaureate education or training that is approved by the Secretary and that leads toward completion of a degree in psychiatric nursing, psychology, social work, or psychiatry. Provides a full scholarship for qualifying individuals. Requires each participant receiving such a scholarship to provide service in the clinical practice of such participant's profession as a full-time employee of the Department of Veterans Affairs for a period of 18 months for each academic year for which a scholarship is provided. Authorizes the participant to complete one-half of such required service in a public health facility located in an economically depressed area. Establishes the liability to the United States on a pro rata basis of a participant who fails to meet the required period of service.

Middle-Income Family Higher Education Savings Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1991

Middle-Income Family Higher Education Savings Act of 1991 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual an income tax deduction for contributions to a savings account established to pay the educational expenses (tuition, supplies, meals, and lodging) of the taxpayer's child at an institution of higher education or a vocational school. Limits the deduction to $1,000 per year per child. Phases out such deduction based on adjusted income. Provides that no account may have more than one beneficiary. Permits a deduction with respect to only one account in cases of multiple accounts for the same beneficiary. Disallows the deduction for contributions made to an account after the beneficiary either attains age 25 or graduates from an eligible educational institution. Permits the exclusion from the gross income of the recipient beneficiary of payments and distributions from an education savings account as long as such amounts: (1) are used for the educational expenses of that individual; or (2) are rolled over into an education savings account established for a sibling of that individual. Exempts the education savings accounts themselves from taxation unless they cease to be proper education savings accounts because either the contributor taxpayer or the beneficiary engages in prohibited transactions or the beneficiary pledges the account as security. Establishes penalties in the form of additional tax when account funds or distributions are improperly used. Requires that the trustee of an education savings account report to the Secretary of the Treasury and to the account's benefactor on the maintenance of the account. Identifies the criteria and requirements applicable to an education savings account. Provides that contributions to an education savings account shall not be subject to gift tax. Establishes: (1) a five percent excise tax on amounts connected with any prohibited transaction with respect to an education savings account; (2) a penalty for failure to file required reports concerning the education savings account; and (3) a tax on excess contributions.

Family and Economic Growth Incentive Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1991

Family and Economic Growth Incentive Act of 1991 - Title I: Education Savings Accounts - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual income tax deduction for contributions to a savings account established to pay the educational expenses (tuition, supplies, meals, and lodging) of the taxpayer's child or certain other relatives at an institution of higher education or a vocational school. Limits the deduction to $100,000 for all taxable years (adjusted for inflation) for each account. Disallows the deduction for contributions to an account maintained for any individual aged 19 or older. Requires any account balance to be distributed after the beneficiary attains age 30. Permits an exclusion from the gross income of the contributor or the beneficiary of account distributions used to pay educational expenses of the latter. Exempts an account from taxation (except for the tax on unrelated business income of a charitable organization), unless a contributor or the beneficiary engages in specified prohibited transactions in connection with it. Imposes a ten percent surtax on distributions not used for educational purposes. Requires the account trustee to report to the Secretary of the Treasury and to the account's beneficiary concerning the account. Imposes a penalty for failure to report. Allows taxpayers who do not otherwise itemize deductions to deduct for contributions to an education savings account. Imposes penalty taxes in connection with excess contributions or prohibited transactions associated with an account. Title II: Affordable Housing and First-Home Buyer Assistance - Permits a personal deduction for specified contributions to a first home ownership account. Treats such account as an individual retirement account upon a first home purchase. Repeals the taxation of gain on the sale of a principal residence. Extends through 1994 the issue period for qualified mortgage bonds. Title III: Reinstatement of Investment Tax Credit for Certain Property - Reinstates the ten-percent investment tax credit for property used as an integral part of manufacturing, production, or extraction or of furnishing transportation, communications, electrical energy, gas, water, waste disposal, or pollution control services. Allows such tax credit to offset 100 percent of a C corporation's minimum tax. Title IV: Reduction in Capital Gains Rates - Reduces the individual and corporate capital gains rate from 34 percent to 15 percent. Reduces such tax to 7.5 percent for low- and middle-income taxpayers. Requires indexing, based on the gross national product deflator, of the adjusted basis of certain assets (corporate stock and tangible property that is a capital asset of property used in a trade or business) that have been held for more than one year at the time of sale or other transfer, solely for the purpose of determining gain or loss. Provides for indexing the limitation on capital losses of noncorporate taxpayers.

Providing amounts from the contingent fund of the House for expenses of investigations and studies by the Committee on Education and Labor and the Pension Reform Activities of its Subcommittee on Labor-Management Relations in the first session of the One Hundred Second Congress.

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1991

Authorizes amounts for expenses of investigations and studies by the House Committee on Education and Labor and for special investigations and studies of welfare and pension plans by its Subcommittee on Labor-Management Relations for the first session of the 102d Congress.

Summer Science Academy Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1991

Summer Science Academy Act of 1991 - Directs the National Science Foundation to make grants, contracts, or agreements for at least 20 Summer Science Academies for talented students, particularly economically disadvantaged, minority students, in grades seven through 12, to study mathematics, science, engineering design, and communications. Authorizes appropriations.

A bill to establish a comprehensive energy conservation program.

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1991

Title I: Federal Programs - Directs the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) to establish the Federal Energy Efficiency Fund to provide financing to enable Federal agencies to install energy conservation measures. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Congress detailing funds allocation and the projected energy savings from installed measures. Authorizes appropriations. Sets deadlines by which Federal agencies must: (1) report to the Secretary a list of energy conservation projects that will meet a ten-year payback criterion; and (2) substantially complete energy conservation projects. Permits exceptions for reasons of impracticability. Exempts from this program Federal facilities engaged in either electric energy generation or transmission or uranium enrichment activities. Provides for the continued availability of appropriations for energy conservation purposes through the following fiscal year to agencies that achieve energy cost savings. Authorizes Federal entities to participate in certain gas and electric utility energy management programs (including acceptance of utility financial incentives). Sets forth guidelines under which the Secretary shall develop a simplified method of contracting for shared energy savings contract services. Directs the Secretary to establish a financial bonus program to reward outstanding energy managers at Federal plants. Requires the Administrator of the General Services Administration to ensure that the average fleet fuel efficiency in each class of federally purchased vehicles is at least equal to the average fuel economy level for that class in the previous model year. Sets a deadline by which the Secretary must establish an energy efficiency technologies demonstration program at Federal facilities that have received Federal financial assistance for research and development. Title II: Utilities - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to declare that gross income does not include the value of a subsidy (rebate) provided by a public utility to a customer for the purchase or installation of any energy conservation measure. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to provide that the rates allowed to be charged by a State-regulated electric utility shall be such that its investments and expenditures for energy conservation and energy efficiency resources are as profitable as its investments and expenditures for the construction of new generation facilities. Requires the Secretary to report to the President and the Congress on: (1) the extent to which State regulatory practices require least-cost planning by electric utilities; and (2) an evaluation of likely results of least-cost energy planning. Prohibits the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) from approving interstate electric power sales by a utility unless the utility has adopted a least-cost plan complying with State requirements. Requires the purchaser or transferee of an interstate electric power sale to furnish FERC with a statement that such transfer is the least costly means by which it can obtain power. Requires the Tennessee Valley Authority to adopt a least-cost plan. Prohibits the Western Area Power Administration from selling power to a purchaser that does not have a least-cost plan in effect. Requires the Secretary of Energy to devise plans for the implementation of: (1) energy conservation standards and labeling for specified electric applicances and window systems; and (2) an insulation value rating system. Title III: Building and Housing - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish an income tax credit for granting oil retrofit conservation expenditures. Outlines standards for the Secretary of Energy and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to develop energy efficiency rating guidelines for new and existing residential buildings. Permits certain residential buildings with heating, cooling, or hot water systems operated directly by renewable energy sources to have their energy usage credited toward the building's energy efficiency rating. Directs the Secretary to establish a five-year program to provide technical and financial assistance to State and local organizations for residential energy efficiency rating systems. Requires the Secretary of Energy to ensure that Federal mortgage assistance is not permitted unless certain small family dwellings have met with minimum residential energy efficiency ratings. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) recommend improved commercial building energy efficiency standards to State and local governments for adoption in their building codes; (2) initiate a three-year technical assistance program to promote adoption of such standards; (3) develop model incentives for increasing energy efficiency in commercial buildings beyond the energy efficiency ratings program; and (4) establish a task force to assist in the development of the energy efficiency program and review its results. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Improvement of Industrial Audits and Voluntary Guidelines For Industrial Insulation - Directs the Secretary to: (1) select and assist a nonprofit organization to develop industrial insulation guidelines; (2) review the status of industrial energy auditing procedures; (3) conduct an education and technical assistance program concerning such procedures; and (4) report to the Congress on the program. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: International Market Assessments and Export Promotion - Directs the Secretary to: (1) issue an annual report on at least three countries detailing the market potential for energy efficiency technologies; (2) issue a biannual report on the research and development of energy efficiency technologies in major industrialized countries; (3) conduct a specified number of trade missions to countries identified as good markets for energy efficiency technologies; (4) conduct a training and technical assistance program to assist other countries in policy design and program development to accelerate the adoption of energy efficiency technologies; and (5) present a program evaluation report to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations. Title VI: Transportation - Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to present guidelines under which the Secretary of Transportation shall by regulation establish a program encouraging the removal from the marketplace of motor vehicles manufactured before model year 1980. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit employer deductions for parking expenses on behalf of employees unless the employer provides either a cash or a mass transit, car pool, or van subsidy alternative.

Gulf War Higher Education and Health Care Shortage Assistance Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1991

Gulf War Higher Education and Health Care Shortage Assistance Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to grant a six-month deferment on obligations to repay guaranteed student loans, under the Robert T. Stafford Student Loan Program, to borrowers who are Armed Services members serving in connection with Operation Desert Storm (members). Requires institutions of higher education or vocational schools (as defined under HEA student assistance program provisions) to provide substantial tuition refunds or credits to such members. Directs the Secretary of Education to: (1) facilitate use of such benefits under this Act; (2) minimize the administrative burden placed on institutions of higher education, lenders, and guarantee agencies; and (3) allow family members or other appropriate parties to certify the status of individuals applying for such benefits. Amends the Public Health Service Act to set forth provisions to address health care provider shortages resulting from military hostilities. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to declare such a shortage in a medically underserved population or a health professional shortage area, or in other areas under specified conditions. Directs the Secretary of HHS to make grants on an expedited basis to eligible entities serving such populations or areas to: (1) temporarily replace health care providers ordered to active duty; and (2) secure additional necessary professional liability coverage for such replacement providers. Gives preference to entities: (1) serving a predominantly indigent patient population; or (2) in areas with the greatest shortage. Authorizes the Secretary of HHS to take appropriate action to respond to such shortages, including: (1) detailing Public Health Service Employees to regions with such shortages; (2) coordinating and facilitating voluntary placement in such regions of private providers and faculty in the health professions; and (3) providing to the Secretary of Defense information about the scope and nature of such shortages in each region in order to assist in minimizing such disruptions. Authorizes appropriations. Provides that all direct or discretionary spending in this Act comprises emergency expenditures related to Operation Desert Storm, for purposes of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act).

National Teacher Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1991

National Teacher Act of 1991 - Title I: Recruitment - Part A: Loan Forgiveness for Teachers Demonstration Program - Directs the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) to assume the obligation to repay specified portions of a Stafford loan (a student loan made, insured, or guaranteed under specified provisions of the Higher Education Act of 1965) for any borrower employed as a full-time teacher: (1) in a school which qualifies for loan cancellation for Perkins loan recipients who teach in such schools; and (2) of mathematics, science, foreign languages, special education, bilingual education, or any other field of expertise where the State educational agency (SEA) determines there is a shortage of qualified teachers. Provides for cancellation of increasing portions of such student loans for a one- to five-year period of such teaching service. Provides also for forgiveness of portions of student loans for borrowers who return to higher education after graduation to obtain a teaching certificate. Provides for repayment of such specified portions of principal and interest by the Secretary to the eligible lender or holder. Part B: Paul Douglas Teacher Scholarships - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to extend through FY 1995 the authorization of appropriations for the Paul Douglas Teacher Scholarships program. Part C: Teacher Corps - Authorizes a new Teacher Corps program. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) make grants to SEAs to conduct teacher corps activities; and (2) award scholarships to teacher corps members. Bases the amounts of such grants to SEAs on school-age population. Directs the Secretary to: (1) disseminate information about availability of teacher corps scholarships; and (2) foster communication among teacher corps members. Specifies authorized uses of grant money by SEAs. Allows local educational agencies (LEAs) to use grant funds to: (1) carry out induction programs for new teacher corps members (and other new teachers); and (2) ensure that teacher corps members participate in one for at least one year, including work with a designated mentor teacher. Requires the SEA, in cooperation with the State higher education agency, to select teacher corps members according to its own criteria. Requires special consideration for those who intend to teach students with disabilities, limited English proficient students, or preschool age children. Requires priority consideration for those from disadvantaged backgrounds, including racial and ethnic minorities and individuals with disabilities, who are underrepresented in the teaching profession or in the curricular areas in which they are preparing to teach. Sets forth individual application requirements. Sets forth SEA and LEA grant application requirements. Requires descriptions of teacher shortages, corps members' employment placement, and induction programs for corps members and other new teachers. Makes individuals eligible to receive such scholarships for up to three years during enrollment in any of the following programs of study: (1) a baccalaureate or associate degree; (2) one or two post-baccalaureate years of a masters or specialist degree or teaching certificate; or (3) two years of an associate's degree in early childhood education or development, or one year of a child development associate credential program. Makes individuals pursuing the aforementioned kinds of post-baccalaureate study eligible to receive such a scholarship during any of the first three years they are employed as a teacher, in order to defray the costs of such study. Makes individuals with a bachelor's degree who wish to enter teaching from another profession eligible for such a scholarship for the instruction necessary to enter the teaching profession in the State where they wish to teach. Allows such instruction to be provided while the individual is employed as a provisional teacher, at the discretion of the SEA and LEA. Limits the amount of such a scholarship to an individual to the lesser of $5,000 per year or the cost of attendance for a maximum of three years. States that such scholarship shall be considered in determining eligibility for student assistance under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Requires scholarship agreements to include assurances of: (1) satisfactory academic progress and participation in teaching-related activities during a course of study which meets State requirements for teacher preparation; and (2) teaching for five years in a school which qualifies for Perkins loan cancellation for its teachers. Allows members to transfer to another such school in an LEA within the State or to another State with a program, upon approval of the sending or receiving LEA or State. Prescribes additional assurances such agreements must include. Provides for repayment of scholarships and for cancellation of such obligation under specified conditions. Provides for publication of, and recruitment for, the teacher corps scholarship program, particularly for minority students. Authorizes appropriations for such new Teacher Corps program for FY 1992 through 1996, but conditions such funding upon the attainment of a specified minimum funding level for the Paul Douglas Teacher Scholarships program. Limits the portion of Teacher Corps program funds which may be used for LEA induction and mentor programs for new corps members and other new teachers. Part D: Foreign Language Competence for the Future - Foreign Language Competence for the Future Act of 1990 - Amends the Star Schools Program Assistance Act (title IX of the Education for Economic Security Act) to authorize appropriations in necessary amounts for FY 1993 to carry out Star Schools program assistance. Requires applications for such assistance for instructional programming to provide assurances that such programming will be designed in consultation with teachers of the applicable subject matter and grade level. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to eligible consortia to: (1) operate critical languages and area studies programs; (2) develop and acquire educational equipment and materials; and (3) develop teacher training programs, texts, curricula, and other activities designed to improve and expand the instruction of foreign languages at elementary and secondary schools. Limits the maximum amount of such a demonstration grant to an eligible consortium in any single fiscal year. Requires that a consortium eligible for such demonstration grants consist of a cooperative effort between entities in one or more States that must include at least: (1) one institution of higher education; (2) one secondary school with experience in teaching critical foreign languages; and (3) one secondary school in which at least 25 percent of the students are eligible to be counted under certain provisions for education of disadvantaged students (under Chapter 1 of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965). Allows such consortia to include a not-for-profit organization to provide services not otherwise available from the other entities. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1996. Part E: Miscellaneous Provision - Amends HEA provisions for Perkins loan cancellation to allow: (1) the Secretary to use the previous year's list of eligible schools if a new list is not available before May 1 of any year; and (2) any teacher to continue to receive loan forgiveness in subsequent years of service at a school that loses such eligibility. Title II: Teacher Enhancement - Part A: National Teacher Academies - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to institutions of higher education, private nonprofit education organizations, or combinations of such entities to establish and operate national teacher academies. Requires one such academy in each of the following subject areas commonly taught in elementary and secondary schools: (1) mathematics; (2) National Writing Project; (3) civics and government; (4) basic skills and literacy instruction; (5) the arts, including art, music, and the performing arts; (6) history, geography, and sociology; (7) economics; (8) life sciences; (9) physical sciences; and (10) foreign languages. Requires academy staff to be selected from the most accomplished and prominent scholars in the relevant fields and methodologies. Provides that such grants shall be for five years, and awarded under a competitive bidding process. Requires special consideration for eligible recipients that have demonstrated effectiveness in establishing and administrating a national network of individuals who assist in teacher training programs at State and local levels. Limits such awards to eligible applicants who have demonstrated expertise in both the subject area and in-service teacher training. Requires grant funds to be used for: (1) in-service training for teachers and administrators; (2) summer institutes; (3) leadership team training for professional development schools; and (4) support services for professional development schools, including national networks of individuals, counseling assistance, and information services. Requires that school administrators and teachers from each congressional district, including the leadership team, participate in summer institutes. Sets forth grant application requirements, with a special rule for the National Academy on Basic Skills and Literacy Instruction. Authorizes the Secretary to award a grant to the National Writing Project to establish and operate one such teaching academy. Sets forth requirements for such grant, the Federal share, teacher training programs, and classroom teacher grants. Requires the National Writing Project to establish and operate a National Advisory Board. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1996. Part B: Professional Development Schools - Directs the Secretary to allot to each State educational agency an equal amount for each congressional district in the State to establish and operate professional development schools. Requires that one such school be established in each congressional district. Allows the State educational agency to combine several of the authorized schools into a single school in States where several congressional districts are served by a local educational agency, or in States receiving small allotments. Provides that such grants shall be for five years, and renewable, and awarded under a competitive bidding process. Provides that professional development schools for specified U.S. territories and possessions in the Pacific are to be combined into a single school and administered by the Center for the Advancement of Pacific Education, in Honolulu, Hawaii, or its successor. Requires that such grant funds shall be used to: (1) provide professional development programs for teachers; and (2) pay costs of release time, stipends, college or university credit, curricular materials, and other expenses. Requires such professional development programs under this part to include individuals who have participated in the parallel program under part A. Requires each professional development school funded under this part whose teachers are served by a national academy funded under part A to conduct an in-service training program each year in each of the course content areas for which teachers receive training at the national academy. Requires each eligible grant recipient under this part to establish a ten-member steering committee. Requires each such committee to establish a three-person leadership team for each national teacher academy assisted under part A. Requires that Christa McAuliffe Career Teacher Corps participants be encouraged, upon return from their award period, to assist in the development and operation of the appropriate professional development school. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1996. Part C: Christa McAuliffe Career Teacher Corps - Amends HEA to rename and revise the Christa McAuliffe Fellowship Program as the Christa McAuliffe Career Teacher Corps (Career Corps), which is to be a national fellowship program for experienced teachers and a complement to the Teacher Corps program for new teachers established under title I. Provides for: (1) grants to SEAs to conduct Career Corps activities and award fellowships to Career Corps members, with grant amounts based on school-age population of the State; (2) fellowship award distribution, amounts, and authorized uses; (3) selection of Career Corps members; (4) application evaluation by a statewide panel; (5) special consideration for individuals intending to use awards to improve or acquire skills in science or mathematics or to teach or provide related services to students with disabilities, limited English proficient students, or preschool age students; (6) fellowship agreements and repayments for noncompliance; (7) State applications; and (8) State use of program funds. Requires fellowship recipients to agree to spend up to a one-year period during which the Career Corps member is released from teaching responsibilities to participate in: (1) sabbaticals for study, research, or academic improvements; (2) consultation with or assistance to other school districts or private school systems, or development of special innovative programs for in-service teacher training or student achievement; or (3) expansion or replication of model programs of staff development. Requires that the Career Corps member be encouraged, during the two years following the award period through professional development school, if one exists, to: (1) participate in an induction program for new teachers by acting as a mentor to new Teacher Corps members or other new teachers, in their same substantive field of expertise where practicable, or make some other contribution to Teacher Corps programs; and (2) assist in developing in-service training programs through the professional development school, if it exists. Requires that Career Corps members be given the opportunity to participate in activities developed by the Secretary and SEA to foster communication among Career Corps members. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1996. Title III: Demonstrations - Amends the Fund for the Improvement and Reform of Schools and Teaching Act to provide for the following demonstration programs: (1) class size research; (2) new careers for teachers; (3) minority teacher recruitment; and (4) restructuring of schools and school-based management. Directs the Secretary to make demonstration grants to LEAs having elementary and secondary schools with large classes in order to demonstrate the advantages of reducing the size of classes. Provides for the Federal share of such program payments. Gives priority to projects involving young students and at-risk students. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to eligible recipients to pay the Federal share of costs of establishing and operating programs to attract minority candidates to teaching careers. Makes eligible for such grants consortia of institutions of higher education and LEAs working with the State educational agency and the appropriate State or local teacher credentialing body. Provides that such grants shall be for two years, with up to three years of renewals, and awarded under a competitive bidding process. Allows grant funds to be used to pay tuition, release time, and child care stipends for program participants. Gives priority to programs focusing on recruitment of minorities, and special consideration to programs recruiting speakers of non-English languages who have been trained as teachers in their home countries or individuals already employed in an LEA. Authorizes the Secretary to pay the Federal share of making grants to carry out programs and activities to: (1) improve recruitment and training opportunities for minority, including language minority, individuals in education; and (2) increase the number of minority, including language minority, teachers in elementary and secondary schools. Sets forth application requirements and authorized uses of such funds by LEAs, higher education institutions, SEAs, State higher education agencies, and community-based organizations. Establishes a program of grants for planning and implementing the restructuring of school organization, school management, or instructional programs in elementary and secondary schools. Authorizes the Secretary to make such grants, on a competitive basis and for a three-year period, to such schools, LEAs, and consortia of such schools or LEAs (with or without nonprofit organizations with relevant experience). Requires grant applications to include a plan for widespread consultation with parents, community members, school system employees, and the private sector in planning and implementing such school restructuring. Requires a school restructuring implementation plan prior to the second grant year. Requires broad geographic distribution in grant awards with special consideration for restructing plans which benefit: (1) students or a school with below-average academic performance; and (2) eligible entities serving a large number of minority or disadvantaged students. Sets the Federal share at 50 percent, and requires that at least 50 percent of the non-Federal share come from nongovernmental sources. Authorizes appropriations in increased amounts for FY 1992 through 1996 to carry out the Fund for the Improvement and Reform of Schools and Teaching Act. Sets a maximum limit on the reservation of a portion of such funds to carry out family-school partnership programs. Title IV: Studies and Evaluations - Part A: Teacher Job Bank Study and Demonstration - Directs the Secretary, through the Office of Educational Research and Improvement (OERI), to study the feasibility of establishing: (1) a clearinghouse to operate a national teacher job bank; and (2) regional clearinghouses composed of several SEAs to test the teacher job bank concept. Directs the Secretary, through OERI, to contract with one or more State entities, nonprofit organizations, or institutions of higher education to pay the Federal share of the costs of establishing a Teacher Job Bank Clearinghouse as a national demonstration on a regional basis. Part B: Study of Pension Portability - Directs the Secretary, through OERI, to conduct a pension portability study of the feasibility of permitting teachers and administrators to transport pension benefits among States and LEAs. Part C: Study of Alternative Ways to Increase Minority Participation in the Teaching Profession - Directs the Secretary to study, and report on, alternative ways to increase minority participation in the teaching profession, focusing on: (1) barriers to entry into the profession for qualified minority group members; (2) options for addressing such barriers; (3) alternative assessment mechanisms; and (4) possibilities for increasing the supply of minority teachers. Part D: Miscellaneous Provisions - Requires evaluations of and reports on the following programs: (1) the student loan forgiveness for teachers demonstration; (2) Teacher Corps; (3) national teacher academies; (4) professional development schools; (5) the class size research and demonstration project; (6) the new careers for teachers demonstration; (7) the minority teacher recruitment demonstration; and (8) the restructuring of schools and school-based management demonstration. Part E: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1996 to carry out this title.

Comprehensive Health Care Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1991

Comprehensive Health Care Act of 1991 - Title I: Medicare Reimbursement for Rural Hospitals - 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. Title II: Joint Use of High Technology Equipment and Services by Hospitals - Declares that, notwithstanding any provision of antitrust laws, it shall not be considered a violation of antitrust laws for hospitals to jointly undertake, in the provision of care, the purchasing, contracting for, or sharing of high technology equipment and services. Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out demonstration projects to assist hospitals in acquiring and sharing high technology equipment and services. Directs the Secretary to make grants for up to three years to States for the Federal share of costs (50 percent). Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Health Care Claims Procedures and Minimum Benefits - Directs the Secretary to request the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to develop: (1) model regulations and laws to provide a uniform, low-cost, minimum health insurance benefit package for purchase by individuals, businesses, and governmental entities; and (2) a plan for standardizing public and private insurance forms, including simplification of terminology and claims procedures to facilitate comparison between policies and to enhance access to quality policies. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to declare that health insurance issued under an employee welfare benefit plan is not excluded from provisions relating to supersedure of State laws. Title IV: Tax Incentives - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax deduction of 100 percent (currently, 25 percent) of the amount paid for health insurance for a self-employed individual and that individual's spouse and dependents. Removes a provision terminating this deduction after FY 1990. 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. Sets forth special rules regarding coordination with advance payments and minimum tax, Medicare-eligible individuals, and subsidized expenses. Requires every employer paying wages to an employee who has certified to the employer that the employee is eligible for the credit to make an additional payment equal to the employee's dependent care advance amount. Requires that the health insurance expenses advance amount be determined on the basis of the employee's wages, the employee's estimated health insurance expenses, and tables provided by the Secretary. 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. Terminates the health insurance credit for years after 1991. Includes expenditures for disease prevention and health promotion in the definition of medical care. Title V: Malpractice Reform - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Assistant Secretary for Health, through the Administrator of the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, to establish treatment practice guidelines specifying appropriate, inappropriate, and permissive methods of evaluation and treatment. Prohibits, except by a provider party to an action and notwithstanding any other provision of law, the standards from being introduced in evidence in any action in a Federal or State court. Adds to the duties of the Subcouncil on outcomes and guidelines of the National Advisory Council on Treatment Practice Guidelines the duty of studying and reporting on the relationship between different treatment patterns and patient outcome. Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Assistant Secretary of Health, through the Administrator of the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, to establish a program of grants to assist States in establishing prelitigation panels to identify meritorious claims of professional negligence, encourage resolution prior to lawsuit, and encourage withdrawal or dismissal of nonmeritorious claims. Authorizes appropriations. Title VI: Physician Issues - Subtitle A: Tax Incentives for Rural Practice - Rural Primary Care Incentives Act of 1991 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable income tax credit of up to $12,000 per year (lifetime total of $36,000) for any physician who provides primary health services to residents of a rural health manpower shortage area and who is not receiving assistance under specified national Health Service Corps programs. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study and report to the Congress concerning: (1) the need for non-physician primary care providers in targeted rural areas; (2) the effectiveness of the tax credit in increasing the supply of primary care physicians in the targeted areas; and (3) alternative methods of defining rural health manpower shortage areas. Excludes from gross income any payments made on behalf of a taxpayer by the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment program. Subtitle B: Student Loan Deferment - Resident Physician Student Loan Deferment Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to allow resident physicians to defer repayment of certain student loans while completing a resident training program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education or the Accrediting Committee of the American Osteopathic Association. Title VII: Long-Term Care Insurance - Amends provisions of the Internal Revenue Code relating to definitions and special rules involving life insurance companies to require that references to noncancellable accident or health insurance contracts be treated as including a reference to qualified long-term care insurance. Defines "qualified long-term care insurance" to mean insurance which provides coverage for at least 12 months and which meets other requirements. Requires that benefits received through long-term care insurance be treated as amounts received through accident or health insurance for personal injuries or sickness. Requires that expenses incurred to the extent of benefits paid under long-term care insurance be treated as incurred for medical care. Requires any reference to an accident or health plan to be treated as including a reference to a plan providing long-term care insurance. Provides for the deductibility of employer and taxpayer premiums for long-term care insurance. Excludes from gross income amounts withdrawn from individual retirement plans for long-term care insurance premiums. Requires that any amount paid to an individual under a life insurance contract on the life of an insured who is terminally ill, has a dread disease, or has been permanently confined to a nursing home be treated as an amount paid by reason of the death of the insured. Requires any reference to life insurance to be treated as including a reference to a rider providing for payment upon the insured becoming a terminally ill individual or incurring a dread disease. Includes such riders in the definition of "qualified additional benefits" as a part of the definition of "life insurance contract." Title VIII: State Uninsurable Pool Programs - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to allocate funds to States for the Federal share of establishing State uninsurable pool programs to provide health insurance for medically uninsurable individuals. Makes the amount of an allotment dependent on the population of a State. Sets the Federal share at 75 percent. Authorizes appropriations.

National Infrastructure Council Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1991

National Infrastructure Council Act of 1991 - Establishes the National Infrastructure Council to: (1) develop and coordinate Federal infrastructure policy; (2) prepare an annual assessment of national infrastructure needs and requirements; (3) develop a program of infrastructure education with the National Research Council; (4) establish guidelines and procedures for the coordination and provision of Federal assistance to States and local governments on all infrastructure matters; (5) develop priorities and recommendations for Federal infrastructure investments; and (6) transmit its priorities and recommendations to the President and the Congress. Establishes: (1) a National Infrastructure Council Account in the Treasury; and (2) an Advisory Board to the Council to provide the Council with the views of the private sector and non-Federal public entities. Requires the Council to implement the Infrastructure Technology Transfer and Information Assistance Program for furnishing assistance to State and local governments. Authorizes the Council to provide a clearinghouse of requests from public and private entities and persons for technology programs and research and development programs relating to infrastructure. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Council to establish a program to provide technical assistance to State and local governments for construction, improvement, rehabilitation, operation, or maintenance of infrastructure. Outlines the non-Federal share of the costs of such program. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Council to carry out a five-year program to promote the use of innovative technology in the design, construction, improvement, rehabilitation, use, operation, and management of infrastructure. Authorizes appropriations. Permits the Council to develop and implement a national infrastructure education program. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Council to conduct a study of, and develop recommendations concerning, the feasibility and viability of Federal infrastructure projects. Authorizes appropriations.

Chance to Go to College Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1991

Chance to Go to College Act - Establishes a program to guarantee certain students from selected high schools with high proportions of disadvantaged students a chance to go to college, through early intervention support programs and additional postsecondary student financial assistance. Makes a high school eligible to apply for program participation if it is located in a school district with more than 75 percent of its total enrollment composed of children counted as disadvantaged for purposes of chapter 1 title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), and if it demonstrates: (1) parental involvement potential; (2) tutoring and supplemental instruction in an academic component; (3) role model relationships or other support group interactions; (4) guidance for selection of college preparatory courses before the start of ninth grade; and (5) assistance with college application processes. Directs the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) to: (1) give special consideration to schools demonstrating private individual or corporate support or current involvement with Upward Bound or specified other special programs for students from disadvantaged backgrounds (TRIO programs) under the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA); and (2) select for program participation, from eligible applicants, 50 high schools representing a broad base of both urban and rural sites. Directs the Secretary to provide financial assistance to such selected high schools to offset their administrative costs of program participation from five percent of program funding. Makes individuals eligible to receive scholarships under the program if they: (1) were a ninth grade student during academic year 1992-1993 in a selected school; (2) are enrolled or accepted at an institution of higher education; and (3) qualify for Pell Grant under HEA to attend such institution. Sets a four-year total maximum and yearly maximum amounts on such individual scholarships. Provides that such scholarship aid shall not be reduced by reason of the individual's receipt of other forms of Federal financial assistance, unless the total of such scholarship and other assistance exceeds the cost of attendance in which case the other assistance must be reduced appropriately. Provides for equitable reduction of scholarship amounts in case of insufficient funding. Directs the Comptroller General to undertake a study to: (1) determine what types of schools have benefitted from such program; (2) evaluate the program's impact on student graduation and matriculation from the selected high schools; and (3) if the study demonstrates significant results, determine what, if any, authorization increases and adjustments should be made to Pell Grants and TRIO programs under HEA and chapter 1 title I programs under ESEA to replicate such results nationwide. Authorizes appropriations in a specified amount to carry out this Act, to remain available for FY 1992 through 2001.

To designate March 26, 1991, as "Education Day, U.S.A.".

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1991

Designates March 26, 1991, the start of the 90th year of Rabbi Menachem Schneerson, leader of the Lubavitch movement, as Education Day, U.S.A.

Indian Anti-Drug Abuse Amendments of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1991

Indian Anti-Drug Abuse Amendments of 1991 - Amends the Indian Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act of 1986 to authorize appropriations for: (1) grants to Indian tribes to establish Tribal Action Plans; (2) publication of an alcohol and substance abuse newsletter; (3) pilot programs for Indian youth relating to alcohol and substance abuse prevention and treatment; (4) emergency shelters and halfway houses for Indian youth who are alcohol or drug abusers; (5) investigation and control of illegal narcotics traffic on the Makah Indian Reservation in Washington (State) arising from its proximity to international waters; (6) eradication of marijuana cultivated within Indian country; (7) Bureau of Indian Affairs law enforcement and judicial training; (8) construction and renovation of juvenile detention centers and regional treatment centers for detoxification and rehabilitation of Indian youth who are alcohol and substance abusers; (9) Indian Health Service (IHS) programs, including rehabilitation and aftercare services, and local residential or regional alcohol and substance abuse treatment centers in federally owned structures for such Indian youth; (10) training and community education; and (11) grants to urban Indian organizations for the treatment and prevention of alcohol and substance abuse. Grants authority to the Secretary to establish and implement programs for the interdiction, investigation, and control of illegal narcotics trafficking in Indian country. Directs the Secretary, in carrying out the IHS program, to provide assistance to Indian tribes to develop criteria for the certification of alcohol and substance abuse service providers and accreditation of service facilities which meet the minimum standards. Authorizes the Secretary to make funds available to the Tanana Chiefs Conference, Incorporated, for leasing, constructing, renovating, operating, and maintaining a residential youth treatment facility in Fairbanks, Alaska. Requires that not less than ten percent of the funds appropriated for rehabilitation and follow-up services for Indian youth who are alcohol or substance abusers be used for related outpatient care of adult family members. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study and report to the Congress on the incidence and prevalence of abuse of multiple forms of drugs, including alcohol, among Indian youth residing on Indian reservations and in urban areas and the interrelationship of such abuse with mental illness among such youth. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to: (1) make grants to Indian tribes to establish fetal alcohol syndrome programs; and (2) assist Indian tribes in developing, printing, and disseminating educational and prevention materials on such syndrome. Authorizes appropriations. Requires that ten percent of the funds appropriated be used for grants to urban Indian organizations. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through IHS, to establish a regional youth alcohol and substance abuse prevention and treatment center in Sacaton, Arizona, on the Gila River Indian Reservation. Requires the center to be established within facilities leased by IHS from the Gila River Indian Tribe. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through IHS, to establish, as a unit of the regional center, a youth alcohol and substance abuse prevention and treatment facility in Schurz, Nevada. Authorizes appropriations for such center and facility. Makes permanent the Navajo alcohol abuse demonstration program in Gallup, New Mexico for the purpose of providing comprehensive residential treatment for alcohol and substance abuse for adult and adolescent members of the Navajo Nation and neighboring tribes. Authorizes the Najavo Nation to enter into a contract with an accredited Gallup area institution to provide such treatment. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through IHS, to make grants to the Alaska Native Health Board for the conduct of a community-based demonstration project to reduce drug and alcohol abuse in Alaska Native villages and to rehabilitate families afflicted by such abuse. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through IHS, to make a grant to the Thunderchild Treatment Center at Sheridan, Wyoming, to match funds already received by the Center through private contributions to complete construction of a multiple approach substance abuse treatment center which specializes in the treatment of alcohol and drug abuse of American Indians. Authorizes appropriations.

National Literacy Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1991

National Literacy Act of 1991 - Title I: Literacy: Strategic Planning, Research, and Coordination - Establishes an Interagency Task Force on Literacy. Amends the Department of Education Organization Act to direct the Assistant Secretary for Vocational and Adult Education to coordinate literacy-related programs. Establishes the National Institute for Literacy and the National Institute Board. Authorizes the Institute to award Literacy Leader Fellowships. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Adult Education Act (AEA) to authorize the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) to make grants to establish a network of State or regional adult literacy resource centers. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Workforce Literacy - Establishes in the Department of Labor a National Workforce Literacy Assistance Collaborative. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Adult Education Act (AEA) to revise provisions for national workforce literacy strategies grants to business, industry, labor, and education partnerships for workplace literacy. Requires the Secretary of Education (the Secretary), in awarding grants for exemplary demonstration partnerships for workplace literacy, to: (1) give priority to partnerships which include small businesses; and (2) limit such grant awards to not more than three years. Directs the Secretary to reserve a specified amount, whenever appropriations for workforce literacy partnership grants exceed a certain level, to establish a program of grants for large-scale national workforce literacy strategies. Authorizes appropriations for AEA workforce literacy programs. Title III: Investment in Literacy - Extends through FY 1995 the authorization of appropriations for programs under the Adult Education Act (AEA). Revises the use of funds under the AEA basic State grants program. Requires that basic grants to States also be used for competitive two-year Gateway Grants to public housing authorities for literacy programs and related activities. Requires biennial evaluations and reports on such Gateway Grants. Revises AEA to give State advisory councils, plans, and evaluations literacy-related responsibilities. Requires States to report biennially to the Interagency Task Force on meeting literacy goals, coordinating workplace literacy services, and building a high quality delivery system for adult literacy programs. Provides for training educators to recognize and serve illiterate individuals more effectively. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to revise targeted assistance programs under ESEA to include training programs to enhance the ability of teachers and school counselors to identify, particularly in the early grades, students with reading and related problems which place them at risk for adult illiteracy. Renames the Even Start program under ESEA as the Even Start Family Literacy Program. Revises the program to expand eligibility to include community-based organizations or other nonprofit organizations of demonstrated quality applying in collaboration with a local educational agency (LEA) (as well as LEAs and LEA consortia). Sets minimum grant amounts. Makes individual children eligible from birth through age seven (currently from age one through age seven). Provides for continuation of eligibility for certain participants until the parents become ineligible due to educational achievement or until all children in the family attain age eight. Gives priority to applicants demonstrating that the area to be served has a high percentage or a large number of children and adults in need of program services. Authorizes appropriations for the Even Start Family Literacy Program. Establishes a Family Literacy Public Broadcasting Program. Authorizes the Secretary of Education, subject to availability of appropriations, to contract with the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) for production and dissemination of family literacy programming and accompanying materials to assist parents in improving family literacy skills and languages development. Requires CPB to: (1) cooperate with local public broadcasting stations; (2) arrange for distribution of audio and video instructional media materials for use, and distribution on loan, to families at sites chosen from among State and local libraries with literacy programs and nonprofit entities serving hard-to-serve populations; and (3) report to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations for the Family Literacy Public Broadcasting Program. Title IV: Business Leadership for Employment Skills - Amends the Adult Education Act (AEA) to provide for education programs for commercial drivers. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make competitive matching grants for adult education programs which increase the literacy skills of eligible commercial drivers so that they may successfully complete the knowledge test requirements under the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986. Requires grantees to refer individuals identified as having literacy skill problems to appropriate adult education programs. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Books for Families - Revises the ESEA inexpensive book distribution program to require that priority be given in selection of additional local programs to those which serve children and students with special needs. Requires the program contractor (Reading is Fundamental) to report to the Secretary of Education annually on such additional programs. Amends the Library Services and Construction Act to direct the Secretary of Education, in awarding grants for library literacy programs and services, to give priority to those that: (1) will be delivered in areas of greatest need with highest concentrations of adults without secondary education or its equivalent, and which either have few community or financial resources or have low per capita income, unemployment, or underemployment; and (2) coordinate with literacy organizations and community-based organizations providing literacy services. Title VI: Students for Literacy - Amends HEA to authorize appropriations for Student Literacy Corps programs. Requires individual students in such programs, as a condition of course credit, to perform at least 60 hours of voluntary, uncompensated service as tutors in a public community agency's educational or literacy program. Title VII: Volunteers for Literacy - Amends the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 to establish a Literacy Challenge Grants program. Authorizes the Director of the ACTION Agency to award such grants to eligible public and private entities to pay the Federal share of costs of establishing, operating, or expanding community or employee literacy programs that include the use of full- or part-time volunteers. Authorizes appropriations for Literacy Challenge Grants, but only if there are specified levels of funding for the VISTA Program and the VISTA Literacy Corps. Title VIII: Literacy for Incarcerated Individuals - Amends the Adult Education Act (AEA) to establish requirements for mandatory functional literacy programs for incarcerated adults in State correctional systems and local jails or detention centers. Requires such a program to be in effect in at least one major correctional facility, for each State correctional system and each local jail or detention center with an inmate population, within two years after enactment of this Act. Requires, if adequate funds are available, each State correctional system and each local jail or detention center with over 150 inmates to have such a program in effect within five years after enactment of this Act. Sets forth required components of such programs, including inmate mandatory participation any individual who is serving a life sentence without parole, or terminally ill, or under a sentence of death. Requires annual reports. Encourages: (1) parole agencies to make educational recommendations for those being released who do not have a marketable job skill or a high school diploma; and (2) jails with less than 150 inmates to develop such mandatory functional literacy programs.

United States Commission on Southern Africa Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1991

United States Commission on Southern Africa Act - Establishes the United States Commission on Southern Africa to solicit private sector funds to develop skilled personnel in South Africa and Namibia, particularly in middle management business and government positions, by providing for the training of disadvantaged South Africans and Namibians in the fields of education, health care, law, and housing. Authorizes the Commission to establish and provide funds for human resource development programs and to provide scholarships and internships for appropriate study and training. Prohibits the use of such funds for programs conducted by or through South African organizations which are financed or controlled by the Government of South Africa. Authorizes the use of such funds only for programs which clearly reflect the objective of an end to apartheid. Provides for the annual audit of the Commission by certified public accountants. Authorizes the U.S. Comptroller General to carry out an annual audit of the Commission. Requires the Comptroller General to report such audits to the Congress. Directs the Commission to ensure that: (1) recipients of Commission assistance keep separate accounts of such assistance and records to facilitate effective audits; and (2) the Commission has access to such records. Requires the Commission to report annually to the Congress on its activities. Directs the Secretary of State to grant $1,000,000 of funds made available to the Department of State to the Commission for FY 1990.

Job Training Partnership Act Amendments of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1991

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

To designate the period commencing September 8, 1991, and ending on September 14, 1991, as "National Historically Black Colleges Week".

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1991

Designates the period of September 8 through September 14, 1991, as National Historically Black Colleges Week.

Designating March 4-10, 1991, as "National School Breakfast Week".

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1991

Designates the week of March 4 through 10, 1991, as National School Breakfast Week.

Equal Justice for Women in the Courts Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1991

Equal Justice for Women in the Courts Act of 1991 - Title I: Education and Training for Judges and Court Personnel in State Courts - Authorizes the State Justice Institute to award grants for model programs to be used by States in training judges and court personnel in State laws on rape, sexual assault, domestic violence, and other crimes of violence motivated by the victim's gender. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the State Justice Institute to expend at least 40 percent of appropriated funds on: (1) programs regarding domestic violence; and (2) programs regarding rape and assault. Title II: Education and Training for Judges and Court Personnel in Federal Courts - Directs the Federal Judicial Center to study and report on the nature and extent of gender bias in the Federal courts. Requires the Center to develop and disseminate model programs to be used in training Federal judges and court personnel in the laws on rape, sexual assault, domestic violence, and other crimes of violence motivated by the victim's gender. Authorizes appropriations. Requires between 25 and 40 percent of such funds to be used for the study required by this title.

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

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1991

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

A joint resolution to designate April 6, 1991, as "National Student-Athlete Day".

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1991

Designates April 6, 1991, as National Student-Athlete Day.

To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide reduced rates of interest under the Guaranteed Student Loan Program to individuals who enter the teaching profession.

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1991

Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide reduced rates of interest under the Guaranteed Student Loan (Stafford Loan) program to individuals who enter the teaching profession.

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

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1991

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

To authorize a grant to the National Writing Project.

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1991

Authorizes the Secretary of Education to enter into a contract with the National Writing Project (a nonprofit educational organization) to support costs of programs of teacher training and classroom research to improve the teaching of writing and the quality of student writing and learning. Directs the Project to establish a National Advisory Board. Directs the Secretary, through the Office of Educational Research and Improvement, to make grants to individuals and higher education institutions for research on the teaching of writing. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1995.

High-Performance Computing Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1991

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

A bill to authorize a grant to the National Writing Project.

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1991

Authorizes the Secretary of Education to enter into a contract with the National Writing Project (a nonprofit educational organization) to support costs of programs of teacher training and classroom research to improve the teaching of writing and the quality of student writing and learning. Directs the Project to establish a National Advisory Board. Directs the Secretary, through the Office of Educational Research and Improvement, to make grants to individuals and higher education institutions for research on the teaching of writing. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1995.

For the relief of Juan Luis, Braulio Nestor, and Miosotis Ramirez.

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1991

Declares that three named individuals shall be considered as children residing with a parent employed by the United States and shall be eligible to receive free public education arranged by the Secretary of Education.

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

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1991

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

Designating membership on certain standing committees of the House.

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1991

Designates membership on the following committees of the House of Representatives: (1) Agriculture; (2) Armed Services; (3) Banking, Finance and Urban Affairs; (4) the Budget; (5) the District of Columbia; (6) Education and Labor; (7) Energy and Commerce; (8) Foreign Affairs; (9) Government Operations; (10) House Administration; (11) Interior and Insular Affairs; (12) the Judiciary; (13) Merchant Marine and Fisheries; (14) Post Office and Civil Service; (15) Public Works and Transportation; (16) Science, Space, and Technology; (17) Small Business; and (18) Veterans' Affairs.

Designating membership on certain standing committees of the House.

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1991

Designates membership on the following committees of the House of Representatives: (1) Agriculture; (2) Armed Services; (3) Banking, Finance and Urban Affairs; (4) the Budget; (5) the District of Columbia; (6) Education and Labor; (7) Energy and Commerce; (8) Government Operations; (9) House Administration; (10) Interior and Insular Affairs; (11) the Judiciary; (12) Merchant Marine and Fisheries; (13) Post Office and Civil Service; (14) Public Works and Transportation; (15) Science, Space, and Technology; (16) Small Business; and (17) Veterans' Affairs.

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

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1991

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

Department of Veterans Affairs Health-Care Personnel Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1991

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

To authorize an Irrigation Drainage Demonstration Program and the Lake Andes-Wagner Unit and the Marty II Unit, South Dakota Pumping Division, Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1991

Directs the Secretary of the Interior, through the assistance and cooperation of an oversight committee, to carry out a demonstration program in accordance with a May 1990 Demonstration Program Plan of Study, which includes: (1) the development of accurate means of quantifying projected irrigation and drainage requirements and drainage return flow quality and quantity with respect to glacial tills and other soils found in the areas to be served by the Lake Andes-Wagner Unit and Marty II Unit; (2) development of best-management practices for improving irrigation water use and development; (3) investigation of the potential for enhancement of wetlands and fish and wildlife within the areas; and (4) investigation of the suitability of glacial till soils for crop production under irrigation. Requires study sites for the carrying out of such program to be obtained through leases from landowners who voluntarily agree to participate in the demonstration program under specified conditions. Provides for the sale of crops grown under the demonstration program. Outlines other demonstration program provisions, including annual reporting requirements. Requires the demonstration phase of the program to terminate at the end of the fifth full irrigation season. Directs the Secretary, on the basis of the concluding report and recommendations of the program, to comply with the study and reporting requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act and regulations issued to implement its provisions with respect to the units. Authorizes the Secretary to construct, operate, and maintain the units as units of the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program. Outlines irrigation and pumping requirements for each such unit and conditions for repayment of construction costs. Requires the mitigation of fish and wildlife losses as a result of the construction and operation of such units. Provides that, in establishing and operating such units, a Federal employment preference shall be given to members of the Yankton-Sioux Tribe who can perform such work, with appropriate training opportunities for such individuals. Provides for cost sharing with respect to such Project by way of a negotiated proposal of agreement between the Secretary, South Dakota, and the Lake Andes-Wagner Irrigation District. Limits the total non-Federal share of the cost to 30 percent. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) construction of each such unit; (2) costs of the demonstration program; and (3) operation and maintenance of each unit. Provides that, from such appropriated sums, the Secretary shall make an annual Federal contribution to a South Dakota Biological Diversity Trust established under this Act, as long as the Trust complies with certain prescribed requirements. Outlines permissible uses of Trust proceeds. Requires the Secretary to utilize two percent of the amount authorized for the restoration of damaged natural ecosystems, the provision of jobs, recreational opportunities expansion, and support of research, training, and education. Requires annual reports.

Andrew Lamar Alexander, Jr., of Tennessee, to be Secretary of Education.

United States · United States Senate · 22 January 1991

To create an interagency task force to review programs relating to the education of students in certain school districts receiving assistance under the Impact Aid Act.

United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1991

Establishes a Federal Interagency Task Force on the Education of Federally-Connected Dependents to review education programs in certain school districts receiving Impact Aid. Requires such review to include specified considerations about the funding, operation, and priorities of the Impact Aid program, with special determinations concerning military dependents and children residing on Indian lands. Directs the Task Force to report to specified Federal officials and to the Congress. Terminates the Task Force five years after enactment of this Act.

To amend Public Law 81-874 to provide for an increase in the minimum local contributions rate for local educational agencies for which the boundaries of the school districts are coterminous with the boundaries of military installations.

United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1991

Amends Federal law relating to impact aid to increase the minimum local contribution rate for local educational agencies for which the boundaries of the school districts are coterminous with the boundaries of military installations.

National Energy Policy Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1991

National Energy Policy Act of 1991 - Title I: Provisions Related To Fuel Economy Standards - Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to prescribe minimum average fuel economy standards for passenger and non-passenger automobiles manufactured in model years 1996 through 2000, and 2001 and beyond. Requires a 20 percent increase in average fuel economy over model year 1988 by 2000, and a 40 percent increase thereafter. Prescribes guidelines under which the Secretary of Transportation may consider petitions to modify such standards. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (the Administrator) to conduct an ongoing study of the accuracy of fuel economy testing of passenger automobiles as compared to actual performance under average driving conditions. Requires the Administrator to report study results annually to certain congressional committees. Requires the Secretary of Energy to annually distribute at least 100 fuel economy data booklets to each dealer, and as many as are additionally requested. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to report to the Congress the results of a National Academy of Sciences: (1) review of the current state of research and development in the fuel economy of light trucks and passenger automobiles; and (2) assessment of the remaining potential for improving their fuel efficiency and reducing their energy consumption. Doubles the civil penalties for repeated violations of average fuel economy standards. Title II: Other Provisions Related to Energy Conservation and Provisions Related to Energy Research and Development - Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to provide that the rates allowed to be charged by a State-regulated electric utility shall be such that its investments in and expenditures for energy conservation, energy efficiency resources, and other demand side management measures are at least as profitable as its investments in and expenditures for the construction of new generation facilities. Requires the Secretary of Energy to report to the Congress and the President regarding a survey of State rules and policies under which State regulatory authorities: (1) require or permit gas and electric utilities to recover their investments in end-use energy efficiency improvements and their lost net revenues from the reduced energy sales caused by such improvements; and (2) assign a positive dollar value to environmental costs and benefits when evaluating gas and electric utilities' resource planning and acquisition processes. Requires such report to evaluate to what extent each State has adopted regulatory and incentive policies to ensure that end-use energy efficiency improvements will compete on equal terms with additional energy production for gas and electric utilities' future investments in energy supply. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1996 for: (1) energy conservation; (2) solar and alternative energy; (3) enhanced oil recovery; and (4) fuel cells. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to authorize appropriations for the alternative fuels bus program from for FY 1992 through 1996. Directs the Secretary of Energy to provide funding for the purchase of alternative-fueled vehicles by State and local government agencies as well as by private entities. Sets forth a percentage schedule for Federal purchase of alternative-fueled vehicles. Requires the President to report annually to the Congress on implementation of the alternative-fueled vehicle purchase program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1996 for: (1) energy conservation programs for schools and hospitals; and (2) the weatherization assistance program. Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to direct the Secretary of Energy to establish a revolving loan fund for loans to Federal agencies to implement the Federal energy management program. Requires loan recipients to give priority to reducing the use of refined petroleum products. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1992 through 1996. Title III: Provisions Related to Increased Petroleum Production Capacity - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct the Secretary of Energy to: (1) take expedited measures so that the Strategic Petroleum Reserve will have an increased petroleum storage capacity for one billion barrels of petroleum product by September 30, 1996 (including the acquisition and leasing of private capacity); and (2) continue acquisition, transportation, storage, and injection activities until the quantity of petroleum product in the Reserve is two billion barrels by the end of FY 2002. Directs the President to report to the Congress on Western Hemisphere cooperation in energy production and conservation. Title IV: Provisions Related to Duties and Taxes - Amends the Additional U.S. Notes to chapter 27 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to direct the Administrator of the Energy Information Administration of the Department of Energy to determine offset amounts (the difference between $16 and any lower weighted average international price of a barrel of crude petroleum), according to prescribed guidelines. Authorizes the President to exempt petroleum goods from any Western Hemisphere country from offset amounts if the President considers that the exemption would foster cooperation among the other Western Hemisphere countries with respect to energy resources development and utilization. (This provides for an automatic increase in import duties on petroleum and petroleum products to make up for any drops in the weighted average international price of a barrel of crude petroleum below $16.) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe gasoline tax rates in lieu of certain fuel deficit reduction rates for any month in which certain gasoline tax rates are in effect. Sets forth rate guidelines. (This provides for a standby contingency gasoline conservation tax if the price of crude oil falls below a certain average real price of crude petroleum. Sets a ceiling on any such tax increase equal to one-half of the price fall.) Imposes a tax for the removal of crude oil from specified Federal and State Outer Continental Shelf, submerged lands, or other lands subject to competitive lease. Excepts the Strategic Petroleum Reserve from such tax. Declares that gross income shall not include certain energy and water conservation subsidies provided consumers by public utilities. Establishes the Energy Security Trust Fund to implement this Act. Establishes as a separate account in such Fund the "Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Account" to implement the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981.

For the relief of Edgardo, Ismael, Juan Carlos, and Edilliam Cotto Roman.

United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1991

Declares that four named individuals shall be considered as children residing with a parent employed by the United States and shall be eligible to receive free public education arranged by the Secretary of Education.

Military Personnel Pay and Benefits Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1991

Military Personnel Pay and Benefits Act of 1991 - Title I: Military Personnel and Compensation Matters - Repeals current provisions prohibiting the payment of imminent danger pay and a family separation allowance during times of war or national emergency declared by the Congress. Establishes a monthly family separation allowance of $100 in lieu of $60. Authorizes the payment of such allowance to either spouse when both are members of the armed forces and have no other dependents. Requires the payment of a basic allowance for quarters to reserve members without dependents called to active duty who are unable to occupy their primary residence owned or rented by such members because of such active duty. Expands eligibility for the payment of foreign duty special pay to include both officers and enlisted personnel (currently, only enlisted personnel) and specifies the amount of such special monthly pay, which increases for each higher enlisted or officer pay grade. Makes survivors eligible for the payment of all accrued leave of members who die while on active duty. Provides that a retired member ordered to active duty and who serves such active duty in a grade higher than his retired grade is entitled, upon release from such new duty, to be advanced on the retired list to the highest grade satisfactorily served on active duty for not less than three years, as determined by the Secretary concerned. Authorizes the President to waive such three-year requirement in individual cases. Removes the ceiling on savings deposits for servicemembers carried in a missing person status during the Persian Gulf conflict. Establishes a standard death gratuity rate of $6,000 for members of all grades. Requires foreign language proficiency pay for members assigned to duty in connection with operations in the Persian Gulf who meet all eligibility criteria for such pay except that they have not been certified by the Secretary concerned to be proficient in a foreign language necessary for national defense purposes. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should request the Government of Germany to contribute medical care to persons living in Germany who are dependents of members of U.S. armed forces in order to replace military medical personnel and equipment deployed to the Persian Gulf region to treat casualties resulting from military operations there. Title II: Internal Revenue Matters - Extends the time allowed for performing certain acts relating to income tax liability under the Internal Revenue Code by reason of service in a combat zone for individuals who performed Desert Shield or Desert Storm services. Includes as such service: (1) any period of hospitalization outside the United States for an injury received during the Persian Gulf conflict; and (2) the period during which an individual so entitled to such extension is in a missing status. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow, as part of the permitted time allowed before tax liability is recognized on the rollover of gain from a principal residence, an additional one-year period from the time in which a reserve member of the armed forces is released from active duty pursuant to a call or order. Title III: Student Loan Deferments - Makes eligible for repayment deferment of certain student loans granted under the Higher Education Act of 1965 a member of the armed forces called or ordered to active duty in connection with operations in the Persian Gulf. States that such period of deferment shall not be counted against the grace period normally available to individuals with respect to such loans.

Expressing the sense of the Congress that Israel should take immediate steps to reopen all the universities in the West Bank and Gaza.

United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1991

Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) Israel should take immediate steps to reopen all the universities in the West Bank and Gaza; and (2) such universities should remain open and be regarded and respected by all parties as places of learning.

A bill to authorize an Irrigation Drainage Demonstration Program and the Lake Andes-Wagner Unit and the Marty II Unit, South Dakota Pumping Division, Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 17 January 1991

Directs the Secretary of the Interior, through the assistance and cooperation of an oversight committee, to carry out a demonstration program in accordance with a May 1990 Demonstration Program Plan of Study, which includes: (1) the development of accurate means of quantifying projected irrigation and drainage requirements and drainage return flow quality and quantity with respect to glacial tills and other soils found in the areas to be served by the Lake Andes-Wagner Unit and Marty II Unit; (2) development of best management practices for improving irrigation water use and development; (3) investigation of the potential for enhancement of wetlands and fish and wildlife within the areas; and (4) investigation of the suitability of glacial till soils for crop production under irrigation. Requires study sites for the carrying out of such program to be obtained through leases from landowners who voluntarily agree to participate in the demonstration program under specified conditions. Provides for the sale of crops grown under the demonstration program. Outlines other demonstration program provisions, including annual reporting requirements. Requires the demonstration phase of the program to terminate at the end of the fifth full irrigation season. Directs the Secretary, on the basis of the concluding report and recommendations of the program, to comply with the study and reporting requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act and regulations issued to implement its provisions with respect to the units. Authorizes the Secretary to construct, operate, and maintain the units as units of the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program. Outlines irrigation and pumping requirements for each such unit and conditions for repayment of construction costs. Requires the mitigation of fish and wildlife losses as a result of the construction and operation of such units. Provides that, in establishing and operating such units, a Federal employment preference shall be given to members of the Yankton-Sioux Tribe who can perform such work, with appropriate training opportunities for such individuals. Provides for cost sharing with respect to such Project by way of a negotiated proposal of agreement between the Secretary, South Dakota, and the Lake Andes-Wagner Irrigation District. Limits the total non-Federal share of the cost to 30 percent. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) construction of each such unit; (2) costs of the demonstration program; and (3) operation and maintenance of each unit. Provides that, from such appropriated sums, the Secretary shall make an annual Federal contribution to a South Dakota Biological Diversity Trust established under this Act, as long as the Trust complies with certain prescribed requirements. Outlines permissible uses of Trust proceeds. Requires the Secretary to utilize two percent of the amount authorized for the restoration of damaged natural ecosystems, the provision of jobs, recreational opportunities expansion, and support of research, training, and education. Requires annual reports.

To repeal the testing requirements imposed on ability-to-benefit students by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990.

United States · United States Congress · 17 January 1991

Repeals a provision of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 that imposed certain testing requirements on ability-to-benefit students for purposes of student aid under the Higher Education Act of 1965.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make grants (in conjunction with the Secretary of Defense) for the establishment of research centers at qualifying medical schools to carry out medical research in areas of interest to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 1991

Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in conjunction with the Secretary of Defense, to make grants to qualifying medical schools to assist in the establishment of new medical research centers. Outlines qualifications for medical schools eligible for such grants, including: (1) being primarily State-supported; (2) having no established research center in the field for which application is made; (3) being located in proximity to a Department of Veterans Affairs medical facility which has an affiliation with a medical facility of the Department of Defense; and (4) having demonstrable potential for successful development as a new research center. Requires the Secretary to ensure that centers for which grants are made are geographically dispersed within the United States. Requires the Secretary to establish an advisory committee to advise a medical school with respect to activities of the center for which a grant is made. Prohibits the Secretary from entering into an agreement to make a grant unless the Secretary finds that the school will maintain arrangements with the Department medical facility with which it is affiliated as to be mutually beneficial in carrying out the mission of the respective medical facilities and the school. Requires facilities of such research centers to be made available on a competitive basis. Requires the fact of Federal funding for such centers to be acknowledged in the activities and publications of the center. Requires that grants may only be provided from funds specifically appropriated for such grants. Requires matching appropriations to the Department of Defense for research, development, test, and evaluation whenever an appropriation is made to the Department for such grants. Requires an agreement for such grants to include certain assurances with respect to the sufficiency of non-Federal funding for such research centers. Authorizes the Secretary to increase grant amounts due to cost increases, within specified limits. Sets forth application requirements for medical schools desiring to receive such grants. Requires the Secretary, in considering such applications, to give priority to those which emphasize research in one or more of the following areas: (1) diabetes and metabolic diseases; (2) prosthetics and rehabilitation medicine; (3) mental health, behavioral medicine, and neurological disease; (4) acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and related diseases; (5) alzheimer and dementia; (6) degenerative cardiopulmonary disease; (7) cancer; (8) technology assessment; and (9) toxicology. Requires the Secretary to use a merit review process in considering applications and awarding grants under this Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1991 through 1994. Entitles the Secretary to recover from grant recipients any amount not used for appropriate grant purposes.

Advanced Nurse Education Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 1991

Advanced Nurse Education Act of 1991 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a scholarship program to enable professional nurses to pursue masters and doctoral degrees in fields related to nursing. Sets forth the eligibility requirements for such program. Requires that, under the contract: (1) the Secretary must agree to provide a scholarship; and (2) the individual must maintain enrollment in a specified course of study, maintain an acceptable level of academic standing, and serve for a time period equal to one service year for each scholarship year in a public or nonprofit private health care facility, or in a private health care facility in a medically underserved area. Provides that an individual becomes a participant in such program only upon the Secretary's approval of the individual's application and acceptance of the submitted contract. Requires the scholarship to consist of payment of tuition and all other reasonable educational expenses during the school year, plus a monthly stipend. Requires the individual to repay the United States if he or she breaches the scholarship contract. Authorizes appropriations.

Adolescent Nutritional Equity Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 1991

Adolescent Nutritional Equity Act - Amends the National School Lunch Act to restore eligibility for food supplement benefits under the dependent care food program to adolescent youth 18 years of age or under. Makes children with disabilities eligible for such benefits at any age.

Safe Schools Partnerships Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 1991

Safe Schools Partnerships Act of 1991 - Amends the Domestic Volunteer Service Act to establish the Safe Schools Partnerships Program. Authorizes the Director of the ACTION Agency to make grants to public and nonprofit private organizations for projects using volunteers to protect students and employees of elementary, secondary, and postsecondary educational institutions from violence, criminal activity, and other threats to personal safety. Requires the Director to give priority to projects in areas with the greatest incidence of drug abuse, violence, and other criminal activity.